How Fantasy Author Michelle Miles Built a Thriving Indie Publishing Career
What does it really take to write and publish more than forty books—and still love the process?
Fantasy author Michelle Miles has done just that, carving out a sustainable indie career through persistence, patience, and a fierce refusal to quit.
Her story is a reminder that there’s no one right path to publication—just the one that keeps you writing.
From Traditional Dreams to Indie Freedom
Michelle began her career like many writers do: with big dreams of traditional publishing.
She joined professional organizations, studied the craft, and chased every lead she could. But after a string of disappointments and small presses that folded, she found herself exhausted, disillusioned, and questioning whether she had the energy to keep going.
Instead of walking away, she stepped back.
She focused on craft, took workshops, and gave herself permission to rethink what she wanted.
When she eventually self-published her first fantasy novel, she discovered a freedom and creative control that reignited her passion for storytelling. The process—from conception to publication—was entirely hers, and that changed everything.
Finding Clarity and Rebuilding Her Brand
Over time, Michelle realized she’d outgrown her earlier work. The spicy contemporaries and time-travel romances no longer reflected the kind of stories she wanted to tell.
So she made a bold move: she pulled those titles from publication and rebranded herself around the genre she loved most—fantasy.
Her Enchanted Realm series of fairytale retellings became the cornerstone of her new creative identity. The shift wasn’t just about genre; it was about alignment.
She committed to writing stories that felt true to who she is now, as both an artist and a business owner.
Writing Through Real Life
Michelle’s success didn’t come from endless hours at a desk.
It came from consistency and creative problem-solving.
She wrote on lunch breaks, during short windows in the evening, and built a routine around the reality of her life rather than waiting for perfect conditions.
What began as a workaround became a rhythm. Writing at the same time each day turned into a habit. That habit built muscle memory. And over time, those hours added up to a lot of books!
Her approach is proof that sustainable writing isn’t about hustle culture; it’s about discipline, intention, and protecting the small windows of time that move you forward.
Running the Business Side
Behind the scenes, Michelle approaches indie publishing like the creative business it is.
She formats her own books, works closely with trusted editors, beta readers, and designers, and plans each release far in advance.
For her interconnected fantasy series, she created an extensive story bible to keep worlds, timelines, and characters consistent across multiple books.
Her strategy is clear: prepare as much as possible in advance so each release builds momentum rather than chaos.
It’s a lot, but that foundation allows her to stay creative without burning out.
Trusting the Process (and Herself)
After years of experience, Michelle now trusts her internal editing instincts. She’s internalized story structure and no longer second-guesses every decision.
But that confidence came from time in the chair, learning, experimenting, and finishing.
Living with Doubt
Even with a long list of titles to her name, doubt still shows up. The difference now is that she recognizes it as part of the process, not a signal to stop.
She’s learned to navigate the noise—both external and internal—and stay grounded in why she writes in the first place.
That self-awareness fuels her determination to keep building a creative life on her own terms, one book and one reader at a time.
Her Message to Writers
Michelle’s journey is a testament to perseverance. She’s proof that you can start over, pivot genres, rebuild your brand, and still keep your love of writing intact.
Her path wasn’t linear or easy, but it’s hers and that’s what makes it powerful. Your path is powerful too. Embrace it. Go for it.
The Takeaway
Build systems that work for your real life. Protect your creative energy. Keep learning. And above all, don’t give up on the stories only you can tell.
Because the world needs storytellers who write scared and keep going anyway.
Inspired by Michelle’s story?
You can learn more about her books and upcoming releases at http://www.michellemiles.net/ or follow her podcast Miles Beyond the Page.
