About Us.
STAKTT was born out of frustration—and hope. As a self-published author, I wanted a simple way to sell pre-sale paperbacks and merch directly to readers. I searched for a platform that met those needs, but nothing existed. My only option was to build a personal e-commerce website and pay upfront costs and ongoing fees, even if I didn’t sell a single book.
Then came the turning point: I walked into a big-box bookstore, only to be dismissed for daring to ask about shelf space for one self-published title. That experience made it clear—indie authors deserve better.
STAKTT is my answer. This is a marketplace built for the little guy—for every author who wants to share their stories without gatekeepers, and for every reader who wants to discover books they actually want to read – not just the “flavour of the month” genres we’re being force fed. Here, authors are celebrated, and readers can explore signed copies, special editions, exclusive merch, and curated bookboxes they won’t find on the shelves of big-name stores.
At STAKTT, every indie book matters—and every indie author belongs.
How it all began
STAKTT started with one author’s frustration and determination. As a self-published writer, I wanted a simple, affordable way to sell pre-sale paperbacks and merch directly to readers. But instead, I was forced into expensive website options with ongoing costs—whether I sold books or not. When I finally approached a big-box bookstore to ask about shelf space for a single title, I was dismissed outright. That moment was a turning point: it became clear that self-published authors needed their own platform, a space where they could be taken seriously and celebrated for their work. That’s why STAKTT was created—to give indie authors, creators and curators the visibility and opportunity they deserve.
Our mission
Our mission is to level the playing field for independent authors and help readers discover stories outside the mainstream genres. Big publishers pay for the shelf space you see in major bookstores—but we believe every author deserves a chance to reach readers, and every reader deserves the chance to discover books written for them, not just marketed to them. STAKTT exists to connect authors and readers directly, offering signed copies, exclusive merch, and stories you won’t find on the front tables of chain stores. By removing the barriers and gatekeepers, we’re building a marketplace that celebrates creativity, authenticity, and connection.
Our audience
STAKTT is for indie authors who want to share their stories without jumping through impossible hoops, and for readers who love discovering unique voices outside of the mainstream. In our early stages, we’re focusing on three groups: self-published authors, booksih creators and bookbox curators looking for an affordable, supportive way to sell their work to passionate readers who crave fresh, authentic stories. If you’re an author ready to put your book on the shelf—or a reader ready to explore beyond the big publishers—STAKTT is your community.
Hey, I’m Kate Broadway, the founder of STAKTT—but before that, I’m a self-published author just like many of you. My debut novel, Private Morey’s Jacket, was inspired by my own dog, Morey, who’s been my loyal companion through life’s ups and downs. Writing his story into fiction was my way of exploring love, loss, and resilience, while also honoring the bond between people and their animals.
When it came time to share my book, I quickly realized how hard it is for indie authors to find support. I wanted to sell pre-sale paperbacks and a bit of merch, but there wasn’t a platform out there that made it easy without huge upfront costs. And when I approached a big-box bookstore about shelf space for just one title, I was dismissed out of hand—it was disheartening, but also motivating.
That moment planted the seed for STAKTT. I wanted to create a place where authors like me wouldn’t feel shut out, and where readers could connect directly with the people behind the stories—through signed copies, exclusive merch, and books that come straight from the heart.
At the end of the day, I’m just someone who loves stories, believes in underdogs (both canine and author!), and wants to give every writer a chance to shine.
