Indie Author of the Year

I am stunned and delighted to announce the judging committee for the Indie Author Project has chosen me as their Indie Author of the Year for 2023.

Awards are great. I mean, who doesn’t enjoy being recognized for their work? For a writer, awards can expand your audience, advance your writing career, and increase your visibility.

But this award… and the fact that it’s so integrally tied into the library system… I am truly grateful and honored.

Indie Authors love Libraries!

Libraries have played a pivotal role in shaping my life.

Remember that one kid who maxed out their library’s checkout limit every week? Yeah, that was me.

If you haven’t visited your local library lately, you’re missing out. Libraries are not just repositories of books; they are vibrant hubs where readers can gather, share ideas, and celebrate the written word. The sense of community fostered within library walls has enriched my writing journey.

I use my local libraries extensively for research and enjoyment. Most of the audiobooks I’ve listened to have come from the library! Through my libraries, I’ve taken writing classes and listened to author interviews. My short story, A Place of Peace, resulted from a writing spooky tales class I took through the King County Library System.

(Side note, how cool is it that my local library system was the one that picked me as the winner of the Washington State regional contest?? Their actions are what made winning this award possible!)

The Indie Author Project and Library Partnership

As an independent author, gaining exposure is challenging. And this includes libraries.

My books have been available to libraries via Overdrive and Hoopla since publication, but I had no plan on how to persuade librarians into including my novels in their catalogs. In fact, previous to working with the Indie Author Project, the only way my books got into libraries at all was through my readers’ requests.

However, since the inclusion of my books in the Indie Author Project’s select eBook collection, I’m hearing from readers that my novels are popping up in libraries. When libraries incorporate  curated collections of independently published stories, they become powerful allies for reader discovery. This means so much to me; now individuals who may not have discovered them through traditional means can find and read my stories.

Seeing my books on virtual library shelves serves as a tangible affirmation that my stories have found a place in the literary landscape. The nod of approval from these venerable institutions enhances my credibility as an independent author.

Here’s a little animation I made to illustrate the impact of the Indie Author Project on indie authors.

Libraries Promote Accessibility

Accessibility lies at the core of the library’s impact on my career. Making my books available to a wide audience, irrespective of financial constraints, aligns with my vision of reaching as many readers as possible.

Remember the tagline from Oil and Dust?

Politics, Money, Power, Religion, and Greed. These are the things we never again need. — Oil and Dust

Just like the hopeful, cozy post-apocalyptic world I imagined, libraries democratize literature. They offer a haven for readers eager to explore the realms of storytelling without financial barriers.

It’s why I advertise my books are free through libraries at the bottom of my monthly newsletter.

The exposure my books will gain through winning this award is a beacon of support for my writing career. Libraries will bring a diverse readership while ensuring accessibility to my stories.

Thank you, Indie Author Project team for making this possible. Thank you, judging committee for believing in me. Last, thank you librarians for supporting the diverse voices and stories of indie authors like me.

The header photo was pulled from the Indie Author Project website. For the original file, please visit https://indieauthorproject.com/2023-indie-author-of-the-year/.