Finding readers as a self-published author isn’t just about hitting “publish” and hoping for the best. It’s about hunting. And not in the woods—this is a city hunt, in a digital jungle. Traditional publishing brings a platform, but for us indies, we are the platform. We can’t wait for readers to stumble onto our work—we must drag them (politely) into our worlds.
Start by figuring out who your ideal reader is. Not everyone. That’s the trap. If you write twisted thrillers, cozy romance fans probably aren’t your tribe. Then go to where they hang out—forums, Facebook groups, Reddit threads, niche blogs. Contribute, not just promote. Let your voice show.
Think outside Amazon, too. Serial platforms, podcasts, YouTube, Pinterest, newsletters, even local libraries and cafes can offer surprising exposure. A sticker with a QR code on the back of a public toilet door might catch the attention of someone long enough to scan it. Desperate? Maybe. Effective? Sometimes.
Self-publishing is guerrilla warfare. Use reviews. Use samples. Use art. Use everything.
Above all, keep writing and connecting. Readers don’t just want books—they want stories, voices, and the humans behind them.
You’re not just selling a story. You’re building a relationship—one reader at a time.
And yes, it is slow. But it is worth it.
–Michael (Dark fiction. Author of SEETHINGS (the first book), free for a limited time)
Discover more from Michael Forman – Author of Dark Fiction & Drama
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