The start of a new year is like opening a fresh notebook—full of promise, ready for ideas, and waiting for your words. For authors, this is the perfect time to embrace creative planning tips, pause to reflect, and set the stage for success. As we move into the new season, it’s an opportunity to map out your creative intentions and take charge of your writing and publishing goals.
Orna Ross
Over the years, I’ve found that planning isn’t just about setting goals. It’s about creating the conditions for success. This is why I developed the Go Creative! method. It’s a planning approach that works for authors because it integrates both the visionary and the practical aspects of our work—the dreaming and the doing.
Success in the creative life isn’t about waiting for inspiration to strike or relying on talent alone. It’s about crafting an environment where your creativity can soar. For self-publishing authors, this means shaping your days and surroundings to nurture storytelling, handle publishing tasks, and connect with readers. Let’s explore how to create that fertile ground—and why it matters.
Time
Time isn’t just hours on a clock—it’s the soil where your stories and publishing plans grow. Without carving out enough of it, your ideas and goals will wither before they have a chance to bloom.
- Honor your writing and publishing hours: Treat both as non-negotiable. Writing, editing, marketing, and admin all need dedicated time.
- Align with your rhythm: Are you sharpest in the morning, or do you come alive at night? Choose your peak energy times for deep creative or strategic work.
- Guard against time thieves: Social media, emails, and other distractions can sap your energy. Turn them off and focus on the task at hand.
Space
Every author needs a haven—a place where words flow freely and publishing tasks feel manageable. This doesn’t have to be grand, but it must be yours.
- Craft your corner: Whether it’s a desk by the window, a cozy nook, or a local library table, make it a space where your imagination and focus feel at home.
- Surround yourself with inspiration: Keep books you love, notes from readers, or images of your characters and covers nearby.
- Organize for dual roles: Your space should support both writing and publishing activities, with clear zones or tools for each.
People
While writing may feel solitary, it thrives on connection. For self-publishers, a strong support network is even more essential.
- Nay-Sayers: Recognize that some family and friends may not understand or support your goals. Protect your energy.
- Yay-Sayers: Join groups or communities of indie authors who understand both the joys and challenges of self-publishing.
- Engage with your readers: Build relationships through newsletters, social media, or live events. Their enthusiasm fuels your journey.
- Collaborate with professionals: Editors, cover designers, formatters, and marketers are part of your extended team. Their expertise can elevate your work.
Resources
Money isn’t just practical—it’s a tool that helps you publish professionally and reach readers effectively. Treat your self-publishing career like the business it is.
- Invest in your craft and platform: Allocate funds for courses, professional services, and marketing tools.
- Diversify income streams: Beyond book sales, consider teaching, speaking, or creating companion products like workbooks or courses.
- Set financial goals: Create a budget for each project, covering editing, design, ads, and launch expenses.
Energy
Self-publishing requires stamina. To sustain your creativity and business efforts, you need to care for your most important tool—yourself.
- Fuel your body and mind: Eat well, stay active, and rest adequately. A healthy body supports a focused mind.
- Balance creativity and logistics: Alternate between writing days and publishing-focused tasks to maintain energy and avoid burnout.
- Recharge regularly: Step back to reflect, read, or simply rest. A fresh perspective often leads to breakthrough ideas.
Mindset
Your attitude toward your work and business shapes everything. Success thrives on confidence and curiosity.
- Celebrate progress: Whether it’s 500 words, a finished draft, or a book launch, every step matters.
- Learn from missteps: Mistakes in writing or publishing are not failures—they’re opportunities to grow.
- Stay curious: Explore new genres, marketing strategies, and reader engagement techniques. Curiosity fuels innovation.
Tools and Metrics
Success for self-publishing authors hinges on the right tools and a clear understanding of metrics.
- Use essential tools: Software like Scrivener for writing, Vellum for formatting, and email marketing platforms like MailerLite can streamline your work.
- Track your progress: Use spreadsheets, dashboards, or apps to monitor book sales, ad performance, and audience growth.
- Measure success: Define what success means for you—whether it’s a certain number of book sales, reviews, or newsletter sign-ups—and track your progress toward those goals.
Writing and self-publishing a book is an act of courage and commitment. By creating conditions that nurture both creativity and professionalism—time, space, support, resources, energy, mindset, and tools—you’re not just setting yourself up for success. You’re building a sustainable career and connecting with readers in meaningful ways.
What helps you thrive as a self-publishing author? Share your tips and stories in the comments. Let’s inspire each other to keep creating and publishing.
Find out more
Find out moreLooking to boost your business planning in the new year? Take a look at ALLi's Monthly Business Planner (also available for quarterly planning).
This planner is available for purchase in our bookstore. Members enjoy free access to the ebook.
Thoughts or further questions on this post or any self-publishing issue?
If you’re an ALLi member, head over to the SelfPubConnect forum for support from our experienced community of indie authors, advisors, and our own ALLi team. Simply create an account (if you haven’t already) to request to join the forum and get going.
Non-members looking for more information can search our extensive archive of blog posts and podcast episodes packed with tips and advice at ALLi's Self-Publishing Advice Center.
