Inside the Indie Horror World

by Kevin J. Kennedy, David Moody, S.E. England

Join your favourite Indie Horror Authors for some tales about their adventures navigating the industry. The highs, the lows and everything in between. Some of them give some tips and advice and others share their funny and embarrassing stories. This is not a ‘How To’ book, but there are many great lessons inside if you are looking to write or boost where you are at the moment. If you simply want to find out a little more about what goes on behind the closed doors of the horror book world, you have come to the right place.

Genres: Nonfiction

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 8, 2023

About the author

Kevin J. Kennedy is a horror author, editor, and anthologist. He is the owner of KJK Publishing and runs the bestselling 'The Horror Collection' series. He is the author of Halloween Land, The Clown and Nothing is Real.

He lives in the heart of Scotland with his beautiful wife, three cats, Carlito, Ariel and Luna, and a Pomchi called Orko. He can be found on Facebook if you want to chat with him.

Reviews

[Andrew Kurtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real talk

This is a book of horror stories, but not the fictional type. Several masters of indie horror tell it like it is. There is no boasting to sell books, but down to Earth talk as though you were sitting next to them in a restaurant and having a friendly chat.
Some of the topics discussed are that though the history of horror literature is bleak, we now have the technological means to makeboom.
ise to the top. The format and grammar you use is just as important as the story. If you get a negative review, don't despair, but keep moving on.
This is just the tip of the iceberg in this extraordinary book.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorites included:
Chase Those Nightmares by John Durgin
We Are Not Alone by Jay Bower
The Killer Mentality by Nick Roberts

[Brennan LaFaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the interest of full disclosure, of the many articles in Inside the Indie Horror World belongs to me. Thankfully, the ship's hulls are replete with enough bounty that I can ignore my contribution and wholeheartedly recommend this. It can be tiring to say there's something for everyone in a collection, but it's stunningly true here. From advice to newer authors, advice to seasoned authors, behind-the-scenes looks for readers, funny anecdotes, harrowing anecdotes, and just generally more from the small(ish) press authors we can't get enough of. ItIHW includes standout articles from the likes of Russell R. James, Brian Moreland, Chad Lutzke, John Boden, Mercedes M. Yardley, Joe Mynhardt, and Candace Nola among many others. Pick up a copy and see where the nightmares come from.

[~Cyanide Latte~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated reading this set of essays. A lot of the formatting felt weird and I didn't totally love every essay, but there was value in each of them, and it was a very good form of encouragement. Even if horror isn't your wheelhouse, I think anyone who writes and wants to independently publish should consider giving this a read. I read the Kindle edition of this book, but I'm hoping to pick up a physical copy for my small shelf of "on writing and publishing " books, to have on hand to go through again as needed when I need a reminder for my own work.

[Niall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any aspiring horror or dark fiction writer. Full of inspiring stories and practical advice. My complaint is that it wasn't published sooner, but I will still benefit greatly from reading this and hopefully have a successful horror writing career (look out for NP Cunniffe! :D ). I will be coming back to this whenever I need it, I am sure.

[Alexandra Nisneru · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book. Every aspirant to a writer's career should read this. It's packed with valuable input, advices and behind the scenes tips and tricks that its guaranteed to make you a better writer.

[Diana | Indie Book Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t something I would typically review, but since I’m a fan of indie horror and many of the authors involved, I decided to check it out.

As a reader, I find the stories interesting. It was nice to learn more about the authors I already follow and to read about the new to me authors. I’m a curious person anyway, so getting into the minds of these authors was fun for me. Typically, we hear about their books, maybe a little about their writing habits, but this book went a little deeper.

Most of what is shared probably applies more to authors, but I still enjoyed it. As someone who would love to write a book one day, there is a lot of solid advice here as well as tips on the various areas of publishing a book. I would recommend this to aspiring authors. I think many could benefit from this book and it’s something that could be used as a good reference tool for new writers.

[Deven VanKirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book should be on everyone's bookshelf. What I thought would be a how-to guide for writers is actually so much more.
There are some how-tos intermingled with suggestions and relatable stories from many indie horror authors. I've read many of these authors, and I'm sure a lot of you have as well.
I got a lot out of this one. I think you will as well. I would have liked to have read from more authors I've read.

[C.S. S Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book if you want an insight into indie horror, tips on how to approach it, or just plain want some fun anecdotes. After a bit of a personal lull, I came away reinvigorated and it's given me the boost to push on that I sorely needed. Each chapter is from someone with a different background and a different approach and it isn't afraid to let each contributor's voice shine.

[Ann Keeran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get insider tips from the best authors of indie horror. Learn how to make your novel as perfect as possible.

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this look into the world of writing, publishing and editing horror. There were many quotes I highlighted and many times I laughed out loud. I could easily read this again and again for motivation if I ever decide to sit down and write a book. Would love to see it available in paperback!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible! This book offers such an amazing inside view of the entire indie horror world from the writers to the publishing world to us eagerly waiting readers.

[Sharron Joy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

An anthology of essays from some of the best indie horror writers working today.

This gives hints, tips and ideas for the fledgling indie writer. There are the highs and lows of the writing life as well as funny stories and amusing anecdotes. There is no ego here, no push to sell their books just an honest account of what it is like to be an indie author. This is real talk, not an how to guide but a friendly voices speaking their truth.

I found this a fascinating look behind the indie horror curtain with some of my favourite writers, excellent!

[Echo Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book tremendously. I think this is a great book for anyone who (1) wants to enter the indie world via writing,, publishing and/or podcasting, (2) curious as to how the indie world is different from traditional routes or (3) just want to hear from your favorite indie horror authors and get to know more about how they tick.

So, basically, what I am saying is ... READ THIS BOOK! Not only were most names familiar to me, others weren't. I ended up adding to my never ending wishlist because I loved their personality so much and what they had to say.

This needs to be on the shelf next to On Writing by Stephen King and Elements of Style by Strunk & White for any aspiring indie horror writers out there.

[Leighah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a whole lot more than I thought I would as I'm not a big non fiction reader. But was a fascinating look into authors that I had read (and some I haven't) but knew little about. This book gave me a whole new appreciation into how much work goes into writing and publishing. This anthology is put together really well and overall a great read.

[Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of insight, experience, and encouragement grounded in real talk here. A gift to the community.

[Stéphane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great peek at the insides of the indie horror world. Tasty! I’ve learned plenty and it’s entertaining too. Recommended!

[R.K. King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like most 'how to write' books, this was something of a mixed bag; some filler entries interspersed with some really great gems.
Personally, I got the most out of essays by authors such as John Everson, Brian Moreland, Tom Deady, John Durgin, Kenzie Jennings, Simon Clark, Jay Bower, Joe Mynhardt, Sarah E. England, R.E. Sargent, Mark Lukens, and Nick Roberts.
The main thing of all writing guides is to take what works for you and apply it. What works for another writer may not work for you, so don't treat everything as gospel. But there are always common threads that will help you as a writer, and those things are often described well in this book. Often in a more personal way compared to a more analytical tome.
Great resource for any horror writer, indie or trad or hybrid, it's all good.
Join the RK King readers' list for an exclusive FREE short story, plus inside info, musings, promos and more: RK King Writes

[stwdscrwdntat2d · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to the stories of these authors, its cool to get a behind the scenes view of the stories and what inspired the authors. This story also gives insight into writing.

A month ago I was at the coast in Oregon and came across the author David Moody. I dont recall ever hearing about him but I picked up Autumn and Hater. I really liked Hater (autumn is sitting on my tbr shelf) When he gave his detail of the book and what got him into it, was interesting.

I didnt know all the authors but now I know where to look for my next read.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can you become a bestseller indie horror author? Kevin J. Kennedy who compiled this fantastic anthology lets the authors themselves do the talking: how they network, who they get in contact with, what they think about bad reviews, how important formatting the text is, conventions and book tables, where they get their inspirations from... every author tells his own story of writing and success. John Everson, Chad Lutzke, Mark Lukens, Tom Deady and many more are waiting inside to help you. Highly recommended behind the scenes information!

[Paula Cappa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I had this book twelve years ago (and three novels and a novelette ago) for this kind of healthy reality boost. Kennedy covers all aspects of a writer’s struggles and disappointments, joys and successes, with a family of authors’ advice and perspectives. The horror indie world isn’t easy to navigate and while the options now have improved, Russell R. James makes a point that we need more than writing skill, more than creativity; he names one more quality—optimism. And where does that come from? Imagine you are sitting at a huge table beneath breezy trees, sky of blue, and sunshine. Over thirty experienced authors are speaking to you about their storytelling, writing process, persistence, and failures that led to successes. Take a big bite of this one. Bon appétit.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting book. Lots of knowledge from all corners and tips and hints.
But it’s the depth of their know how to that I was looking for and I got it.
From the funny side to the frustrating. Story telling to story yelling

So thanks all

[M. Clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for aspiring authors and readers. There is lots of great advice and different perspectives. It helps show readers the struggles that authors go through.

[Armand Rosamilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some interesting articles in this book. For me it was the more personal stories of how the author started in the horror world and the many roadblocks and reality that got in the way.