When I began writing Strategic Management in a STEM World, I faced a pivotal decision: Should I follow the traditional publishing route, or should I self-publish? At first glance, traditional publishing seemed attractive — the name recognition of a major publisher, established distribution channels, and the credibility that comes with it. But the more I explored, the more I realized that traditional publishing also comes with significant trade-offs: long timelines, limited flexibility, and a loss of creative control.
As an educator and researcher, I wasn’t simply writing “a book.” I was building an integrated teaching ecosystem: a textbook, a companion casebook, and a digital Learning Hub with simulations, chatbots, and interactive tools. I needed the freedom to innovate, experiment, and release materials on a timeline that matched the needs of my students and colleagues. That freedom led me to self-publish — and it has been one of the most empowering professional choices I’ve made.
Of course, the journey wasn’t easy. Self-publishing requires wearing many hats — author, editor, designer, marketer, and distributor. Along the way, I learned lessons that reshaped how I think about publishing, teaching, and impact. Here are the seven most important.
For me, the answer was not simply to publish a book faster or to save costs. It was about a mission: to modernize strategic management teaching by connecting classical frameworks with modern tools such as AI, sustainability, and data analytics. I wanted to offer students and instructors something I could not find in existing textbooks — a resource that reflects how strategy is actually practiced today.
Self-publishing gave me the ability to protect that mission. Had I gone the traditional route, an editor might have pushed for “mainstream appeal” or cut the STEM-driven elements as being too specialized. Knowing my why made it easier to say yes to challenges and no to distractions.
Takeaway: Without a strong “why,” self-publishing can quickly become overwhelming. With a clear purpose, it becomes an extension of your vision.
One of the most eye-opening lessons was that a book is no longer enough. Students expect more — they want interactivity, real-world cases, and digital engagement. Instructors need materials that align with course learning outcomes and accreditation requirements.
By self-publishing, I had the freedom to build an ecosystem, not just a text. Alongside the book, I developed:
This turned the project into a living learning system. Instead of handing students only pages to read, I could give them tools to practice strategy the way consultants, managers, and analysts do.
Takeaway: In today’s world, content must be multidimensional. Self-publishing allows you to create a learning ecosystem tailored to your vision.
Traditional publishers set the deadlines. In self-publishing, the responsibility is yours — and that’s both empowering and daunting.
At first, the freedom felt exhilarating. But quickly, I realized how easy it would be for the project to stretch indefinitely. Without an external editor pushing me, I had to create my own production schedule: clear writing milestones, deadlines for peer reviews, timelines for editing and design, and launch goals. I treated myself as if I were my own client, holding myself accountable at every stage.
This discipline turned out to be the difference between “someday I’ll finish” and “this is now published.” Self-publishing doesn’t mean you avoid deadlines — it means you create better ones.
Takeaway: Freedom without discipline equals failure. Self-publishing succeeds only if you learn to be your own project manager.
Many first-time authors underestimate design. I learned quickly that design is strategy. A great book with poor design risks being dismissed; an average book with sleek design can capture attention.
I invested in professional-quality:
I also realized accessibility was not just about appearance — it was about functionality. Could a student with limited time navigate the digital hub quickly? Could an instructor integrate the quizzes into their LMS with minimal effort? These design choices made the difference between a book that looks nice and a resource that is actually used.
Takeaway: Don’t treat design as cosmetic. It’s a core part of how your audience experiences your ideas.
Traditional publishers handle distribution and marketing. With self-publishing, that responsibility falls to you — and it can feel intimidating. But it also means you control how your work reaches people.
I built my own distribution channels:
Equally important was building a feedback loop. I gave early access to colleagues and instructors and asked for honest, concrete feedback. Their insights shaped improvements before the wider release. Instead of waiting for a second edition years later, I could iterate in real time.
Takeaway: In self-publishing, distribution is not just about sales. It’s about building relationships and feedback loops that strengthen your content.
As a self-publisher, you are not just an author. You’re also:
Takeaway: Self-publishing stretches you beyond writing. Embrace the chance to develop new skills — they’ll serve you far beyond one book.
7. Embrace Iteration, Not Perfection
Perhaps the most freeing lesson: your first edition doesn’t have to be final. Traditional publishing locks a book in place for years, with slow revision cycles. Self-publishing allows for continuous improvement.
When I received feedback that a section needed clarification or that students wanted more interactivity, I didn’t have to wait for a new edition. I could update the Learning Hub, expand a case, or add a resource within weeks.
This shift from perfection to iteration kept the work alive. Instead of being a static product, the book became a dynamic platform that grows with its readers and responds to real needs.
Takeaway: Don’t aim for perfection — aim for progress. Iteration is your competitive edge in self-publishing.
Closing Thoughts
Self-publishing is not the “easy way out.” It is demanding, humbling, and at times exhausting. But for me, it has been the right way. It allowed me to share my ideas without compromise, create a teaching ecosystem that reflects my philosophy, and connect directly with instructors and students.
If you’re considering self-publishing, my advice is simple:
Self-publishing gave me more than a book — it gave me a platform to launch a movement toward modernizing strategic management education.