5 FAMOUS WORKS THAT AUTHORS PUBLISHED ON THEIR OWN!

Realizing the dream of having a book published by a major publishing house is the goal of many writers; however, some choose to pursue the path of self-publishing, assuming the costs and taking their works directly to readers. The fascination with this modality, known as self-publishing, is not exclusive to unknown authors, as evidenced by these intriguing stories of renowned writers.

1."Fifty Shades of Grey" - E. L. James In 2011, E. L. James dared to self-publish "Fifty Shades of Grey" under the initial title "Master of the Universe." The work, initially released on the internet, gained versions in e-book and print on demand, causing a stir that turned it into a bestseller, culminating in a highly successful film adaptation.

2."Maggie: A Girl of the Streets" - Stephen Crane Stephen Crane took his first steps in his career in 1893, spending his savings to self-publish "Maggie: A Girl of the Streets." Addressing themes such as violence, prostitution, and poverty in 19th-century New York, Crane hired four men to read the work on an elevated train, catching the attention of renowned editors.

3."The Martian" - Andy Weir In 2011, Andy Weir took advantage of technological advances to self-publish his science fiction work "The Martian." Initially available for free on the internet, the book came to life as an e-book on Amazon before being released in print. The story of the astronaut stranded on Mars inspired the famous film "The Martian."

4."The Tale of Peter Rabbit" - Beatrix Potter Facing resistance from publishers at the end of the 19th century, Beatrix Potter used her savings to print 250 copies of "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" in 1901. The immediate success influenced publishers to change their minds, resulting in 20,000 copies sold by Christmas and becoming a children's classic.

5."The Jungle" - Upton Sinclair Journalist Upton Sinclair faced obstacles with "The Jungle," exposing the exploitation of immigrants in the United States. Faced with publishers' refusal to publish the work without modifications, Sinclair opted for self-publishing in 1905, relying on donations from readers. The following year, a publisher released a slightly different version of the book.