The publishing world has changed a bit in the last decade, hasn’t it? As readers, we have more choice than ever as independent publishing gains more respect as quality books emerge and many well known writers exercise the choice to become hybrid writers – still publishing traditionally but going indie with previously published novels, or writing new ones.
If you have hung around here, you will know I’ve become quite the fan of a number of indie writers whose quality of story is there in spades, and in a number of cases, well exceeds some of the traditionally published books I’ve read over the past couple of years. To be fair, indie writers have more leeway and can be a little more adventurous than many authors writing to please a publisher, and I’m always looking to be challenged and stretched with my reading. That said, there are hundreds and hundreds of indie books available that I’m very wary of, that lack good editing and quality storytelling, and don’t get me started on woeful cover art! So, how do you find the gems?
I’ve read and enjoyed lots of indie books in that past twelve months, and adored stories by Tamara Leigh, Sally Bradley, Jenny B. Jones, Amy Matayo, Nicole Deese, Joanne Bischof, Catherine West, and T. L. Gray, to name a few.
This question below (keep reading!!) was inspired by hearing about a new novella collaboration by four of those talented writers I mentioned, releasing in June. Check it out…
Just One Summer
Four Best Friends. Four Love Stories. Just One Summer.
Four college girls, best friends since childhood, have found one constant in their ever-changing lives–summer. Every June the girls choose a destination to reconnect, only this summer is different. This year, each one must face life’s challenges on her own, overcome fear and failure, and learn the beauty of falling in love for the first time.
A Summer Remade by Nicole Deese
Joss Sanders needs an escape, a reminder of a sweeter, simpler, and steadier time. Only her family’s cabin isn’t exactly how she remembered it as a child, and neither is the charming boy who lives next door. Change is everywhere. If Joss doesn’t stop living in the past, she just might miss the promise in her future.Waves of Summer by Tammy L. Gray
Sydney Andrews wants nothing more than to get away from a controlling ex-boyfriend, find some clarity and enjoy a drama-free vacation. But nothing in Sydney’s life is ever that easy. Especially when the sexy bartender she meets at her mother’s wedding wants more than just her friendship. He wants the girl she’s forgotten how to be.A Painted Summer by Amy Matayo
Darby Sparks has lived a very sheltered life. A homeschool graduate, a small town resident, and the only child of two over-protective parents. But she’s had enough. She wants to see the world and chase her dreams, and that’s just what she does…until she runs out of money. With limited options, Darby finds herself working for dangerously hot Lennon Dixon, the owner of a downtown Los Angeles tattoo parlor. To call the job unfamiliar is the world’s biggest understatement. And to call her attraction to Lennon unexpected is a very close second.Wild Heart Summer by Jenny B. Jones
Twenty-one year old Avery Crawford has had to fight for everything in her life, and this summer is no exception. When her culinary internship in a chic restaurant falls through at the last minute, she gets an unexpected offer to work on a dude ranch in the quaint town of Sugar Creek. While Avery’s up to her apron in cattle drives, trail rides, and kitchen duty, the cute ranch manager Owen Jackson is determined to sweep her off her feet. Just as Avery finds herself unable to resist Owen’s Southern charm, her own family secrets begin to unravel, pushing her away from the ranch–and the love of one handsome cowboy.
But now to my question!
How do you choose which indie authors to take a risk on?
April 21, 2015 at 7:50 pm
The cover of a book and genre (historical fiction is my biggest draw) are what pulls me in. If an indie book sparks my interest (and I don’t always know it’s an indie book by the way), I’ll go to Goodreads and possibly Amazon to read reviews.
Of the list you shared as examples, I’ve read Joanne Bischof. She is simply a fantastic author! If I remember correctly, I discovered her first novel at my library. I later begged them to order book three of the series. When I find something at the library, I generally don’t read reviews and just take a chance.
April 22, 2015 at 9:38 am
Well, if historical fiction is your thing, Staci, you really must check out Tamara Leigh 🙂
Jo is an amazing writer, I agree!
April 21, 2015 at 8:02 pm
Thats easy, Rel. I read what you recommend.
April 22, 2015 at 9:38 am
You are very kind, Ian!
April 21, 2015 at 9:25 pm
Thank you for the mention, Rel! You have started my day off beautifully. So…how do I choose which indies to take a chance on? A cover that captures, a genre that interests, a blurb that intrigues, and sample chapters that make me want to turn the page 🙂
April 22, 2015 at 9:38 am
Covers are so important, especially to indie writers, I think. Thanks for sharing xo
April 21, 2015 at 9:52 pm
Great question Rel! I have read some great indie authors and others, well . . . . After looking at genre, I try to get as much info beforehand that I can. I look at the author’s website, FB page, etc. I also check out the reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. If the reviews are all 5-star with very general praise, I usually pass. The reviews sound canned. One indie author I cannot recommend enough is Heather Day Gilbert. I have read two of her novels — both good. But her mystery, Miranda Warning was outstanding. Thanks for always asking thought-provoking questions.
April 22, 2015 at 9:39 am
Hey Beckie – you do your research well, my friend!
Thanks for mentioning Heather, too 🙂
April 21, 2015 at 10:46 pm
Rel, To me it makes no difference if the book is published traditionally or self-published. If I know the author’s work, I want to read more. If I don’t have that to depend on, I’m more interested in genre (sorry–I don’t read historicals, Amish, or similar books) and recommendations from people with like tastes whose judgment I respect. Then there are “bargains,” such as free or inexpensive e-book downloads. I’ll often take a flyer on one of those, and only recently I took advantage of one and found an author whose work I really like, so I’ll buy more.
As always, thanks for making us think.
April 22, 2015 at 9:40 am
Good thoughts, Richard – thank you!
April 22, 2015 at 12:11 am
I love these authors you have mentioned. They are very talented. I want to echo what Richard mabry said. I read independent and traditional authors. I’ll check out a new author alot of times because the book was free or on sale and if it’s good. Then I’ll be a big fan and will continue reading their books.
April 22, 2015 at 9:41 am
Thanks for sharing, Dana – appreciate it.
April 22, 2015 at 12:11 am
Thank you for this, Rel! It made my morning, 🙂
April 22, 2015 at 9:41 am
Love your work, Amy 🙂
April 22, 2015 at 1:46 am
Rel, thanks for the sweet shout out! And wow, this novella collection… I’m sold already! Congrats to the ladies, it looks wonderful!
April 22, 2015 at 9:42 am
Keep up the fabulous writing, Jo! And huge congrats on your Christy Award nomination 🙂
April 22, 2015 at 10:33 am
Suspense novels are my favorites. Especially, if there is a good romance involved. I guess the reason is the thrill or tension of the unknown and trying to figure it out.
April 22, 2015 at 11:23 am
I like the idea of romantic suspense because it is more than just sappy romance it has lots of different elements to it.
April 23, 2015 at 1:35 am
Cover catches me first, then the author, If unknown ,then it’s the price, and all the reviews I can find. About the author, where they are coming from on writing that type of book. Always looking for new authors. That why it’s good to get reviews back from what authors are reading. For few web sites give you new authors . Doesn’t matter if indie author or not. Yet again, the price is more reasonable if self published. This $..15–20 from publishers for ebooks.
April 23, 2015 at 4:42 am
Reviews and blogger recommendations become a big factor when a book by a new-to-me author I’m considering reading is independently published OR released by a publisher whose books I haven’t previously encountered. The novella collection you mentioned sounds like a fun read. Thanks, Rel!
April 23, 2015 at 11:16 am
Thanks so much for the shoutout!!!! And I heartily second reading Tamara Leigh!
April 23, 2015 at 11:22 am
Thank you Rel for the shoutout and including me in such a phenomenal list of authors. Really appreciate all you do in getting the word out on our books. I’m one of those that goes off recommendations a lot! And a great cover of course. 🙂
April 23, 2015 at 2:02 pm
I guess I’m not versed enough in the publishing world to know if an author is an indie author or backed by a publishing house. The talent of the author is easy to spot in just reading the sample you download on your kindle – and rather that author is indie or house backed doesn’t change the quality of the printed word. I will read trusted review websites – such as yours Rel – and Goodreads – and reviews by various readers to help with deciding on a new author to try. But speaking from a Christian perspective – – if God’s Hand is on a writer, that person will succeed and prosper and gain a following no matter rather they are indie or house published. I am a HUGE Tamara Leigh fan – – love, love, love her writing. And the other indie writers you mentioned are also very talented – – as a matter of fact, I’m currently reading Sally Bradley’s book “Kept” because of your review and it’s a genre that I don’t usually read – but I decided to give it a try and am thoroughly enjoying it!! So to answer your question – – for me it’s not about rather an author is indie or house published – – it’s about the writer – the story – and how God uses this writer to influence, teach, inspire, change and make me THINK how I can do the same – for God’s glory.
April 26, 2015 at 4:39 pm
For me it is all about the summary and several reviews. I especially look for the 3-4 star reviews. They seem to be the most clear.