Podcasts about indie authors

My guest this episode is Patrick D. Joyce, who grew up at U.S. embassies in places like Moscow, Havana, and Managua, surrounded by secrets, spies, and surveillance. He went on to become a journalist, earn a Ph.D. in political science, and eventually found his way to writing Cold War-era young adult thrillers. We talk about how his past shaped his storytelling, how music and history inform his work, and how he's connecting with young readers today. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. Sponsor Inspirational Indie Authors is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for 40 years and now amplifies the voices of independent author-publishers and works with authors as a developmental editor. Find Howard at howardlovy.com, LinkedIn, and X. About the Guest Patrick D. Joyce is the author of two thriller novels for young adults, Back in the USSR (a Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize semifinalist) and Strawberry Fields, both inspired by his experiences growing up at US embassies during the Cold War. He has been a newspaper reporter, a political science lecturer, and a medical practice manager. He lives in Massachusetts, where he can be found haunting coffee shops, taking long walks with his wife, and practicing martial arts. You can find him at patrickdjoyce.com and follow him on BlueSky, Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.   

Cameron Sutter is a sci-fi/fantasy author and the inventor of Plottr – the popular visual story planning software. Many authors have used Plottr to outline and flesh out their book creation process. Now, Cameron joins us to talk about Storysnap, a tool he designed to help authors create story bibles and streamline their creative process. //Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

This week I'm so excited to bring an interview with Spoken to you! They are truly changing the audiobook industry and I want you to be part of it! I've always wanted to have audiobooks, but it's been so far out of reach due to price for me, but not any more! Spoken Studio is the first purpose-built workflow empowering authors breaking the sound barrier. Spoken deeply analyzes each work and character to surface, or design from scratch, the perfect voices. These voices, whether of voice actors or character-generated, are used to craft the perfect single or multi-cast narration. Once a project is narrated, intelligent mastering and publishing tools make distribution a breeze.Check them out here https://www.spoken.press/ and use code PENCILS to start making your own audios! Listen to my short story, Chilled Wine, here: https://ihave.spoken.press/p/QVRdJVQYXm1Pre-order Across the English Channel here: https://www.amazon.com/Across-English-Channel-Stepping-Book-ebook/dp/B0F6QGS6M2/Sign up for my writers' newsletter to learn more about the craft of writing, know when my workshops are and be the first to get exclusive information on my writing retreats. https://katcaldwell.com/writers-newsletterWant more information on my books, author swaps, short stories and what I'm reading? Sign up for my readers' newsletter. https://storylectory.katcaldwell.com/signup You can always ask me writing questions on instagram @katcaldwell_writing

Rachel Rener isn't just a writer of modern romantasy books featuring powerful-yet-flawed heroines, unforgettable magic systems, and smoldering romance. She also finds the time to voice Tana the tiefling on the DnD podcast, Of Dice and Friends, or building community with fantasy lovers like herself. Join us as Mark chats with Rachel about finding your superfans and creating a community as an author and creator.//Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

Send us a textThank you for tuning in! On today's show, I am joined by author Zachary Downing, whose new book, "Manhattan to Montauk," is available now! In this latest work, Zach tells the story of a young man who has just graduated from college and is trying to navigate his early adult life, experiencing several life-changing interactions and relationships along the way. Set in 1995 New York, the book transports readers back to this beloved era. During our conversation, we discuss not only his book but also share many memories from the '90s and the pop culture that defined that time.You can find Zachary here:Website:  https://www.zdowning.com/IG:  https://www.instagram.com/zachary_downing_writes/Zach's book can be found on Amazon here:  Follow Zach on LinkedIn here:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharytdowning/'Manhattan to Montauk' is for sale at a local bookstore in Montauk!  It can be found at a store called Homeport, and the address is:  85 The Plaza, Montauk, NY 11954.Support the showVisit: https://www.popcultureretrospective.com/ for all things Pop Culture Retrospective! Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popcultureretrospective/ Follow me on Twitter!: https://twitter.com/PopCultureRetroReview the show! https://www.popcultureretrospective.com/reviews/new/Pop Culture Retrospective Merch!: https://pop-culture-retrospective-pod.myspreadshop.com/allEmail me anytime: amy@popcultureretrospective.com

In this episode, Matt & Lauren talk through what you need to know about licensing your book rights with foreign publishers. We debate the merit of reaching out to new markets, what that process looks like, and how to use an agency like DropCap to secure international rights deals. Don't miss Content Entrepreneur Expo, THE event for creators, authors, and entrepreneurs. Visit cex.events to learn more and use promo code LULU100 to save $100 on your ticket

Scams are getting smarter—and authors are the new target. In this week's publishing news, we cover what to avoid, what to watch for, and the latest tools helping indie authors succeed. Plus, the U.S. Copyright Office just made your publishing life a lot easier. Book Award Pro - https://DaleLinks.com/BookAwardPro (affiliate link) Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - https://TheSelfPublishingHub.com Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord Check out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@DaleLRoberts My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee. Sources: Spotify for Authors Terms of Use - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/spotify-for-authors-terms-and-conditions/ INAudio - https://www.inaudio.com/  U.S. Copyright Office Releases New Copyright Registration Toolkit - https://www.copyright.gov/newsnet/2025/1070.html Two to Avoid: Book Order Scams and Fake Reviews - https://writerbeware.blog/2025/05/09/two-to-avoid-book-order-scams-and-fake-reviews/  Getcovers: Top 10 Tools for Indie Authors 2025 - https://getcovers.com/blog/best-tools-for-indie-authors/ Get Authentic Book Reviews - https://getauthenticbookreviews.com/ Speech Transcription with parakeet - https://huggingface.co/spaces/nvidia/parakeet-tdt-0.6b-v2 ProseWrite - https://DaleLinks.com/ProseWrite (affiliate link) Bookvault Q&A Webinar - https://www.youtube.com/@Bookvault_app/streams  StoryOrigin: Creating With Eyes Wide Open: Author Life in a Capitalist World - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/LcUd65SpR1mWS3WeiwajyQ#/registration  Authors Guild: Translation Contracts 101 - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mZn6cNY-RKK3AbCk9a3G_A#/registration  Dibbly Create: Scale Your KDP Business Fast: Publish Market-Ready Books in 30 Minutes - https://dibbly.com/join-free-webinar/?aff=DALE (affiliate link) Self-Publishing with ALLi: The Power of Relationships in Author Marketing - https://selfpublishingadvice.org/podcast-power-of-relationships/ Author Nation - https://DaleLinks.com/AuthorNation (affiliate link) 30 Books in 30 Days Giveaway - https://DaleLinks.com/30Books  Credit:  Authors Guild - https://authorsguild.org/  Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

My guest this episode is Karen Williams, a nonfiction author of ten books who now helps entrepreneurs write and publish books that grow their businesses. What began with one book in 2009 turned into a career helping others find clarity and purpose. Along the way, she's learned what makes a book truly work for both the reader and the writer. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. Sponsor Inspirational Indie Authors is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for 40 years and now amplifies the voices of independent author-publishers and works with authors as a developmental editor. Find Howard at howardlovy.com, LinkedIn, and X. About the Guest Karen Williams is The Book Mentor at Librotas, helping business owners and thought leaders write and publish authority-building books that elevate their credibility and grow their business and brand. She guides clients from messy first idea to final manuscript and successful launch, with a focus on strategy, structure, and impact. Karen is the author of ten books, including Your Book is the Hook and Book Marketing Made Simple, a TEDx speaker, and host of the Business Book Bites podcast.  

The D2D Team is back to answer viewer questions, so tune in to hear the questions on the minds of your fellow authors hosted by Jim and Mark, who always have the answers! //Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

Send us a textHannah and Laura are in the middle of Tracy Deonn's Oathbound and are pretty sure they are "Team Nick" now. They also chat about a YA series prequel with a cringeworthy main character and Emily Henry's latest release.**This episode contains SPOILERS for Oathbound by Tracy Deonn. Spoilers begin at: 45 min 55 secs. ***CW for the episode: discussions of misogyny, sexism, racism, slavery, sexual abuse, abusive relationships, mental illness, violence, blood, colonialism, memory loss, death, kidnapping*Media Mentions:Oathbound by Tracy DeonnLegendborn by Tracy DeonnBloodmarked by Tracy DeonnMadness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum by Antonia HyltonThe Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne CollinsThe Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne CollinsFuckbois of Literature podcastGreat Big Beautiful Life by Emily HenryCascadia the board gameAndor---Disney+The Last of Us---MaxShip Wrecked by Olivia DadeBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com Twitter (updates only): @OwwrPodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodHive: @owwrpodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.writermba.com/subscribe

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.writermba.com/subscribe

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.writermba.com/subscribe

Send us a textSeason 5, Episode 610: Love, sex, and sexuality are the most essential topics to explore in storytelling!Meet Olive Spencer:I'm Olive Spencer, and I write smut. Not just any smut; the kind of smut you have to read one-handed, with a glass of water beside the bed. The kind that leaves you sweating, panting, and begging for more. When you pick up one of my books, you  can expect spice, spice, and more spice! When I'm not writing, I'm watching hockey and talking smack online, listening to country music, or taking photos with any camera I can find. I am not a Gemini vegetarian, but I am a fan of all things Reese Witherspoon, and I can quote Sweet Home Alabama by heart.Author Website: http://www.olivespencer.comAuthor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ospencersmutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ospencersmut/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ospencersmutX/Twitter: https://x.com/misskmagpie**From Pen Names to Steamy Stories: A Journey into Erotic Romance Writing**Step into the sultry world of erotic romance as author Olive Spencer shares her fascinating journey from writing under her real name to embracing a pen name for exploring spicier themes. Discover how she navigates the delicate balance between plot and intimacy, crafting stories that keep the "door open" in romance while maintaining engaging narratives.Learn about her unique writing process, from wearing red lipstick and lighting candles to creating specialized playlists that set the mood. Olive reveals her current projects, including a 35,000-word novel with three prequels and a steamy retelling of "Sweet Home Alabama" set in Colorado.The episode also dives into the business side of erotic romance, covering everything from ghostwriting experiences to audiobook production challenges. Get insights into building an author platform, managing reader expectations, and the importance of exploring themes of love, sex, and sexuality in storytelling.Ready to heat up your writing journey? Listen to this episode for an unfiltered look into the world of erotic romance writing!Key Takeaways:• The authors embrace their identity as "professional smut writers" and the joy of exploring taboo themes in their storytelling.• They discuss the importance of balancing plot and intimacy in their erotic romance novels.• The authors share their writing processes, from "pantsing" to "plotting," and the continuous learning and growth required in their craft.Summary created with the assistance of cleanvoice aiRuan's newest release: Open Door Romantasy Deception's Snare: https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/deceptionssnareSupport the showSubscribe for exclusives: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/subscribeSign up for Ruan's newsletters: https://subscribepage.io/ruanwillowhttps://linktr.ee/RuanWillowI Dare You book https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/idareyouthesaturdaysexchallenge NO AI TRAINING

Kevin Tumlinson makes his triumphant return to Self Publishing Insiders! Kevin returns to talk to Jim about Author Anchor and his work helping authors get the most out of virtual author assistants. //Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

Send us a textHannah and Laura are cycling back into a favorite series! They cover the first 16 chapters of Tracy Deonn's Oathbound and try to keep up with the extremely fast pace. They also chat about an Indie book that Laura loves, a card game with a name that's too long, and a book that rubbed Hannah the wrong way.**This episode contains SPOILERS for Oathbound by Tracy Deonn. Spoiler section begins at: 35 min 05 secs.****CW for the episode: discussions of racism, homophobia, transphobia, death, violence, slavery, colonialism, parental, ableism, health problems, comas, trauma, PTSD** Media Mentions:Oathbound by Tracy DeonnLegendborn by Tracy DeonnBloodmarked by Tracy DeonnJester by Tim CarterMajordomo by Tim CarterRunelight by J.A. AndrewsThe Oathsworn Legacy by K.R. GangiAndor---Disney+The Last of Us---MaxThe Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Trick Taking GameThe Book Thief by Markus ZusakThe Green Bone saga by Fonda LeeThe Woods All Black by Lee MandeloThe Maid by Nita ProseThe Murderbot Diaries by Martha WellsThe Rosie Project by Graeme SimsionNot That Kind of Ever After by Luci AdamsSeverance---AppleTVTalk that Hannah went to: American Prophets: Making New GodsBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com Twitter (updates only): @OwwrPodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodHive: @owwrpodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod

Today I'm talking with Greg Keogh from Curios. Curios is a self publishing platform for digital content that puts the creator and their audience first. On Curios the creator of the content keeps 100% of any revenue they earn. Additionally, with the audience's permission, creators can access their fans' contact information, and any IP stays with the creator. As a reader, you can also use Curios to support your favorite author!Check them out here: https://www.curios.com/authors/ or as a reader here: https://marketplace.curios.com/The ARC copies are going out today but there's still time to sign up if you want! Just click here: https://katcaldwell.com/ARC-historical-romanceFind and support me at Lessons In Story. https://lessonsinstory.substack.comSign up for my writers' newsletter to learn more about the craft of writing, know when my workshops are and be the first to get exclusive information on my writing retreats. https://katcaldwell.com/writers-newsletterWant more information on my books, author swaps, short stories and what I'm reading? Sign up for my readers' newsletter. https://katcaldwell.com/readers You can always ask me writing questions on instagram @katcaldwell_writing

My guest this episode is Jacqueline Murray, who took an unconventional path from medical device marketer to author of a romance series that blends love and quantum theory. Her books feature storylines that challenge genre conventions and feature characters later in life. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. Sponsor Inspirational Indie Authors is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for 40 years and now amplifies the voices of independent author-publishers and works with authors as a developmental editor. Find Howard at howardlovy.com, LinkedIn, and X. About the Guest M. Jacqueline Murray embodies the Renaissance ideal of the multi-faceted individual—scientist, business professional, photographer, musician, and author. Her Maddie & Nate series challenges traditional romance conventions by exploring a single destined connection across different timelines and choices. Through the lens of quantum physics and the theory of multiple realities, each book presents a new version of their love story, showing how timing and circumstance shape relationships—and who we ultimately become. To learn more about Jacqueline and her work, visit mjacquelinemurray.com or follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You can also sign up for her Readers Club to receive updates and behind-the-scenes insights.

Russell Nohelty is a USA Today bestselling fantasy and non-fiction author, publisher of Wannabe Press, co-host of the Kickstart Your Book Sales & Six Figure Author Experiment podcasts, and cofounder of the Writer MBA conference & The Future of Publishing Mastermind. He also co-created the Author Ecosystem archetype, a system he co-created to help authors embrace their natural tendencies to find success.Russell Nohelty joins us to talk about where craft & commerce meet in your author career and how to find both creative and commercial fulfillment with your writing.//Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

Send us a textHannah and Laura go through knock-out rounds to choose the book they will cover for the next Indie Intermission! Be sure to check out all of the books/authors mentioned and support their work!Media Mentions:Fragment of a Fallen Star by Viano OniomohFirst Step by Tao WongIn the Shadow of Ruin by Tony DebajoThorn by Intisar KhananiOdd Blood by Azalea CrowleySeattle Slayers by Ken Bebelle & Julia VeeSeventh Cadence by Jim WilbourneThey Came in the Night by Ravi NovaisHeavenly Sword by Alice PoonGunmetal Gods by Zamil AkhtarWhat Doesn't Kill You by R.N. BarbosaA Heart to Hold by Sula SullivanBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com Twitter (updates only): @OwwrPodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodHive: @owwrpodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod

In this inspiring solo episode, Alexa shares how to shift your mindset around book marketing and turn it into something you actually enjoy. From leveraging your strengths to building buzz through authentic relationships, this is a must-listen for any author dreading the “M” word.

Tawdra Kandle is a USA Today bestselling romance author who loves to plan and run conferences when she's not spinning love stories! Tawdra is joining us to share her insights from her latest column, Smart Marketing for Savvy Authors, where she talks about making the most of your opportunities at events and conferences. //Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

My guest this episode is crime novelist Ali Steed. After decades in financial journalism, Ali is winning awards in fiction—exploring the darker corners of the human mind through her police procedural series. We talk about what it took to overcome the fear of releasing that first novel, how she brings her investigative skills to crime fiction, and how life in Mallorca—and a bit of shamanic training—helped her embrace her creative path. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. Sponsor Inspirational Indie Authors is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for 40 years and now amplifies the voices of independent author-publishers and works with authors as a developmental editor. Find Howard at howardlovy.com, LinkedIn, and X. About the Guest Ali Steed is an accomplished writer, editor, and broadcaster, and has worked as a journalist—both in-house and freelance—for most of the UK's national newspapers, as well as the BBC, Channel 4, and local TV and radio stations. She has won eight awards for her journalism, and her debut novel, All It Takes, won the BIBA Suspense/Thriller 2024 category. This is the first book in the DCI Caroline Cramer series, with more titles due out later this year. Ali is a strong advocate of using shamanic teachings to break through writing blocks, improve creativity, and increase the confidence of writers who often struggle to see their own talent and worth. She went through shamanic training to help her own writing and confidence and is now keen to help others in the same way. All It Takes is available on Amazon. You can follow Ali on Instagram or on Facebook. She is also currently building her shamanic profile on Instagram @theshamanicstoryteller

It's been three years since we shook up the indie publishing industry and merged Draft2Digital and Smashwords into one big player in the indie space. Now that we've had three years and most authors have been migrated into Draft2Digital, Kris Austin and Mark Coker join Jim to look back on the last three years and forward to our plans to come. //Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

Send us a textToday on The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, I sit down with fantasy author M.T. Solomon to discuss her latest release, "Liar Queen" – the exciting first book in an all-new fantasy trilogy! At the beginning of the episode I also give a quick update on my podcast, this channel, and life in general. We then explore her writing journey—from her dreams of being a writer that began as a young child, to an adult making that dream a reality. She opens up about the joys and challenges of writing, finding inspiration from the world around you, and the pros and cons of traditional vs. indie publishing - and how that led her to become the first author to be published by Golden Scales Publishing! You'll also hear: 

I chat with author Jessica Powers who started Maverick to help indie authors get that coveted professional review. We go over the benefits and some of the other services that Maverick offers. We also chat about her work with African authors and bringing their work world wide.  Maverick Reviews Catalyst Press  Start Your Free One Year Trial At Sci-Fi Talk Plus  Jide Martin African Superheroes Interview

Douglas Vigliotti authored "Aristotle for Novelists" with the intention of adapting the timeless principles of Aristotle's Poetics in a way tailored to the needs of novelists. He joins us on this week's Self Publishing Insiders to reflect on how these philosophical lessons can benefit authors looking to improve in their craft.//Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

What a joy it's been to celebrate the 1st Anniversary of the release of my very first traditionally published book, God-Given Dreams: 6 Ways to Live Your Divine Purpose (NavPress)!In this podcast episode, I'm sharing a few lessons I've learned this year.You can read about the 5 Lessons I've learned in this Miraculous Lovely blog post: https://www.miraculouslovely.com/2025/03/31/5-lessons-learned-from-a-year-of-being-a-traditionally-published-author-nancy-gavilanes/God-Given Dreams is available wherever books are sold. Grab your copy today!LINKS AND INFORead about some of the lessons I've learned from a decade of being an Indie Author here: https://www.miraculouslovely.com/2025/03/24/10-lessons-learned-from-10-years-of-being-an-indie-author-nancy-gavilanes/Abounding Faith's Email Community: You can join Abounding Faith's Email Community to get updates about different projects I'm working and to get encouragement sent straight to your inbox. Sign up ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠right here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and get access to the FREE “Discovering Your God-Given Dream Checklist” today! Abounding Faith's YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@aboundingfaith1⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: You can learn more about Nancy Gavilanes and find more encouragement at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.aboundingfaith.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠Ways to Show Your Support: Please take a moment to subscribe to this uplifting podcast, leave a kind rating and review and tell your friends about this podcast. If you're looking for a few additional ways to show your support for my podcast and other work: You can buy me a virtual coffee or two or more here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/aboundingfaith⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Abounding Faith's Dream Team on Patreon here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/aboundingfaith⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, we are joined by Wendy, Cheryl, and Trudi from the Self-Publishing Authors Podcast! Having been in the self-publishing industry since 2013, these authors know all about the indie author journey and then some. Between Wendy, Cheryl, Trudi, and Shar, they have published over 140 books and sold millions of copies of their titles. It was great to hear from the SPA Girls and get into how the self-publishing industry has evolved over time together. We spoke about the SPA Girls' own self-publishing journeys, learned more about their podcast, heard about the “early days” of self-publishing, got into how their work and the indie publishing industry has changed over the last decade, were given some great marketing advice, and much more! This episode is full of great insights for both beginner and veteran authors alike from a wonderful group of experts. Don't miss out on listening in. Find out more at The Self-Publishing Authors Podcast website.

Text us a review. Ep#236: Join host, Helen Edwards for this special solocast as she shares her current personal journey in the query trenches pitching her book to agents and the decision to republish her book Nothing Sexier Than Freedom. Learn some quick resources on where to query literary agents. Enjoy the show! You can now ‘Text Us a Review.' Or leave us a review on any of our audio and video platforms. Thank you for listening. If you would like to support our show, click the links below.  Disclaimer:  The hosts of this show are not doctors, therapists, psychologists, lawyers, or medical professionals of any kind. Although some of our guests are professionals in these areas, be advised if you have any life-threatening medical conditions or mental health, please see your doctor. National Suicide Hotline: 988 Helen Edwards is the International Author of Nothing Sexier Than Freedom and Host to the Sexy Freedom Media Podcast and Your Morning Sauce. For more information click here: https://linktr.ee/sexyfreedommedia Support the show "Buy us a coffee"https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Helofajourney https://www.buymeacoffee.com/januarylidl Support the show

Join Sam Whitfield for a special TWR Monday edition as he welcomes Ryan Permision—host of The And I Quote Podcast, film studies instructor, and advocate for indie authors. In this lively conversation, Ryan recounts his personal journey with high-functioning autism and how it has shaped his approach to teaching film studies to college students on the spectrum. By blending deep pop culture insights with empathetic, hands-on teaching methods, Ryan offers a unique perspective that's both uplifting and empowering.Together, Sam and Ryan dive into the indie publishing world, shining a light on up-and-coming authors and discussing the broader fandom community's never-ending enthusiasm for fresh voices. From the hype surrounding superhero blockbusters to the importance of representation in storytelling, this candid talk highlights the intersection of creativity, inclusion, and innovation. Whether you're a pop culture buff or simply looking for a heartfelt conversation about the power of film, literature, and community, this episode promises to inspire. Don't miss this deep dive into the passions that fuel our love of all things pop culture—and hear firsthand how one instructor's personal experiences shape the next generation of film lovers.Follow Ryan on Social Media: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ryanandiquotePlease Support The Show:Sam's Substack: https://samwhitfield.substack.com/Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/TheWhitfieldReportWhitfield Report Guilded server: https://www.guilded.gg/r/zzzE8b61qR?i=AYwozWndSam's Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sam-Whitfield/author/B00M1DNU88?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=trueSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DIcoDO0BIDyuH7SWIsAB8?si=8c06106f817d4eebAmerican Instinct Pulp Adventures: https://americaninstinct.substack.comFollow Sam on X and Instagram @SamW_NGCFollow Right To Offend Media on X @RTOMedia

My guest this episode is Annie Fox, an educator and author who writes for young adults. She talks about how her background in human development shapes her fiction, why she chose to go indie, and what it really takes to reach readers in a crowded market. Her work explores identity, belonging, and what it means to find your people. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. Sponsor Inspirational Indie Authors is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for 40 years and now amplifies the voices of independent author-publishers and works with authors as a developmental editor. Find Howard at howardlovy.com, LinkedIn, and X. About the Guest Annie Fox is an author of books for children and teens. She loves making art, baking, gardening, photography, hiking in the San Francisco Bay Area, traveling, and, most of all, being with her husband, David, and her family, including Gracie the Dog. Her current YA sci-fi novel, Leeta Simtar: A Life on Two Planets, is available wherever books and audiobooks are sold. Her other books include The Little Things That Kill: A Teen Friendship Afterlife Apology Tour, also available everywhere. Learn more about Annie at anniefox.com. 

Send us a textIf you're anywhere on social media, you've likely encountered The Atlantic's article about META scraping millions of books and scientific papers to train its AI, without giving a dime of compensation to the authors. One of our hosts has fallen victim to this scheme, and we're going to talk about it today. Ready or not, AI is here, and it's coming after our creative works. What are the ramifications, and what can the Indie Author do about it?The Atlantic article: https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/03/search-libgen-data-set/682094/Appellate Court Ruling: https://www.mayerbrown.com/en/insights/publications/2025/03/appellate-court-confirms-copyright-statute-limits-authorship-to-humans-foreclosing-copyright-registration-for-content-solely-generated-by-aiSupport this ministry on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MGR7431Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/listenersofciwpVisit our website: https://christianindiewriters.net/Learn more about the hosts...Jamie: https://writingshorts.net/Jenifer: https://jenifercarlltong.com/Tina: https://christinacattane.com/Sprint Prompt: ear, detective, scream, voter, rib

Draft2Digital has grown a lot over the years, expanding with new tools and services for authors to take advantage of. The D2D team is here to talk through some of our popular and lesser known tools, and answer questions you might have about the services D2D provides.//Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

In this episode, Lauren and Matt are ready to inject new life into your backlist book titles. We share ideas for using your backlist to experiment with new formats and distribution channels, turning your older books into lead magnets, and generating passive income from your content long after launch.Dive Deeper

I've been reflecting a lot on my decade of being an indie author. I'm sharing a few lessons I've learned in this Episode.You can read all 10 Lessons in this Miraculous Lovely blog post: https://www.miraculouslovely.com/2025/03/24/10-lessons-learned-from-10-years-of-being-an-indie-author-nancy-gavilanes/Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough is available on Amazon LINKS AND INFOMy latest book God-Given Dreams: 6 Ways to Live Your Divine Purpose (NavPress) is available wherever books are sold. Abounding Faith's Email Community: You can join Abounding Faith's Email Community to get updates about different projects I'm working and to get encouragement sent straight to your inbox. Sign up ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠right here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and get access to the FREE “Discovering Your God-Given Dream Checklist” today! Abounding Faith's YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@aboundingfaith1⁠⁠⁠Website: You can learn more about Nancy Gavilanes and find more encouragement at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.aboundingfaith.com/⁠⁠⁠Ways to Show Your Support: Please take a moment to subscribe to this uplifting podcast, leave a kind rating and review and tell your friends about this podcast. If you're looking for a few additional ways to show your support for my podcast and other work: You can buy me a virtual coffee or two or more here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/aboundingfaith⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Abounding Faith's Dream Team on Patreon here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/aboundingfaith⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this week's solo episode, I'm sharing a big decision I've made for my author career and why sometimes stepping back is the key to moving forward. If you've ever felt stretched too thin juggling your writing with life's demands, this episode is for you. I'll be diving into the power of focus, the importance of making tough decisions in business and creativity, and how pressing pause on one thing can create space for exponential growth in another. Tune in for an honest conversation about burnout, balance, and the next evolution of my indie author journey. Resources mentioned in this episode: ·       Listen to Episode 91: Pivoting & Sustainability in Your Author Career with Troy Lambert, here: https://jobuer.com/episode-91-pivoting-sustainability-in-your-author-career/ ·       Listen to Episode 1: Finding Your Writing Why, here: https://jobuer.com/episode-1-finding-your-writing-why/ For other resources you can check out my Author Resources page here: https://jobuer.com/author-resources/ Join my Alchemy for Authors newsletter and download your FREE copy of Manifestation for Authors here.  Download your FREE copy of Affirmations for Authors with a Day Job here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/dnj980xva5 If you enjoyed this episode please subscribe, rate and review. You can also support the show by buying me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/jobuer. Your support is greatly appreciated. Follow me on Instagram: @alchemyforauthors and @jobuerauthor. Follow me on Facebook: @alchemyforauthors and @jobuerauthor. Join the Alchemy for Authors Facebook Group here.  If you enjoy Gothic Suspense, you can join my reader's newsletter and download a FREE copy of my short story collection, Between the Shadows, here. You can find all my books at https://jobuer.com or visit https://Books2Read.com/JoBuer for links to your favourite store. Visit my website for the full transcript of this episode: https://jobuer.com/alchemy-for-authors/

Becca Syme (MATL) is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and has individually coached more than 5000 authors at all levels. She is the author of the Quitbooks for Writers series and the popular Write Better-Faster course, and the host of the Quitcast for Writers podcast and YouTube channel. She also writes mystery novels and lives on one of the thousand lakes in Minnesota. Becca Syme, founder of The Better-Faster Academy joins us to help you get past whatever's keeping you from writing better faster stories.//Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

We are talking about email, newsletters and email marketing today. And we're starting with the basics. All of the companies I name in the episode are linked below. A few are affiliate links.Mailerlite (affiliate) https://katcaldwell.com/mailerliteSend Fox: https://sendfox.comMailchimp: https://mailchimp.comKit: https://kit.comConstant Contact: https://www.constantcontact.comStoryOriginApp (affiliate): https://katcaldwell.com/story-origin-apphttps://katcaldwell.com/Story-origin-email-marketing-guide (affiliate)BookFunnel: https://bookfunnel.comAuthorsXP: https://authorsxp.comWritten Word Media: https://www.writtenwordmedia.comBooksweeps: https://booksweeps.comLitRing: https://litring.com/Like Substack? Find me at Lessons In Story. https://lessonsinstory.substack.comSign up for my writers' newsletter to learn more about the craft of writing, know when my workshops are and be the first to get exclusive information on my writing retreats. https://katcaldwell.com/writers-newsletterWant more information on my books, author swaps, short stories and what I'm reading? Sign up for my readers' newsletter. https://storylectory.katcaldwell.com/signup You can always ask me writing questions on instagram @katcaldwell_writing

My guest this episode is Joshua S. Narins, a literary fiction author based in New England. Before turning to writing, he spent two decades as a cinematographer, specializing in aerial, underwater, and second-unit film work. Now, he brings that visual storytelling sensibility to his fiction, crafting character-driven narratives with a sharp, cinematic edge. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. Sponsor Inspirational Indie Authors is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for 40 years and now amplifies the voices of independent author-publishers and works with authors as a developmental editor. Find Howard at howardlovy.com, LinkedIn, and X. About the Guest Joshua S. Narins is a New England-based literary fiction novelist, and his released titles include his debut novel, False Neutral and his follow-up, Clear-Cuts. Prior to embarking on a writing career, Joshua was a veteran Director of Photography and, in addition to principal unit production, specialized in all aspects of underwater, aerial, and second-unit cinematography. Joshua lensed work on projects ranging from studio features to independent films, foreign and cable films, national and international commercial campaigns, and special-venue projects. Joshua is currently at work on his next project.

Send us a textEp 581: The Healing Power of Smut, Part 1: Mental Health and Relief from Depression with Tanya Cienfuegos.Topics discussed include: Healing Power Of Smut, Erotica Author, Sexual Wellness, Mental Health, Benefits Of Reading Smut, Writing Erotic Fiction, Censorship In Literature, Cultural Attitudes Towards Sex, Erotica And Horror, Subversive Literature, Self-Publishing, Female Pleasure In Erotica, Exploring Desires, Therapeutic Benefits Of Writing, Indie Authors, Erotic Fiction For Mental Health, Stigma Around Smut, Erotic Storytelling, Relationship Dynamics In Erotica, Erotica GenresSummary:  The Healing Power of Smut, Exploring Erotica's BenefitsIn this episode, we explore the fascinating topic of the healing power of smut with Tanya Cienfuegos, a self-published erotica author. Join us as we delve into how erotic fiction can serve as a tool for mental well-being, to enhance sexual wellness, provide a distraction and/or relief from depression, and provide a safe space for exploring desires. From discussing the stigmas around smut to the therapeutic benefits of reading and writing erotic content, we chat about it all!Guest Bio:Author Tanya Cienfuegos self-publishes erotica. She writes m/f contemporary and historical short stories.  She was born and raised in Southern California. When she's not writing, she's either scrolling through tumblr or playing solitaire.https://www.tumblr.com/tanya-cienfuegoshttps://www.bookbub.com/profile/tanya-cienfuegosLinks for buying books. https://books2read.com/ap/nmjW2z/Tanya-Cienfuegoshttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Tanya-Cienfuegos/author/B0BNGWKVHBChapters:(00:00) With Ruan Willow podcast I talk about sexuality, sexual wellness and wellbeing(01:30) Tanya Cienfuegos writes erotic short stories(07:11) Reading can distract you, but it also makes you feel alive(12:29) I think our culture is very shaming of it. There seems to be this idea specifically with sex...(18:37) There is a strong connection between erotica and horror(24:00) Not having a good enough distinction between, like Fiction and reality(28:44) The only thing I get up in arms about is if something's abusive(29:41) Do you ever write about kinky stuff or what kind of stuff(35:03) It's a way to explore these things in a safe way(35:42) So what, what brought you to want to include sex in your writing(40:56) I do prefer happy endings over sad endings(44:28) People have been trying to censor stuff since the beginning of the written word(47:39) You've self published eight books altogether. What else would you like to tell us about your writing(51:36) There's been a lot of criticism about Lucy's promiscuity in Dracula(58:03) Payment processors don't want to do anything to do with eroticaNotes made with the assistance of Headliner aiSupport the showSubscribe for exclusive episodes: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/subscribeSign up for Ruan's newsletters: https://subscribepage.io/ruanwillowhttps://linktr.ee/RuanWillowI Dare You book https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/idareyouthesaturdaysexchallenge

Can you really publish a book on your own? What does it take to be a successful indie author today? In this episode, we sit down with Jim Azevedo, a key figure in the self-publishing revolution and part of the team at Draft2Digital. Jim shares the fascinating journey from Smashwords to Draft2Digital, and how the industry has evolved since 2008. He discusses how indie authors can take control of their publishing careers, avoid scams, and build a sustainable platform. From digital publishing to print-on-demand, Jim reveals how tools like Draft2Digital empower writers to distribute their books worldwide—with no upfront costs. We also explore how indie authors support each other, why community matters, and the surprising ways AI is shaping the publishing world. Whether you're a new author or an experienced one looking to expand your reach, this episode is packed with insights you don't want to miss. Drop a comment below if you're an indie author or thinking about becoming one!

O'Cyrus is the Founder of Ocyrus Ink Publishing and Host of The Author Lounge podcast. He joins us to talk about how writers can be using their time and talents to build a better author career. //Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

In this episode, Matt & Lauren take a critical look at wasteful practices in the publishing industry. We share insight into what it takes to become a certified B Corp (like Lulu!), how book printing creates both physical and carbon waste, and what we can all do to make publishing more sustainable. Dive Deeper

Lover of fairytales, folklore, and mythology, Ines Johnson spends her days reimagining the stories of old in a modern world. She's recently completed a Kickstarter for Page Turner Pacing, an experience designed to help authors write bingeable books readers can't put down, and she joins us to share some tips on crafting a well-paced story. //Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!If the thought of asking for Amazon reviews makes you break out in hives, you're not alone. But here's the truth: reviews are gold for indie authors. They help boost visibility, credibility, and—most importantly—book sales. The good news? You don't have to beg, bribe, or feel weird about it.In this episode, we're breaking down how indie and self-published authors can ethically and confidently get more Amazon reviews without feeling sleazy or pushy. You'll discover:✔️ Why Amazon reviews matter (and how they impact your book's success)✔️ Creative, no-pressure ways to ask for reviews that actually work✔️ The power of social media, email, and direct outreach in gathering reader feedback✔️ Common mistakes that keep authors stuck (and how to avoid them)✔️ Real-world examples from indie authors who've cracked the code on getting reviewsIf you found this episode helpful, don't forget to follow/subscribe, drop a quick review (see what we did there?), and share it with another writer who's working hard to get their book into the right hands! Awesome Email Templates for AuthorsFrom communicating with your launch team to building relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers.

My guest this episode is Sharon Hague, a lawyer and Egyptologist who writes speculative historical fiction about ancient Egypt. Growing up at sea and traveling the world shaped her imagination, leading her to blend history and fiction in her award-winning Ancient Egypt series. We'll talk about how she balances fact and fiction. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. Sponsor Inspirational Indie Authors is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for 40 years and now amplifies the voices of independent author-publishers and works with authors as a developmental editor. Find Howard at howardlovy.com, LinkedIn, and X. About the Guest Sharon Janet Hague is a British-New Zealand author of speculative fiction – primarily historical fiction. She is the author of Moses and Akhenaten: A Child's Tale, The Tutankhamen Friendship, and The Queen Who Became King. The series has won several awards. In 2024, bestseller status was achieved in the USA with Moses and Akhenaten: A Child's Tale, and The Queen Who Became Kingm which reached number one. Sharon is a lawyer who also holds a master's degree in Egyptology from the University of Manchester, England. She has visited Egypt multiple times since childhood, and pens articles on ancient Egypt for various publications.­­ Sharon currently lives in New Zealand with her family, and twin cats, who mysteriously involve themselves in her novels. You can find her on her website, and on Facebook.

Jane Friedman has spent 25 years working in the publishing industry, with a focus on business reporting and author education. Her book, The Business of Being a Writer, received a starred review from Library Journal and is used as a classroom text by many writing and publishing degree programs. Jane joins us to share her insights on the latest industry trends with her understanding of writing as a business.//Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

In the first episode of Spotlight Chewing for 2025, hosts Holly and Steve welcome author AJ Rettger to discuss his writing journey, the challenges of completing his latest book, and the influence of gaming on his work. They explore the differences in writing styles between his previous works, Oathbreaker and Season of Kings, and delve into character development and plot holes. The conversation also touches on recent gaming experiences, the impact of D&D on storytelling, and the importance of audiobooks in the indie community. AJ shares his aspirations for the future, including potential projects outside of writing, and the group highlights various indie projects worth supporting.Find Holly: https://htinsleywriter.wordpress.com/about/Find A.J. Rettger: https://www.ajrettger.comSend us a messageSupport the showFilm Chewing Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2235582/followLens Chewing on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lenschewingSpeculative Speculations: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/speculative-speculationsSupport the podcast: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7EQ7XWFUP6K9EJoin Riverside.fm: https://riverside.fm/?via=steve-l

Send us a textHannah and Laura are thrilled to welcome C.M. Caplan back to the podcast to discuss book 2 in their Four of Mercies series, The Diplomacy of the Knife!! They dive deep into the characters of the series, chat about sibling dynamics, learn more about Connor's plotting process, and try to remain calm after reading such a tense, incredible ending.*This episode contains SPOILERS for The Fall Is All There Is and mild spoilers for The Diplomacy of the Knife by C.M. Caplan.*Be sure to buy The Diplomacy of the Knife or request it from your local library TODAY!!!You can follow Connor at: Bluesky: @cmcaplanwrites.bsky.socialInstagram: @thecmcaplanMedia Mentions:The Fall Is All There Is by C.M. CaplanThe Diplomacy of the Knife by C.M. CaplanFiction Fans podcastLord of Scoundrels by Loretta ChaseBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com Twitter (updates only): @OwwrPodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodHive: @owwrpodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod