Burnout is one of the biggest reasons indie authors quit. Learn how to recognize it, what causes it, and how to recover — or better yet, avoid it altogether.

Let’s talk about something most people don’t want to say out loud: burnout is real — and it’s taking out indie authors left and right.

I’m Kelly Morgan, indie author and founder of Bright Headed Publishing, and in this episode of The Author’s Mic, I got real about something I’ve experienced firsthand — the silence after launch day, the self-doubt that creeps in, and the weight of trying to do it all alone.

According to Written Word Media’s 2024 survey:

46% of indie authors earn $100 or less per month

Only 20% make over $10K per year

And burnout doesn’t always scream. Sometimes, it shows up quietly — through exhaustion, detachment, and the slow fade of your writing life.

I walk through:

Why burnout happens (hint: we wear every hat)

Common symptoms to look out for

Tangible ways to recover and protect your creative energy

✨ This episode is especially for women authors, indie authors of color, and anyone doing this thing solo. You’re not lazy — you’re in survival mode. But you don’t have to stay there.

🎧 Listen to the episode now and share it with another indie creator who needs it.

📣 If you're an author of color, I see you — and you are personally invited to be a guest on The Author’s Mic. Let’s build something real together.

📚 Explore our Indie Reader Society, grab the free writing guide, or get signed copies of Weight For It and You Sound White — all at linktr.ee/BrightHeadedPublishing