Two Indie Authors

This week, Facebook ads expert Matt Holmes is back on the show, as Rob and David ask him for guidance on testing Facebook ads. Matt is one of the leading experts in the field and this conversation is a MUST listen!They are then joined by the wonderful Samantha Blackwood, who takes time out from her birthday celebrations to answer the 'Seven Questions'.One of the most information packed episodes yet! So bring your notepads! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The boys are back for another show, and this week, David sits down with Rob to discuss his strategy for generating incredible readthrough with his series. They discuss everything from back matter to advertising and Rob divulges a number of hints and tips he uses to keep his readers wanting more.They are then joined by the fantastic cosy crime and poetry writer, Geraldine Moorkens Byrne, who shares her wonderfully positive approach to being an independent creative. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, David and Rob sit down and go through six tips they use to ensure they are staying productive when it comes to their writing. This isn't about marketing or admin - this is how you can get your words down on the page and get those books written!They are then joined by fantasy author, Mike Hibbert, for the 'Seven Questions' who comes with a promise...he has an answer the boys have NEVER had on the show before. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, David and Rob sit down to discuss ways that independent authors could make a supplementary income by combining opportunities with the skills you might have. It's an interesting discussion, especially for those who are looking to step into the full-time world of writing.They are then joined the spicy romance writer, Lucy Felthouse, who has published over 100 novels, novellas and anthologies, and she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the 'Seven Questions'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HAPPY EASTER!This week, David has done some digging on the plethora of subscription models available to independent authors, and along with co-host Rob, the duo delve into how they could help your indie author business. They look at the three major platforms - Patreon, Ream and Substack - and weigh up which ones could help generate a fanbase and revenue, and what it would take to make each platform work for you.They are then joined by the wonderful John Thomson for the 'Seven Questions', who gives one of the most open and honest set of answers to date. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Robert and David sit down to discuss how to devise a marketing strategy for your indie author business, and give six steps to help you get started. It ranges from understanding your audience, to knowing what your next few years look like. Grab a pen and get ready to make some notes.They are then joined on the show by Kerry Law who answers the 'Seven Questions', who has a wealth of knowledge from her career as a fantasy author. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A first time ever episode, as indie author Cas Lewis joins the boys for an indie author audit. She has opened up about her indie author career and the struggles she has faced, and David and Rob answer her questions and offer some guidance to turn her career around.Cas then sticks around for the 'Seven Questions', and offers her insights on certain aspects of the industry by drawing on her 12 years of experience.A can't miss episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the boys are discussing the rise of the 'Super Fan' and how cultivating a dedicated fan base can really sky rocket your indie author career. They talk about how they nurture that fandom, the benefits of doing so and some top tips on how to get started.They are then joined by award winning jazz musician turned indie author, Buster Birch, who has the most unique story yet on the 'Seven Questions', but one of the best business models we've heard so far.Don't miss it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, David and Rob have a look at their new look 'Seven Questions' and discuss in depth the importance of them and why they feel they had value to the indie author community. They then answer some of them themselves, reflecting on their own answers from 18 months ago.David Thomas joins the duo to answer the 'Seven Questions' himself, offering his own experiences and insights into the indie author world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the panic and outrage caused by the Findaway/Spotify announcement this past week, Rob and David sit down to discuss how truly independent are indie authors and what would it take to achieve complete independence.They are then joined by thriller author, Phil M. Williams, who tackles the 'Seven Questions' all the way from the East Coast of America. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the guys welcome a huge guest, as the creator of BookFunnel, Damon Courtney joins them on the show. As one of the biggest innovators in the indie author world, Damon has over a decade of experience in the profession, as well as being the brains behind one of the most used pieces of software amongst the indie author community. If you've ever wanted to know what BookFunnel can do for your business, or some of the features it offers, then this is the episode for you.And Damon sticks around to tackle the 'Seven Questions', offering a unique take on things such as marketing and has some sage advice for you all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Rob shares his story of a horrible email received from Amazon and the potential impact it could have on his indie author business, leading to a wider discussion about some of the perils of having all of your eggs in the Amazon basket.The boys are then joined by crime writer, Martin Tracey, who brings a wave of positivity to the 'Seven Questions'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, David and Rob are joined by phycological thriller writer, M.R. Mackenzie, who appeared way back on episode 6 to tackle the 'Seven Questions'. Over a year later, M.R. Mackenzie has transformed his indie author business, and he sits down with the Two Indie Authors to discuss what he has done to turn it around, the mindset and mentality he now has, along with the big plans he has put in place to continue his upward trajectory.For anyone who has hit a wall, or isn't sure what they could do to spark their indie author career to life, then this is the episode for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, celebrated children's author and public speaking expert Alice G. May returns to the show, this time to share an in-depth discussion about speaking at author events and why they can be so beneficial to an indie author's career. Along with David and Rob, she shares some fascinating tips from what to talk about to how to find these events. It's a truly fascinating discussion.Speaking of fascinating, the duo are then joined by Emmy-nominated film maker turned independent author, Richard Slater-Jones who takes on the 'Seven Questions'...with his books not even out on the shelves yet.A can't miss episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, David and Rob sit down to discuss the six most common mistakes that indie authors make. How do they know? Well, they made them themselves! It's an interesting look at what can impact your author career, and ways to avoid them and ensure you set yourself up for success.Along with an audiobook book based mailbag question, the boys welcome sci-fi author David Wake onto the show to face the 'Seven Questions'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, David had a whole episode planned...before dropping a big decision in his week that was that caused Rob to hijack the show and want to discuss it further. It's worth a deeper discussion, that's for sure!The mail bag is back, as well as the revamped 'Seven Questions' where critically acclaimed author, Lolo Paige joins the boys all the way from Alaska. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy New Year! 2024 is upon us, and David and Rob sit down to discuss their aspirations for the year ahead. From the growth of the podcast, their writing ambitions as well as what they are going to look at differently this year, this podcast will give you a good insight into the thought processes of the Two Indie Authors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the final show of 2023, and David and Rob sit down to give an honest and open look at their years as independent authors. From their sales figures, incomes and expenses, as well as their highlights and lowlights of the year. It's a fascinating look behind the scenes of their two independent author businesses. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the FIRST EVER Two Indie Author Awards, and this week, David and Rob will be revealing the winners of Best Cover, Best Blurb, Best Author Website and Best Branding. All of the nominees were listed in episode 57 and then...they will speak to the winner of the first ever TIA Author of the Year...without them even knowing it!It's a way to thank the indie author community and celebrate not only the incredible guests they've had on the show, but also to shine a light on the outstanding work that is produced by independent authors everywhere. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Rob and David sit down to discuss narrative styles. The boys love discussing their craft and they delve into the decisions authors have to make to ensure their stories are told in the best possible way. First person or third person? What tense to use? Why do they fit certain genres? It's a great discussion that gets into the mind of two authors and how they approach their work.They are then joined by the other co-founder of Ream, Michael Evans, who faces the 'Seven Questions' and as you would expect, has some brilliant answers.Oh, and Rob now knows how to get David to enjoy his singing.** Apologies for any issues with sound quality. There were issues with our podcast platform. ** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A very special episode this week, as David and Rob sit down to announce the shortlist for the inaugural Two Indie Authors Awards for 2023. Four nominees for four categories, and the duo give their reasonings for why these incredible authors deserve to be nominated ahead of the awards later in December.They are then joined by friend of the show and Ream co-founder, Emilia Rose, who tackles the 'Seven Questions' with one of the most unique indie author journeys the duo has heard so far.And finally...did Rob sing a song that David actually liked? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Robert and David sit down and discuss why David's new novella series hasn't hit the ground running compared to the first book, Whatever Happened To Betsy Blake? That book was an international smash hit, and in an open and honest conversation, the Two Indie Authors dissect what could be the issues and how David can rectify them.They are then joined by psychological thriller author, AA Abbott, who has a decades worth of experience in indie publishing to bring to the 'Seven Questions'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the duo are joined by authors Emilia Rose and Michael Evans, who are the creators of Ream, an author focused subscription platform that helps authors build their own subscription platform with their readers. As independent authors, maximising our revenue streams is crucial and both Emilia and Michael share their experiences along with what Ream does that other platforms don't along with how to get started and how to grow. A truly fascinating conversation!David and Rob are then joined by cosy crime writer, Jamie West, who tackles the seven questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David and Rob have another six tips for you and this week, it's how to cultivate a fan base. They touch upon previous episodes they have recorded, but this week, they lay out the blue print of how you can implement these tips into building a loyal readership to help build your indie author career.They are then joined by award winning, cosy crime author Dawn Brookes, who offers a fascinating insight into her prolific career and how she has built it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The boys are back from their break and this week, they are discussing how to get your paperback books on the shelves of bookstores. Rob and David go through all the steps you need to not only have a book that is fit for the shops, but also how to go about making the connections to get them stocked. They also discuss whether the whole process is worth the workload.They are then joined by the brilliant Rory Rea, a children's author and illustrator, who has some fantastic insight on how to market books to parents. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!That's right, it's the one year anniversary of the Two Indie Author's podcast, and before David and Rob head off on their holidays, they sat down to look back over their first year and pick out a few highlights from the show. Special guests, mail bag questions (and songs) as well as the brilliant 'Seven Questions'.Also...a big announcement for all of you listeners. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A topic that gets brought up quite a lot in the Two Indie Authors community, this week, David and Rob sit down to discuss Blog Tours. A useful tool to generate interest and exposure for your books, the duo talk about their own experiences with them, where they went wrong and what they think they could get right with them.The quite brilliant Alice G. May stops by to tackle the 'Seven Questions' and has some fantastic insight on how authors can use their own voice to build their following. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The fiftieth episode is here and the boys have a HUGE guest this week - none other than Joanna Penn of the Creative Penn podcast. Joanna is one of the leading voices in the indie author world and has over a decade's worth of knowledge. A huge champion of being wide, Joanna has some fascinating insight on selling her books direct, as well as other avenues of additional income. You don't want to miss this!She also takes on the 'Seven Questions', and even has the unenviable honour of having Rob sing her a mail bag song! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we are celebrating Rob's one year anniversary as a full-time author, and to do so, David sits down to find out what exactly he put in place before and after he transitioned to his dream career.The duo are then joined all the way from Australia by historical romance author, Cheryl Wright, who faces the 'Seven Questions'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David and Rob sit down this week to discuss six ways in which you can get your indie author career started. Whether you're writing your first book, have a book or two ready to go, or are looking to kick start your career from any point, these six tips will get you going in the right direction.The incredible Annie Doyle joins the duo for the 'Seven Questions' as she discussed her journey into the world of independent publishing.And lastly, we discover that Rob REALLY can't hit those high notes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite running successful businesses, Robert and David know that at the heart of it all is the writing. And both of them spend a lot of time and work in ensuring that the characters they bring to the page are as compelling and as fleshed out as possible and this week, the duo discuss how to write compelling characters and make them as three dimensional as possible.Fantasy author, F.D. Lee joins them for one of the most open and honest 'Seven Questions' of the show so far.Oh...and Rob has another song for David. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dovetailing nicely with last week's episode on using the Amazon platform to increase sales, David and Rob sit down to discuss six tips that they use to increase their sales. Some of them may seem obvious, but the way they discuss the theory behind them should get your minds working.They are also joined by author Mike Norris who tackles the 'Seven Questions' and Rob also gives us a brief walk through of his awful time being caught up in the UK travel crisis this past week.NOTE: Apologies for any sound issues with the recording. There were some technical difficulties. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amazon is the biggest ebook platform on the market. But did you know there are a multitude of FREE features you can use to increase your sales? Robert and David sit down and discuss where to access them, how they use them and the impact they can have on your book sales. Yes, this episode includes homework!Comedy writer Patrick Osbourne stops by to share some fantastic stories in the 'Seven Questions' hot seat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A much asked for talking point for this week, as David and Rob discuss how to build confidence as an author and especially one that sells books. Confidence is a difficult trait to nurture and the duo share six excellent tips that have helped them build their indie author business.They are then joined by one of the biggest names in the indie author world, as the incredible Urban Fantasy author, AD Starrling joins the duo for a fascinating round of the 'Seven Questions'.A can't miss episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A fascinating episode this week, as David and Rob sit down with Matt Holmes to discuss Facebook marketing. A staple of both their marketing plans, Facebook ads is changing and Matt offers some incredible insight on the unique strategy he has adopted when it comes to marketing his wife, Lori Holmes', books.Speaking of Lori Holmes, she joins the duo for the 'Seven Questions' and brings an incredible journey of how success can be achieved with a smaller number of books.An episode stacked with information this week, along with David's favourite mailbag jingle so far. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David and Rob sit down this week to discuss the old writing adage of Plotting vs Pantsing. Is it best to plot out your novel? Or to just sit and let your mind pour out onto the keys? The duo go in depth on their own processes, how far into the details they go and the benefits and negatives of both.They are then joined by sci-fi/fantasy author Jonathan Weiss, who calls in from Australia to tackle the 'Seven Questions' and provide a fantastic blue print on how to prepare yourself to start an indie author business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the request of the listeners, David and Rob sit down this week to offer up some of their best tips for improving your manuscript. At the heart of the indie author business is the writing, and with over 25 books between them, they discuss some of the tips and tricks they live by to produce books to the highest quality. Get your pens ready.Joining the duo from the stunning Donegal in Ireland, is hybrid author Sharon Thompson who offers possibly the most unique answer to marketing her books that the 'Seven Questions' has heard yet.Don't miss it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the guys have a special guest joining them on the show. Stuart Grant is the number one web designer on Reedsy, as well as a frequent guest and recommendation on the Self Publishing Show. The authority on author websites, Stuart has helped over 200 authors build their websites and brands and this week, he stops by to discuss the importance of owning your own platform with Robert and David.Not only that, but Stuart is sticking around to not just answer the mailbag question, but also to tackle our 'Seven Questions'. (And another one of Rob's classic songs.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Running an independent author business is hard work. This week, David and Rob go into detail of what they do on a day-to-day basis to keep on top of their indie author careers, including their craft, their admin, their marketing and their mental health. They also discuss how this changes based on what process they are going through.Children's writer Sarah Hewlett stops by to answer the 'Seven Questions', offering a fascinating insight into life of an independent children's author and budding publisher. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this weeks episode, Rob drills down into David's experiences with working with an agent, and how they can still be a very useful partner for an independent author. As always, David is open and honest with his process of finding one, negotiating with them and the work they have done since.The duo are then joined by fantasy romance author Helen Rygh-Pedersen all the way from Norway for the 'Seven Questions. A recent full-time author, Helen shares some wonderful insight on the strength of the indie author community.A can't miss episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David and Rob sit down to discuss social media this week, and go through six tips to help grow your social media presence. This is something a lot of authors neglect, and the Two Indie Authors offer some fascinating advice that can be used across all platforms.Crime author, PF Hughes stops by to tackle the 'Seven Questions' and shares his brilliant journey in self publishing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first ever AUTHOR TAKEOVER is here, and the boys are joined on the show by one of the biggest names in self publishing: Mel Sherratt.With over a decade of experience and over two million books sold, Mel has traversed the indie author world and has a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share with you all. Also, Mel is on hand to tackle the mail bag (and Rob's singing), as well as face the 'Seven Questions.'Please note, we experienced some technical difficulties when recording this show. Apologies for any audio issues.Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another week and another discussion between David and Rob about their indie author careers. This weeks topic is one of the most valuable tools in any indie authors arsenal - the Amazon sales page. There is a lot more to consider than just uploading your book and cover, and the boys go into the finer details of maximising your sales page to drive up your sales.Sports psychologist, Dr. Jo Lukins dials in from Australia to face the 'Seven Questions', with some outstanding takes on how to manage an indie author career.A must listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the positive duo of Rob and David tackle the negativity that indie authors face, whether it is from readers, book shops or even themselves. Don't worry, it's not a downer of an episode. In fact, they discuss how they channel it productively, and offer hints and tips on how to build resilience when tackling life as an indie author.Rob Radcliffe, a 'lad-lit' author, joins the duo for the 'Seven Questions' and to discuss his life as an independent author. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a week of sickness, David and Rob brave their microphones and ask that you bring your notepads. This week, they are sharing six tips that you can immediatley put into practice to start improving your indie author career, no matter what stage you are at. There is something for everyone.Urban fantasy author, Mark Wells stops by to tackle the 'Seven Questions' and gives some fantastic insight into the world of TikTok.A show jam packed with information this week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Rob and David dive into a discussion around research and how they make their fiction books factually correct. It's a fascinating discussion which offers up some excellent tips and strategies on how you can add authenticity to your books and draw your readers in. They are also joined by Dustin Carter for the 'Seven Questions', who calls in from Texas to shed light on his indie author career so far... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a week away on holiday (not together), the boys are back for another episode and this week, David and Rob welcome Stuart Bache onto the show. Widely regarded as one of the prominent book cover designers in both the independent and traditonal publishing world, Stuart has decades of experience and knowledge to share. This is a must listen for all authors!In the 'Seven Questions' hot seat this week is adventure author, D.G. Palmer, who offers his own insight into his indie author journey so far... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A different approach to an episode this week, as this time, it's just David and Rob as they sit down to discuss the concept and evolution of their 'Seven Questions'. Twenty-nine authors have faced the seven questions and the Two Indie Authors discuss some of the most memorable lessons and stories from the podcast, as well as revisit their own answers from when they sat in the chair over six months ago. If you want to know how and why this segment was conceived, then this is the episode for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the Two Indie Authors are joined by a very special guest on the show. Kerry Lyons is a highly regarded creative coach, who works extensively within various creative industries, helping people to unlock their inner creative and build solid foundations to achieve what their dreams. She also happens to be David's wife. Then, Yvonne Reddin joins the duo for the 'Seven Questions' with some interesting information on how to build your own sales platform.A must listen for anyone who is struggling to get their creative juices flowing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The boys are back to discuss one of the biggest topics in the world of self-publishing: Reviews. With thousands of reviews between them, David and Rob go into depth on how they have managed to get their reviews, how they managed to scale up their reviews and also share top tips for authors who are at different stages of their indie author careers.Long-time friend of the show, Oskar Soderberg, joins the duo all the way from Sweden to tackle the 'Seven Questions', and sheds light on his well thought out plans for the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Two Indie Authors taking very different paths to success, this week, David and Rob discuss the pros and cons of writing standalone novels and writing a series. The differences with the creativity, marketing and anxiety are stark, and both men get under the hood of how they have approached it. The fantastic Caimh McDonnell stops by to tackle the 'Seven Questions' and sheds some fascinating light on his incredible indie author career. Don't miss it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.