Riyria Relevations
While I’m on the subject of self-published authors, I should also give a quick shout out to Michael Sullivan. I discovered his Riyria Revelations series (6 books long) largely by accident. I picked up the second book in the series, Avempartha, when it was free on Amazon. I later found the first volume at the local library, and have since worked my way through the series.
Similar to Hugh Howey, Sullivan self-published his series on his own, and it later achieved enough success that Orbit offered him a book deal. The series is now available as a set of 3 books (each containing two of the original books). And Sullivan is apparently also working on a prequel that will appear next year.
While Wool is science fiction, the Riyria Revelations is classic fantasy. It shares a surface similarity to other “buddy stories” fantasy (I’m reminded a bit of Leiber’s Fafrd and the Grey Mouser, the classic warrior + thief series), but it’s very much its own story. Worth checking out if you enjoy the genre.
jeff pierce 
Hey, thanks for the mention. I’m glad you have enjoyed the series. Interestingly enough…I’ve never read Fafrd & the Grey Mouser…someday perhaps but only after I’m sure I’ll not write anymore with Royce and Hadrian. I’m a big fan of Hugh’s as well…both from a standpoint of his writing and what he is doing with his publishing career – A cool guy.
Don’t (ahem) mention it! Congratulations on the book deal, and best of luck with the prequels. I’m looking forward to reading them.