Totally relate! And there’s always an audience for niche stories! #SpoonieAuthChat

I had a little giggle at the “laughs nervously,” ’cause it was so relatable. #SpoonieAuthChat

#SpoonieAuthorChar

Honestly, I chose to be an indie author because of the control it gives me over everything. Sure, it means there's more opportunity for me to mess up (*laughs nervously*) and it's absolutely more work, but I enjoy doing all the aspects of getting my stories out there. 🥰

Yes! And we need all the queer representation in all the stories. Keep being awesome! #SpoonieAuthChat

I wanted complete control over my work and I didn't want to spend years being rejected left and right for my stories being "too queer" which is what I was sure would happen if I'd tried to go trad.

It's a lot of work and money upfront-- and a lot of struggle-- but I won't give up.

#SpoonieAuthChat

Yay for being weird! Weird writers create the best books! #SpoonieAuthChat

#SpoonieAuthChat
Because I want my stories out there, and I didn't catch the attention of any agents I queried with 4 different books. I'm either too weird or don't stand out. That's fine. All I really want is for the stories to be out there.

Thank you so much for sharing all of this! A large reason why I turned to be an independent publisher is because of my disability and health. There is an accessibility and accommodation factor that we can grant ourselves. I’m so glad you did this! #SpoonieAuthChat

Please take the time to read this thread. It’s an important one that might relate to many of us Spoonies. #SpoonieAuthChat

That’s a great reason! #SpoonieAuthChat

I chose indie for creative control and immediate gratification.

And how do you like writing things that you decide to write for yourself? #SpoonieAuthChat

I was a ghostwriter. After writing hetslop for years, I’m a little allergic to being told what to write. Then I learned that unless you’re huge on social media, trad publishers expect you to do the marketing.

So if I’m doing the work regardless, why opt in to censorship?

#SpoonieAuthChat

I’m always impressed by people who can write that many books in a series with other works that are in the same world. And yes, I think it’s better to do this as an Indie Author, so you have control over the longevity of your series. #SpoonieAuthChat

#SpoonieAuthorChat

I pretty much have to go Indie to maintain rights and do what I'm trying to do. 8 interconnected books that share a universe, characters, and plot points. As well as supplemental short stories and novellas. It's a massive undertaking no sane publishing house would consider.

Banner image has the same text as the post. There is also a smaller image of three spoons that are connected at the base.

Spoonie Author Chat (for creatives who manage spoons) April 21, 2026:

Why did you choose to be an indie author?

Welcoming hybrid authors to answer as well (those who have trad pubbed and indie pubbed).

(Please quote-post and add #SpoonieAuthChat to your replies!)

Hiiii!

Ooo, that’s awesome! Congrats! #SpoonieAuthChat

Hi #SpoonieAuthChat! My name is Bev and I am an indie author publishing whimsical and heartfelt middle grade fantasy. MG is a hard sell these days and even more so in the indie spaces but my big claim to fame is that Kirkus has positively reviewed both of my books!

bookshop.org/lists/bev-s-...

Hi! I’m Cait (pronounced like Cat). I’m now an indie author who founded a micropress with @bgordonauthor.bsky.social! My works have disability and queer rep, are often spec fic, and probably mention cake. My first work I indie pubbed just earned three Indieverse Awards nominations! #SpoonieAuthChat

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Spoonie Author Chat (for creatives who manage spoons) April 20, 2026:

Are you an indie author? Please introduce yourselves!

(Please quote-post and add #SpoonieAuthChat to your replies!)

Thanks! It’s been days and my ghasted is still flabbered!

Thank you!!!

On #ShamelessPromo Friday I'm happy to say my books on knitting are **popular** even if one is full of patterns & the other is full of footnotes. Find them both at books2read.com/paulaj
#SpoonieAuthChat
#booksky

Promoting Celu Amberstone's powerful series on #ShamelessPromo Friday
-her nonfiction books on Rituals
-her noncolonial magic realism series Tales of Tasimu
-her science fantasy epic series Tales of the Kashallans

books2read.com/amberstone
#booksky

I have an upcoming queer cozy horror about a 43yo autistic guy who has a gay/lowkey monsterfucker awakening after getting lost in an enchanted forest, & his sister who goes into the wood to find him with the most annoying woman she's ever met

#SpoonieAuthChat

www.elizmanderson.com/the-lord-of-...

#SpoonieAuthChat #ShamelessPromo Both my books have neurodivergence rep, and often feature characters with physical disabilities as well.

bsky.app/profile/auth...

Okay, I’m going to shamelessly post from here! My short story collection, Speculative Shorts: Stories that fell out of my brain, has been nominated for three 2026 Indieverse Awards!!! Best Collection, The Boundary Pusher, and Disability Representation! books2read.com/spec-shorts

#SpoonieAuthChat

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Spoonie Author Chat (for creatives who manage spoons), ARE YOU FEELING SHAMELESS?

Because it's #ShamelessPromo Friday!

Share with us all the awesome things!

(Please quote-post and add
#SpoonieAuthChat to your replies!)

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Spoonie Author Chat (for creatives who manage spoons), April 16, 2026:

Did you ever represent your own mental health through a character you wrote?

(Please quote-post and add
#SpoonieAuthChat to your replies!)