How to Support Indie Authors
Welcome! Whether you’re a devoted reader, a casual browser, or just curious about where your favorite stories come from, this page is for you.
You might be surprised to learn that many of the books you love aren’t published by big companies—they’re created and published independently by the authors themselves. That’s called indie publishing, and it’s how this author’s books make their way into your hands.
So what does that mean, exactly? And how can you help support indie authors, even without spending a dime? Let’s break it down.
What Is an Indie Author?
An indie author (short for “independently published author”) is someone who writes, publishes, and distributes their own books—usually without a traditional publishing contract.
That means we:
Hire our own editors, cover designers, and formatters
Market our books and run our websites
Manage sales across different stores and platforms
Fund everything out of pocket—and earn only when readers like you support our work
Think of us like small business owners in the book world. Every book you read is handcrafted and hard-won. Every sale matters.
Where to Buy Indie Books (And Why it Matters)
Indie books are available just about everywhere—but how you shop can make a big difference to the author.
Here are some of the most common platforms:
Amazon Kindle – The biggest eBook store, home to Kindle Unlimited and millions of readers.
Apple Books – Great for iPhone/iPad users with clean design and instant samples.
Kobo – Loved by Canadian and international readers, plus library-friendly.
Barnes & Noble (Nook) – Still going strong with its Nook store and eReader apps.
Google Play Books – Often overlooked, but easy to use and works across all devices.
Direct from the Author – Buying from an author’s website often means better royalties for them and exclusive perks for you.
Libraries – Yes! Many indie authors distribute through library systems like OverDrive and Bibliotheca.
What Is “Going Wide” vs. “Kindle Unlimited”?
Some authors publish exclusively on Amazon through a program called Kindle Unlimited (KU). This allows KU subscribers to read books for free while the author earns per page read.
Others choose to go wide, which means their books are available on all platforms. Going wide allows more readers—especially international ones—to access books in their preferred stores.
Each path has pros and cons, but both are valid ways to get stories into readers’ hands.
How to Support Indie Authors (For Free!)
You don’t have to buy a book to make a big impact. Here are free ways to support your favorite indie authors:
Leave a review – Just a few words can boost an author’s credibility and visibility.
Tell a friend – Word of mouth is still the most powerful book recommendation tool out there.
Subscribe to their newsletter – It’s the best way to stay in the loop (and often get free goodies!). Click HERE to sign up for mine.
Request their book at your local library – Many libraries take requests from patrons and can order indie books.
Follow on social media – Likes, comments, and shares help more than you think. Follow me HERE:
Want to Go a Step Further?
Looking to support authors in an even bigger way? Here’s how to do that:
Buy direct from the author – They keep more of the profit, and you might get bonus content or signed copies. You can purchase my books on my co-author ReGina’s shop HERE.
Preorder new releases – This helps a book gain momentum with the algorithm and gives it a strong launch.
Join launch teams or ARC lists – Advance readers help spread the word before release day. Apply for my review team HERE.
Share a review on multiple platforms – Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, TikTok, Instagram—wherever you’re comfortable.
Gift a book to a friend – It’s a thoughtful gesture and spreads the word at the same time.
Common Reader Questions
Q: Do I need a Kindle to read an eBook?
Nope! You can read indie books on almost any device—just download a free app like Kindle, Apple Books, Kobo, or even Google Play Books.
Q: What’s BookFunnel (or StoryOrigin)?
These are safe platforms authors use to deliver free books, reader magnets, review copies, and more. They’re secure and reader-friendly.
Q: What’s DRM?
Digital Rights Management (DRM) is copy protection software. Some books include it to prevent piracy, but many indie authors go DRM-free so you can read across devices with ease.
Q: What happens when I buy on launch day?
Launch-day purchases help a book climb rankings, trigger store algorithms, and increase visibility—making your purchase even more powerful.
The Bottom Line
Indie authors write the stories you love—and rely on readers like you to keep writing more. Every action you take—whether it’s a review, a recommendation, or a purchase—helps us bring new books to life.
Thanks for being part of the indie book world. We wouldn’t be here without you.
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