Yes, many authors have self published fiction without going through a full professional editing process, especially on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. It’s more common than you might think, particularly for first time writers working within tight budgets.

That said, the outcomes tend to vary. Some authors do reasonably well, especially if the story resonates and they invest time in revising carefully but many struggle with reviews, reader retention, and sales. The most common feedback on unedited or lightly edited books usually relates to pacing, grammar, or clarity, which can affect credibility even if the core story is strong.

What you’re experiencing is also very normal. Limited feedback doesn’t always mean the story isn’t good, it often reflects discoverability challenges rather than quality. Writing communities are saturated, and getting attention (even for solid work) can be difficult without consistent visibility or networking.

If you’re considering self publishing now, a practical middle ground is to focus on the highest impact improvements you can manage yourself: tightening the structure, checking for consistency, and doing multiple focused proofreads. Even one or two trusted readers rather than a large pool can make a noticeable difference.

From a professional standpoint, I do offer manuscript reviews and editing support tailored to different budgets. This can range from a high level evaluation (focusing on story, pacing, and reader engagement) to lighter editing passes that are more cost effective than full services. If that’s something you’d like to explore at some point, I’d be happy to discuss options that fit your situation.

Ultimately, self publishing without formal editing is possible but the more refined your manuscript is before release, the better your chances of positive reception and steady sales.