Julia and Jared Drake, co-founders of the boutique literary firm Wildbound PR, have acquired IndieReader, one of the first U.S. platforms to champion professionally reviewed and marketed indie books.
Founded by author and publicist Amy Edelman in 2009, IndieReader has become a resource for self-published, hybrid, and small press authors seeking professional book reviews, awards recognition, and marketing support. Under her leadership, the site built a reputation for high standards, editorial integrity, and unwavering support for the indie author community. (Shelf Awareness runs IndieReader's bestseller list weekly; see below.)
Edelman said, "When I launched IndieReader, self-published authors were considered lesser than those who were traditionally published. Today, they're leading some of the most creative and disruptive work in publishing. I'm thrilled to pass the baton to Julia and Jared, who share my respect for independent authors and will continue to provide them with the ecosystem in which to thrive."
Julia Drake said, "We're honored to carry Amy's vision forward, preserving the site's integrity while expanding IndieReader's reach in a rapidly growing publishing landscape."
Jared Drake said, "Julia and I come to this not just as lovers of all things books, but as storytellers who believe in the power of independent voices. Amy built something rare: a place where quality and creativity are recognized without gatekeeping. That spirit will remain our North Star."
The Drakes have, they said, spent their careers championing independent voices and storytellers. As co-founders of Wildbound PR, a boutique literary publicity and marketing firm, they've partnered with authors, publishers, and literary organizations around the world. They've also spoken at meeting of Writer's Digest, the San Francisco Writers Conference, IWOSC, and the Women's National Book Association, and have contributed to Publishers Weekly and other industry outlets. In addition to producing major literary events such as the Kirkus Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Awards, they also work in independent film. Jared Drake recently produced the Netflix documentary Buried: The 1982 Alpine Meadows Avalanche and is currently producing Wall of White alongside Martin Scorsese.
Under the new owners, IndieReader will expand beyond reviews and awards to become a hub for editorial curation, community-building, and innovative discovery tools for authors and readers alike. "Our hope is to reshape 'indie' as a vital and necessary force within the publishing ecosystem," Jared Drake said.
IndieReader is offering a 20% discount on all IndieReader services until August 12 (use coupon code GoIndie).