What I’ve Learned (the Hard Way) in 5 Years as an Indie Author
As I approach the 5th anniversary of publishing my debut novel, Soul Jumper, I’ve been reflecting on the journey so far. Being an indie author has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, but it’s also been a steep learning curve. For every success, there have been a few missteps, and I want to share what I’ve learned in the hopes it helps others navigate this crazy, chaotic, and creative path.
Here’s a roundup of the biggest lessons I’ve learned—and how I’m working to do better moving forward.
1. Don’t Push Things Before They’re Ready
When I first started, I was so excited about every new idea that I couldn’t wait to share it. One of the biggest mistakes I made? Announcing my Patreon page before I’d actually prepared it. I had the best intentions, but after making the announcement, I didn’t follow through with content or consistency. Readers who joined expected me to meet those promises, and when I didn’t, it hurt my credibility.
My Fix:
This time, I’m approaching Patreon differently. Before I share it with anyone, I’m creating categories for everything I want to offer—short stories, editing tips, behind-the-scenes content—and filling those categories with actual content. I’m also working on a backlog of posts to keep me ahead. I won’t launch until I’m sure there’s enough material to deliver what readers expect consistently.
2. Don’t Promise a Content Schedule and Then Not Deliver
In the early days, I made bold promises about content schedules: “I’ll post on YouTube every Tuesday!” or “New blog post every Friday!” And then… life happened. I didn’t stick to those promises, and over time, I realized that when creators don’t follow through, it damages trust with their audience.
My Fix:
Now, I’m focusing on being consistent without promising specifics. I’m working as hard as I can to post regularly, but I’m no longer making commitments about exact days, times, or frequency. This shift has taken the pressure off while still allowing me to prioritize content creation.
3. Don’t Try to Do Everything
One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that you simply can’t do it all. In the past, I tried to be on every social media platform, participate in every workshop, and experiment with every new idea. It was exhausting and unsustainable. I burned out more times than I can count.
My Fix:
I’ve made a commitment to focus on the platforms and projects I’m most passionate about. For me, that means prioritizing my blog (this one!) and YouTube. I enjoy creating longer, more thoughtful content, so those channels make the most sense for me.
For shorter content on Facebook and Instagram, I’ve partnered with a social media manager to help market my books. If I post on TikTok or Instagram myself, that’s great—but they’re no longer my main focus. This shift has allowed me to work smarter, not harder, and put my energy into what aligns with my long-term business model.
4. Think Long-Term and Be Kind to Yourself
If there’s one overarching lesson I’ve learned, it’s this: building a career as an indie author takes time. There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy, and it’s okay to make mistakes along the way. What matters is learning from them and making adjustments that work for you.
For me, the past five years have been about growth, experimentation, and figuring out what I want my business to look like. Moving forward, my word for 2025 is “intentional.” I’m focusing on making deliberate choices that align with my goals and values.
Final Thoughts
To my fellow indie authors: if there’s one piece of advice I could give, it’s this—be patient with yourself. There will be setbacks and mistakes, but every step forward is a step closer to building the writing career you’ve dreamed of.
Thank you for being here, for reading my stories, and for supporting me as I continue to learn and grow. I’m so excited for what’s ahead, and I hope these lessons help you on your journey, too.
Let’s keep embracing the chaos, one page at a time.
