What is the Indie Author Project?
The Indie Author Project (IAP) is a publishing community that includes public libraries, authors, curators, and readers working together to connect library patrons with great indie-published books. Through this publishing community, authors can submit ebooks directly to their local public library to then be vetted by industry editorial partners and librarian editorial boards. Being selected by these curators can lead to expanded discovery, distribution, and networking opportunities.
I work for a public library. How can I participate?
Libraries can participate by joining the Indie Author Project program. Elevate local indie authors by encouraging them to submit their ebooks to the library, and promote their books to patrons in your community. Ready to learn more? Reach out to Roy Serrao.
I’m an author. How can I participate?
Indie authors can submit qualifying ebooks to the Indie Author Project here. After submitting to IAP, your book can be shared with patrons of participating libraries across your region. If your book is selected by our curation partners, it will also be available alongside other great indie reads in participating libraries across the U.S. and Canada as a part of the IAP Select collection. Indie authors are also invited to participate in the Indie Author Project Annual Contests. Submissions are accepted from April 1st – May 31st and winners are announced at Indie Author Day in November.
What is Indie Author Project Select?
All Indie Author Project submissions are vetted and the best of the best ebooks are chosen to be a part of the Indie Author Project Select collection, which is available to participating libraries on BiblioBoard throughout the US and Canada. IAP Select features NY Times and USA Today best-selling authors and numerous award winners, as well as talented emerging authors.
When does the contest accept submissions?
Every spring starting April 1 and ending May 31.
Is there a fee to enter the contest?
No! It is completely free and non-exclusive for authors to participate in the Indie Author Project year-round discovery collections and annual contests.
What counts as being an indie author?
The Indie Author Project considers indie-published authors to include any authors who have the rights to independently sell, market, and distribute their works, including authors who have fully self-published all of their works, as well as hybrid authors who may have the rights to some of their works and be under contract on others. If you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility for the Indie Author Project, please let us know.
Are books that are published by small, independent publishers eligible?
The Indie Author Project considers indie-published authors to include any authors who have the rights to independently sell, market, and distribute their works, including authors who have fully self-published all of their works, as well as hybrid authors who may have the rights to some of their works and be under contract on others. If you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility for the Indie Author Project, please let us know.
Is there a minimum publication date required to submit to the contest?
No, as long as your book meets the other contest criteria, it can be submitted, regardless of when it was published.
Is there a limit on how many books I can submit to the contest?
No, there is no limit on the number of books that can be submitted to the contest or the general Indie Author Project.
I use a pen name to author my books. When I submit, should I use my pen name or my real name?
When you’re submitting your book to the contests or the general Indie Author Project, please be sure to use your pen name when filling out the author information.
My book is already included in the general Indie Author Project collection. How do I submit to the contest?
To submit to the contest, please submit your book and metadata again here, even if your book is already included in the IAP collection.
How can libraries get involved in the contests?
Marketing and promotional assets will be made available for libraries to use to help spread the word about the contests to their local writing communities. Librarians can also participate as judges for the contests as well.
How can I become a contest judge?
These contests wouldn’t be possible without the help of our volunteer librarian judges. To become a judge or to learn more about the judging process, visit: (URL of judging page/form)
What’s the difference between the contests and the IAP collections?
The Indie Author Project accepts submissions year-round, with qualifying submissions being added to participating state and region indie collections, and the best of the best submissions being included in the Indie Author Project Select. While authors who participate in the contests have the opportunity to be included in both of these collections, they also have the chance to win additional prizes and accolades.