Why Creative Control and Decision‑Making Power Define Ethical Publishing Overview Author autonomy is the cornerstone of ethical hybrid publishing. August’s insight explores how creative freedom, production independence, and decision‑making power shape an author’s long‑term success. Transparent hybrid models thrive because they empower authors to control their work, their process, and their career — without sacrificing the support of a professional house. Key Takeaways Autonom

A Celebration of Stories, Strength, and the Beautiful Chaos of Indies United Tomorrow, August 12th, marks eight years since I opened the doors of Indies United Publishing House. Eight years since I said, “Let’s build something different. Let’s build something together.” And somehow, through every twist, turn, triumph, and tear, we did exactly that. Eight years. Over 250 books under our imprint. Dozens upon dozens of authors who trusted us with their stories. A community that

Children’s author Ron Kinscherf will be appearing at the Second Annual Southeast Iowa Book Fair on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center in Fairfield, Iowa. The event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public. This year’s fair is expanding into a two‑day celebration of books and storytelling, bringing together more than thirty authors from across the region. Visitors can browse books, attend readings, meet authors, and

This Was Not on the Agenda I started August with an agenda. A neat, organized, beautifully structured agenda that made me feel like I had everything under control. August took one look at it, shrugged, and said, “That’s cute,” before tossing it directly into the cosmic recycling bin. Because this month? This month had other ideas. August opened with a project I genuinely believed was wrapped, only for it to politely inform me that it had additional opinions and would like to

Indies United Publishing House is thrilled to announce that Lisa Towles has won a 2025 American Fiction Award in the Thrillers – Tech category for her explosive psychological thriller Switch. The American Fiction Awards, hosted by American Book Fest, recognize standout works across dozens of genres, highlighting books that push boundaries, elevate craft, and deliver unforgettable reading experiences. Towles’ win places Switch among the most compelling thrillers of the year —

Anniversaries, Beach Reads, and Mystery Mischief Hello again, dear readers! It’s me, Quibble — corners fluttering like palm fronds in a suspicious breeze, bookmark tail swishing with detective‑level determination, and heart thumping like a drumroll before a plot twist. August has arrived, and ohhh, this month is gloriously chaotic. The air smells like sunscreen, secrets, and freshly sharpened pencils, which can only mean one thing… August is for MYSTERIES Long days, dark moti

By generous and delightful request, Undertaker’s Espresso Bar of Tombstone, AZ, is hosting author T.E. MacArthur during Showdown in Tombstone weekend. MacArthur will be signing her latest novel, the classic Western Ghost story “A Reckoning in Mercy” on Saturday, September 5, 9:30am to 2pm at the haunted coffee location, 521 Allen Street, the original site of one of Tombstone’s mortuaries. Visitors to Tombstone for the weekend not only have the opportunity to meet MacArthur,

The Month That Looked at June and Said, “Hold my lemonade.” July didn’t so much arrive as it sizzled into existence, dragging a heatwave behind it like an over‑enthusiastic pyromaniac. The Midwest decided to cosplay as the surface of the sun, which meant my beloved porch time — my sanctuary, my writing nook, my bird‑listening zen zone — was reduced to brief, sweaty excursions where I waved at the outdoors like a Victorian invalid and immediately retreated back inside. I tried

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Michael L. Wise to Indies United Publishing House. Michael brings a rare blend of scientific depth, cultural insight, and human warmth to his writing, shaped by a career that spans theoretical physics, innovation leadership, and meaningful research into how societies grow and adapt. His work bridges ancient wisdom with modern understanding, offering readers a perspective that feels both intellectually rich and refreshingly accessible. His upcom

How Clear, Itemized Service Structures Protect Authors and Build Trust Overview Transparent pricing is one of the most powerful tools an author has when navigating hybrid publishing. July’s insight explores how clear, itemized pricing prevents confusion, why opaque pricing became common in early hybrid models, and how transparent financial structures empower authors to make informed decisions. Ethical hybrid publishing thrives when authors know exactly what they’re paying for

I Had a Plan… Briefly July didn’t just arrive... it swaggered in wearing sunglasses, holding a clipboard, and radiating the kind of confidence only a month with absolutely no intention of respecting my schedule can have. And me? I greeted July with a plan. A real plan. A color‑coded, neatly outlined, “this time I’ve got it” plan. It lasted… approximately 14 minutes. Because July took one look at my beautifully organized to‑do list, laughed, and said, “Cute. Anyway—” and then

Bob Freeman has been busy — and he’s just released a brand‑new cinematic book trailer that captures the eerie, atmospheric pulse of his storytelling in a way only Bob can pull off. This trailer isn’t just a teaser; it’s a full‑on mood piece. Dark, immersive, and beautifully crafted, it pulls you straight into the world he’s built and refuses to let go. If you haven’t watched it yet, take a moment and dive in. The pacing, the visuals, the tone — it all comes together to delive

Fireworks, Paperbacks, and Summer Shenanigans Hello again, dear readers! It’s me, Quibble — corners fluttering like sparklers, bookmark tail swishing in patriotic rhythm, and heart doing cartwheels because July has arrived! The air smells like sunscreen, iced coffee, and freshly printed pages, and I’m ready to celebrate every single story that dares to shine under the summer sun. July at Indies United means one thing: bookish joy turned up to eleven. I’ve been bouncing betwee

(a.k.a. The Month That Looked at May and Said “Hold My Iced Coffee”) June didn’t arrive so much as it slid into my inbox wearing sunglasses, sunscreen, and carrying a to‑do list I definitely didn’t agree to. It had that smug “I have plans” expression before the calendar even flipped, and honestly, it wasn’t wrong. If May was loud, June was hot and caffeinated. This month was a blur of publishing deadlines, author wrangling, metadata updates, formatting marathons, hosting the

We are pleased to welcome Brian Brady to Indies United Publishing House. Born and raised in San Francisco, Brian brings a lifetime of real‑world experience to his storytelling. His career in law enforcement — from police officer to police chief, across multiple departments and states — exposed him to the complexities of human behavior, high-stakes decision-making, and the unforgettable characters who shape a city’s heartbeat. After transitioning into corporate security and ex

We are delighted to welcome Rebecca Elegant to Indies United Publishing House. Rebecca is a poet and educator whose work celebrates language, empathy, and the quiet moments that shape everyday life. As a creative writing and journalism teacher in Marin County, California, she inspires young writers to find their voices and tell their stories with honesty and heart. She is the author of two poetry collections exploring family, identity, and the emotional landscapes that connec

Why Ethical Hybrid Models Shouldn’t Take a Percentage of an Author’s Income Overview Royalties have long been treated as a default component of publishing, but in hybrid publishing, they simply don’t belong. June’s insight examines why royalty extraction became normalized, how it harms authors, and why royalty‑free economics are the ethical and logical foundation of modern hybrid publishing. Transparent, author‑first models succeed because they align payment with labor, not o

My Brain Has Left the Chat By Lisa M. Orban June didn’t just arrive, it kicked down the door, rifled through my desk drawers, and ran off with my cognitive function like a gremlin stealing shiny objects. My brain? Oh, she’s gone. Packed a tiny suitcase, left a note on the counter, and is currently sipping margaritas on a beach somewhere while I stare at my inbox like it’s a cryptic puzzle written in ancient runes. To be fair, I did this to myself. I was out of the office for

Metal Viper at Collected WorksMetal Viper at Collected Works Ron Schultz, fresh off the energy of Inklight, and co-author, Sarah Lovett, brought Metal Viper to Santa Fe’s beloved Collected Works Bookstore for a Sunday reading that was equal parts moving, joyful, and unforgettable. The timing couldn’t have been better. Just the day before, Metal Viper received a remarkable review from the Midwest Review of Books, written by Suzie Housley — a review that beautifully captured th

Festival Lights and Nonfiction Adventures Hello again, dear readers! It’s me, Quibble — corners fluttering like festival flags, bookmark tail swishing with purpose, and heart thumping like a drumline warming up backstage. June has arrived, and ohhh, this month feels like stepping into a spotlight made of sunshine and possibility. Everything is buzzing — the books, the shelves, the carpets, even my punctuation marks are vibrating with anticipation. And why wouldn’t they be? Ju