Celebrating Indies United

A Legacy of Literary Independence

Every August 12th, we mark the anniversary of Indies United Publishing House with gratitude, pride, and a renewed sense of purpose. What began as a bold vision in Quincy, Illinois has grown into a thriving cooperative of authors, creatives, and readers who believe in the power of independent storytelling.

Indies United isn’t just a publisher—it’s a movement. A place where genre doesn’t define you, where creativity is celebrated, and where every author has a voice.

What Makes Indies United Different?

• Author-first publishing that empowers creatives to shape their own journey

• Genre-neutral branding and cinematic launch campaigns that rival the majors

• A vibrant community built on collaboration, celebration, and shared success

A Year of Triumphs & Togetherness

This past year has been nothing short of extraordinary. Indies United isn’t just growing—we’re flourishing into a true literary community, where every author is seen, celebrated, and supported. Here’s what we’ve accomplished together:

• Raised the banner of excellence with multiple award-winning titles that prove indie doesn’t mean second-best—it means bold, original, and unforgettable

• Hosted the Second Annual Small Bites Short Story Contest, inviting fresh voices to shine and showcasing the power of compact storytelling with big emotional impact

• Hosted our second Author Retreat in June, a weekend of creativity, connection, and collaboration that laid the foundation for something even bigger

• Announced the expansion of our retreat into the full-scale Inklight Festival for 2026, blending storytelling, a film festival, networking, and celebration into a signature annual event

• Welcomed a wave of new authors, each bringing their own spark to our collective fire—and finding a home where their stories matter

• Elevated book launches into full-blown productions, complete with dramatic visuals, cinematic trailers, and genre-neutral branding that turns heads

• Strengthened our foundation with expanded author resources, metadata mastery, and a growing network of beta readers and promotional allies

• Deepened our identity through Quibble the mascot, who’s become a symbol of our playful spirit and unwavering commitment to indie excellence

• Fostered real connection—not just between authors and readers, but among creatives who lift each other up, share the spotlight, and build something lasting

This isn’t just a publishing house. It’s a mosaic of voices. A celebration of independence. A place where stories—and storytellers—thrive.

Join the Celebration

Want to be part of the story? Subscribe to our mailing list to stay in the loop, support indie authors, and witness the magic unfold.

Here’s to another year of bold storytelling, creative breakthroughs, and the unstoppable spirit of Indies United. Happy Anniversary to the entire IUPH family. Let’s keep rewriting the rules—together.