What Does Success Look Like?

 

SHOW NOTES:
You've written the book. You've published it. You've accomplished something you once weren't sure you could do.
But what happens when the sales numbers don't match the dream?
A year ago, Inger E. Johnson decided to sit down and write her first novel. Today, she's finished three books, published her debut, and is working on a fourth. Yet with approximately thirty books sold, she finds herself asking an unexpected question:
Have I actually been successful?
In this candid episode of Your Book Is In There, Inger explores the difference between accomplishment and success, the expectations we borrow from other people's publishing journeys, and why commercial results aren't the only way to measure progress.
From the realities of book sales and publishing expenses to the extraordinary feeling of connecting with even one reader, this episode is an invitation to rethink your definition of success.
Because perhaps the most important question isn't whether you've made it.

 

Resources Mentioned:

Veiled Halos — Inger E. Johnson: Inger's debut historical novel, published August 10, 2026, and the inspiration for this episode's reflections on early publishing success.

• The Muzo Emerald Murders — Inger E. Johnson: Her second novel, scheduled for publication November 4, 2026.

• Your Book Is In There — Podcast: Conversations, practical lessons, and encouragement for aspiring and first-time authors navigating writing and publishing.

• New York Times Best Sellers: An example of a highly visible measure of publishing success—and a reminder that bestseller rankings are not the only meaningful measure of an author's achievements. Explore the lists

 

Talking Points:
 • The difference between accomplishment and success as an author.
• Reflecting on the journey from writing a first novel to completing three books and working on a fourth.
• Early publishing results, reader reviews and why sales figures don't tell the whole story.
• Challenging traditional definitions of author success, including bestseller lists, book sales and financial independence.
• Finding success in completing manuscripts, publishing books, connecting with readers and learning the industry.
• The importance of persistence and playing the long game in indie publishing.
• Separating the joy of writing from the pressure to achieve commercial success.
• Setting realistic, personal goals for each stage of the writing and publishing journey.
• Three reflection questions to help authors define what success means to them.
• Celebrating progress while continuing to work towards bigger goals.

 

Find more tools, warnings, and honest guidance on the Resources page.

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