The Truth About Going Indie: What No One Tells First-Time Authors

Written By Kira Keene

I Just Wanted My Story Out There

Have you ever had a story that you wanted to turn into a book, but don’t know how?

That was me.

Honestly, I’m still figuring it out.

Like most things, it started small—just an idea, a dream. Then came pages. Then more pages. Before I knew it, I had a growing collection of introspective poetry and thoughts sitting in front of me.

But then comes the next question every writer faces:

What do I do with it now?

Dream vs. Reality

For a long time, I imagined getting traditionally published.

Like many writers, I pictured someone discovering my work, believing in it, and helping carry it into the world. But once I started researching, reality hit.

Traditional publishing often means long waits, less control, uncertainty, and rejection. And if I’m being honest, the thought of putting something so personal in front of people only to hear “no” felt crushing. So instead of waiting for permission, I chose another route.

I decided to go Indie.

What Happened Next

When I published my first book, When No One Was Listening, I was excited.

Too excited.

I had read quick articles, watched a few videos when it came to book formatting, and convinced myself I knew enough to move forward. I wasn’t trying to get rich—I simply wanted to share something I had created.

And sometimes that urgency can make you move before you’re ready. And that’s exactly what I did.

The Mistake I Wish I Could Undo

Look, I’m a Virgo and normally I make decisions very, very carefully. But—

This time I rushed.

Looking back, one of my biggest mistakes was not fully understanding ISBNs and ownership before publishing.

At the time, I saw the price of buying my own ISBNs and thought:

Why would I spend money when a free option exist?

So I took the free route.

What I didn’t understand then was how much long-term flexibility matters when you’re trying to build something serious with your work. Sometimes saving money upfront costs you more later.

What I Learned After Publishing

Once the book was out, I realized something important:

Success doesn’t always look how people think it should. It wasn’t topping charts or selling thousands overnight.

But people read it.

People connected with it.

People who weren’t family or friends found it.

And that mattered more than I expected.

That was the moment I realized I wanted my work available in more places, with more control, and with room to grow.

What I’d Tell New Writers Now

If you’re thinking about publishing your own work:

  • Research ISBN ownership

  • Learn distribution options

  • Think long-term, not just launch day

  • Don’t let the excitement rush your decisions

  • Your first book can teach you what no article ever will

Final Truth

Going Indie isn’t easy .

But it can be empowering.

You learn quickly. You make mistakes. You grow in public. And sometimes, that messy process teaches you more than waiting ever could.

If I could go back, I’d do some things differently.

But I ‘d still choose to begin.

Because no matter how imperfectly it starts, starting changes everything.

Pt. 2 coming soon: The ISBN lesson I learned the hard way

While you’re waiting here’s some resources for you to check out:

Publishing Platforms

ISBNs

Formatting Tools

Author Marketing

Writing Community

Kira Keene
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