Turning Setbacks into Comebacks: My Complicated Journey with Self-Publishing

Cassi B.

When I first started publishing journals on Amazon KDP, it felt like I had finally discovered my passion. Writing and designing journals that uplifted women—especially Black women and moms like me—became my creative outlet. Sales were good, excitement filled the air, and I was learning daily.

Then came the email.

The notification that my Amazon KDP account had been terminated. Just like that, my shop—Cassi B. Books—vanished.

No warning. No clear explanation. Just gone.

I was left feeling humiliated and defeated. It felt like all the hard work I had dedicated to creating my journals meant nothing.

Yet, a voice inside me insisted: You’ve come too far to quit now.

A Glimplse of My Website

Building Again from Scratch

I made the bold decision to start fresh. I launched my own website—a task I had never tackled before. I thought, “If these big platforms won't support me, I’ll build something that belongs to me.”

The site went live, and I was proud. But then... crickets.

No visitors. No sales. It felt like nobody knew my site existed. I spent countless hours refining the layout, learning about SEO, engaging on social media, and even talking to myself on Instagram Stories. Each click felt like a small victory, and every sale—if one happened—was a miracle. There were times it felt like I was putting in effort, but no one noticed.

The Reality of Not Giving Up

There were moments when giving up seemed easier.

I often wondered if my time, money, and effort were worth it.

I compared my journey to others who were thriving and asked myself, Why not me?

Fears crept in. I worried about what others thought after losing my Amazon account.

But deep inside, I recognized that my journey matters. I’m building something meaningful from my heart. I create journals that provide women like me with a space to breathe, reflect, heal, and grow. That’s not failure; that’s purpose.

A cozy reading nook filled with journals on a small table.

Embracing the Journey

With every challenge, I learned to embrace the journey. I discovered more about the publishing industry than I ever imagined, from mastering print quality to understanding shipping logistics. Each hurdle taught me resilience.

Thanks to this experience, I now know how to create content that resonates with my audience, building a sense of community around my work.

Persistence Over Perfection

This entire experience has emphasized that progress often outweighs perfection.

I consistently remind myself that growth takes time. Mistakes are okay, as long as we learn from them and keep moving forward.

Every redesigned journal cover, website tweak, and new connection brings me closer to my ultimate goals.

Celebrating Small Wins

As I navigate this path, I've learned to recognize joy in small victories.

It could be mastering a new design technique or receiving uplifting feedback from a reader. Each progress moment merits acknowledgment.

Celebrating small wins keeps my passion ignited and reminds me why I embarked on this journey in the first place.

The Journey of Resilience

Starting over can seem like one of the hardest challenges. When you have poured your heart and soul into your work, it can be daunting. Yet, every setback also serves as an opportunity to grow and redefine what lies ahead.

The journey continues, and it isn’t always easy, but it is uniquely mine.

I am proud of the journals I craft, the community I nurture, and the purpose that propels me forward.

Not giving up means striving for what I love and believe in consistently. I urge anyone facing similar obstacles to persist. Embrace your journey, celebrate your victories, and remember that your story is powerful.

In the face of uncertainty, remember that setbacks can lead to significant comebacks.

Let's get out there and keep creating!

Cassi B. with a message to "Write it Boldly"