Exploring the Benefits of Direct Reader Engagement for Authors

Self-publishing has reshaped the literary world in recent years, giving authors the freedom to bypass traditional gatekeepers, reach readers directly, earn income, and grow their own communities.

One such writer is Imane Tamli, who has been sharing her stories since early this year on Panodyssey, a pan-European literary platform. She describes it as “a safe and genuine space” free from the noise, pressure, and artificial engagement seen on other networks. On Panodyssey, she says, people write “out of genuine love for the craft.”

Tamli highlights the supportive community she has found there — a place where writers exchange ideas, encourage one another, and even create writing challenges “just for fun,” forming what she calls “a warm, welcoming literary salon filled with people who truly love words.”

Readers on Panodyssey, she adds, take time to digest each piece fully: “They let the words sink in, feel every emotion, every nuance, and interact with your writing in an honest, authentic way.”

Tailored Subscriptions and Safe Interaction

Panodyssey users can subscribe to individual creative rooms and follow specific writing projects. The platform also ensures authenticity by issuing certificates to users, eliminating fake profiles. Its moderation team acts quickly to remove offensive or violent content.

According to Panodyssey CEO Alexandre Leforestier, self-publishing empowers writers to create freely without seeking a publisher’s approval while also pushing them to develop new skills—such as engaging readers at events and on social media. “It’s similar to the music industry,” he said. “An artist has to get out there and build connections.”

He noted that self-publishing once had a poor reputation because authors were taught to dream of signing with major publishers. Today, however, digital tools make it easy for creators to design, publish, print, and sell their own books.

The greatest challenge for self-published authors, Leforestier explained, is understanding that audience-building requires significant time, and writing becomes only part of the overall workload.

Monetization Made Simple

Panodyssey, which partnered with EFE for the dissemination of this story, offers a monetization model similar to Patreon: readers can support authors through donations or subscriptions, with only a small platform commission. Writers avoid the cost of website hosting or technical maintenance, saving considerable time, money, and effort.

Leforestier believes self-publishing will continue gaining ground: “Self-published authors will take more market share from traditional publishers,” he said, arguing that publishers often resist innovation. At the same time, audiences increasingly prefer digital and multi-format reading options.

Get Your Free Self-Publishing Consultation with WriterCosmos