Embracing the Journey: The Resilience of Indie & Small Press Authors in a Big 5 World
Everyone dreams of landing a Big 5 deal with a seven-figure advance, seeing their book front and center in every store, and watching their stories reach a massive audience. That dream is something we all share as authors because we believe our words deserve the best possible platform. But sometimes, that path doesn’t unfold in the way we imagined.
I’m here to say: that’s okay.
When I started this journey, I had a vision—one that felt almost out of reach. I signed with a wonderful agent, I had all the hopes in the world, and I thought this was it. But after five years of trying and no book deal, I had to face a reality I hadn’t fully prepared for. My stories might never see the light of day with a Big 5 publisher. It stung. But I knew I had to dig deeper, reflect, and pivot.
Here’s the beauty of indie and small-press publishing: it can turn those “almost” stories into reality. I found a home for my work with a small press, Oliver-Heber, and since then, I’ve seen my books reach readers who truly get it, who connect with the themes and characters I poured myself into. There’s something deeply personal and rewarding about indie publishing—small presses don’t just take on any story; they take on stories they believe in.
I’ve learned that indie authors and small-press authors are the most resilient people I know. We’re flexible, we’re open-minded, and, most importantly, we’re ready with a Plan B when things don’t go as expected. That’s not giving up on the dream; it’s adapting to reality while still nurturing our vision. We might have to wear a dozen hats—from writing and editing to marketing and distribution—but we do it because we’re passionate about our stories and the readers who choose us.
So, if you’re on this journey and feeling the weight of “what if,” remember: a story can shine on any stage, as long as it’s shared. Whether you’re with a Big 5 publisher, a small press, or going it alone, every path has its rewards. Our stories deserve to be heard, and indie publishing is proof that there’s more than one way to get there. Embrace the journey, stay open-minded, and be ready to pivot if you need to. Sometimes, Plan B is where the real magic happens.
I'm here to support indie and small press authors because I know how much heart, resilience, and determination it takes to keep going when the journey doesn’t look like what we first envisioned.
If you're interested in seeing where my own journey has taken me, you can check out The Serpent Series on Amazon.
I’m here to say: that’s okay.
When I started this journey, I had a vision—one that felt almost out of reach. I signed with a wonderful agent, I had all the hopes in the world, and I thought this was it. But after five years of trying and no book deal, I had to face a reality I hadn’t fully prepared for. My stories might never see the light of day with a Big 5 publisher. It stung. But I knew I had to dig deeper, reflect, and pivot.
Here’s the beauty of indie and small-press publishing: it can turn those “almost” stories into reality. I found a home for my work with a small press, Oliver-Heber, and since then, I’ve seen my books reach readers who truly get it, who connect with the themes and characters I poured myself into. There’s something deeply personal and rewarding about indie publishing—small presses don’t just take on any story; they take on stories they believe in.
I’ve learned that indie authors and small-press authors are the most resilient people I know. We’re flexible, we’re open-minded, and, most importantly, we’re ready with a Plan B when things don’t go as expected. That’s not giving up on the dream; it’s adapting to reality while still nurturing our vision. We might have to wear a dozen hats—from writing and editing to marketing and distribution—but we do it because we’re passionate about our stories and the readers who choose us.
So, if you’re on this journey and feeling the weight of “what if,” remember: a story can shine on any stage, as long as it’s shared. Whether you’re with a Big 5 publisher, a small press, or going it alone, every path has its rewards. Our stories deserve to be heard, and indie publishing is proof that there’s more than one way to get there. Embrace the journey, stay open-minded, and be ready to pivot if you need to. Sometimes, Plan B is where the real magic happens.
I'm here to support indie and small press authors because I know how much heart, resilience, and determination it takes to keep going when the journey doesn’t look like what we first envisioned.
If you're interested in seeing where my own journey has taken me, you can check out The Serpent Series on Amazon.
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