Written by In the world of publishing, success is no longer limited to those with agents, traditional book deals, or massive advertising budgets. Self-published authors have flipped the script—rising to bestseller lists, building loyal followings, and turning their passion into thriving careers.
But what separates the authors who make it big from those still trying to break through?
At The Author Space, we’ve had the privilege of connecting with indie writers at every stage of their journey—from aspiring novelists to authors earning six figures on their own terms. We’ve noticed certain habits and mindsets consistently show up among those who succeed. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on the routines and stories behind the indie world’s biggest wins.
1. They Write with Relentless Consistency
Success doesn’t come from inspiration alone—it comes from discipline.
Take Colleen Hoover, for example. Now a household name thanks to books like It Ends With Us, she began as a self-published writer juggling motherhood and a full-time job. Her secret? Writing every single day—even if only for 30 minutes. That small daily effort turned into full novels, and those novels turned into bestsellers.
Many authors on The Author Space share a similar routine. They carve out sacred time to write—whether it’s at 5 AM before work or late at night after the kids are in bed. They don’t wait for the “muse.” They show up, rain or shine.
2. They Treat Their Work Like a Business
The most successful self-published authors don’t just write—they run their careers. They understand branding, email marketing, social media, and data analytics.
Take Mark Dawson, who went from a traditional publishing disappointment to a self-published phenomenon by studying Facebook ads and understanding how to reach readers directly.
On The Author Space, members can build personal author stores, access marketing tools, and receive AI-driven genre recommendations to help with visibility. The authors who leverage these tools, study their audience, and think long-term often see the biggest returns.
3. They Engage Authentically With Their Readers
Successful indie authors know readers are more than just buyers—they’re community.
They answer emails, reply to comments, offer behind-the-scenes peeks at their writing process, and invite feedback. L.J. Shen, for example, built a devoted readership through authentic engagement on Instagram and Goodreads—connecting with readers not as fans, but as fellow book lovers.
At The Author Space, this type of engagement is baked in. Our platform allows authors to interact directly with readers through updates, discussion forums, and community groups—turning every book release into a shared celebration.
4. They Learn, Adapt, and Stay Humble
Every self-made author we admire has faced rejection, poor sales, or harsh reviews—but they kept going.
They took feedback, adjusted covers, rewrote blurbs, rebranded series, and experimented with pricing. They didn’t treat failure as the end—it was just data.
The Author Space was built for this kind of growth. Through peer support, writing challenges, webinars, and shared learning, indie authors gain not just encouragement—but actionable advice from those who’ve walked the same road.
5. They Uplift Others
One of the most beautiful traits of successful indie authors? They rarely gatekeep.
They share what worked for them, support rising voices, and collaborate rather than compete. Writers like Joanna Penn and Octavia Raheem are known not just for their work—but for mentoring others along the way.
That spirit is at the heart of The Author Space. We’re more than a platform—we’re a movement. One that says there’s room for everyone at the table, and that your voice matters.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a writer wondering whether self-publishing is worth it, let these stories be your reminder: you don’t need permission to succeed.
You need a plan, a platform, and a passion that won’t quit.
The Author Space is here to help with all three.
Join our community. Share your work. Learn from others. And maybe one day, we’ll be writing about your story behind the bestseller.
