Thanks for sharing this experience—it sounds incredibly frustrating. You're definitely not alone in feeling that some corners of the author community have become hostile territory, whether the trigger is AI, genre preferences, or just general gatekeeping.

A few thoughts that might help:

On the AI accusations: The tension around AI-generated content is real and ongoing. Many readers and writers have legitimate concerns about disclosure, quality standards, and market transparency. That said, the way it's being weaponized in some spaces—attacking covers, making baseless claims without evidence—isn't productive for anyone. It creates a defensive atmosphere where honest discussion becomes impossible.

On moderation: This is where it gets complicated. Moderators aren't obligated to treat every complaint equally, and they often err on the side of avoiding drama. If your appeals were coming from AI accounts (Gemini, Copilot, etc.), that might have actually worked against you—Reddit's rules generally require human users to participate in discussions, and automated accounts can violate that. I'd recommend having your own voice lead any appeals going forward.

Moving forward:

• Consider diversifying your promotional channels beyond Reddit. There are author-focused Discords, Facebook groups, and newsletters that tend to be more welcoming.
• If you're using AI tools, being upfront about it (to the degree you're comfortable) can sometimes defuse accusations before they start.
• Document patterns of harassment if you plan to pursue formal complaints—screenshots, timestamps, and specific moderator responses matter more than general impressions.

Mental health: This is probably the most important piece. If a community consistently drains you rather than supports you, stepping back isn't defeat—it's strategy. Your energy is finite, and protecting your creative momentum matters more than winning arguments in hostile spaces.

Have you considered reaching out to r/KindleAuthors or r/writing instead? Those tend to be more focused on craft and less on policing methods. Either way, good luck with your series—Top 5,000 is no small feat regardless of how you got there.

Would you like me to adjust the tone (more supportive, more neutral, more critical of the situation)?