If you’re on Twitter and follow indie authors, you might have seen the hashtag #indieapril already. But for everyone who hasn’t, the hashtag is a celebration to indie creators. Not just books, but since we’re mostly talking books and writing, I want to highlight a few indies you could support.
#Indieapril, why we need a hashtag
Indie authors have to deal with a lot more than those on the traditional publishing path and funds are often limited. It’s hard to compete with major publishing houses, especially when it comes to marketing, shelf space and eyes on their new products. Even the best authors have to work twice as hard to convince people to buy their book.
I still hear the prejudices around me about indie authors. “They self publish because they couldn’t get a book deal.” This might be true for some, but not everyone. The reasons an author chose the indie path are widespread and they shouldn’t be judged for it. An indie book can be just as good or even better than traditionally published books.
Being indie or trad isn’t a guarantee for a good or a bad book. Give an indie author a chance, as you would with a traditional published author. Research and sample as much as you want before committing to a sale. But don’t ignore them on the account they didn’t want to deal with gate keepers.
Indie authors I love
I’ll honestly say I haven’t read many indie authors yet and I’d love to discover more of them. I have been reading more indies over the past years, but not every book stuck with me as much as the ones below did. These are just a few of the great ones out there.
Indie couple Stephanie Burgis and Patrick Samphire
I’m following a small group of fountain pen enthousiasts who also happen to be writers. Stephanie Burgis is one of them. She has MG books with a publisher, but she also has books she published herself. The Harwood Spellbook stories are my feel good stories, the stories I read when I don’t feel well. They’re easy to read, lovely characters, and a fantastic setting (regency era with magic).
Read my review of Snowspelled and Thornbound.
I learned about Patrick Samphire’s world in the Underwater Ballroom Society. He has a novella length story set in his world with the lovely Harriet. If you’re into mysteries, Mars, and dinosaurs, you should check out his work.
Check out my review for The Dinosaur Hunters.
Josie Jaffrey
I’ve reviewed her latest trilogy, Sovereign, and I absolutely loved it. There’s also the Solis Invicti series, which is set before the events of The Gilded King, but you don’t have to read it first to enjoy Sovereign.
Check out my reviews for The Gilded King, The Silver Queen, and The Blood Prince.
Jeroen Steenbeeke
Jeroen has been an inspiration to me since I first spotted his book. His name was enough to tell me he was Dutch, and since it was a fantasy book, I just needed to read it. Gift of the Destroyer reminded me that it was possible for a Dutchie to write convincing fantasy in English.
His latest series, The Unbound is an urban fantasy series set in the Netherlands. A larger feature about Jeroen and his books is coming later this year.
Kristin Anderson
Romance isn’t one of the genres I read often, but I do enjoy a good romance novel. The Things We Said In Venice was a delight to read. I love Italy, and the love interest was Dutch, which made it even more interesting. Kristin has done a wonderful job of incorporating just enough information on the areas and languages to keep it enjoyable.
If you know Dutch, you’ll be sure to giggle or even laugh. Read my review here.
Which indie author do you want to put in the spotlight this month? I’m still looking for a few to buy. Leave your recommendations in the comments!
That’s awesome that you highlight these authors!