Today's Read Contributor The 2023 Indie Publishing Conference took place on December 15 in Los Angeles, attracting hundreds of independent authors, publishers, and industry professionals from across the country. Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, this year’s conference focused on the latest trends and challenges in independent publishing, providing a space for discussion, networking, and learning. The event aimed to support the growth of the indie publishing sector, a rapidly expanding part of the literary world that has gained increasing attention in recent years.
One of the key figures in the indie publishing community, CEO of IngramSpark and publishing expert, Peter Walsh, opened the conference with a keynote speech on the future of self-publishing. Walsh highlighted the significant role independent authors and small presses have played in diversifying the book market, noting that the growth of platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) has empowered countless writers to take control of their own work. “Indie authors are the true pioneers of this publishing revolution,” Walsh said, stressing the importance of self-published authors in providing diverse, often underrepresented voices.
One of the most anticipated panels was titled “Breaking Barriers: How Indie Publishers are Challenging the Traditional Publishing Model.” The panel featured authors and independent publishers like Tara Parsons, founder of Golden Door Press, and bestselling indie author J.A. Baker. The conversation revolved around how indie presses are able to offer unique and niche titles that larger publishing houses may overlook. “Independent publishing allows for creative freedom and more diverse voices to be heard,” said Parsons, whose press specializes in books that challenge mainstream narratives and explore complex social issues.
The conference also provided a series of workshops on key topics for aspiring authors and small publishers, such as effective book marketing strategies, leveraging social media for book promotion, and the importance of building an author brand. One particularly popular workshop was led by social media strategist and author advocate, Rachel Myers, who gave an in-depth look at how independent authors can use platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to engage with readers and build a loyal following.
The Indie Publishing Awards, a new feature of the conference, also took place this year, recognizing excellence in indie publishing across several categories. The Best Indie Fiction award went to The Quiet Revolution by M.P. Oliver, a dystopian novel that captivated readers with its innovative narrative and powerful social commentary. The Best Indie Non-fiction award was given to Echoes of the Past by historian Evelyn Harris, a compelling work that explores the untold stories of women in the Civil Rights Movement.
Perhaps one of the most significant announcements of the day was the launch of the Indie Author’s Fund, a new initiative designed to provide financial support and resources to indie authors who are struggling to cover publishing, marketing, and distribution costs. This fund, backed by several key industry partners, aims to make indie publishing more accessible to authors from all backgrounds.
As the conference concluded, attendees left with a renewed sense of optimism for the future of indie publishing. The event demonstrated the strength of independent authors and publishers, whose creativity and resilience continue to shape the literary landscape. The 2023 Indie Publishing Conference highlighted the growing importance of indie voices in the wider publishing industry and reaffirmed that the future of literature lies in the hands of those who are willing to take risks and tell stories that matter.
