Preparation and perseverance: 4 lessons for self-publishing success

In June 2022, I published my debut novel, Wicked Hunt. I knew the road ahead would be filled with a steep learning curve and plenty of obstacles. What I didn’t expect was how becoming an author would reshape not just my career, but also my mindset and the opportunities that came my way.

Here are four lessons I’ve learned that I hope will help fellow authors on their journeys.

Lesson one: Build an audience before launch

I knew having a book out didn’t mean people would automatically find it. Much less appreciate my work. With my PR and marketing background, I knew I had to get the word out about me and my book before it launched.

While traditional publishers assist with marketing and distribution, self-published authors must manage these aspects entirely on their own. Without a built-in readership or visibility, even the most compelling stories can languish unseen. Consequently, you must generate anticipation and familiarity with your work to build interest as soon as possible. Think of it as planting seeds: you want these seeds to grow into a community by launch day.

Mailing lists are key to building an audience before launch. An email list lets you connect directly with interested readers who want to hear about your work. To increase subscriptions, offer exclusive content such as early book chapters, or special launch discounts.

Social media is another great way to raise awareness. Choosing the right ones depends on your genre and personal comfort level. For example, visual storytelling works well on Instagram or TikTok if you’re writing romance or YA fiction. Facebook and X are better suited for text-based discussions of mystery or literary fiction.

Lesson two: Quality matters

Professional editing and cover design are essential investments. Don’t underestimate how much these elements affect how readers see your work. Your book’s quality could determine whether or not it sells.

A well-edited book shows respect for your audience’s time and intelligence. Cover design is another area where many self-published authors falter early on. First impressions on sites like Amazon and Barnes & Noble are largely determined by book covers. Formatting your manuscript properly ensures a clean appearance in print and across all devices.

It’s tempting to think you can do everything yourself when starting out, But ultimately those choices affect how well your book stands out amidst millions of others vying for attention. Quality isn’t just about avoiding negative reviews. It’s about making sure that everyone who picks up your work feels confident they’re holding something worth their time and money.

It takes time, but you can find affordable, qualified professionals. Save yourself some trouble and read reviews and get tips from other authors. Platforms like Reedsy or Fiverr offer options at various price points.

Lesson three: Success doesn’t happen overnight

Book marketing is not something you do just around your launch, but a continuous process. Success requires a combination of organic outreach, paid advertising, and an understanding of platform algorithms like Amazon’s.

Despite your best efforts, you’ll encounter setbacks such as writer's block, harsh criticism, or periods of low sales. Negative reviews can be particularly painful for new authors who pour their heart into their stories. But you must accept that not every reader will connect with your work, and that’s okay. Constructive criticism helps you to learn and adapt.

One of my earliest challenges was slow sales after launching Wicked Hunt. It was disappointing to see the initial excitement wane so quickly, especially after I’d put in so much money and effort. At first, I wondered if my story just wasn’t good enough or if I had chosen the wrong genre.

Instead of letting frustration take over, I took a step back to analyze what might be missing. Was my metadata optimized? Did my cover fit my genre? Were potential readers aware of my book through effective outreach? This process taught me a vital lesson: persistence is key.

Lesson four: Every author journey is different

Self-publishing is an adventure filled with highs and lows. Success rarely happens overnight unless you’re incredibly lucky or have major backing, which most indie authors do not initially possess. But the truth is, you can succeed if you’re willing to put in the work and believe in your story enough to keep going when things get tough. Patience and persistence matter just as much as talent. Keep showing up, and your audience will find you.

Keep in mind, too, that each author’s career path is different. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for success. Rather, it’s about finding a way that works for you. Some authors thrive by building elaborate social media platforms. Others focus on niche markets or consistent content creation through blogging and email marketing.

Wrap up

I’m sharing these lessons to encourage anyone who’s hesitant to take that first step to self-publishing, whether it’s fear of failure or self-doubt that holds you back.

My author journey has shaped me not just through the skills I’ve gained but through the resilience I’ve built. Every setback taught me something valuable, and every small win helped me grow more confident. You can do it, too. Stay true to yourself, and don’t be afraid to learn and adapt.

Get Wicked Hunt

Wicked Hunt, the first installment of The Empath Series. In this paranormal suspense thriller, empath Nathaniel Colt becomes embroiled in the hunt for a merciless predator. This story takes you on a cat-and-mouse chase between the psychic consultant and the sniper on the loose in Los Angeles.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Click the button and immerse yourself in Nathaniel Colt’s thrilling adventure.