If you're an indie author interested in reaching a wider reading audience, building buzz for your literary work, or you're an avid reader looking for exciting new literary voices in a variety of genres, check out the Indie Author Project (brought to you by our partner, Biblioboard!). This ebook discovery platform provides Library card holders access to the best indie ebooks from local Angelenos and writers across the country.
We're excited to announce that Indie Author Project's Annual Contest is opening on Apr 1, 2026, and closes on May 31, 2026. The Indie Author Project Annual Contest seeks to find the best indie-published book in nine genres: Mystery/Thriller, Romance, SciFi, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, General/Contemporary Fiction, Memoir, Young Adult, and Children's Picture Books (brand new category!). You'll have the chance to win $2,500 and other amazing prizes.
This contest is a powerful way for authors to elevate their careers and writing goals, powered by the library community. Along with the award and its perks, being recognized by librarians creates credibility and visibility for indie authors, setting them apart in a growing marketplace of digital content and indie-published books across the United States and Canada.
Take a look at last year's winners, including Cynthia Swanson, 2025 Indie Author of the Year:
"What's been remarkable to me, in going from traditional to indie publishing, is realizing how many options exist for authors to get their words into the world. It's not uncommon for authors to have a 'this, not that' mindset with regard to indie and traditional publishing. I get it; I had that mindset for many years. But taking a leap of faith and going indie for Anyone But Her taught me that the only limitations are those I place on myself."
