Inside the Author Journey with Tricia Bulic

Many writers choose self-publishing to retain creative control … but with creative control comes a lot of decisions and unknowns. This can lead to overwhelm unless you have someone in your corner who knows and understands the industry to guide you.

In this edition of Inside the Author Journey, we speak with author Tricia Bulic about her experience of becoming a published author and working with Dettori Publishing’s Independent Ink.

Tricia Bulic is the author of The Zadar Escape and Pursuit Series. In 2025, she published her first book in the series, Luka’s Escape. Inspired by true events, this is a thrilling, heartfelt coming-of-age story set in a time of danger and discovery. In April 2026, she published the second book, In Dragan’s Shadow – a gripping historical crime thriller set in post-war Yugoslavia.

Tricia is a registered nurse who is moving away from a long career in clinical heath care and management to pursue her passion for writing. Having now published two books with Dettori Publishing, Tricia shares her experience and insights with us.

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1. What experience of self-publishing did you have before working with us? Why did you choose to self-publish?

I self-published my debut novel with Dettori Publishing after researching the publishing industry and the challenges that first time authors faced. When I read through the Dettori Publishing/Independent Ink website, I decided to take the chance on self-publishing as I wanted to be as involved as I could to learn more about being an author.

The industry, broadly, doesn't appear to receive many positive reviews unless authors are already published and successful. I had submitted over thirty manuscripts to various publishing houses and learned very quickly that it is a disheartening process. Collaborating with an established publisher, meant that I could maintain ownership of my product whilst being supported through the process of getting the manuscript published.

I have found the experience to be very rewarding, hence taking the opportunity a second time around with a little more wisdom.

2. What was the initial experience like when you talked with Ann?

I found Ann to be open and welcoming, especially as I had little understanding of anything to do with the industry. She engaged very easily with what I was trying to achieve, and, at that time, I was also under some pressure as my mentor and friend (who was also my beta reader) had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Ann was sensitive to the situation and, I felt, tailored my journey to be able to achieve my goal of being able to hand a paperback copy to him. Ironically (at 91 years old) he has responded better than expected to treatment and is still reviewing my work!

3. How did you find the editing and design experience? Was it daunting or reassuring?

I found it reassuring from the beginning right through to the completed product. I was engaged early, which helped my awareness, and then updated regularly. When key decisions needed to be made, I was consulted with options and possible solutions to consider.

4. Did you get the support you needed to complete the book?

Absolutely. I have now self-published two books through Dettori Publishing/Independent Ink and have had exactly the same experience both times. The process is consistent, engaging, inclusive and educative.

5. What was your proudest moment when you became a published author?

When I held the paperback in my hand and saw my name on the cover. I guess that's a similar experience for most debut authors, but for me, I had succeeded in telling a story that wasn't well known at all. Then the feedback via friends, family and then the review from the Weekend Australian confirmed it was a good story to tell.

The second moment was when I handed the book to Trev (90-year-old beta reader) and the look on his face when he saw that it had been dedicated to him. It was priceless and something that I won't forget.

6. What did you learn about who you are and your expertise during the process?

Mmmm, this is an interesting question!

As an extrovert and experienced leader within the healthcare industry, I was never short of confidence in speaking or putting myself forward. I had learned my craft over many years and reached a point where I felt comfortable in most professional situations. But I was always spruiking someone else's product, whether it was a new policy/procedure, strategic direction, company messaging or advocating for patients. None of it was actually created by me.

What I have learned about myself now is that it's not about my position, professional background or how loud or convincing I can be in regard to being heard. With this process, the story is the messenger, and my name means less, which gives a lovely sense of anonymity. I can be more courageous without worrying about the fallout or implications. I can tell a story and with the expertise of editors, publishers, readers and reviewers, I can build my own foundation and knowledge of the writing process.

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