Being an indie author is an incredible journey filled with creativity, freedom, and the ability to bring your stories to life exactly as you envision them. But let’s be real—it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There are challenges, frustrations, and moments of doubt that many indie authors experience.
As someone who has independently published three books and is now working on my first urban fantasy series set in New York, I’ve learned some hard truths along the way. If you’re considering self-publishing or are already on the indie path, here are five realities you need to know.
1. You Are Your Own Marketing Team
One of the biggest differences between indie and traditional publishing is marketing. When you traditionally publish, a PR or marketing team supports you to some degree. As an indie author, everything is on you—creating graphics, finding opportunities, developing a strategy, learning social media, and managing a newsletter.
Marketing has been a struggle for me, and I know I’m not alone in that. But the good news? You can improve, find what works for you, and build a supportive community to help navigate the process.
2. Sales Are Unpredictable
In traditional publishing, authors receive an advance, meaning they get paid upfront. But in indie publishing, you only make money when your book sells. And sales can be unpredictable.
You might have a fantastic launch, sell a ton of books, and get great page reads, only for sales to drop dramatically a few months later. This up-and-down nature makes financial planning tricky, especially early on. But the key is consistency and adaptability—always looking for new ways to engage readers and market your books.
3. Impostor Syndrome Never Truly Disappears
Even after publishing multiple books, that little voice of doubt still creeps in. Would I feel more validated if I had an agent? If a publisher had chosen me?
The truth is, indie publishing is just as legitimate as traditional publishing. Over time, I’ve learned to acknowledge these feelings and move forward anyway. The key is reminding yourself why you chose this path and celebrating your wins, big and small.
4. Success Looks Different for Every Indie Author
Traditional publishing has clear markers of success: getting an agent, securing a book deal, hitting bestseller lists. Indie publishing? It’s more fluid.
When I published my first book, success meant selling just five copies. Now, it’s about building a solid marketing strategy, having a successful launch, and seeing readers connect with my stories. Define your own version of success—it will make the journey more rewarding.
5. Writing Is Not Always Fun (And That’s Okay)
Let’s be honest—writing isn’t always enjoyable. There are moments of frustration, doubt, and wanting to quit. The messy middle of a manuscript? The endless revisions? The cover design dilemmas? All real.
This is why having a supportive community is crucial. Surround yourself with fellow indie authors who understand the struggle and can help you through tough days. Writing may not always be easy, but it is worth it.
The Bottom Line: Indie Publishing Is Still Amazing
Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t trade my indie publishing journey for anything. I love the creative control, the ability to pivot quickly, and the deep connection with my readers. If you’re an indie author struggling with doubt, know that you’re not alone.
If you’re in a stuck place, drop a comment below or reach out on Instagram—I’d love to encourage you! Indie publishing may be tough, but it’s also an incredible adventure. Keep going, keep writing, and embrace the journey!
