Although we strive to create content that answers the questions indie authors have and to help them succeed, we can’t do it all. Luckily, there are other indie author resources out there to help you on your author journey.
Connecting to these resources is essential to broader success. Because knowledge is empowering, and keeping up with industry news and other authors is inspiring. And, big bonus: the newsletters, blogs, and other media we list below offer insight, education, (sometimes even free courses!) and notify you of opportunities.
Remember, being an author is a job, and book marketing is an ongoing journey. You may as well take all the help you can get!
Blogs and Newsletters to Follow for Education and Other Indie Author Resources
Jane Freidman
Jane Friedman is pretty huge in the indie (and otherwise)publishing industry. You may have heard of her, even. Her website is a great resource for writers, offering a blog that often features expert guest bloggers writing on a wide range of topics for authors. There you’ll also find access to educational opportunities. She also puts out the Hot Sheet which centers around Industry news.
Here is her website, where you can find her newsletter, the blog, and other indie author resources.
Authors Publish is a Fantastic Indie Author Resource
Author’s Publish is a magazine with a valuable newsletter that hosts many free lectures. If you sign up for their newsletter you’ll receive lists of publications that are currently accepting submissions and you’ll get reminders and invites for those free lectures we mentioned. If you’re trying to build your platform through publishing this is one of the best indie author resources available. Check out their website here.
BookBub Partners Blog is Full of Book Marketing Inspiration
The BookBub Partners blog is separate from their regular website blog. If you sign up to have it delivered to your inbox you’ll be getting direct access to so many great book marketing ideas, and you’ll be alerted when they are running promos and deals for advertising on BookBub. Plus, they offer an incentive to sign up. Here is the link.
Newsletters Book Lovers and Industry News Junkies Will Love
BookMarks Bulletin
The BookMarks Bulletin is one of the newsletters sent out by LitHub. They are also an online magazine. They share links to their blogs and articles so you won’t miss them. They also share a ton of industry news from the latest gossip to big book deals and more. This is a great resource for staying in the know and gleaning shareable content. Check them out!
Huffpost Books Keeps You Upated On Hot Books
As you may have guessed, this newsletter is put out by the Huffington Post and it gives you access to author interviews, news, and book releases. It’s basically everything a book lover would want to keep up with what’s going on in the world of best sellers and hot books, which is fun, but also keeps you up to date on what’s going on. So we think it’s one of the many indie author resources worth paying attention to. You can sign up for their newsletter here.
Electric Literature
Electric Literature is an online magazine that also has a newsletter that sends out submission announcements. So for those who love essays, short stories, news on the industry, and are seeking indie author resources that connect you to opportunities to publish, this is for you. It’s also very modern and focuses on thoughts and writing outside the mainstream. You can find out more on their site.
Publishers Weekly is All About the Industry
Another online magazine, but this one focuses on publishing industry news. But it’s not just for publishers and those interested in knowing what’s going on in the world of publishing. It has all kinds of valuable indie author resources to offer. For instance, access to self-publishing help via BookLife, reviews, and prizes. You can sign up for a variety of newsletters based on your interest too! We highly recommend you browse the magazine’s site and see what it has to offer. Then choose the newsletter/s that appeal most to you.
Publications Focused on Writers, the Craft, and Opportunities
Poets and Writers is a Major Resource for the Literary Minded
A longstanding star for indie author resources, Poets and Writers not only offers author interviews and writing prompts but they maintain an ongoing list of awards and contests for writers on the publishing track. They also keep you informed of submission windows for reputable literary magazines. Another perk is that they list writers groups and retreats. Its tone and focus is very MFA adjacent. It’s not for everyone, but it may be for you. Here is their website.
Writer’s Digest
Writer’s Digest is a trove of indie author resources for those looking to learn and hone their craft. They also tend to publish a lot of advice from contributors who are seasoned writers themselves. They offer workshops and writing prompts and there is a general sense of it being a community for authors and writers of all types. Check them out here.
Organizations With Indie Author Resources for Education and Community
Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA)
The IBPA is an association that was established to elevate the indie publishing landscape. They have regular conferences, give well-respected book awards, and offer workshops. They are closely connected to the industry and everyone involved in it. A paid membership grants you access to discounts on those conferences and courses and they offer a sense of community. And a wealth of other indie author resources. Find out more about the IBPA here.
Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi): One of the Indie Author Resources Looking Out for You
ALLi is an affiliate of the IBPA and they offer education and support to indie authors. They also keep a running list of all the scams that may come the way of new authors. They are looking out for you and have much to offer, including a sense of community. Here is their website.
The Author’s Guild
The Author’s Guild is another organization designed to help authors of all types. They work behind the scenes to protect the writing community and you can find out more about them and joining here.
The Indie Author Project Has a Mission
The Indie Author Project is an organization whose purpose is to connect authors to libraries and readers. What a super cool indie author resource! Read about them and how they are increasing visibility and access to indie author books here.
Other Indie Author Resources to Help With Motivation and Inspiration
We should also mention other indie author resources such as writing workshops and media such as podcasts. Anything that keeps you informed, connected to community, and inspired is going to be a big help on your author journey. Just because you’re an indie author doesn’t mean you’re in it alone!
Here’s more on the topic of writer’s groups and workshops. And check out The Premise if you love a good author interview that gets to the heart of the story and uncovers the inspiration behind some of your favorite author’s work.
Some News on an Upcoming Resource!
Speaking of indie author resources, Jeniffer, the Co-founder and Director here at MonkeyCMedia, is joining Patreon so that she can share classes, marketing tips and tools, and create community. Don’t worry, the newsletter with links to her blogs and ours will still be free. And anyone already subscribed to her newsletter will have instant access. But if you’re not signed up and want to be informed on what’s coming, you can sign up for her current blog feed on her website.
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