Looking for Self-pub/indy recommendations

I’m interested in reading some Self-pub/Indy books. I like the idea of supporting lesser-known authors, and I’m looking for some recommendations; please and thank you.

I really like science fiction and fantasy, but I’m not against other or mixed genres  

·        I don’t like romance as a main plot, but I’m okay with a subplot

·        I’m an ecologist, so I’d love a story with cool world-building that considers biology

·        I’d rather not read about teenagers

·        LGBQ+ is welcome

·        I value good Characters over plot, but I prefer stakes over cozy fantasy

·        I’m okay with violence and some (not too steamy) sex as long as it's not too excessive

·        I prefer hard sci-fi and magic systems, but I’m not against some whimsy if the characters are strong

·        I’d love to see some standalone or short series

Authors I enjoy: Brandon Sanderson, Martha Wells, Adrian Tchaikovsky, Frank Herbert, Jeff VanderMeer, Becky Chambers, Any Weir, James, S.A. Corey.

Thank you. There are just so many books out there, and I don't know where to start 🙂