This regular post from the Alliance of Independent Authors celebrates ALLi member successes to inspire our indie author community. Our ALLi Member Milestones, August 2025, celebrate the successes of author members Jeff Probst, Whitney Cubbison, Michael Maloof, Simona Rinfreschi, Helen Parker-Drabble, Laura Drake, and Amber Hathaway. Congratulations to all those featured in this month’s roundup and to everyone in our community who has hit a milestone!
Do you have a member milestone to share?
We are always looking to hear from our members about your achievements, from those of you who are just setting out to our most experienced Authorpreneurs. Whatever your achievement, if you are a member of ALLi, please tell us about your success stories using this form. We will share a selection each month with our members and our wider indie author network.
Whitney Cubbison
Whitney Cubbison
Whitney Cubbison is an American author in Paris with two self-published books: a romantic comedy called Will There Be Wine? published in 2023 and a romantic drama (stand-alone sequel) called Will There Be Love? published in 2025. You can find her on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Member Milestone
My new book Will There Be Love? was one of 37 books selected for Bookshop.org's Summer Beach Reads list—highlighting standout indie content for the season. The list is also being shared with indie booksellers across the US via Ingram Spark. Also, my first book Will There Be Wine? was one of 19 titles chosen for BookBub’s summer reading list, “Travel to France and Italy with These Stunning Novels,” alongside books by Ali Hazelwood and Rebecca Serle.
What Have You Learned?
You don't always get feedback on the marketing work you do, but that doesn't mean it's not landing well. Every little bit of work you do helps ensure good visibility, so just keep going. You never know who's watching and paying attention.
Jeff Probst
Jeff Probst
Jeff Probst's latest novel of the Sixties and the Moon Race is When the Moon Was White. In his Instagram Reels, words from his novel echo lyrics from songs. You can find him at jeffprobst.co.uk and on Instagram Reels.
Member Milestone
As I’m working with an artist (via another ALLi member) to create a comic based on my novel, I went to my first Comic-Con, in May in London. It was a world I didn’t know existed—people dressed as characters from comics, Netflix programs, and video games. It was chilled and friendly and much less hectic than London Book Fair—and much more fun. I went dressed as my normal self, but perhaps one day I will dress up in the uniform of the Moon Centre guard in my novel.
What Have You Learned?
I may have found a way to try to reach younger readers, or those who don’t like reading novels.
Michael Maloof
Michael Maloof
Award-winning author of the Kate Preacher Thrillers and self-described frappuccino addict, Michael Maloof transports readers into a world filled with high-stakes intrigue and relentless action. You can find him on X, Facebook, and Instagram.
Member Milestone
Michael’s award-winning debut novel Relentless just picked up its fifth accolade: the 2025 Action/Adventure Award from the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. This win follows a Gold Medal for Best Debut Fiction of 2024, the Clive Cussler Grandmaster Award, and the International Impact Award for Best Mystery/Thriller.
What Have You Learned?
First, write a good book. Independent publishing is often associated with amateur, but today we have access to the same editors and cover designers used by traditional publishers. Take this journey seriously, and the rewards will follow.
Simona Rinfreschi
Simona Rinfreschi
Simona Rinfreschi is a children's picture book and fantasy author whose heart-led stories weave gentle magic with emotional truth. You can find her on social media @simonarinfreschi.
Member Milestone
Simona received her first testimonial for her debut children’s picture book, Good Pixie Bad Pixie, which is due out in September. Her editor, Marcy Pusey, wrote: “Working with Simona on Good Pixie Bad Pixie was an absolute pleasure! Her storytelling captures the magic and wonder that makes children's literature so special. Simona has a gift for creating stories that speak to both children and adults—her work is heartfelt, imaginative, and beautifully crafted.”
What Have You Learned?
That I'm my own worst critic, and it's okay to let my “book baby” go out into the world.
Helen Parker-Drabble
Helen Parker-Drabble
A former counselor exploring family history through a psychological lens. You can find her on LinkedIn, Facebook, BlueSky, and X.
Member Milestone
Helen completed her first Kickstarter campaign for her second book, Yet: A Story of Triumph over Childhood Separation, Trauma, and Disability. The project reached £1,075 in pledges—more than double her initial goal—thanks to support from 36 backers, most of whom were new to Kickstarter.
What Have You Learned?
My marketing strengths lie in my networks, specialist Facebook groups, and carefully placed articles. I plan to continue focusing on these areas as I work on my third book.
Laura Drake
Laura Drake
Author of 16 novels across romance, women’s fiction, and suspense. She has been published by New York houses, small presses, and independently. You can find her on Facebook and Instagram.
Member Milestone
Laura recently won the Health & Wellness category of the Positive Impact Book Awards for her women’s fiction novel For Roger. On August 1, she also released her 16th book, The Devil She Didn’t Know—her first suspense novel.
What Have You Learned?
If you have an idea that won’t leave you alone, write it—even if it’s in a genre that’s new to you. It’s good to stretch your limits.
Amber Hathaway
Amber Hathaway
Amber Hathaway (she/her) is an autistic horror and dark fiction writer. She is the author of Little White Flowers, and her short stories have appeared in multiple anthologies. You can find her on Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky.
Member Milestone
Amber published her debut novel, Little White Flowers. She began the book as a teenager and spent 15 years rewriting and revising it into the layered story it is today—with the help of editors, critique partners, and persistence.
What Have You Learned?
It’s worth taking the time to create the best book you can. It may take longer to publish, but the result is something you’re proud to stand behind—and readers notice.
Not yet an ALLi member?
The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) is a global membership association for self-publishing authors. A non-profit, our mission is ethics and excellence in self-publishing.
Everyone on our team is a working indie author and we offer advice and advocacy for self-publishing authors within the literary, publishing, and creative industries around the world. All the membership options and benefits, including free access to our collection of self-publishing advice ebooks, are on our website. Take a look and join us today.
Thoughts or further questions on this post or any self-publishing issue?
If you’re an ALLi member, head over to the SelfPubConnect forum for support from our experienced community of indie authors, advisors, and our own ALLi team. Simply create an account (if you haven’t already) to request to join the forum and get going.
Non-members looking for more information can search our extensive archive of blog posts and podcast episodes packed with tips and advice at ALLi's Self-Publishing Advice Center.
