7 Reasons Indie Books Deserve Your Love (And Your TBR Pile)

Are you overlooking the best books you’ve never heard of? The indie publishing world is bursting with unforgettable stories, richly drawn characters, and bold narratives, yet so many brilliant reads go unnoticed.

If you've ever asked, "Where are all the original, emotionally gripping books hiding?" the answer might just be: in the indie aisle.

Here are 7 compelling reasons to give indie authors a spot on your bookshelf.

1. Indie Books Aren’t Held Back by Trends or Committees

Traditional publishers often play it safe by chasing what’s already popular. But indie authors have the freedom to take risks. Expect fresh plots, cross-genre surprises, and characters who break the mould.

2. You’ll Discover Stories the Big Publishers Missed

Some indie books are so good you’ll wonder how a publisher passed them by. Spoiler alert: many weren’t rejected because of poor writing — they just didn’t fit a marketing plan.

3. You Support a Real Human Behind Every Page

Behind every indie book is a passionate writer who wore all the hats. That means author, editor, marketer, publisher. Buying their book supports their dream directly. No middlemen. Just talent and heart.

4. Indie Authors Are More Responsive to Readers

Want to tell your favourite author how much you cried at Chapter 12? Message them, and you’ll probably get a reply. Indie authors are often more accessible and genuinely value your feedback.

5. The Writing Is Often More Personal, Raw, and Real

Without the pressure to appeal to mass markets, indie authors can write from the heart, tackling difficult topics, diverse experiences, and nuanced perspectives. Expect books that stay with you.

6. Indie Books Can Be Just as Polished as Traditional Releases

Gone are the days of assuming self-published = unedited. Many indie authors invest in professional editors, cover designers, and formatting tools. Some indie books look and read better than trad pub.

7. You Might Find Your Favourite Book… Before It Goes Viral

Imagine being one of the first readers to fall in love with a book before it explodes on TikTok or gets a Netflix deal. Indie books are where trends begin, and you could be ahead of the curve.

If you've been sticking to the bestseller lists, you could be missing the stories that will move you the most. So take a chance on an indie author. Better still — subscribe to my newsletter for emotional, unforgettable fiction from independent voices.