Indie authors and self-publishing have revolutionised how books reach readers worldwide. Traditionally, authors relied on established publishing houses like Penguin Random House or Harper Collins for distribution and exposure. However, the rise of self-publishing platforms such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and others has democratised the publishing process, offering authors unprecedented creative control and access to global audiences.
Whether you are a self-published author yourself, or just looking to discover some new United Kingdom authors to add to your reading list, here is a dive into indie authors.
Who Are Independent Authors?
Independent authors, commonly referred to as indie authors, choose to publish their works outside of traditional publishing houses.
Unlike authors who sign contracts with established publishers, indie authors retain full autonomy over every aspect of their book’s publication journey. This DIY approach gives indie authors complete control over their creative vision and allows them to connect directly with readers worldwide, without relying on traditional publishing structures.
Indie Authors vs Traditional Publishers
What is the difference between traditionally published authors and self-published authors? On the upside, indie authors enjoy complete creative control over their work. They can write without restrictions, experiment with different genres, and push the boundaries of storytelling. This freedom often leads to innovative and compelling narratives that might not fit the mould of mainstream publishing.
However, the path of an indie author is not without its challenges. The most notable difficulty is the responsibility of managing every aspect of the publishing process. From editing and formatting to marketing and distribution, indie authors wear many hats.
Indie Authors from the UK
To start you off on your indie writer search, here are some self-published authors you should check out:
1. Imani Erriu
Imani Erriu is the author of the romance fantasy series Heavenly Bodies. A graduate of Manchester Metropolitan University with a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, she grew up in the Lake District, where the forests of the English countryside sparked her imagination.
Imani’s debut novel, Heavenly Bodies, has become a TikTok sensation. This romantasy series blends mythology and shadow magic with a captivating enemies-to-lovers romance.
In “Heavenly Bodies”, Elara is cursed by a prophecy that she will fall for a Star, leading to their mutual destruction. When Ariete, the Star of Wrath, attacks her kingdom, Elara flees to the Kingdom of Light, finding refuge with Prince Lorenzo. Forced to train her to combat the Stars, Lorenzo uncovers ancient magic within Elara, while an undeniable attraction develops between them. This series promises an enthralling mix of danger, destiny, and star-crossed love.
2. J.F. Penn
J.F. Penn is an award-nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author known for the ARKANE action-adventure thrillers, Mapwalker fantasy adventures, and the Brooke & Daniel psychological thrillers. Her books are a mix of ancient artefacts, relics of power, international settings, and supernatural elements. Penn lives in Bath, England, and enjoys a good gin and tonic.
In “Desecration”, the first book in her gripping series, Detective Jamie Brooke and museum curator Blake Daniel face a gruesome murder case. Jamie, struggling with her dying daughter and a faltering career, teams up with Blake, who is cursed with the ability to “read” objects’ bloody histories. Together, they must solve the brutal murder of a young woman whose uterus and unborn child were removed during a gala at a college of surgeons. The only clue is a small ivory Anatomical Venus from the seventeenth century.
As they delve into a world of body modification, grave robbery, Nazi eugenics, and extreme genetic experiments, Jamie’s detective skills and Blake’s psychic abilities are put to the test. Desecration promises a thrilling blend of crime, psychological suspense, and supernatural intrigue.
3. Rachel Amphlett
Before turning to writing, USA Today bestselling crime author Rachel Amphlett played guitar in bands, worked as a TV and film extra, dabbled in radio, and worked in publishing as an editorial assistant. She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction with over 30 novels and short stories featuring spies, detectives, vigilantes, and assassins. Rachel’s stories are available in eBook, print and audiobook formats from libraries and retailers as well as her own shop. A keen traveller, Rachel has both Australian and British citizenship. She loves hearing from readers and personally replies to every email.
In “Scared to Death”, the first book in the Detective Kay Hunter series, a chilling case unfolds when a schoolgirl’s body is discovered in an abandoned biosciences building. Initially thought to be a kidnapping gone wrong, Detective Kay Hunter quickly suspects otherwise, especially when a man is found dead with the ransom money still in his possession. When another schoolgirl is taken, Kay’s worst fears are realised. With her career on the line and harbouring a disturbing secret, she must race against time to stop the killer before he claims another victim. For the killer, the game has only just begun. Scared to Death introduces readers to Kay Hunter, a detective with a hidden past and an uncertain future, in a nail-biting crime thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
4. Chris G. Wright
Chris G. Wright, born Christos Gardikiotis, hails from Corfu, Greece, with a Greek father and an Irish mother who ran a cocktail bar by the seaside. Born in 1988, Chris grew up during an era filled with iconic Sci-fi movies like E.T., Star Wars, Alien, and Blade Runner, all of which fuelled his vivid imagination. His mother’s collection of novels also inspired his love for reading, though she preferred genres outside of Sci-fi and Fantasy. Despite this, Chris was captivated by authors like R. A. Salvatore and Peter F. Hamilton.
“The Alliance: A Dystopian World, the Aftermath of Alien Invasion” is the first book in The Evox Chronicles series, combining space opera and post-apocalyptic elements. The story unfolds in a thrilling journey from dystopia to utopia, interstellar travel, and space colonisation. Diverse societies, some human, some not, navigate the aftermath of an alien invasion, facing a galactic menace. Individuals from different regions of the Milky Way confront an alien tyrant, unaware they are pawns in a grand universal scheme orchestrated by omniscient entities. The Alliance sets the stage for a six-volume series that explores the evolution of civilization in the shadow of cosmic threats.
5. Rebecca Gransden
Rebecca Gransden has always found solace by the sea, a backdrop that influenced her writing. Her stories often resonate with those who dwell in the margins of society, offering a unique perspective on life’s fringes.
In her novel ”anemogram”, a young girl emerges from the woods into the life of David, who is grappling with dissatisfaction. David takes it upon himself to protect the girl, but soon discovers she harbours secrets. Together, they embark on a quest for safety, away from a world quick to misunderstand their bond. As their challenges surface, their journey takes an unexpected turn, leading to profound and life-altering consequences for both protagonists.
6. Karl Wiggins
Karl Wiggins, known for his wit and irreverence, combines history with comedic flair to challenge conventional narratives. As an author, Wiggins infuses his writing with self-deprecating humour, shedding light on serious subjects through laughter.
In “Shit my History Teacher DID NOT tell me!”, Wiggins ventures into the realms of history and philosophy with a refreshingly comedic approach. From ancient Greek philosophers to the mysteries of Alexander the Great, Wiggins uncovers intriguing and lesser-known facts, making history accessible and entertaining. His unique blend of humour and historical insight promises to surprise, inform, and keep readers smiling throughout their journey into the past.
7. Stevie Turner
Stevie Turner, a prolific British author, explores themes of romantic suspense, paranormal intrigue, and family dramas infused with humour. A cancer survivor residing in Suffolk, she draws inspiration from her picturesque surroundings and family life.
“No Sex Please, I’m Menopausal!” delves into the life of Lyn, navigating the complexities of relationships after menopause. After her husband Neil’s sudden rejection, Lyn seeks solace in Cornwall and ventures into the world of online dating. Amidst quirky encounters on ‘MatchULike’, she befriends Peter, who shares his own vulnerabilities. As Neil tries to re-enter her life, Lyn grapples with newfound independence and the true essence of meaningful connections.
8. G.B. Hope
G.B. Hope, hailing from Manchester and still residing there with his father, who shares a love for crime novels and jigsaw puzzles, is a versatile writer exploring various genres.
“Harry Styles and the New York Apocalypse” unfolds amidst a global blackout plunging the world into chaos. Two Englishmen, stranded on the US east coast, embark on separate quests to reunite with their loved ones—each with a girlfriend and sister trapped in New York. As they navigate through societal breakdowns and encounter a range of characters, their journey intertwines with the harrowing experiences of a girl surviving amidst the calamity, deeply concerned for her idol, Harry Styles.
9. Anthony Hulse
With a career spanning self-publishing and traditional routes, Anthony Hulse has authored a diverse range of works, including psychological thrillers, horror stories, and a biography.
“Abyss of Sinners” delves into the enigmatic tale of Patrick Slevin, husband to renowned violinist Melanie, whose encounter with a homeless pianist in Central Park sets off a chain of unsettling events. As Patrick seeks to exploit the pianist’s talent for personal gain, bestselling author Sean Quinlan and paranormal investigator Josh Kirby uncover eerie connections between Sean’s writings and real-life murders, drawing them into a chilling investigation shadowed by the IRA.
10. D.E. King
D.E. King writes epic fantasy novels, beginning with the “In All Jest” series. His novels are available in eBook, paperback, and hardback formats from worldwide retailers.
In “A Fool’s Errand”, Lani’s life of watching over her kin and scraping up work changed forever when she discovered Ashantha dying in their town’s wood storage cave. In his final moments, he entrusted her with a mysterious jewel tied to a secret society of Jesters. This amulet holds the key to an ancient secret, protected for eight hundred years behind a weakening magic barrier.
Now pursued by relentless Derk assassins desperate to retrieve the jewel, Lani embarks on a dangerous journey across the sprawling lands of Dharatan. With every step, she uncovers more about the jewel’s power and the perilous world of political intrigue and ancient magic she has been thrust into.
A Fool’s Errand is the thrilling first book in the In All Jest series, weaving magic, adventure, and the quest for destiny in a world where danger lurks at every turn.
Explore British Authors!
Indie publishing empowers authors to take charge of their careers, offering more creative control and flexibility than a traditional publishing house. Whether through self-publishing platforms or small presses, indie authors can reach as many readers as traditional publishers, leveraging digital tools and global distribution channels. While traditional publishing still holds sway in certain circles, the rise of indie authors underscores a growing shift towards creative independence and capturing the attention of niche audience groups in the literary world.
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