SCRF panel discusses strategy behind self-publishing success

From overcoming personal challenges to building global readerships, independent authors are redefining the publishing landscape on their terms.

At the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF 2025), a panel discussion titled “Self-publishing is more than simply uploading a manuscript” brought together Arab and international voices to explore the journey behind going to print.

Speakers emphasised that self-publishing is not just about the writing, but about owning the creative process, understanding the market, and forging genuine connections with readers.

The session hosted Caroline Bakker, Kim A Page, Yasmin Ahmed, and Adil Al Zarooni, who stressed that with persistence, strategic thinking, and right platforms, independent authors can successfully bring their stories to global readers.

Al Zarooni, an Emirati author of three books, including his popular work of fiction Red Island, reflected on the regional challenges of writing in English. “No one in the region wanted to publish a book in English, and I had no support. But I pushed forward using Amazon and Shopify, and now two of my titles are among the most successful in the Middle East. I turned Emirati culture into fiction so it could travel beyond borders.”

Mindfulness and meditation coach and holistic health advocate, Caroline Bakker, spoke candidly about her health challenges, which inspired her to write. “If I’m struggling with ADHD and PMDD, I know others are too. That’s why I wrote The Healing Journey. Although I feared negative reviews, the value of sharing my journey outweighed the fear.”

Her book serves as a valuable resource in coaching sessions globally. She encouraged aspiring authors not to overthink, and advised them to “just write and publish.”

Yasmin Ahmed, a psychotherapist, shared how she built a community on Instagram by offering mental health insights and practical advice.

“I wanted to publish a book that captured the knowledge and guidance I was already sharing online,” she said. “Self-publishing gave me full control over my message. For marketing, I began by gifting the book to people I believed would benefit, and the readership grew naturally from there. You don’t need a huge campaign, just a genuine connection to your target audience.”

Kim A Page, communication expert and author of The Right Kind of Loud, offered insight into the editorial and marketing process.

“I gave my manuscript to 12 reviewers, and their honest feedback helped me refine the book into something truly valuable. For me, publishing was an extension of my work. I offer the book at talks and classes, which becomes a tool to continue the conversation.”

VIRAL TRENDS: Content creator and life coach Hamsa Younus cautioned school children about viral trends circulating on social media, helping them to understand their nature, and how to assess their safety and make informed decisions about participating in challenges and trends online during the “Viral Trends – Fun or Dangerous?” session at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival.

In an interactive session, children in the 9-12 group told the family counsellor and author that they consumed content predominantly on Tiktok and YouTube.

Younus shared a viral and dangerous video on a salt and ice challenge to help children comprehend the perils of blindly following influencers who promoted content for views and money. She apprised them against positive and negative imitation.

“Ask yourself if a video is safe, is it responsible, will it harm me or anyone?” pointed out the trainer.

She asked them how they would differentiate between negative and positive trends and how such content affects viewers. They replied any content that affected one’s physical or mental health would be considered negative; if it affected others too, it was a good reason not to follow it or make it trending. Some of them replied that they would delete a harmful video or not follow a creator who relayed dangerous content.

Others said that they would not let negative comments about content they create affect their mental peace or self-esteem. Such negative experiences will also keep them away from social media, some postulated. They also suggested the need to improve self-esteem so that trends did not affect them.