> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://keithhayden.net/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # You deserve to be in the room | Author Nation 2026 - Day 1 Reflection - URL: https://keithhayden.net/you-deserve-to-be-in-the-room-author-nation-2026-day-1-reflection/ - Published: 2026-11-11T05:24:08.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-11T05:36:57.000Z - Author: Keith Hayden I attended the largest gathering of indie authors on the planet this week. Here's what I learned from the first day. Text There’s always that moment right before you step into a highly anticipated event where the doubt creeps in. You ask yourself: Am I ready for this? Have I prepped enough? Should I even go? I had that exact moment before heading down to the floor for Day 1 of Author Nation 2026\. Even though I’d paid the money and was already at the hotel, I stalled for a couple of hours at home. My mind started spinning a web of excuses: I don’t have my new book yet. I don’t have enough business cards. My backpack is too small to carry the books I do have— they’re too heavy anyway. Eventually, I had to tell myself to just shut up, get in the car, and get my ass over there. I told myself I’d only stay for an hour or two. I figured I’d check in, maybe walk the floor, and then head back to my room to get some work done. I ended up staying the entire day. The Invisible Work of Indie Publishing Writing and publishing is an incredibly solitary journey. I spend most of my days writing on my own and publishing on my own. Nobody sees the day-to-day grind. It’s like training for a marathon or learning a new language— so much of the effort is completely invisible. Nobody's there cheering you on while you format a manuscript, learn to edit audio, or design a cover. But stepping onto the conference floor broke that isolation. I found myself walking up to booths just to thank people who had inspired me on YouTube early in my publishing journey. I ended up talking to vendors I thought I couldn't afford, and in a twist I didn't see coming, I actually sold a copy of "Prompted Hearts & Grief Algorithm" to a vendor who was originally pitching me on her service. I showed her the book, and she immediately asked to buy it and feature it on her channel. Putting in the Reps The real turning point of the day happened when I met a guy who hadn’t even finished his first book yet. He’s a software developer who recently started writing fiction. And yet, there he was. He showed up even without having one book done. Talking to him really drove home a lesson I’ve been trying to internalize: I deserve to be in the room. I may not have a bestselling title yet. I don’t have any massive awards to my name. Sometimes my social media presence feels a little raggedy and inconsistent. But I've done the work. I’ve published multiple titles, designed my own covers, gotten my books into stores on consignment, and produced everything from audiobooks and podcasts to full audio dramas with sound effects. I’ve put in the time and reps. And if you're out there doing the invisible work, you shouldn't discount your experience either. Working With Limitations The evening keynote by the artist Phil Hansen touched on the concept of working with limitations, and that resonated deeply. We all have them. Sometimes I look at writing while being Black and male as a limitation in certain spaces. I look at the reality of being a military spouse— having to pack up and move constantly— as a limitation. Budget constraints, reach, and social media algorithms, also come to mind. Those limitations are real. But they haven't stopped me. I’ve overcome them enough to be here, in the room, connecting with the right people to make it all worth it. Day 1 was exhausting— I was on my feet almost the entire time— but it was exactly what I needed. I’m heading into Day 2 looking forward to diving deeper into the industry insights and seeing where indie publishing is headed next. If you’re sitting at home right now, stalling out, or wondering if your invisible work matters: it does. Keep putting in the reps. You deserve to be in the room, too. ## Sign up for Keith Hayden | Digital Novelist I write novels. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.