Embrace Your Unique Journey as an Indie Author and Stop the Comparison Game

Starting out as an indie author can feel overwhelming when you look at the big names in publishing. Their success stories, bestseller lists, and polished marketing campaigns can make your own efforts seem small or insignificant. But comparing your journey to theirs can drain your motivation and cloud your vision. The truth is, your path is unique, and embracing it fully will help you grow as a writer and build a fulfilling career. This post offers practical advice to help you stop the comparison game and focus on your own progress.

Understand Why Comparison Holds You Back

When you compare yourself to established authors, you often focus on their achievements without seeing the full picture. Big-name authors usually have years of experience, teams supporting them, and resources that indie authors may not have yet. This can create unrealistic expectations and feelings of inadequacy.

Comparison also distracts you from your own goals. Instead of writing, improving, and connecting with your readers, you spend energy measuring yourself against others. This slows your progress and can lead to burnout.

Recognizing these pitfalls is the first step toward freeing yourself from the comparison trap.

Focus on Your Own Growth and Milestones

Every author’s journey is different. Instead of measuring your success by someone else’s standards, set your own milestones. These can include:

• Finishing your first draft

• Completing edits on your manuscript

• Publishing your first book

• Gathering your first reader reviews

• Building a mailing list of engaged fans

  
  

Celebrate these achievements, no matter how small they seem. They mark real progress and build momentum.

Tracking your growth over time helps you see how far you’ve come. For example, if your first book sold 50 copies and your second sold 200, that’s a clear sign of improvement. Focus on these personal wins rather than comparing sales numbers to bestselling authors.

Learn From Others Without Losing Your Voice

It’s natural to look at successful authors for inspiration. Instead of comparing, try to learn from their strategies and adapt what fits your style and goals. For example:

• Study how they engage with readers through newsletters or social media

• Notice how they structure their book launches

• Observe their cover designs and marketing approaches

  
  

But don’t copy them blindly. Your voice and story are what make your work special. Use others’ success as a guide, not a benchmark.

Build a Supportive Community

Isolation can make comparison worse. Connecting with other indie authors who understand your challenges can provide encouragement and perspective. Join writing groups, attend workshops, or participate in online forums where you can share experiences and advice.

A supportive community helps you:

• Receive constructive feedback

• Celebrate each other’s successes

• Share resources and tips

• Stay motivated during tough times

  
  

Knowing others face similar struggles reminds you that success takes time and effort.

Practice Self-Compassion and Mindfulness

Being kind to yourself is crucial. Writing and publishing are demanding, and setbacks are part of the process. When you catch yourself comparing, pause and remind yourself that your worth is not defined by sales or fame.

Mindfulness techniques can help you stay present and reduce negative thoughts. Try:

• Journaling about your feelings without judgment

• Taking breaks to clear your mind

• Setting realistic daily writing goals

  
  

Self-compassion fuels resilience and creativity, making your writing journey more enjoyable.

Focus on Building Relationships With Your Readers

Big authors often have large, loyal audiences built over years. Instead of trying to match their numbers, focus on connecting deeply with your own readers. Engage with them through:

• Personalized emails

• Responding to comments and messages

• Offering exclusive content or giveaways

  
  

Building a strong relationship with even a small group of readers creates a foundation for long-term success. These readers become your advocates and provide valuable feedback.

Keep Improving Your Craft

Success in writing comes from continuous learning. Use your energy to improve your skills rather than comparing yourself to others. Consider:

• Taking writing courses or workshops

• Reading widely in your genre and beyond

• Seeking feedback from beta readers or editors

• Experimenting with new styles or formats

  
  

Each step forward enhances your confidence and the quality of your work.

Remember That Success Looks Different for Everyone

Not all authors want to be bestsellers or make a full-time living from writing. Define what success means to you. It could be:

• Sharing your stories with friends and family

• Publishing a series of books over several years

• Earning a modest side income

• Receiving positive reader feedback

  
  

When you know your own goals, you can measure progress in meaningful ways and avoid the trap of comparing yourself to others’ achievements.

by A. Piper Burgi

Piper is the award-winning author of The Country Girl Empress series. When she isn't busy typing on her computer, she can be found chasing after her furry children or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee. Follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Medium, and Goodreads