My kids have been reading indie authors for years. They seemed to enjoy discovering fan fiction and new science fiction/fantasy stories which were readily available online. They found new websites and authors, many who published in installments, creating a series-like body of work that allowed their fans and readers to dive deep into new worlds and characters.

This didn’t initially appeal to me. I’m more of a classic reader — not only of literature classified as classic, but I like to hold books instead of reading on a digital device. I also do not gravitate to science fiction. Give me a cozy mystery, preferably one with British English spellings, and I am all in. Bonus if it’s a series. 

Because the only non-science fiction indie author series I was really aware of had a language usage that honestly hurt my eyes — I didn’t make it past the first page, I falsely assumed most, if not all, indie authors lacked the talent necessary to be traditionally published. 

I was wrong. About all of it.

First of all, there are a lot of indie authors writing books that are not science fiction/fantasy. And more importantly, a lot of independent writers are incredibly talented, in all the genres. 

Good work is being published via Kindle app and publishing websites. And it’s more inclusive; there are more points of view readily available. People of color, people in marginalized communities, people whose cold-mailed work might otherwise end up in the Big Five’s file 13 over something as arbitrary as less than 100,000 Instagram followers, can get their work out to the public. 

As long as they follow the formatting rules, independent authors can upload their books to their preferred platform and then you, dear reader, can download them to your device. And if you’re like me and thought reading via Kindle meant shelling out for yet another electronic gadget, think again! Kindle is a free app now, which can be downloaded to something you already own, like your ipad, phone, or computer. 

And some indie authors are even publishing paper copies of their books. I’ve bought several this year. 

While it’s difficult to find self-publishing authors in every library, some of these books can be found for free on certain websites or for around $2 on the kindle app. Paper copies cost what they cost and there’s not much that can be done about that. Most self-publishing authors don’t have a high enough volume to lower the cost of printing. Also, you won’t find too many 20% off stickers on an indie author’s book cover, in part because they might not be in traditional bookstores. 

Do not blink about paying an independent author the full retail price for their books. They don’t have a marketing team or top placement in a chain bookstore. Help them out by purchasing. And then you can really help them out by passing their book on to friends or to the library and increasing their exposure.  

And don’t forget to leave them a review.

Here are a few of my favorite indie authors:

1. Janice de Jesus: Author of several novels and books of short stories. She is an engaging writer with a gentle voice. You can find her on Goodreads or buy her books from Amazon. 
2. Jillian Van Ess: Quick-paced cozy mysteries with a supernatural twist. She is a gem and I’ve read both of her books multiple times. 
3. Elle Wren Burke: Another cozy supernatural mystery writer. I’m really hoping her book “Mediums and Murder” is a series. 
4. Carolina M-G Ayala: Another gentle poetic voice who writes to help others process their grief. Her kindness is evident  throughout. 
5. Cyndra Whiddon: A mystery writer, but less cozy mystery. Whiddon’s debut novel has some deep emotions for the reader. I cried and laughed out loud. 

Once you get started, websites, social media, or even the Kindle app will make suggestions for further reading. And you might discover, like me, that having access to many books without leaving room in your suitcase, is an added bonus.

And for more on opening up the publishing universe to a broader array of authors and readers, check out Row House Publishing and their research on the traditional publishing powers that be. Sit and think about how all those cisgender white men are making choices on your behalf about what stories are made available for you to read. And then go support an independent author.

Cheers.