Indie Author

Finding your next favorite book, especially in the indie world, can feel like a quest in itself, right? As someone who writes clean fantasy and sci-fi, I know the struggle of trying to unearth those hidden gems – stories that are engaging, imaginative, and suitable for everyone. It’s why I’m so passionate about creating my own Universe 103, but it also makes me think about how we, as readers and authors, can better connect. So, if you're like me and constantly on the lookout for amazing indie romantasy or clean fantasy authors, let me share some of my go-to discovery platforms and personal tips. It’s not just about stumbling upon a book; it’s about finding a new world to get lost in, something truly special that resonates with you. Where I Find My Indie Reads (and Where I Connect with Readers!): Goodreads & BookBub: These are my absolute first stops. Goodreads is fantastic for seeing what others are reading, what's trending in clean fiction communities, and diving into detailed reviews. BookBub is excellent for discovering deals and new releases from indie authors, often categorized by genre like fantasy or even 'clean reads.' I often find new authors to follow here by checking out similar authors' profiles. Social Media (Lemon8, TikTok, Instagram): Believe it or not, these platforms are goldmines! On Lemon8, I love seeing aesthetic book recommendations and mini-reviews. BookTok (on TikTok) and Bookstagram (on Instagram) have vibrant communities dedicated to indie authors, often highlighting romantasy and clean fantasy reads you might never find otherwise. Authors often share snippets, cover reveals, and their writing journeys, making it a really personal way to discover new voices. Author Newsletters & Websites: Once I find an indie author I love, I always sign up for their newsletter. It's the best way to get direct updates on new releases, exclusive content, and sometimes even free stories. Supporting authors directly through their websites also feels really good. Online Indie Bookstores & Communities: Websites like StoryGraph, or even specific genre forums, can be invaluable. They often have dedicated sections for indie authors and allow you to filter by tropes, themes, and content warnings (or lack thereof, for clean reads). It’s funny, sometimes on a beautiful rainy day, when I'm supposed to be working on my next novel, my mind drifts to the stories I'm creating and how readers might find them. It makes me reflect on the incredible journey of writing and how special it is when someone discovers your work, especially when you've put your heart into creating a universe for them. That feeling of connection is what makes being an indie author so rewarding. My personal advice for discovering new indie authors? Don't be afraid to read beyond the bestsellers list. Look for authors who share your values or writing style, check out those who are part of specific genre groups, and always give a sample chapter a try. You never know what amazing new universe, full of clean fantasy and sci-fi adventures, is waiting for you!