Written by Jasveer Singh Dangi on his blog https://jasveersinghdangi.com/2025/06/26/the-silent-pages-why-indie-authors-must-keep-writing-even-when-sales-dont-come/
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Becoming an indie author is a bold, creative journey. It’s a path forged by passion, grit, and an undeniable love for storytelling. But let’s be honest: for many, it’s also a quiet road—one where book sales trickle in slowly, if at all. You launch your work, hit “publish,” and then… nothing. The silence can be deafening.
This reality can be deeply demotivating.
You’ve poured months—maybe years—into a manuscript, edited until your eyes blurred, designed or commissioned a cover, marketed across social media, and uploaded your book with a hopeful heart. Then comes the wait. Days pass, then weeks. The numbers remain stagnant. Friends and family might buy a copy, maybe a stranger or two, but the wider world seems unaware your book exists.
It hurts. There’s no denying that. And it makes you question everything:
- Was my writing not good enough?
- Is self-publishing even worth it?
- Should I stop trying?
These are natural thoughts, and you’re not alone in having them. But here’s the truth: you must not give up.
Why We Write
Sales are not the only metric of success. Yes, it feels validating to see royalties come in or to read glowing reviews from strangers. But the core reason most authors write is because they have to. There’s a story inside, clawing to get out. There’s an itch to express, to connect, to explore. That doesn’t go away just because the first book didn’t become a bestseller.
Every great author you admire started somewhere. And most of them started with rejection, obscurity, and failure. The difference between those who succeeded and those who stopped is simple: persistence.
The Long Game
Publishing is a long game, especially in the indie world. Discoverability is a challenge. Marketing is a skill that takes time to build. And readers? They often come in slowly, then all at once—sometimes years after a book’s release. A quiet debut doesn’t mean your writing is without value. It just means the right audience hasn’t found it yet.
Each book you publish is another stepping stone. You build a backlist. You refine your voice. You learn how to market more effectively. Over time, those efforts compound. Indie success stories often seem sudden, but they’re built on years of consistent work.
What to Do When Motivation Falters
- Celebrate creation, not just results. You finished a book! That alone is an achievement many dream of but never accomplish.
- Connect with other writers. Online indie communities are filled with people going through the same struggles. Sharing your journey can bring perspective—and encouragement.
- Keep writing. The only way out is through. The next book could be the one that gains traction. But it won’t exist if you give up now.
- Measure progress differently. Instead of focusing solely on sales, track writing habits, new readers, or even emotional breakthroughs.
Remember…
Being an indie author means betting on yourself. It’s hard. It can feel lonely. But it’s also incredibly brave. Every book you write is proof of that courage. So if you’re staring at disappointing sales figures today, take a breath. Acknowledge the frustration—but don’t let it stop you.
Because one day, someone will read your words and feel seen, inspired, or entertained. And they’ll be grateful you didn’t quit.
Keep writing. Your stories matter—even in the silence.
