A List of 10 Websites All Indie Authors Should Check Out
Here are some websites designed and curated for independent authors. All of them offer different types of resources and support.
As an indie author, you are responsible for everything. Even if you hire others to help you, you’re still responsible in the end for ensuring it gets done, that you hire the right people, etc. My point is, we indie authors need all the resources we can get. So, here is a list of websites (and their purposes) that you may want to bookmark!
Purpose: IndieBound is an initiative of the American Booksellers Association (ABA) that promotes a “local first” shopping movement, connecting readers and authors through a network of independent bookstores. By supporting locally owned businesses, IndieBound aims to strengthen communities economically, environmentally, and socially. The platform offers resources like the Indie Next List and Indie Bestseller Lists, which feature curated book recommendations and highlight popular titles in indie bookstores nationwide.
Purpose: Indie Author Day is an annual event that unites independent authors, libraries, and readers to celebrate and support the indie publishing community. It offers opportunities for education, networking, and collaboration through workshops, panel discussions, and presentations. Libraries and organizations are encouraged to host events, fostering local authorship and providing patrons access to emerging literary voices. Resources such as on-demand video workshops and promotional materials are available to support these events. Authors interested in participating can connect with local libraries to engage with their communities and showcase their work.
Purpose: The Indie Author Project (IAP) is a publishing community that collaborates with multiple curation partners to help libraries discover and share quality indie books with their patrons. Authors can submit their works to IAP, allowing their books to be accessible to participating libraries across their region. If selected by IAP’s curation partners, these books may also be featured in libraries throughout the U.S. and Canada. The submission process is free and takes approximately 5 minutes. Authors can submit multiple books and will be notified within 4–6 weeks if their book is chosen as an Indie Author Project Selection.
Alliance of Independent Authors
Purpose: The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) is a global, non-profit professional association dedicated to supporting self-publishing authors. Founded in 2012 by Orna Ross and Philip Lynch at the London Book Fair, ALLi’s mission centers on promoting ethics and excellence in self-publishing. ALLi campaigns for the recognition and inclusion of indie authors in the broader publishing industry, striving to ensure they have equal opportunities in areas such as literary festivals, awards, and bookstore placements.
Author Forums: Access to private forums for networking and support.
Contract Guidance: Assistance with understanding and negotiating publishing contracts.
Discounts: Exclusive deals on various self-publishing services.
Literary Agency Representation: Opportunities for rights licensing and representation.
Purpose: Indie Author Magazine (IAM) is a monthly publication dedicated to informing, educating, and inspiring self-published authors at every stage of their careers. Each issue of IAM focuses on a central theme relevant to indie authors, such as outlining, first drafts, book covers, business strategies, and distribution channels. Sister sites:
Indie Author Training: Offers practical, hands-on courses covering topics like publishing, marketing, business management, and productivity.
Indie Author Tools: Provides resources to help authors streamline their writing and business processes, including recommendations on tools and software.
Direct2Readers.com: A platform that connects indie authors directly with readers, facilitating engagement and building loyal followings.
Purpose: The IndieView’s “Indie Author List” is a curated directory showcasing independent authors who have received at least one four-star review from reviewers listed on The IndieView’s “Indie Reviewers List.” Each author’s entry includes links to their reviews, books, samples, press clippings, and a short biography, along with a link to their personal websites.
Advice Column: Offers workshops, publishing tips, and guidance covering various aspects of the writing and publishing process, from initial drafts to market release.
Local and Digital Events: Provides information on conventions, expos, festivals, and fairs worldwide where authors can showcase their work. Additionally, IAX lists podcasts and digital events for broader promotional opportunities.
Merchandise: Sells branded merchandise, with proceeds supporting an “Author Fund” designed to assist authors in need, helping them access necessary services or participate in events to promote their books.
Community Engagement: Maintains an active presence on platforms like Facebook, fostering a community where authors and service providers can collaborate, seek advice, and share experiences.
Service Provider Directory: Audiobook Narrators, Cover Designers, Editors, Illustrators, Marketers, Photographers, Sensitivity Readers, Translators, Typesetters, Web Designers
Purpose: Indie Author Connect (IAX) is a platform dedicated to empowering independent authors by providing essential tools and resources to succeed in the publishing industry. Recognizing the challenges indie authors often face, IAX aims to dispel outdated stigmas and support authors in producing polished, professional work.
Purpose: FundsforWriters is an online resource established in 2000 by C. Hope Clark, dedicated to providing writers with information on funding opportunities to support their writing careers. The platform emphasizes finding financial support to make writing a realistic career, offering guidance on various funding streams. Recognized by Writer’s Digest in its “101 Best Websites for Writers” for over 15 years, FundsforWriters has established itself as a reputable source for writers seeking financial support and career advancement.
Weekly Newsletters: FundsforWriters offers free weekly newsletters that reach approximately 28,000 subscribers, delivering curated information on grants, contests, freelance opportunities, and other funding sources.
Grants and Contests: The platform provides up-to-date listings of grants and contests that offer substantial rewards, focusing on opportunities that pay in cash rather than exposure or minimal compensation.
Freelance Markets and Jobs: FundsforWriters identifies markets, competitions, awards, grants, publishers, agents, and jobs suitable for writers, helping them navigate the writing industry and find viable opportunities.
Motivational Content: The website features articles and blog posts aimed at inspiring and guiding writers, covering topics such as building a freelance portfolio, handling rejections, and networking strategies.
Purpose: Indie Author Creative (IAC) is a specialized author services company dedicated to connecting authors of LGBTQ+ romance with readers. They offer a range of services and resources tailored to this market. By focusing on the LGBTQ+ romance community, Indie Author Creative aims to foster a supportive environment where authors and readers can connect and engage over shared interests.
Bookish Shop: IAC provides a curated selection of books and related merchandise, focusing on LGBTQ+ romance genres.
Weekly Newsletter: Subscribers receive updates on exclusive sales, new releases, and featured books, keeping readers informed about the latest in LGBTQ+ romance.
Review Team: IAC offers opportunities for readers to join their review team, allowing them to access and review upcoming titles in the LGBTQ+ romance genre.
Author Services: IAC assists authors by connecting them with readers through ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) programs and newsletter promotions, enhancing their reach within the target audience.
Purpose: Indie Author News is an online platform dedicated to promoting and supporting independent authors. It offers a variety of resources and services aimed at enhancing the visibility and success of indie writers.
Book Features and New Releases: The platform highlights new indie book releases, providing detailed features that include book descriptions, excerpts, and author information. This helps readers discover fresh content and supports authors in reaching a broader audience.
Author Index: An organized directory of indie authors, allowing readers and industry professionals to explore and connect with writers across various genres.
Writing Tips and Author Advice: Indie Author News publishes articles offering writing tips, self-publishing guidance, and insights into the book promotion process, assisting authors in navigating the complexities of the publishing world.
Free eBooks: The site curates a selection of free Kindle books, enabling readers to access and enjoy indie literature at no cost.
Book Promotion Services: Affordable promotional options are available for authors seeking to increase their book’s visibility, including features on the website and social media promotion.
So glad I found a discord group to join from this article. This was a helpful post. Thank you!