📚 Social Media Woes: Confessions of an Indie Author By Ambrose Fider

📚 Social Media Woes: Confessions of an Indie Author

When I first set out to write my book series, I didn’t think about marketing or algorithms. I wasn’t chasing likes or followers. I just wanted to bring an amazing story to the world — one that had been growing in my heart and mind for a while. But as any indie author quickly learns, writing the book is only half the journey.

The other half? Navigating the noisy, fast-paced, often overwhelming world of social media.

I’ll be honest — I’m not social media savvy. I didn’t grow up with it, and some days it feels like it’s getting the better of me. Trying to be noticed in a world overflowing with content can be exhausting, discouraging, and at times… it makes me want to give up. I pour my soul into my work, only to feel invisible in a sea of creators.

And when someone does reach out, more often than not, it’s because they want to sell me something — marketing services, paid reviews, or “quick” growth hacks. What many don’t realize is that for authors, especially indie authors, our books aren’t just products. They’re our brain babies — pieces of ourselves shaped by passion, pain, growth, and imagination. Sharing anything, even a teaser, can feel like baring your soul to the world.

There’s also a growing debate in the indie author community about paid reviews. Personally? I don’t agree with buying my way into the spotlight. It just doesn’t feel right. Reviews should be honest, unfiltered, and from real readers — not purchased praise. Yes, it’s tempting to want visibility in a market that often feels rigged against the underdog. But I want to know what readers truly think. The good, the bad, the constructive. That’s how we grow.

I chose to self-publish for a few reasons:

1. I wanted my work to remain my own, without a publishing house reshaping my voice.

2. I’m not wealthy — I still work a regular job to keep the lights on and food on the table.

3. I wanted this journey to reflect me — with all the passion, flaws, and freedom that entails.

It’s been amazing, frustrating, rewarding, and yes… absolutely draining at times. But I love what I’ve created. I love the story I’ve shared with the world, and I love the characters — many of whom were born from aspects of my online gaming adventures and the people I met along the way.

To all the indie authors out there feeling lost in the social media storm — you’re not alone. Keep writing. Keep sharing. Even if the world feels too loud to hear you right now, your voice matters. Your story matters.

And to every reader who takes the time to support an indie author, know this: your words, your reviews, your shares — they mean everything.

Until next time Lovelies

Always, Ambrose Fider