Building a Sustainable Life as an Indie Author

When I started indie writing with the goal of self-publishing, I thought the most challenging part would be writing the book. Then I learned about editing timelines, cover design decisions, formatting nightmares (and the mysterious spaces that popped up), metadata optimization, and the nonstop marathon that is marketing in a digital world.

I love this work. I love writing stories and connecting with people. But recently I realized something important. If I want to keep doing this long term, I need a plan that doesn’t burn me out. I need to be able to breathe. To create with intention, not pressure. To run this as a business that supports joy in my life (because realistically it’s not supporting anything financially), and not have it turn into a performance that drains it.

Here’s how I’m reworking my approach to being an indie author. It’s not perfect, and it will probably evolve, but it’s honest and aligned with what I really want.

Reconnect With My Why

Why am I doing this? What does success actually look like for me?

I don’t need to hit bestseller lists. I’m not chasing six figures. I'm hardly chasing double digits. I want to write books that matter to me and reach the readers who are meant for them, yes. I want to build a career (in writing or outside of it) that allows me to be creatively free and emotionally whole. But more importantly, I want to be present for my family, my work, and myself.

When I start to feel the pressure to keep up, I come back to this. If it doesn’t align with my “why,” it’s probably not worth the stress.

Set a Realistic Publishing Rhythm

I’ve accepted that publishing three or four books a year isn’t going to be sustainable for me. I'm really not sure how some of these big time authors do it. I couldn’t financially afford it, even if I could bang them out that quickly. Even two feels like a surprise. It only worked this time because the books are in entirely different genres and one poured straight from a place of healing that mirrors my life, making the writing process more intuitive. It’s always easier to write from truth than to construct an entire science fiction world from the ground up. And the reality is, I don’t need to publish at that pace.

This year, I’m releasing two books: Without Light and Ruined for Her. That’s enough. In future years, one book may be the norm, maybe two if it feels good. The point is sustainability. I want to enjoy the process, not just survive it.

Create a Manageable Budget

So far, I’ve spent about $11,000 producing two books. That includes editing, formatting software, marketing tools/budgets, and more. It’s an investment, and I don’t regret it. Some of that spend will also go toward future books. But I also know I need to be more intentional about where my money goes.

Going forward, I’m capping my production budget at $3,500 per book. That’s still professional, but sustainable. I’ll prioritize editing, find cost-effective marketing options for early promotion, and be smarter about where and when I spend on ads.

This shift isn’t about limiting myself. It’s about making sure the financial side of indie publishing doesn’t become another source of stress.

Streamline Social Media

This is the big one. Social media started out fun. Then it turned into a measuring stick I didn’t ask for: constant comparison, constant output, constant self-doubt.

So, I’m switching to a two-post-a-week model. That’s it and I may only get to one post at times. I’ll batch content ahead of time and focus on Instagram like I have been. The goal is to connect, not compete. I want to share my work and my voice in a way that feels authentic, not forced. The best part of this community is the people I engage with daily, who allow me to be truly myself. I want to keep doing that.

I’m keeping the rhythm simple. One connection-based post and one promo or CTA post each week. No more scrolling for hours. No more content for the sake of content.

Protect My Creative and Mental Health

I am not a machine. I’ve said it to friends, to other authors, and now to myself. I don’t do rest well. I need to force time off. I need space to play and live a life outside of books and posts and page counts.

That means two days a week with no author work. One light week per month. One quarterly break. A non-negotiable hour every week where I write without purpose or deadline. Just for the joy of it.

I want this to last. That means treating myself like a human, not a hustle.

Measure What Actually Matters

I’ve stopped looking at daily sales or follower counts. I realized quickly after my release date just how toxic that was going to be. Instead, I’m tracking things that reflect what I actually care about.

What brought me joy this month? What felt heavy? What marketing actually worked? What writing sessions lit me up? Did I stay on budget? Did I honor my boundaries?

This kind of reflection helps me see progress that numbers alone can’t show. It reminds me that success isn’t only about results. It’s about how it feels getting there.

This is the new plan. Not perfect. Not flashy. But grounded in truth and built to last. I’m still learning. Still adjusting. But I’m unwilling to burn out to keep up with the publishing game.

If you're an indie author too, I hope this helps you give yourself permission to relax a bit. To slow down. To refocus. To build something that doesn’t just look good on paper, but actually feels good to live.

Because that’s the point, right?

A life we actually want to live. And books we’re proud to write.