Publishing Success: 8 Strategies for New Indie Authors
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” —Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of The Little Prince
Launching your first book as a new indie author can feel like standing at the base of a mountain without a map. The climb ahead is exciting. However, without clear strategies, it’s easy to take a wrong turn, stall out, or exhaust your budget. The good news? With a solid plan and the right tools, you can achieve book publishing success from start to finish.
This writer’s guide walks you through eight essential strategies to help you manage your book like a professional project, whether writing fiction, non-fiction, or a memoir. You’ll learn how to stay organized, avoid costly mistakes, and reach your goals, the ones that matter most to you.
Strategy #1: Define What ublishing Success Looks Like for You
Before writing a single word, ask yourself: What does success look like for this book? Your goal doesn’t have to match someone else’s. What matters is that it’s clear, meaningful, and measurable. To guide your definition of publishing success, try the SMART goal method: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This is your journey, your success story waiting to be written.
- Is it selling 500 copies in the first three months?
- Building your email list by 100 subscribers?
- Collecting early reviews or building momentum for your next book?
Pro Tip: Write your goal on a sticky note and keep it near your writing space. Let it anchor every major decision.
Strategy #2: Plan Your Budget & Resources
Even indie books have costs. Skipping the planning phase can lead to surprises. Be realistic about what you can accomplish and when. So, budget your time and energy, even if you only have a few hours a week. Start by identifying these essential expenses:
- Professional editing
- Cover design
- Interior formatting
- ISBNs and printing (if going to print)
Then consider optional or phased costs:
- Paid ads or email promos
- Audiobook production
- AI tools or writing software
- Virtual assistants or project help
Pro Tip: Use a simple spreadsheet to track your budget and timeline. Google Sheets or a tool like Trello works great.
Strategy #3: Keep Everyone in the Loop
Even if you’re a solo author, you may work with editors, designers, proofreaders, or beta readers. And even if they don’t ask for updates, you should send them. Why? Because this is a team effort, and everyone’s contribution matters.
- It builds trust and professionalism.
- It reduces miscommunication.
- It gives you a sense of momentum and control.
Tailor your communication style:
- Email for formal updates and deliverables.
- Use Zoom or meet in person for big-picture discussions or brainstorming.
- Messaging apps (Slack, DMs, WhatsApp) for quick questions or check-ins.
Pro Tip: Send brief weekly status updates (even if it’s just to yourself) to track progress and adjust your plan. Keeping stakeholders informed and communicating clearly is a sign of professionalism and a key factor in publishing success.
Strategy #4: Document Everything
Organization = peace of mind. You don’t need complicated software. A notebook, shared doc, or checklist will do. The more you document now, the easier it will be to plan your next book. As your project unfolds, document key elements such as these:
- Budgeted vs. actual costs
- Task lists and deadlines
- Who’s responsible for what
- Major decisions and why you made them
Pro Tip: Snap screenshots, save receipts, and keep copies of emails in a “Book Project” folder. You’ll thank yourself later.
Strategy #5: Organize Your Project in Phases
Break your book project into three manageable parts for publishing success. Set goals and build a roadmap, such as a visual timeline (even a hand-drawn one). Organizing into phrases can help reduce potential overwhelm.
- Beginning (pre-production): Goal-setting, outlining, budgeting
- Middle (production): Writing, editing, cover creation
- End (post-production): Proofing, uploading, launching, promoting, follow-up marketing, and planning for the next book.
Pro Tip: Use different colors to distinguish phases, tasks, and deadlines, allowing you to view your entire project at a glance.
Strategy #6: Build the Right Team
Successful indie authors don’t do it entirely alone. Decide early who you need. Vet each person carefully. Review portfolios, request references, or ask for a small sample of work before committing. Use written agreements or email confirmation to set expectations for payment, timelines, and revisions. Consider the following professionals:
- Editor
- Proofreader
- Cover designer
- Formatter
- Beta readers
- Marketing helpers
Pro Tip: Even if your friend offers to help for free, treat them like a pro. Respect their time, and set clear boundaries.
Strategy #7: Test, Learn & Improve
Many authors skip this step, only to regret it later. You don’t have to implement every suggestion, but you should be open to learning and improving for publishing success. Instead of waiting until launch day to find out what works. As bestselling author Jodi Picoult said, “You can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.” Take action and make progress, even if it’s imperfect.
- Ask beta readers for honest feedback.
- Test multiple blurbs or titles.
- Share early cover drafts and invite opinions.
- Consider A/B testing on social media or email campaigns.
Pro Tip: Give test readers specific questions (e.g., “Was the main character relatable?”) so you get helpful feedback, not just praise.
Strategy #8: Plan for Life After Launch
Publishing your book isn’t the end. It’s a new beginning. Before launch, brainstorm how you’ll maintain momentum. Set calendar reminders for 1, 2, and 3 months post-launch so you stay active and visible.
- Send a launch-day email to your list
- Follow up with readers after the release
- Run Amazon ads or host giveaways
- Schedule podcast interviews or book signings
- Ask early readers to leave reviews
Pro Tip: Use your book as a lead-in to your next book. Offer a freebie, announce a sequel, or invite readers to join your mailing list.
Where to Start
A publishing success doesn’t happen by accident. It succeeds because the author approached it as a serious creative endeavor with vision, organization, and courage. If you’re ready to take the first step:
- Write down what success looks like for you.
- Draft a simple timeline for the next 30 days.
- Create a basic budget and list your must-have help.
Get started. Then, keep going.
The path from writer to published author is challenging, but it’s also gratifying. With the right strategies in place, your book project can become more than just a dream. It can become a finished, professional, and successful book. As baseball legend Yogi Berra said, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up someplace else.”
Do you need a little help organizing it all?
Request our free “Publishing Success Planning Checklist” by filling out our Contact form. The practical planning tips for New Indie Authors will help you work through what you need to do to succeed. Turn your next idea into a published book.For more guidance, see other writer’s guides, such as AI Empowers New Indie Authors: 5 Best Hacks. You might also like Outcome-Based Management: 7 Steps to Writing Success.
Writing is a journey of continuous learning and improvement. You don’t have to go it alone. We’re excited to continue the journey with you, providing guidance and encouragement every step of the way. Our goal is to provide essential insights and practical advice to help you navigate the writing world with increased confidence.
If you have a draft you want to publish and are wondering how AI can help, read it. Is Your Book Ready to Self-Publish? Lastly, for help writing a non-fiction book, read Write Your First Non-Fiction eBook: a 30-Day Workbook for Getting It Done.
We hope you’ve found the writer’s guide strategies helpful and motivating. We hope they’ll equip you with the insights and tools needed to help you succeed as a new author.
How can we help? Let us know by filling out our Contact form.
Don’t wait. Start today!