While we cannot underestimate the importance of luck in being successful in independent publishing, we also cannot deny that if you are going to be successful, there are certain qualities that can help your likelihood of achieving what you want to. Let’s take a look at eight of the most important qualities for self-publishing success.

Determination

It almost doesn’t need to be said, but if you want to achieve then you need a certain amount of determination. Success doesn’t usually happen overnight, and you may well experience knockbacks. The determination to continue no matter what happens is definitely crucial.

Passion for writing

A passion for writing is even more crucial than having determination. If you don’t love writing, there’s not really any point in self-publishing anything. It has to be something that you adore, and want to do more than anything.

Willingness to learn

Independent publishing is also a learning curve at the best of times. To succeed, you need to be adaptable, and wiling to learn new skills. It also helps if you’re able to admit when you need help, and when someone else might be able to supplement your existing skills.

Self-belief

Believe in yourself. Writers can be a critical bunch, not least of themselves. Of course, being able to criticise yourself and notice where you could improve is important, but you also need to believe that you can write well and be successful in independent publishing. Otherwise you may well scupper your own chances before you even begin.

Stubbornness

If you want to self-publish, you need to be stubborn about it. Don’t worry if people tell you not to do it, or that you won’t do well at it. Stick with it.

Willingness to sacrifice

We can’t get away from the fact that writing and self-publishing a book is something that takes time – and a lot of it. It’s likely that you’ll have to sacrifice some other things along the way in order to make your work as good and successful as possible. A willingness to commit to your writing and, if necessary, put other things to one side, is certainly important.

Ability to plan

Organisation and planning might seem like skills rather than qualities, but they are both crucial for self-publishing success. You need to plan what you are doing or else it will be all too easy to get lost in and confused by the process.

Patience

Finally, patience has got to be one of the most important qualities of any independent publisher. As mentioned above, these things take time. Success isn’t normally a quick thing. It can take years and multiple books to achieve. They say that good things come to those who wait, so hopefully your patience will pay off in the end.

What do you think are the most important qualities for achieving success in independent publishing?