As a citizen of the digital publishing world, I have created a list of six principles that reflect what I believe about self-publishing and what I want to believe/manifest about self-publishing. Here is my self-publishing manifesto:

  1. Self-publishing allows more voices to be heard, no matter what age, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, for all aspiring writers and intellectuals, unique and diverse, with endless different perspectives. 
  2. Self-publishing is accessible, as there are inexpensive––and essentially, free––options to commercially produce work and spread it worldwide.
  3. Self-publishing gives you full creative control over the work that you publish. 
  4. All self-published works are thoughtful, individually crafted over several months or years, carefully edited, and beautifully covered and packaged; just as much time and care are put into these works as any other book––traditionally published, or otherwise. 
  5. Self-publishing is a respectable, reputable, worthy way for intellects just as bright-minded as those who traditionally publish to self-produce and self-promote their work, avoiding having to find the right publisher. 
  6. Self-publishing companies only use Print-On-Demand technology to thereby avoid over-producing material that would eventually become waste and provide the option for eco-friendly inks, paper, and other materials in producing a book.