One of the most common pitfalls for new indie authors is playing it safe. Understandably, many of us fear criticism—whether from readers, reviewers, or even fellow writers. But if you're serious about turning your passion into a career, hiding away in comfort zones will only hold you back.
When I first started out, I knew I needed to build a presence online. So, like many others, I joined author groups on social media, followed fellow writers, and started talking shop. It felt productive, and in some ways it was—I learned about formatting tools, editing services, and publishing platforms. But what I wasn’t doing was actually building a reader base.
That’s the trap: surrounding yourself with other writers might feel like community, but it doesn’t necessarily help you grow an audience. Fellow authors are valuable connections for advice and support, but they’re not your customers. They’re selling, just like you. And when your entire network is made up of people who are also trying to sell books, you’ll quickly find that no one’s actually buying.
There’s another problem with the “hugbox” environment. Authors often go easy on each other. While it’s nice to get supportive feedback, it’s not always honest or useful. Readers, on the other hand, are far more direct. If someone has spent their own money on your book, they’re far more likely to give you unfiltered, constructive feedback—good or bad. That kind of criticism can sting, especially early on, but it’s essential for growth.
So what’s the solution?
You need to break out of the author-only echo chamber and spend time where readers gather. Join book groups, subreddits, or forums where people talk about the genres you love to read and write. If you’re a fantasy author, find fantasy book clubs. If you write thrillers, join true crime or suspense fiction groups. Don’t go in spamming your links. Instead, engage like a reader. Share your thoughts, join conversations, and become part of the community. People will naturally become curious about who you are and what you write.
It’s also important to diversify your presence across different platforms. Not everyone who uses Facebook is also on Twitter or TikTok. Explore other spaces like Instagram, Goodreads, Reddit, Discord, or even YouTube. The more places you show up, the more likely you are to find your audience.
If you have the budget, consider running ads on the platforms where your readers hang out. Even a modest investment can help your book reach fresh eyes outside your immediate circle.
The reality is, being an indie author means wearing every hat a traditional publisher would. You're responsible for the product, the marketing, the customer engagement, and the growth strategy. It's a lot—but it's also empowering.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you need to step out of the safety of the hugbox and into the real world of readers. It’s harder. But it’s worth it.
