Whether you set out to write a book or to make sense of your thoughts, at some point, a deeper question surfaces: Am I ready to share this with the world? If the answer is yes, you have many options: a blog, Substack, social media posts, white papers, or maybe even a book.
The moment you decide your work deserves to live beyond your computer screen or journal, you’ve begun the journey from writer to author, no matter which type of publishing you choose. This decision, often referred to as the call to publish, is exciting, but it can also spark some resistance.
Why Choose the Indie Path?
During the last fifteen years, Independent (indie) publishing has grown into a powerful alternative to traditional publishing. Writers choose it for many reasons:
- Creative control. Keeping ownership of your words, your cover, and your story is the hallmark of indie publishing.
- Speed. You don’t need to wait years for gatekeepers to give you permission.
- Accessibility. Platforms like KDP and IngramSpark make it possible for any writer to become a published author.
But the indie path isn’t just about uploading your book to a platform. It’s about owning the full journey of your book.
The Path From Writer to Author
For first-time authors, deciding to publish is rarely just a business decision, but it’s also an identity shift. One day, you are someone who writes, and the next day, you are an author of a book.
You move from “I wrote something” to “I am writing a book.”
From “I have a draft” to “I am an author.”
The shift can feel thrilling, but it can also stir doubts:
What if no one cares?
What if I’m not good enough?
What if no one reads my book?
What if I get bad reviews?
These questions are natural, and nearly every first-time author wrestles with them to some degree. Recognizing this as part of the process rather than a sign to quit is what allows you to keep moving forward.
The Journey Ahead
The call to publish is only the first step. Ahead lies the work of turning a manuscript into a professional book: editing, design, formatting, publishing choices, distribution, and launch. Each step has both practical tasks and inner challenges.
The important thing to remember is this: you don’t have to have it all figured out at once. What matters most at this stage is saying yes to the journey.
This post is part of The Indie Author’s Journey, a series exploring the practical steps and mindset shifts that turn writers into published authors. Coming Soon: Finishing Isn’t the Finish Line.
I’d love to hear your questions or comments. Please send me a message here.
