I’ve been self-publishing since 2018, and in that time, I’ve worn all the hats—writing, marketing, formatting, working with cover designers, and everything in between. Being an indie author is exciting, challenging, and constantly evolving. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot, and today, I’m sharing six of the most valuable lessons from my journey.
1. Keywords and Categories Matter
When I published my first book, The Art of Lying, I chose keywords and categories that made sense to me—but they weren’t the best for discoverability. Later, I realized how crucial it is to use marketable keywords that readers actually search for. Thankfully, platforms like Amazon allow updates, but knowing the right keywords from the start can make a big difference in your book’s visibility.
2. Always Keep Learning
There’s so much information out there—courses, YouTube videos, books on indie publishing—and they’ve all helped me level up. My first book launch was trial and error, but by my second and third, I had learned strategies that improved my results. The publishing world is always changing, so staying curious and willing to learn is key.
3. Book Promotion Never Stops
One hard truth? Once you stop actively promoting your book, sales slow down (or stop completely). Yes, keywords help people discover your book, but you have to keep talking about it, engaging with readers, and keeping the momentum going. Still, every time I see a new Kindle Unlimited page read or book sale, I get that same thrill—it never gets old!
4. Your Newsletter is Gold
Social media platforms change, algorithms shift, and accounts can disappear (looking at you, TikTok bans). But your newsletter? That’s yours. I wish I had started building my email list before publishing my first book. Having a direct way to reach your readers—without relying on social media—is one of the smartest things you can do as an indie author.
5. Marketing is Trial and Error
What works for one author might not work for another. I’ve experimented with different platforms, strategies, and messaging. Some things flopped, others gained traction, but I’ve learned that marketing is all about testing, adjusting, and figuring out what works for you and your audience.
6. Being in Control is Both Exciting and Overwhelming
As an indie author, I get to make all the decisions—but I have to make all the decisions. From book covers to marketing plans, I have the final say. It’s empowering, but it can also be a lot. The key is to take it step by step, stay open to learning, and keep going.
Being an indie author is a journey, and I love that I get to share it with my readers. If you’re an aspiring author, I hope these lessons help you on your own path.
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