Our story begins in an unexpected setting—in Edinburgh in 2019, on the historic campus of the University of Edinburgh. With its castle-like charm that felt ancient by American standards, the venue set the stage for a diverse group of authors to come together. Some were traditionally published, some self-published, but all were driven by a commitment to taking charge of their writing careers—the very essence of what it means to be indie.
In the early days of the pandemic, an original group of 22 authors began meeting daily via Zoom, sharing our lives and our writing. These intimate sessions forged deep connections that remain at the heart of Indie Author Magazine. This unique gathering sparked a collective vision—a platform built on collaboration, creativity, and the belief that authors should take charge of their own careers. Drawing on a rich mix of expertise spanning travel, technology, fine art, and creative design, our founders laid the groundwork for a community that celebrates original storytelling and supports every indie author's journey.
Our Mission
To inform, educate, and empower authors at every stage of their writing journey.
Our Vision
To be the trusted resource that indie authors turn to for high-quality, well-researched, and actionable insights—delivered in engaging and accessible formats.
Meet Our Team: The Heart of Indie Author Magazine
At the helm of Indie Author Magazine is our Editor-in-Chief, Nicole Schroeder, whose dedication to journalistic excellence and passion for storytelling guides every issue. Alongside Nicole, our Publisher, Chelle Honiker, brings an entrepreneurial spirit that bridges creativity and business. With a rich background in executive operations, leadership, and public speaking—including serving as a TEDx organizer—Chelle empowers independent authors to navigate the evolving world of publishing with confidence and strategy. Her innovative drive has fueled the creation of initiatives like Indie Author Training, Direct2Readers, and Storyteller Showcase, all designed to equip and inspire authors on their journey. Together with our team of talented journalists and indie authors, we work tirelessly to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, and integrity, ensuring every article reflects our unwavering commitment to quality, relevance, and authenticity.
Our Commitment to Journalistic Integrity
We believe that thorough, unbiased journalism is vital for helping indie authors make informed decisions. That’s why we’re dedicated to:
- Delivering in-depth reporting and timely updates on industry trends.
- Offering unbiased advice and practical insights.
- Collaborating with a diverse range of contributors—including authors, marketers, editors, and legal experts—to ensure every piece of content is accurate and well-sourced.
Strategic Partnerships for a Thriving Indie Community
Our commitment extends beyond our pages through strategic partnerships with some of the industry's most trusted organizations and conferences—including the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi), The Bookfest, Pikes Peak Writers Conference, Self Publishing Show London, Stockholm Writers Festival, NINC, Author Nation, Toronto Writers Conference, Superstars, and more. These collaborations ensure that our readers gain exclusive access to top-tier resources, the latest publishing insights, and unparalleled opportunities to connect with industry leaders—collectively elevating the standards and reach of indie publishing.
Our Sister Sites: Supporting Indie Authors Every Step of the Way
Indie Author Magazine is part of a larger ecosystem designed to serve the unique needs of indie authors:
- Indie Author Training: An educational marketplace connecting indie authors with experienced instructors who offer courses, workshops, coaching, and training sessions on all aspects of indie publishing—from marketing and business management to creative storytelling and productivity.
- Indie Author Tools: Essential resources, productivity hacks, and expert recommendations designed to help authors streamline their creative and business processes, so they can focus on perfecting their craft.
- Direct2Readers.com: A dynamic platform that bridges the gap between authors and readers, facilitating direct engagement through new book releases, exclusive offers, and community-driven interactions.
- Storyteller Showcase: Our reader-facing magazine delivering in-depth reviews, curated reading lists, and engaging features that connect literary enthusiasts with the diverse voices and innovative storytelling of the indie world.
Together, these platforms create a comprehensive support network, empowering indie authors with the tools, training, and community connections they need to thrive.
What We Stand For
Our core values guide everything we do:
- Empowerment Through Knowledge: We celebrate every author’s unique journey and encourage their entrepreneurial spirit.
- Inclusive Community: We are committed to ensuring every voice is heard. We actively seek out and amplify perspectives that have traditionally been undervalued, enriching our collective conversation.
- Integrity and Transparency: We uphold the highest standards of honesty and authenticity in all our work.
- Accountability and Trust: We nurture strong, dependable relationships with our readers, contributors, and partners.
- Environmental Responsibility: We commit to sustainable practices that minimize our impact on the planet.
- Service and Support: We continuously provide the resources and connections indie authors need to thrive.
Indie Author Magazine is a project of Athenia Creative Services, LLC, a privately held Nevada corporation. Through insightful journalism, strategic partnerships, and our extended family of sites, we proudly support authors on their journey—helping them succeed on their own terms.