Issue #52 – Build a Career That Lasts: From Big Wins to Everyday Habits

What does it take to thrive as an indie author right now—not just publish, but build a career you love? This month, we’re pulling back the curtain on the strategies, tools, and mindset shifts successful authors use to stay creative, grow their readership, and keep the business side sustainable for the long haul.

You’ll meet Steff Green, a legally blind USA Today best-selling author who’s built a thriving six-figure Romance business while helping other writers grow their careers. You’ll also find practical guidance for setting process goals, avoiding burnout, and using post-conference momentum to actually take action on what you’ve learned. For those looking to strengthen storytelling, articles dive into avoiding info dumps and adding interiority to deepen emotional connection with readers.

Education is another major theme, with articles on selecting the workshops and courses that best fit your goals and making the most of what you learn. You’ll find practical strategies for turning conference inspiration into action, evaluating which training opportunities are worth your time, and building long-term habits that support both your craft and your business.

Gothic Gardening: How Indie Authors Can Cultivate a Six-Figure Romance Business Like Steff Green

Discover how USA Today bestselling indie author Steff Green transformed her writing passion into a multi-six-figure sustainable business. Learn the genre pivots, backlist strategies, and coaching insights that can help you avoid burnout and scale your author career.

Indie Author MagazineJenn Lessmann

10 Smart Steps Indie Authors & Self-Publishers Can Take to Choose the Right Course

Learn how to pinpoint your biggest skill gaps, vet course providers, and apply new strategies immediately—so you can finally finish the courses that drive real results for your indie publishing business.

Indie Author MagazineKaren Guyler

Master Self-Publishing Through Education: A Stage-by-Stage Guide for Indie Authors

Learn how to actively engage with educational resources, implement actionable takeaways, and select stage-specific strategies to boost your self-publishing success.

Indie Author MagazineThe Alliance of Independent Authors

Bring Readers Inside Your Story: 4 Interiority Techniques Every Indie Author Needs

Many indie authors draft vivid, cinematic scenes but leave readers at arm’s length. In this guide, book coach Rona Gofstein shares four simple yet powerful methods—like micro-thoughts and emotional beats—to add interiority, deepen character connection, and keep readers turning pages.

Indie Author MagazineRona Gofstein

Indie Authors’ Guide: How to Choose Writing Courses for Self-Publishing Success

Feeling stuck under a pile of free courses and conflicting advice? Learn how to pick the right writing and publishing course for your current indie author stage—and access a vetted list of top options to help you write, publish, and grow your audience.

Indie Author MagazineCara Stevens

7 Essential Note-Taking Strategies and Tools Every Indie Author Must Master at Writing Conferences

Discover how combining the right hardware and proven note-taking methods can boost your retention and creativity at writing classes and conferences. This guide breaks down analog to digital strategies for indie authors and self-publishers to capture, process, and apply insights efficiently.

Indie Author MagazineAudrey Hughey

Post-Conference Power Moves Every Indie Author Needs to Turn Inspiration into Publishing Momentum

Don’t let the post-conference high fade—leverage these seven strategic steps to organize your insights, strengthen your network, and convert fresh ideas into real writing and marketing wins.

Indie Author MagazineEryka Parker

Stop Doomscrolling: 3 Tools Indie Authors and Self-Publishers Use to Block Distractions and Boost Focus

Doomscrolling drains time and energy before you even write a word. Discover three author-friendly apps and a gadget that help indie writers carve out distraction-free writing sessions without ditching social media entirely.

Indie Author MagazineJennifer Mitchell

Essential Strategies Indie Authors Use to Avoid Info Dumps and Keep Readers Hooked

Indie authors often struggle with balancing world-building and pacing. These four practical methods—from side quests to everyman narrators—help you weave exposition seamlessly, keeping readers invested from start to finish.

Indie Author MagazineDavid Viergutz

Game-Changing Resources for Indie Authors: Ikigai Insights, AI Writing Help, Global Translation & Podcast Picks

Fuel your creative journey with a deep dive into ikigai, conquer writer’s block using AI-powered Sudowrite, unlock new income through fast translations, and tune into must-hear podcast episodes tailored for indie authors.

Indie Author MagazineKaren Guyler

Find Your ‘Why’: Self-Publishing Strategy to Sustain a Profitable Indie Author Career

Discover how defining your core motivation—your “why”—can clarify your author brand, guide your publishing goals, and keep you writing long-term. Learn actionable insights to set realistic targets, engage your readers, and build a sustainable, profitable writing business.

Indie Author MagazineSusan Odev

How Indie Authors Can Use Process Goals to Build a Sustainable Writing Career

Discover why shifting from outcome-based milestones to process-focused goals empowers indie authors to stay productive, motivated, and adaptable—no matter what the publishing landscape throws at you.

Indie Author MagazineMegan Haskell

What ‘You Don’t Know You Don’t Know’ Means for Indie Authors: Your Guide to Education & Self-Publishing Success

Discover why ongoing education—from targeted workshops to on-demand webinars—is crucial for advancing your author career. Learn how to identify and make the most of the training you truly need to thrive in the ever-evolving world of self-publishing.

Indie Author MagazineNicole Schroeder