Dear Reader, Let’s Talk About Supporting Indie Authors Outside of the realm of Amazon
I’m going to say this plainly.
Amazon is convenient. We all use it. I use it too.
But if you’ve ever wondered how to really support an indie author, this is the conversation.
Because here’s the truth: Amazon takes a lot of fees. And what’s left for the author? It’s not as much as people think.
Depending on pricing, print costs, and distribution, indie authors are often getting a small cut from each sale. Not nothing. But not a lot either.
So when you buy a book on Amazon, you’re supporting the author… but you’re also supporting a system that takes a big piece first.
And that’s why buying outside of Amazon matters.
💻 Buying Direct Makes a Bigger Difference
When you purchase directly from an author’s website or shop (like Payhip), more of that money goes straight to them.
Not a percentage that’s been chipped away. Not after multiple fees.
Direct.
That means:
- You’re helping fund the next book
- You’re supporting editing, covers, and production
- You’re investing in someone’s creative career in a real way
And for indie authors who are doing everything themselves, that kind of support hits different.
📦 You Usually Get More, Too
When you buy direct, authors tend to make it worth your time.
You might get:
- Signed copies
- Bonus chapters
- Bundles with journals, bookmarks, or extras
- Early access to new releases
- Exclusive content that’s not on Amazon
It’s a more personal experience. Less transactional. More connection.
🤍 It Builds a Real Reader–Author Connection
When you buy from Amazon, the transaction ends there.
When you buy direct, you’re stepping into the author’s world a bit more.
You’re more likely to:
- Get updates directly from them
- Be part of their community
- See behind the scenes of what they’re creating next
And for authors like me, that connection matters just as much as the sale.
This Isn’t “Never Use Amazon”
Let me be clear. This is not me telling you to stop using Amazon.
Accessibility matters. Convenience matters. Kindle Unlimited matters for a lot of readers.
This is just me saying:
If you have the option to support an indie author directly, it makes a bigger impact than you think.
If You Want to Support Me Directly
You can explore my books, journals, and exclusives right here on Payhip.
I also share more behind the scenes, journaling content, and bookish conversations here:
- Join my newsletter: Just D's Insiders
- Follow My Facebook page: D.O. Robinson
- Follow along on Instagram: @JustDAuthor and @Author_DRobinson
At the end of the day, however you choose to read... thank you.
But if you ever decide to go the direct route, just know… we feel that support in a very real way.
With love,
D. O. Robinson