Resources for
Indie Authors & Readers
Free tools, trusted links, and honest resources for writers building smarter and readers looking for Black books.
You’re overwhelmed. Start here.
Trying to build an author brand from scratch can make you feel like you need to buy everything at once.
A logo. A website. Business cards. Canva. Packaging. Fonts. Colors. Templates. All the things.
Before you spend money trying to look official, get clear on what you actually want your author brand to say.
Drop your email below and I’ll send you the DIY Author Brand Starter Sheet.
Now Available
The Part They Don’t Post
A 67-page practical guide for indie authors building a brand from scratch, spending smarter, planning events, surviving slow seasons, and learning the parts people skip over online.
If you’re trying to build your author brand with more intention and fewer expensive guesses, this guide is for you.
Helpful Links for Indie Authors & Readers
There are thousands of tools and platforms out there. These are a few resources I’ve personally used, researched, or found helpful while building an author business, publishing books, and connecting with readers.
TheBlkShelf
A space built for Black readers and authors. Great for discovering indie authors, finding new reads, and connecting with a community that intentionally centers Black books.
Oakleaf House
A Black-owned publishing house offering professional editing, beta reading, book production, and publishing support for independent authors. Explore their services and pricing to see what fits your publishing needs and budget.
A Black woman-owned creative studio helping independent authors bring their books to life, from developmental editing, copy editing and proofreading to custom book covers and author websites. Start with a free 1,000-word sample edit and explore their packages to find the right fit for your book.
Bowker / MyIdentifiers
If owning your ISBNs matters to your long-term goals, this is where many U.S. authors purchase and manage them. Research first. Buy second.
A book printing service offering paperback and hardcover printing, author copies, and bulk orders. Worth exploring for festival inventory, direct sales, and larger print runs. Compare pricing and turnaround times to find what works for your budget.
A print-on-demand and wholesale distribution platform that allows independent authors to make their books available for ordering through bookstores, libraries, and retailers. A great option for authors looking to expand beyond direct sales and Amazon.
Kling AI
Useful for bringing promo photos and static images to life through motion content when you want more dynamic marketing materials.
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Click their names to connect with them directly and inquire about Pay for Finished Hour (PFH) rates and availability.
Disclaimer:
These resources are shared because I personally use them, researched them, or believe they may be helpful while building an author business. I am not sponsored by, affiliated with, or compensated for recommending these resources unless otherwise stated. Please do your own research and choose what works best for your business needs.