Make sure your story is only appealing to a niche crowd and then also make sure you have no connections nor money with which to advertise your story to this specific crowd. To make double-sure you don't grow big, consider mixing bits of ideology into your work in order to filter out those who would've otherwise been interested.
But whatever you do, do not become self-aware.
And if you do, have this playing 24/7 on loop while you write. It will rebuild your confidence so that you can keep up the good work.
Learn from the best, kiddos.
brb having existential crisis
Bonus advice: Make sure you're wrapped in just enough irony that nobody can tell whether you're shooting for a pity party or just taking the piss out of yourself.