Publishing your first book is incredibly exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. When I look back at my first release, there are so many things I wish I had known before I hit “publish.” If you’re a new or aspiring indie author, I hope these lessons will make your publishing journey just a little bit easier.
1. Writing the Book is Just the First Step
I used to think that once I finished my first draft, I was done. But that couldn’t have been further from the truth. After writing comes self-revision, editing, cover design, formatting, and finally, distribution. These steps took far longer than I expected, and I actually had to push back my publication date by six months.
My advice: Give yourself plenty of time for post-writing production so you’re not caught off guard.
2. Marketing is a Long Game
With my first book, I didn’t realize that marketing wasn’t a one-and-done thing. Even with my second book, I still struggled to grasp that marketing is a long-term commitment.
Your book will be out there for years—possibly forever! That’s the beauty of self-publishing. But marketing is ongoing, and new platforms (like TikTok) come and go. The key is to have a flexible plan and be willing to try different strategies over time.
3. Pricing Your Book is Tricky
I made a huge mistake when I underpriced my first book, thinking a lower price would attract more readers. Instead, it had the opposite effect—people assumed it wasn’t high-quality.
Pro tip: Research your genre’s pricing, look at both indie and traditionally published books, and price accordingly. If you’re launching a series, consider making the first book slightly lower in price to encourage read-through.
4. You Can’t Do This Alone
Writing is a solo activity, but publishing doesn’t have to be. I wish I had connected with other indie authors earlier in my journey. Having a community of fellow writers helps with motivation, knowledge-sharing, and marketing support.
Find a writing group, join online forums, or reach out to fellow indie authors. A strong writing community can make all the difference.
What Do You Wish You Knew?
If you’re a published author, what’s one thing you wish you knew before hitting publish? Drop a comment below! And if you’re just starting out, what’s your biggest question about self-publishing?