From Indie Author to Ballantine Books: K. L. Speer on the Evolution of Bones

K. L. Speer on the Journey From Self-Publishing to Traditional Publishing

K. L. Speer’s journey with Bones began as an entirely independent creative undertaking. She did not only write and self-publish the post-apocalyptic romantasy. With her background in graphic design, she also created its artwork, covers and layouts.

Now, Bones has entered a new era. Ballantine Books published its new edition on September 1, introducing Speer’s dark, emotionally layered world to a much wider audience.

In our conversation with Speer, we explored the rapid path from self-publishing to traditional publication, the difficulty of surrendering creative control and the deeply personal ideas behind Bones, a gifted healer who enters the story carrying wounds of her own.

An Unexpected Path to Traditional Publishing

Speer had already built a significant readership independently, but managing every part of the publishing process was becoming increasingly difficult.

“I was really just reaching a point where I had grown the audience to a size where it was getting very hard to do everything by myself,” she explained.

That realization led her to consider finding representation. In a remarkable piece of timing, Speer heard from Emily, who would become her agent, the following day.

Even then, traditional publication was not necessarily the plan.

“I still wasn’t sure if I wanted to do trad publishing, so we weren’t really submitting it,” she recalled.

The opportunity that ultimately emerged developed quickly, but Speer believes the timing felt right.

“It happened very fast, but it was all very meant to be.”

Letting Go of a Completely Independent Creation

Moving into traditional publishing required Speer to relinquish some control over a project that had previously been hers at every level.

“I think most designers would say that they have control issues,” she joked. “It was hard when you have touched every single little piece of it and kind of hand it off.”

Because Speer had personally designed the independent editions, the transition extended beyond editorial revisions. It meant trusting a publishing team with the visual identity of her characters and world.

Fortunately, Ballantine allowed her to remain involved in aspects of the design process. That collaboration helped her preserve a connection to the visual storytelling that had always been part of the series.

Writing Forward While Returning to the Beginning

Speer is now in the unusual position of expanding the series while revisiting a story that many existing readers already know. She shared that four books are currently planned, with the third anticipated in late summer 2027.

Rather than finding the return to Bones restrictive, she embraced the opportunity to strengthen it.

“I love it. I could go back and redo my book over and over until I die, I think, and it would be fun for me.”

Revisiting the beginning allowed her to add greater depth, reinforce the foundations of the world and further develop characters whose journeys will continue across the series.

A Healer Who Is Also Wounded

At the center of Bones is a striking contradiction. Bones possesses an extraordinary ability to heal other people, yet she begins the story deeply affected by trauma, captivity and loss.

“She views herself one way and yet she constantly is giving all of herself to help other people,” Speer said.

Bones may recognize the pain in others more easily than she recognizes her own value. That tension makes her strength feel complicated and human. She has learned how to survive, but survival has not made her emotionally invulnerable.

According to Speer, understanding the difference between how Bones views herself and how others experience her became an important part of constructing the character.

“Her view of herself and her wiring is really fascinating.”

Building a Post-Apocalyptic Montana

Although Bones unfolds in a post-apocalyptic fantasy world, its setting was influenced by Speer’s upbringing in rural Montana.

“I grew up in a very small, remote town,” she explained. “It felt very much like a place that was in a different time.”

That background helped shape a world in which distance, isolation and the struggle for resources feel tangible. The magic also operates with boundaries and consequences. Bones’ healing ability may appear miraculous, but it can expose her to exploitation and tremendous danger.

By limiting the magic and connecting it to the realities of survival, Speer prevents it from becoming an easy answer to every problem.

Finding Hope Through Community

Bones contains violence, trauma and loss, but Speer does not view darkness as the story’s only defining quality.

“There’s a lot of darkness, but also a glimmer of hope.”

Much of that hope emerges through found family. In a world where traditional structures have been damaged or destroyed, relationships become essential sources of safety, identity and belonging.

The romance develops within that larger emotional landscape. Instead of existing separately from the danger and conflict, it grows through the choices the characters make while trying to survive.

For Speer, vulnerability is not the opposite of strength. It is one of the qualities that allows her characters and their relationships to feel real.

A New Beginning for Bones

The traditional publication of Bones represents more than a reissue. It gives Speer the opportunity to refine the opening of a larger story while welcoming readers who may be encountering her work for the first time.

Her experience also offers an unusual perspective on publishing. She understands what it means to build an audience independently, maintain control over an entire creative project and then decide which responsibilities she is ready to share.

Watch our complete conversation with K. L. Speer to hear more about the creation of Bones, the future of the series, her approach to trauma and healing, and the community that has grown around her work.

Content note: Bones is written for adults and contains mature subject matter. Readers can find detailed content information on K. L. Speer’s official website.