Welcome to the Awesome Indies listings of quality books written by independently published authors.
The difference between this site and others that showcase Indie books is that the only criteria for inclusion on this list is quality, and the quality is determined by publishing professionals.
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Most of the books listed on this site cost less than $5, many are $2.99. Short stories are either 99c or free, and many of the books have cheap or free promotions from time to time. Click on the cover image to find the book’s information and current pricing.
The books on this list have a 5 star review, or a comprehensive 4 star review, or equivalent recommendation, written by one or more of the following people
- an Awesome Indie author
- someone with a degree in Creative Writing, or English Literature or equivalent relevant qualification
- an author or editor who is or has been employed in that capacity by a publishing house that isn’t their own.
Books that have won a respected literary award also qualify for this listing.
The qualification for ‘awesome’ varies depending on who is doing the evaluation, and not everyone will agree on all books, but as a base line, the books on the list fulfill the following criteria.
An Awesome Indies book will be properly formatted, have no or few copy errors (let’s face it even major publishers can’t avoid one or two) and the prose will meet the following criteria. Specifically, you can be sure th
- the plot is strong and engaging
- the characters are well developed and their dialogue and interactions with others are believable.
- the book is not excessively wordy, particularly, no rambling descriptions, dumps of information, unnecessary repetition or irrelevant scenes.
- changes in the point of view of the writing are clear, specifically no ‘head hopping.’
- the author knows how to show the story rather than tell it, so that the writing is immediate and engaging.
- the grammar, spelling and punctuation are correct (in accordance with whichever country’s style guide the author is using.)
We do not guarantee that you will like the stories in any of these books. Some of them may push the established boundaries in genres, form and subject matter, but all of them are of a professional standard.
Note that the Awesome Indies list is presently restricted to adult and young adult fiction. Further genres will be added as recommendations are made.
Click on the book cover to find out book details. Non kindle owners check out Smashwords if you wish to purchase the book.
If you think that any of these books should not be on this list, please let us know by filling in the contact form on the ‘About’ page. We will have the book reviewed again. Before contacting us though, please check the criteria for inclusion. You may not like a book, but that doesn’t mean that it’s poor quality.
