(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