Reading period open

There are two kinds of people in the world:

1. People who love indie books

2. People who haven’t read the right ones yet

If you’re here, I’m guessing you’re in Group One—or you’re about to be. Either way, it’s time to show up and throw some well-deserved love at the incredible humans lighting up the indie literary world. The Indieverse Awards open for voting on November 7, and the nominee list? It reads like my dream bookshelf, my DMs, and my blog calendar all rolled into one.

Let’s break it down.

We’ve Been Nominated (!!!)

I say we because these nominations belong to every single one of you who reads, shares, recommends, reviews, and cheers on indie authors and creators with me.

This blog is nominated for:

• Book Media I Always Catch Up On

• Biggest Indie Cheerleader

• Favorite Indie Guest Lineup

My newsletter—equal parts behind-the-scenes chaos, bookish joy, and spicy recommendations—is nominated for:

• Newsletter I Love to Read

And yours truly is nominated for:

• Most Underrated Indie Author

Now, do I need to win? No. But will I ugly cry and text all my friends in all caps if you vote for me? Absolutely.

But This Isn’t Just About Me

This is about us—the indie book community that shows up, lifts each other up, and creates the stories traditional publishing still doesn’t know how to make space for.

Some of the brightest stars in the indie sky are also nominated, including:

• Dana Sweeney

• D.W. Brooks

• Elm Jed

• Ivy Beck

• K. Iwancio

• Kristina Carmela

• Halli Starling

• Jes Smyth

• Tamaya Cruz

• Bridget Van der Eyk

• Rena Sapon-White and Ella Schaefer

• Mariah Ankenman

• Thea Lawrence

• Emlynn McDermott

• Nikki Elizabeth

And that’s just the beginning. The list is full of past blog guests, community champions, and creators whose work deserves the biggest spotlight we can give.

Why It Matters

These awards aren’t driven by sales numbers or publishing power. They’re about the work—the words, the worlds, the wild-hearted love poured into every page. They’re about the readers who find themselves in stories they weren’t supposed to see. And they’re about lifting up the voices doing it all without a safety net.

This is where the real magic happens.

So What Can You Do?

1. Mark your calendar: November 7. That’s when voting opens. Set a reminder, tell your group chat, and charge your devices.
   Bookmark this link

2. Share your faves. Post your ballot, tag your favorite nominees, and tell the world who’s been getting you through this season of life.

3. Keep reading indie. Keep shouting about the books that moved you. Keep showing up. You’re part of this story, too.

Thanks for being here, and for being part of something real. Let’s flood this little corner of the internet with all the love, support, and community that makes indie so damn special.