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Author Inklings: Finding the Genre Where Your Story Lives

In the second installment of her yearlong series, Susan Odev explores the importance of choosing a genre and what it tells readers about the story they hold in their hands.

Production & Workflow

Beyond Alt Text: Why Your Ebooks Should Be Made Accessible—and How to Do It

This past May, Kindle Direct Publishing introduced a question about alt text to its ebook setup page. Here are other steps you can take to make your ebooks more accessible for readers and why it matters.

ALLi Exclusive

ALLi Exclusive: Advisors Share Their Thoughts on What’s Coming for Authors in 2026

On the cusp of a new year, the Alliance of Independent Authors shares what their Advisors expect will shape the industry going forward: finding new audiences, exploring new publishing outlets, and expanding into new mediums.

Marketing

Mindful Marketing: How Indie Authors Can Build Values-Driven Book Brands Without Burnout

As author business models become more diverse, indie authors find balance, direction, and support through “mindful marketing,” a practice focused on sustainability and building stronger connections with readers.

Author Inklings

Author Inklings: New Beginnings

In the first of a new series, IAM columnist Susan Odev embarks on a yearlong endeavor in her author business and invites authors at every stage to follow along in their own careers.

Events

Get Your Calendar Ready—Stand-Out Indie Author Conferences Scheduled for 2026

2025 was filled with author conferences that invited indie authors to elevate their careers. Read what 2026 has on the books for indies at every stage, including where and when they’ll take place, how much they’ll cost, and where to go to reserve your tickets.

Issues

Issue #56 - The Final Monthly IAM Issue: Author Nation, Wide for the Win, and What’s Next

Author Nation 2025, IAM’s new role with Wide for the Win, inclusive publishing through Left Unread, AI films with Creatorwood, and practical guides on merch, transmedia, sustainable goals, Microsoft Word, and “overwriting” your draft. A special send-off before we go weekly.

author nation

Author Nation Special Issue

The Author Nation Special Issue celebrates the heart of indie publishing—community, creativity, and collaboration. Inside, find marketing insights, expert advice, and a look ahead at what’s next for authors everywhere.

Cover Feature

What's Changing at IAM: Our 2026 Roadmap Revealed

A Letter from the Publisher: Growing Thoughtfully in a Changing Landscape When we founded Indie Author Magazine in 2021, the independent publishing world was a different place. Information flowed through established channels, and authors knew where to turn for guidance they could trust. Today, nearly five years later, we find...

Issues

Issue #54 - From First Launch to Full-Time—Strategic Growth for Indie Authors

Master the business of indie publishing with Martha Carr's journey from day job to 250-book empire. Learn preorder strategies, book award tactics, and how to leverage KDP Select's library exception. Plus: NovNov launches, Gatekeeper Press review, and discoverability hacks.

Issues

Issue #53 - Going Bigger than Books—Modern Shifts in Indie Publishing

J.D. Barker shares his journey from ghostwriter to chart-topping bestseller and co-authoring with James Patterson. Plus, how authors can look beyond their books to grow their business and make it last.

Issues

Issue #52 – Build a Career That Lasts: From Big Wins to Everyday Habits

Steff Green reveals how she turned quirky Paranormal Romance into a thriving six‑figure business—and the lessons that can help any indie author grow with purpose and stay in love with the work.