Indie YA Idols

I will confess that I'm new to the indie YA scene. Although I have been reading YA from the big houses for years, I have only recently entered the indie YA market.  However, that doesn't mean I don't have some favorites.  In particular, there are 2 independent YA authors that I find particularly inspirational. (And yes, they do both happen to be authors I work with, but that's not why I find them inspirational.)  Let me introduce you to Denise Getson and PJ Hoover.

Denise Getson

My first acquaintance with Denise's writing began when I ran across her manuscript in the slush pile at Blooming Tree Press.  She had written this intriguing dystopic novel (back before the onslaught of dystopic novels) set in a world with very little water.  Although originally contracted with Blooming Tree, I negotiated long and hard to purchase her contract for my own press CBAY Books.  In fact, Denise's novel is what made me want to diversify my press into YA.  Up until her manuscript, I had been content to stay a press dedicated to middle grade fantasy and science fiction.  That changed with Dry Souls.

Dry Souls is the tale of Kira, a girl who discovers that in her drought stricken world she can create water.  Kira dreams of refilling the lakes and streams, but the government, who uses water to control its population, has other ideas.

Dry Souls came out last spring, and is one of my favorite teen books on the market right now. (I don't just say that because I published it.  It is really a great book.) I highly recommend it.

PJ Hoover

PJ has been a major inspiration to me — in fact she is the person who inspired me to self-publish my own teen novel.  PJ was the first person in my direct acquaintance to decide to explore direct ebook and POD publishing.  Although I have known PJ for years (I published her middle grade trilogy), I was amazed at the depth of her writing when I read my copy of Solstice, her new young adult novel.  Also debuting last spring, Solstice, has earned (and deserved) many 5 star reviews from the readers who have devoured it.

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Set in a world of permanent summer, Piper discovers there's more to her life than she had previously believed. A mysterious box, two very hot and intriguing guys who like her, and an overprotective mother all come together to make Piper's life very strange indeed.

Although I've heard many books described as "Percy Jackson meets Twilight," this is the only book to date that I feel truly deserves that description. The Greek mythology is woven into the story masterfully, and the romance is both intense without being overpowering.  Another great book for fans of YA fiction to read.

Although I know that there are many other great indie YA authors out there, these are two of my favorite.  Hopefully, they will become 2 of your favorites as well.