10 Behaviors and Traits of Successful Indie Publishers

Updated September 27, 2024

Independent publishing has existed for centuries. Whether it’s a small indie press recognizing the worth of an author’s work or an author using a modern platform to self-publish, it requires a genuinely entrepreneurial spirit to succeed in the industry.

You won't find successful indie authors or self-publishers hiding behind closed doors and waiting to be discovered. They dedicate themselves to getting their work out into the world, and they won't take no for an answer. Here are 10 traits and behaviors that these authors possess and/or nurture in order to promote themselves and keep their eyes on the prize. 

Preparedness

Much like a Boy Scout, always be prepared. Preparedness is at the core of successful indie publishing. The more prepared you are, the smoother the process will be, and the more likely you'll be to reach your goals. 

Essential steps in being well-prepared include:

• • • Always do your research and be very thorough
    • Understand your target audience
    • Have in mind a clear plan for your publishing journey
    • Create a detailed timeline with realistic deadlines
    • Understand price points
    • Develop your online book marketing plan
    • Have contingency plans in place in case of unforeseen circumstances

This will help you manage your time effectively and handle any unexpected challenges that may arise.

Curiosity

Curiosity goes hand in hand with preparedness. It drives innovation and creativity, and it'll help continually improve your work. A curious mind is always seeking new information, exploring different perspectives, and experimenting with novel ideas. Never stop asking questions and continue to seek out new avenues for growth and development.

To develop more curiosity: 

• • •  Read something new and different than you would normally choose; learn about another culture or lifestyle
    • Go to a shopping center, zoo, museum, or someplace similar and watch the people; make up stories about them, where they're going or what they're doing
    • Choose a topic or skill that you've always wanted to know more about and start  learning as much as you can about it 
    • Pick a podcast or a tv show without reading anything about it beforehand and allow yourself to enjoy where it takes you

Depth & Understanding

The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to create compelling and credible content. Having a deep understanding of your subject matter as well as the indie-publishing industry is crucial for success. This means going beyond surface-level knowledge and immersing yourself in your chosen field. 

• • • Read industry journals, blogs, and magazines to stay on top of trends and changes
    • Set up Google alerts for related topics of interest such as self-publishing, book trends, etc. 
    • Reach out to other writers that you have met or admire for their advice and support
    • Learn all you can about promoting your book and how to get it into the hands of readers
    • Know your audience by finding out all you can about how readers buy books

Perseverance

Indie publishing can be very demanding, and it requires a persistent and determined attitude. Authors who are willing to push through difficulties and keep striving for their goals are much more likely to find success.

Developing a strong work ethic while maintaining a positive outlook is the key to staying on track. 

• • • Stay focused on your objectives throughout your journey
    • Be patient and remain flexible
    • Practice mindfulness and keep yourself motivated
    • Build social connections so you'll have friends and peers to help you overcome rough patches and cheer you on

Drive

Successful people wake up every morning with a sense of purpose. Drive is that inner spark that keeps you moving forward in your journey. It’s the passion and determination that keep you going, even when things get tough. With a strong drive, you’ll be able to tackle obstacles and stay focused on your goals.

• • • Visualize your success
    • Regularly review your goals and revise as needed
    • Continue to set new goals for yourself, no matter how small
    • Reward yourself for your efforts

Passion

Follow your passion and you won't steer yourself wrong. It's what keeps successful people going. Many thriving indie authors and publishers are in the business because they genuinely love the written word. They truly care about their work and understand the dedication it takes to achieve great results.

• • • Stick to your principles and never compromise on quality
    • Don't let hard times kill your passion—many famous writers faced numerous rejections before finally getting published
    • Be brave about trying new things that pique your interest
    • Never be afraid to say "No" to something you have no interest in doing or writing

Assertiveness

Being about to confidently share your work, negotiate deals, and stand up for yourself is key to thriving in this competitive industry. Successful authors know when to take charge and when to step back and reassess.  

• • • Know your strengths, weaknesses, and boundaries and stand by them
    • Manage your emotions well, and "never let them see you sweat"
    • Express your needs clearly and directly

• • • Remain persistent in the midst of uncertainty or hard times
      
      

Building assertiveness skills will help you form strong professional relationships and open doors to opportunities that can boost your publishing career.

Resilience

Failure, mistakes, and criticism are inevitable—they're just a part of the journey. Don't let tough times get you down. Remind yourself that many factors come into play in any situation, and don't let them shake your confidence. 

• • • Practice self-care and stress-management activities
    • Continue to adapt to overcome challenges in your life and career
    • Acknowledge your failures and reassure yourself that you'll come back stronger and better
    • Remind yourself that you're not alone and that others go through the same struggles every day

Building resilience comes from maintaining a positive mindset and learning from your experiences. Stay focused and motivated, no matter what hurdles you face.

Risk Management

Indie publishing can come with financial, reputational, and creative risks. Conducting thorough research, seeking advice from experienced professionals, and having contingency plans in place are all part of effectively managing those risks.

• • • Understand that risk is impossible to avoid completely
    • Identify the risks that you may be taking and analyze the likelihood and possible outcome of each one
    • Prioritize any risks that you may foresee and plan accordingly

Taking this approach will help you navigate the uncertainties of the publishing world with confidence by making informed decisions and protecting your interests.

Positivity

Positivity is contagious. It's a powerful trait that can influence your success in the business. Surround yourself with supportive individuals, celebrate small victories, and keep a gratitude journal to cultivate a positive mindset. A publisher with a positive outlook will naturally encourage the same behavior in others, shortening the path to success.

• • • Focus on your goals and maintain an optimistic outlook
    • Remember that you are your own best advocate
    • Trust your decision-making and experience 
    • Find ways to manage stress or uncertainty
    • Stay rational and calm in the face of adversity

Some of these behaviors and traits are innate, but everyone can focus on incorporating them one at a time. For most, a changed mindset will be enough to modify behavior and create movement toward a successful experience with indie publishing.