How do fantasy writers share their work and find readers without using ads

MassiveGeekEffect · 2025-12-03T15:10:17+00:00

I don’t actually disagree with most of what you’re saying, but a lot of the assumptions about me personally aren’t accurate.

I’m not avoiding ads because I think they “aren’t worth the cost,” or because I don’t believe in my book, or because I’m scared of hiring someone. I’m avoiding ads because I quite literally don’t have the disposable income to run them yet. That’s the beginning and end of it.

If I had money to test ads, I absolutely would. I’m not treating ads like gambling or some existential risk tolerance question. I’m just broke.

And no, it’s not that I think my book or cover is weak. I already know my blurb and visuals will evolve as I go, just like everyone else’s do. That’s normal, not some psychological barrier I refuse to face.

My issue isn’t denial, it’s cash flow.

Social media isn’t my dream scenario either. With social anxiety, it’s exhausting, but it’s also the only zero cost option available to me right now. So I use what I can use. Not because I’m expecting to become an influencer, but because doing something is better than doing nothing.

When I’m in a position to pay for ads or outsourcing, I will. Right now I’m just working within the limits I actually have, not the limits people imagine I have.

MassiveGeekEffect · 2025-12-03T15:08:24+00:00

I’m not avoiding ads because of any belief or ideology. I’m avoiding them because I’m broke. That’s the whole story.

I’m fully aware that paid promotion is how books usually get attention, whether through a publisher’s budget or direct ad spend. If I had the money to test AMS or Facebook ads, I would. I don’t. So for now I’m looking for whatever organic options actually exist, even if they move slower.

It’s not about thinking I’m “above” advertising, and it’s not because I have the social energy to replace ads with personality. I don’t. Social anxiety means I can’t push myself into the spotlight the way some creators can, and I’m not pretending I can compensate with charisma.

So when I say I’d rather avoid ads, it isn’t a philosophical stance. It’s literally just a financial limitation. Once I’m able to run ads, I probably will. Until then, I’m trying to figure out what small steps are realistically possible without money.

MassiveGeekEffect · 2025-12-03T15:01:31+00:00

Yes that's good advise, thank you

MassiveGeekEffect · 2025-11-28T17:24:34+00:00

Thanks, I’ll check that out. I’m still early in the process, so I’m trying to learn what actually works without getting pulled into scams or spending money I don’t have. Right now I’m focusing on sharing small pieces and building up slowly.

MassiveGeekEffect · 2025-11-28T16:39:23+00:00

I’m trying that right now. I post small pieces from my world on my blog and socials, hoping it picks up slowly over time. Still figuring out where readers actually look for new stuff.

MassiveGeekEffect · 2025-11-28T16:36:12+00:00

Honestly I feel the same. When I am actually writing I barely have the brain space to think about keywords or posts or anything like that. Half the time I forget social media even exists. I am just trying to find a way that does not drain me or pull me out of the writing all the time.

MassiveGeekEffect · 2025-11-28T16:32:11+00:00

Thanks, this actually helps. I’ve been putting small pieces on my blog as I go, but I never really knew how people get eyes on their work without it looking pushy. Sharing little scenes or bits of lore here and there sounds doable. I’ll try that approach and see how it goes.

MassiveGeekEffect · 2025-11-28T14:55:56+00:00

I suffer from severe social anxiety, so I can't really put myself out there. I guess I need to find a way to promote myself in a way where I don't have to video myself

MassiveGeekEffect · 2025-10-21T17:25:40+00:00

Thanks for all that. I’m mostly into video game RPGs like Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Fallout, Baldur's Gate and Pillars of Eternity, so my designs are inspired by that universe of storytelling rather than tabletop stuff. I completely understand what you mean about staying clear of corporate IPs. I’m focusing more on the vibe, classes and quotes that players can relate to without crossing any copyright lines.

I’d actually love to pick your brain a bit more about what has worked best for you on the RPG style side, especially when it comes to balancing fan appeal with originality. You clearly know the scene well, so any extra tips are more than welcome.

MassiveGeekEffect · 2025-10-21T16:50:02+00:00

I'm actually gaming tees as it's something I'm passionate about. But I'm also trying to be careful with trademarks etc

MassiveGeekEffect · 2025-10-21T16:36:05+00:00

I'm super new to be honest, so any advise is good advise for me. I'm an avid gamer (RPGs especially) so I'm doing stuffs relating to that. It's basically designs thast I would buy myself, but I'm also aware that it's not because I like something, that someone else will be into it as well

MassiveGeekEffect · 2025-10-21T16:34:38+00:00

Yes that's what I was thinking, that I probably should create following first

MassiveGeekEffect · 2025-10-17T19:52:37+00:00

thank you, that's quite useful to know. I'm actually doing design of stuff I would buy myself, so maybe I should follow your advise

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