In the last few years, independent publishing has exploded into a powerful, creative movement. Thousands of writers, dreamers, storytellers, mothers, business owners, and night-shift scribblers have taken control of their craft and put their books into the world on their own terms. And readers have embraced them with open arms.

Yet, amid this incredible growth, another trend has been rising just as quickly:

Unnecessary, aggressive, and often deeply misinformed negativity toward indie authors on social media.

From TikTok to Instagram to Facebook groups, comments range from snide dismissals (“Oh, it’s self-published, so probably low quality…”) to outright attacks on someone’s legitimacy as a writer because they didn’t go the traditional route.

And honestly? It’s getting out of hand.

Self-Publishing Does Not Mean Lesser Quality

There is still a stubborn myth floating around that if an author didn’t secure a traditional publishing deal, their work must be:

• poorly edited
• badly written
• unprofessional
• “not a real book”

But that outdated mindset ignores the reality of today’s publishing world.

Many indie authors:

• Hire professional editors
• Work with industry-standard cover designers
• Invest in formatting, marketing, and launch strategy
• Run full author businesses
• Build engaged readerships that rival traditionally published authors
• Hit bestseller lists and win awards

Some even turn down traditional deals because indie publishing gives them creative control, better royalties, and a direct relationship with their readers.

Traditional publishing is one path.

 Self-publishing is another.

Neither is superior; they’re simply different routes to the same destination: getting stories into readers’ hands.

The Real Issue Behind Online Negativity

 So why the growing wave of dismissive, cutting comments?

The truth is, it’s rarely about the quality of the book; it’s about gatekeeping.

There are people who believe writing and publishing should only be valid if approved by a corporate gatekeeper. But storytelling is older than the publishing industry, and creativity has never needed permission.

The irony?

 Many of the loudest critics have never written a book themselves.

It’s easy to criticise from the sidelines.

Much harder to sit down, face the blank page, and pour your heart into something the world will judge.

The Quiet Heroes: People Who Champion Indie Authors

Thankfully, for every negative voice online, there are hundreds more doing the opposite, supporting, uplifting, and celebrating indie authors.

These champions include:

Readers who leave positive reviews, recommend indie books to friends, and buy from small authors because they genuinely love the stories.

Fellow writers who share resources, cross-promote on their platforms, and encourage each other instead of competing.

Book bloggers, reviewers, and bookstagrammers who take a chance on lesser-known books and use their reach to spotlight new voices.

Coaches, editors, designers, and mentors who treat indie authors with the same respect and care as any traditionally published writer.

Community leaders and group admins who create safe spaces where authors can grow without fear of judgment or elitism.

These champions are helping reshape the landscape of publishing. They’re making it clear that stories matter more than labels.

Why Supporting Indie Authors Matters

 When we uplift indie authors, we’re doing more than supporting a single book. We’re supporting:

• Creative freedom
• Diverse voices
• Stories that big publishers don’t always take risks on
• Women, men, parents, and full-time workers chasing dreams
• People who found healing or empowerment through writing
• Communities built on authenticity rather than competition

Indie authors are building the future of storytelling, one book, one reader, one bold step at a time.

Let’s Be Better Than the Noise

The online negativity may be loud, but it isn’t the truth.

The truth is:

Indie authors are brave. They are resilient. They are storytellers in the purest sense.

And the people who support them? They are the backbone of a movement that’s reshaping publishing for the better.

So the next time you see someone tearing down a self-published author, remember:

 Anyone can criticise. Not everyone can create.

For those who champion creativity, who lift others instead of tearing them down, are the ones who make our literary world richer, kinder, and far more magical.