Ask: self-publishing questions, answered

How can I find readers for my mystery and psychological thriller books without spending money?

I'm an indie author publishing through Kobo, with three books currently under review on IndieFiction. My fiction includes mystery, crime, suspense, and psychological thrillers. I'm working with a zero-budget promotion strategy, so paid advertising and paid promotion services aren't options for me. I'm looking for sustainable ways to reach readers who genuinely enjoy these genres and direct interested readers to my Kobo book pages. Which free methods have actually helped you reach relevant readers? Have you had success with IndieFiction's discovery features, author communities, or other reader-focused platforms? I'd appreciate practical advice based on real experience, especially methods that work for authors starting without an established audience.

GeneralMarketingAsh11 Oct 20260 answers

I have a newly republished book called Death in the Rain. It is on Amazon plus my website. How do i get it here?

GeneralAndrew D Levine1 Oct 20260 answers

Hi, I already have an author account under my fiction pen name, Deborah Griffin Hawke. I also publish nonfiction under a separate pen name, D.J. Brien. Should I create a separate author account for D.

Just want to be sure I'm following the rules.

GeneralDeborah Griffin Hawke17 Sep 20261 answer1 answered

The story is there but all the pictures did not come through. How do I post them into the story?

I have 25 pics in my story and want to include them

RequestWritingAndrew D Levine2 Sep 20260 answers

how do I copy pictures in my book into the copy area

GeneralAndrew D Levine1 Sep 20260 answers

Can i list a free book

It is for free on my website

GeneralAndrew D Levine31 Aug 20261 answer answered

How are sales made?

How can I market books to access market and make sales? Author Raymond kipyegon

MarketingRaymond kipyegon26 Aug 20261 answer answered

I have a co-author for my books. If she signs up for an author account, can she also be attached to our book listing?

GeneralBev J. Jones23 Aug 20261 answer answered

how can get my books to the readers it deserves

How long should I wait before chasing a book blogger who has not replied?

I sent review copies to six bloggers three weeks ago and heard back from one. Is it normal to follow up, and how long should I leave it before it starts to look pushy?

How does royalty share work on ACX, and is it worth giving up half the royalties?

Looking at ACX and the royalty-share option would let me get a narrator with no money upfront, but I'd split royalties 50/50 with them for years. Is that a good deal or am I giving away too much?

Should I narrate my own audiobook or hire a narrator through ACX?

Thinking about an audiobook version. I have a decent speaking voice and a quiet room, so part of me wants to narrate it myself to save money. But I've heard self-narration can sound amateur. How do people decide?

Is it worth using IngramSpark as well as KDP Print, or is KDP Print enough on its own?

I've got my paperback on KDP Print already. People keep saying I should also be on IngramSpark for wider distribution but it costs money and sounds like more admin. For a small indie, is it actually worth doing both?

How do I convert a PDF to PDF/X-1a for compliance with IngramSpark?

IngramSpark keeps rejecting my interior file. The errors mention it needs to be PDF/X-1a and CMYK, and something about curves and ICC colour profiles. I made the file in a normal word processor and I don't have InDesign. How do people convert to PDF/X-1a without expensive software?

My paperback and ebook aren't linked on the same Amazon page — how do I fix it?

Published the ebook and paperback through KDP but they're showing as two separate listings instead of being linked under one product page with the format options. How do I get them merged?

How do I choose categories and keywords so my book actually gets found on Amazon?

This part confuses me most. KDP only lets me pick a few categories and seven keyword slots. How do I choose them so the right readers actually stumble onto my book instead of it vanishing?

Is a BookBub Featured Deal worth the money, or are the cheaper promo sites good enough?

I'm planning a price promo and keep seeing BookBub Featured Deals recommended, but they're expensive and hard to get accepted. Are the cheaper newsletter promo sites a reasonable substitute for a first-timer?

Do Amazon ads actually work for a debut author with no reviews yet?

I keep hearing Amazon ads are essential but also that they burn money for new authors. I've got zero reviews so far. Is it worth starting ads now, or wait until I have some social proof first?

I keep stalling at the midpoint of my novel — how do you push through the sagging middle?

Third time this has happened. Opening comes easily, I know my ending, but around the 40–50% mark I lose steam and the plot feels aimless. How do you get through it?

How long should I let a first draft rest before I start editing?

Just typed THE END on my first full draft. Everyone says to put it in a drawer before editing but nobody says for how long. A week? A month? I'm itching to get back in.