10 Things I’m Taking into 2026 as an Indie Author (Lessons for the Long Game)

As another year begins, I’ve been thinking less about big, shiny goals and more about the quieter things that actually sustain an indie author career.

Because the truth is, being an indie author isn’t a sprint. It’s not even a marathon. It’s more like a long, winding walk — with unexpected detours, moments of self-doubt, bursts of joy, and the occasional urge to throw your laptop out of the window.

So as I step into 2026, here are ten things I’m consciously taking with me — lessons learned, mindsets adopted, and reminders I know I’ll need again and again.

If you’re an indie author too, I hope some of these resonate.

1. Staying Positive (Without Pretending Everything Is Perfect)

Positivity doesn’t mean ignoring the hard stuff. It means choosing not to let one slow month, one poor ad, or one disappointing launch define everything.

In 2026, I’m taking a grounded optimism with me — acknowledging when things feel tough, but trusting that consistency, learning, and creativity still matter.

Some days will feel heavy. That doesn’t mean I’m failing.

2. Giving Marketing Ideas Time to Actually Work

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that most marketing doesn’t work instantly.

Algorithms need warming up. Readers need repeated exposure. Newsletters need nurturing. Ads need tweaking.

In 2026, I’m committing to testing fewer things, running them for longer, and resisting the urge to abandon ship too quickly.

Slow growth is still growth.

3. Being Realistic About How Long Success Can Take

We’re surrounded by “overnight success” stories — but rarely hear about the years that came before them.

This year, I’m embracing a kinder definition of success:

• Progress over perfection

• Momentum over virality

• Longevity over quick wins

Building a sustainable indie author career takes time. That doesn’t make it any less worthwhile.

4. Celebrating Small Wins (Because They Add Up)

A thoughtful review. A reader email. Finishing a chapter you didn’t think you could write.

In 2026, I’m celebrating all of it.

Small wins are the bricks. One day, you look up and realise you’ve built something solid.

5. Not Comparing My Journey to Other Authors

Comparison is one of the fastest ways to drain creative energy.

Someone will always sell more, grow faster, or launch bigger. But I don’t know their backstory, their budget, their burnout, or their compromises.

My journey is allowed to look different — and so is yours.

6. Trusting My Backlist (Even When It’s Quiet)

Books don’t expire.

In 2026, I’m continuing to trust the slow magic of a backlist — stories finding readers months or even years after publication.

Sometimes the work you did last year is the thing that pays off this year.

7. Letting Go of the Need to Do Everything

Not every platform. Not every trend. Not every new tool.

This year, I’m focusing on what I can sustain — and letting the rest go without guilt.

Doing less, better, is strategy.

8. Staying Connected to Why I Write

When sales dip or marketing feels relentless, it’s easy to forget the heart of it all.

I write because stories matter. Because representation matters. Because emotion, history, love, and truth matter.

The business is important — but the why comes first.

9. Being Kinder to Myself on Slow Days

Some days I’ll write 1,000 words. Some days I’ll barely open the document. Some days I’ll question everything.

In 2026, I’m choosing self-compassion over self-criticism.

Rest is part of the work.

10. Trusting That Consistency Beats Perfection

I don’t need perfect launches or viral posts.

I just need to keep going.

Showing up imperfectly, repeatedly, is how indie author careers are built.

Want to Follow My Indie Author Journey into 2026?

If you’d like to come along for the ride — the writing life, the lessons, the launches, and everything in between — you can join my newsletter below.

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