Podcasts about indie authors

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Best podcasts about indie authors

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Latest podcast episodes about indie authors

Living the Dream with Curveball
Enchanted Darkness: Bria Rose's Journey Through Dark Romance and Fairy Tales

Living the Dream with Curveball

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2025 24:14 Transcription Available


Send us a textIn this enchanting episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we welcome the talented author Bria Rose, known for her captivating dark romance fairytale retellings. Bria shares her journey from a high school writer to a self-published author, detailing her debut novel, "Her Dark Promise," a unique twist on the classic Beauty and the Beast story where Belle takes on the role of the beast. She discusses her creative process, the challenges of indie publishing, and how her experiences working at Disney have influenced her storytelling. Bria also opens up about her love for dark romance, the depth it brings to characters, and her upcoming projects, including a spicy Pinocchio retelling and an exciting collaboration with a publishing company. Tune in for a delightful conversation filled with inspiration, creativity, and insights into the world of writing. Discover more about Bria and her work at www.authorbriarose.com.

AskAlli: Self-Publishing Advice Podcast
Advice: Author Nation Conference Conclusions 2025 — Courage, Choice, and New Directions for Indie Authors with Orna Ross and Joanna Penn

AskAlli: Self-Publishing Advice Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2025 44:17


Orna Ross and Joanna Penn sit down for a candid, back-and-forth debrief on Author Nation and SelfPubCon 2025, and some of the bigger creative questions raised by the conferences. They unpack the benefits and challenges of physical versus online events, then broaden the conversation into creative courage and change. Discover Drew Davies's "kill two things" rule, why Orna pressed pause on her Go Creative! series, and how Joanna is stepping into a new season with her Masters in Death, Religion, and Culture. As ever, you'll enjoy honest reflection, practical takeaways, and permission to step boldly into your own next creative chapter. About the Hosts Joanna Penn writes nonfiction for authors and is an award-nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling thriller author as J.F.Penn. She's also an award-winning podcaster, creative entrepreneur, and international professional speaker. Orna Ross launched the Alliance of Independent Authors at the London Book Fair in 2012. Her work for ALLi has seen her named as one of The Bookseller's "100 top people in publishing". She also publishes poetry, fiction, and nonfiction and is greatly excited by the democratizing, empowering potential of author-publishing. For more information about Orna, visit her website.

Self Publishing Insiders
Novel 90: The 90 Day Writing Challenge!

Self Publishing Insiders

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2025 49:07


Bekah Brinkmeier is a USA Today bestselling author and ghostwriter of more than 90 novels. She works with AutoCrit as an instructor and author coach, leading Team Plantser in the Novel 90 Writing Challenge. //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.

Okie Bookcast
Find Your Next Great Read - Book Recommendations with J, Hannah, and author J.L. Hyde

Okie Bookcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2025 55:51


Text the Bookcast and say "hi"!It's always a blast when Jamie (JL) Hyde joins us on YNGR! In addition to some fantastic mysteries and thrillers, we also manage to go on about Grady Hendrix, Tiger King, Indie Authors, how much reading we did during COVID, tons of other books, and the bookish bullet I dodged when Hannah was about 9 years old (you can hear the fear in my voice as she tells this story!). Settle in and get ready to build that TBR tower even higher!Sign up for the Read LOKal NewsletterConnect with Jamie: website | Instagram | TikTokConnect with Hannah: website | Twitter | Instagram | TikTokHuge thanks to Self Publish Me for sponsoring this episode! Books Discussed on the Show:JamieThe Kidnapping of Alice Ingold - Cate HolahanWitchcraft for Wayward Girls - Grady HendrixYou'll Never Know - Caleb StephensAll the Missing Girls - Megan MirandaHannahFamily of Liars - E. LockhartThe Chain - Adrian McKintyLook Closer - David EllisThe Guest List - Lucy FoleyJThe Silent Patient - Alex MichaelidesBy the Fire We Carry - Rebecca NagleThe Andromeda Evolution - Daniel H. WilsonThe Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - Stieg LarssonConnect with J: website | TikTok | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookShop the Bookcast on Bookshop.orgMusic by JuliusH

Denusion, the Daniel Griffith Podcast
Indie Publishing and Human Art with Angie Kelly, Indie Publishing Episode 1

Denusion, the Daniel Griffith Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2025 96:53 Transcription Available


What does it take to make human art today? Is worth it? We kick off a new series on Indie Publishing with my dear friend and found-sister Angie Kelly today! Welcome to Episode 1. On this episode, Angie and I work to pull back the curtain on the emotional and economic substrate behind a book: the thousands of quiet hours, the minimum‑wage calculus, the edits that cost more than many tired authors even earn, and the launch-day silence that can follow years of work.From there, Angie and I dive into the attention economy bent on reshaping how readers discover books, and all art, from BookTok and Bookstagram to other strange realities that can crown a title overnight, and we highlight how trend saturation squeezes nuance and human-ness, leaving quieter and highly crafted novels invisible. Angie speaks well on why publishers chase velocity, why flashy debuts can fizzle just as fast, and how fan-fiction-to-film pipelines and algorithm-friendly marketing pathways distort realities of art.If you care about books built by human hearts, you'll find both something here. Join us, subscribe, and share this episode with a reader or writer who needs it!Angelina Kelly is an indie author and biologist who was born and raised in Alaska and has an inherent love for nature. She now lives in British Columbia where she works as a biologist and writes epic fantasy books that weave in her reverence for wilderness and the natural world. Learn more about Angie's work and books HERE!Learn more about Daniel's work and books HERE!

Pencils&Lipstick podcast
Ep 287 Character Arc Scenes vs Plot Scenes

Pencils&Lipstick podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2025


This week and next week we are going to review scenes. Today we'll be looking at the macro of scenes. What scenes are needed in genre fiction as well as what the difference is between Character Arc Scenes and Plot Scenes.Grab your free download here and let's go! https://katcaldwell.com/287Get on 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 @author_katcaldwell

AskAlli: Self-Publishing Advice Podcast
Inspiration: More Money and Meaning — ALLi's Latest Projects for Indie Authors with Orna Ross

AskAlli: Self-Publishing Advice Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2025 18:34


On the Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast, Orna Ross talks about the latest ALLi projects designed to support both the creative and commercial sides of an indie author's life. In this episode, she discusses the new indie author bookstore, the Indie Author Income Survey, and why understanding your own definition of success matters as much as the numbers. Orna encourages authors to think about what "enough" looks like in their writing lives and offers practical steps to move toward those goals, whether that means updating your author profile, planning your next release, or carving out regular time for business decisions. About the Host Orna Ross launched the Alliance of Independent Authors at the London Book Fair in 2012. Her work for ALLi has seen her named as one of The Bookseller's "100 top people in publishing". She also publishes poetry, fiction, and nonfiction and is greatly excited by the democratizing, empowering potential of author-publishing. For more information about Orna, visit her website.

AMI Audiobook Review
AI Narration for Indie Audiobooks

AMI Audiobook Review

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2025 28:00


Indie author Evan Tomos recently released a full-cast audiobook version of his young adult book “Rupert Blacklock and the Prophecy of Whimsy Fickle.” What makes this audiobook different from others? It features 45 characters completely read by digital voices using ElevenLabs, an AI voice generating platform.Jacob and Evan explore the use of AI in audiobook narration and how AI models can expand opportunities for independent authors in the publishing industry. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.  Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe We want your feedback!Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up! Our email address is: AudiobookCafe@ami.ca About AMIAMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+Learn more at AMI.caConnect with Accessible Media Inc. online:X /Twitter @AccessibleMediaInstagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audioFacebook at @AccessibleMediaIncTikTok @AccessibleMediaInc Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 444 - Book Marketing Made Easy with Manuscript Report

Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2025 69:17


Mark interviews Florin Bulgarov, co-founder of Manuscript Report.  Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK10 at checkout and save 10% off your own personalized report. In their interview, Mark and Florin talk about: Florin's background with a PhD in A.I. and how he ended up evolving into creating the toolset of Manuscript Report How Manuscript Report was initially created as an assessment tool for publishers when going through their slush piles What assets Manuscript Report offers for authors to use in their marketing strategy approaches The additional assets from the reports including the visual pie-chart of the genre split/breakdown as well as the themes and the tropes associated from the manuscript The social media posts, blog posts, and book bible assets that authors can request in a higher level report The fact that Manuscript Report does not store the manuscript and does not train any AI on their manuscript. Within 30 days all traces of the author's manuscript is deleted from their servers How the system is optimized to run for one book at a time and the 1 million word limit on manuscripts run into Manuscript Report The "Narrative Crossroads" suggestions that an author might be able to use in a quick pitch/log line for the book An author who did A/B testing with her own written ads and the Manuscript Report ads and was able to reduce her cost by half and increase her sales by 60% An example of a report using Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray How Manuscript Report is a Swiss Army Knife for marketing And more... Links of Interest: YouTube Video of Interview (with visual walk-thru) EP 443 - Strategies for Short Fiction EP 442 - Writer You Still Need to Quit with Becca Syme EP 441 - A Bookstore for Indie Authors with Donovan Scherer EP 438 - A Personal Conversation with Malorie Cooper EP 437 - Nerding Out Over History, Science, and Maps with Malorie Cooper EP 429 - A Post-Mortem on Co-Hosting the 2025 Aurora Awards with Liz May Anderson Draft2Digital Self-Publishing Insiders: What to Quit, What to Keep, and What to Question with Becca Syme (YouTube) Manuscript Report (Mark's affiliate link) Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections Mark's YouTube channel ElevenLabs (AI Voice Generation - Affiliate link) Mark's Stark Reflections on Writing & Publishing Newsletter (Signup) An Author's Guide to Working With Bookstores and Libraries The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City Lover's Moon Hex and the City Only Monsters in the Building The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles Yippee Ki-Yay Motherf*cker: A Trivia Guide to Die Hard Merry Christmas! Shitter Was Full!: A Trivia Guide to National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation   The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast ("Laser Groove") was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

Oh F*ck Yeah with Ruan Willow
The Art of Spicy Storytelling: Cassandra Medcalf's Journey from Narrator to Monster Romance Author

Oh F*ck Yeah with Ruan Willow

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2025 94:33


Send us a textEp 689:  Dive into the world of hot spicy monster romance with Ruan Willow and special guest Cassandra Medcalf, a talented author and audiobook narrator. In this episode, they explore the intricacies of writing romance, the allure of monsters, and the creative process behind bringing characters to life. Cassandra reads an excerpt from "The Kraken's Castaway". Her book is a cozy yet steamy monster romance that intertwines with Greek mythology and explores themes of love, vulnerability, and acceptance.Discover how Cassandra's characters navigate the challenges of their unique worlds in "Milking the Minotaur", including a human mother and her Minotaur son, and how their intertwined fates lead to unexpected connections. Ruan and Cassandra discuss the importance of representation in romance, the evolution of indie publishing, and the joy of creating stories that resonate with readers.This episode highlights the beauty of storytelling and the importance of community in the creative process. Whether you're a fan of romance, fantasy, or simply love a good story, listen and enjoy!Key Highlights:• Cassandra's journey as a romance author and audiobook narrator• Insights into the world of monster romance and its appeal• The creative process behind "Milking with a Minotaur" and its connection to Greek mythology• The importance of representation and diversity in storytelling• The evolving landscape of indie publishing and the power of community**Want to support Cassandra's Kickstarter for Milking with a Minotaur?** Check out the link below for more information!Estimated Timeline: 00:00:00 - Welcome and Introduction00:01:45 - Meet Cassandra Metcalfe00:04:30 - Excerpt Reading from "The Kraken 's Castaway"00:10:15 - The Appeal of Monster Romance00:15:00 - Writing and Narrating: A Dual Journey00:20:00 - Representation in Romance00:25:00 - Indie Publishing Insights00:30:00 - Closing Thoughts and Support LinksConnect with Cassandra: http://cassandramedcalf.com/Kickstarter: Milking with a MinotaurTopics:NarrationIndie AuthorsWriting ProcessCharacter DevelopmentRomance TropesSpicy StorytellingCreative CommunityKickstarterSexual ExpressionMonster RomanceBooks:(affiliate links)The Kraken's Castaway https://amzn.to/3M2BD5iBride of the Kraken: An MFFM Dark Monster Romance https://amzn.to/4oFRpSjMilking the Minotaur, coming soon!https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/892606232/milking-with-the-minotaur-a-minotaur-romance-prequel?ref=bf2nxu Support the showExclusives https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/subscribeNewsletters https://subscribepage.io/ruanwillowhttps://linktr.ee/RuanWillow Affiliates Firm Tech 15% OFF with code ruan15 https://myfirmtech.com/ruanwillow BeeDee dating app https://beedee.app/?r=ohfuckyeahThe Fantasy Box DATE30 for $30 OFF 1st box https://thefantasybox.sjv.io/c/6250602/2141126/26423

Self Publishing Insiders
Book Reviews with Book Award Pro

Self Publishing Insiders

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2025 48:28


Hannah Jacobson is the founder of Book Award Pro, the industry-trusted platform for getting reviews and awards. The company operates the world's largest database of legitimate book accolades, serving thousands of authors globally. Hannah is the recognized authority on literary accolades and prestigious book recognition. She joins us to talk about book awards and how authors can benefit from them.//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.

AskAlli: Self-Publishing Advice Podcast
Inspirational Indie Author Interview #196: Lynne Golodner — Former Journalist Weaves Jewish Identity into Her Fiction and Finds Freedom as an Indie Author

AskAlli: Self-Publishing Advice Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2025 29:42


My guest this episode is Lynne Golodner, a former journalist who built a successful marketing business before deciding to make creative writing her priority. She now writes full time, runs her own publishing imprint, and helps other writers gain the confidence to tell their stories. Her novels weave Jewish identity into contemporary life, and she's found freedom and success as an independent author. 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. 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 Lynne Golodner is the award-winning author of twelve bestselling books and hundreds of essays and articles, as well as a marketing expert, writing coach, and retreat leader. With an MFA in poetry, she has lived in New York and Washington, D.C., and eventually settled in her Detroit hometown, where she raised four children and now lives with her husband, Dan.

Programming By Stealth
PBS Tidbit 15 — Building an Indie Author Site with Hugo by Eddie Tonkoi

Programming By Stealth

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2025 40:53


This week, we have a guest contribution by the fabulous Eddie Tonkoi. He walks us through his journey to move his wife's book series website using a static site generator called Hugo. He hosts the generated files on GitHub and serves them (for free) through Cloudflare. You can find Eddie's fabulous tutorial shownotes and the audio podcast at pbs.bartificer.net. Read an unedited, auto-generated transcript with chapter marks: PBS_2025_11_05 Join our Slack at podfeet.com/slack and look for the #pbs channel, and check out our pbs-student GitHub Organization. It's by invitation only, but all you have to do is ask Allison! Join the Conversation: allison@podfeet.com podfeet.com/slack Support the Show: Patreon Donation Apple Pay or Credit Card one-time donation PayPal one-time donation Podfeet Podcasts Mugs at Zazzle NosillaCast 20th Anniversary Shirts Referral Links: Setapp - 1 month free for you and me PETLIBRO - 30% off for you and me Parallels Toolbox - 3 months free for you and me Learn through MacSparky Field Guides - 15% off for you and me Backblaze - One free month for me and you Eufy - $40 for me if you spend $200. Sadly nothing in it for you. PIA VPN - One month added to Paid Accounts for both of us CleanShot X - Earns me $25%, sorry nothing in it for you but my gratitude

Self Publishing Insiders
Strategies for ADHD Writers

Self Publishing Insiders

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2025 46:55


Nicole Bross is a certified book coach, editor, and the author of A Novel Approach: Strategies for ADHD Writers, a writing guide for neurodiverse authors whose ADHD is getting in the way of finishing their books. As a neurodiverse writer herself, Nicole is excited to share the strategies and tools she's developed with others. //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.

The Write It Scared Podcast
How Fantasy Author Michelle Miles Built a Thriving Indie Publishing Career

The Write It Scared Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2025 50:52


What does it really take to write and publish more than forty books—and still love the process? In this episode of Write It Scared, I sit down with fantasy author Michelle Miles, who's done exactly that.Michelle pulls back the curtain on the realities of indie publishing—how to manage burnout, balance creativity with deadlines, and build systems that let you keep writing for the long haul. We talk about shifting from traditional to indie publishing, finding joy in the work again, and learning when to push forward (and when to pause).If you've ever dreamed of a full-time writing career—or wondered how to make it sustainable—this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom, practical strategies, and heart.Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Rapid release strategies that actually work 01:25 Meet fantasy author Michelle Miles 03:29 From traditional to indie publishing 06:21 Lessons from 40+ books: challenges, triumphs, and persistence 17:31 Finding balance between writing and real life 24:17 Building sustainable publishing systems 31:01 Advice for aspiring indie authors 34:19 When to hire an editor (and when to trust yourself) 40:58 Dealing with doubt and staying motivated 48:38 Final thoughts and encouragementLinksHolly Lisle How To Think SidewaysLiegh Bardugo's TED Talk: The Art of Discomfort Miles Beyond the Page Podcast Michelle Miles Author WebsiteDirect Store: http://www.michellemilesbooks.comHave a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 441 - A Bookstore for Indie Authors with Donovan Scherer

Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025 60:38


Mark interviews artist, author, and indie bookstore owner Donovan Scherer about his writing, his art, and his store in downtown Kenosha, Wisconsin. Prior to the interview, Mark welcomes new patrons, shares recent comments, a personal update and a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK5 at checkout and save $5.00 off your own personalized report. In their interview, Mark and Donovan talk about: Donovan background as an illustrator creating various characters, and then eventually moving on to writing middle grade chapter books Never really learning about how to sell books online, but rather through in person events like comic book conventions The popularity of the ZomBeans (zombies) Donovan has drawn, including unique caricatures of his patrons The idea of working on a "talking flowchart" to help understand what people gravitate towards How Donovan has been doing local markets for 15 years -- since 2010 The regular festivals Donovan has started running in the parking lot across the street from his store Acquiring the Studio Moonfall 400 square foot store in 2019 What Donovan carries in his store How Donovan acquired ten pallets of books from a library that was wanting to move them Half of what Donovan sells in his own store being his own work -- meaning that his average margin is much higher than most other bookstores The CUT THE LINE promo where authors can get their books featured in the store and via the store's socials by providing 8 copies of their book to Studio Moonfall And more...   After the interview Mark reflects on the incredible effort and unique approach to creating his own store in order to ensure his work was available in a brick and mortar space. He also talks about the various margins that are typical for bookstores and how Donovan has navigated that with some ingenius moves. Mark also shares a special offer for patrons related to the CUT THE LINE promotion Donovan has in place.   Links of Interest: Donovan Scherer: Adventures in Art & Madness Studio Moonfall Author Submissions Page EP 440 - Behind the Scenes of the Podcast Guest Playbook with Matty Dalrymple Mark's Substack Article: When the Math for an Author Event Doesn't Add Up Manuscript Report (Mark's affiliate link) Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections Mark's YouTube channel Mark's Stark Reflections on Writing & Publishing Newsletter (Signup) An Author's Guide to Working With Bookstores and Libraries The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City Lover's Moon Hex and the City Only Monsters in the Building The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles Yippee Ki-Yay Motherf*cker: A Trivia Guide to Die Hard Merry Christmas! Shitter Was Full!: A Trivia Guide to National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation   Donovan Scherer is an author and illustrator creating worlds of adventure with a sense of humor and a little bit of dread that everything will go terribly, terribly wrong. In 2009, he started the Fear & Sunshine series of middle-grade illustrated novels and began his work in book publishing. Along with developing more of his own series across novels, comics, video games, and animation, he also works with independent authors to help bring their stories to life. In 2019, he opened the Studio Moonfall in downtown Kenosha, Wisconsin - an art studio and bookstore featuring his endlessly increasing body of work and highlighting other local and independent authors and artists. The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast ("Laser Groove") was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

Self Publishing Insiders
Libraries - Missed Opportunities for Authors

Self Publishing Insiders

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 50:29


Award-winning Detroit Author & Founder of Motown Writers, Sylvia Hubbard has independently published over 65 romance suspense books over 25 years. Sylvia joins us to talk about the opportunities authors could be missing out on if they aren't making the most of library distribution. //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.

On Wednesdays We Read (OWWR Pod)
Indie Intermission Ep. 24- "Not seeing the things that I'm seeing is going to be a lot scarier for audiences." an interview WITH CAT VOLEUR (Revenge Arc)

On Wednesdays We Read (OWWR Pod)

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2025 59:32


Send us a textHannah and Laura are wrapping up this indie intermission by talking to the author of Revenge Arc, Cat Voleur!! They gush over the book, learn about Cat's influences and how Revenge Arc was created, and refuse to accept that Cat may not return to this world and its characters. Cat also talks about being a woman writing in the horror genre, the evolution of fandoms, and how connected she feels to the characters she has created.*This episode contains SPOILERS for Revenge Arc by Cat Voleur. ***CW for the episode: discussions of violence, death, murder, chat rooms, red rooms, blood, assault, sexism **You can follow Cat Voleur online at:Cat's Website: BooksInstagram: @catvoleurBluesky: @catvoleur.bsky.socialMedia Mentions:Revenge Arc by Cat VoleurPuppet Shark by Cat VoleurNormal Things by Cat VoleurSincerely Departed by Cat VoleurMy Apologies to Tanya Grace by Cat VoleurStephen King's worksClive Barker's worksEric LaRocca's worksChristy Aldridge's worksMartyrs---AppleTVBuffy the Vampire Slayer---HuluBoo by Christy AldridgeSupport the showBe 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

AskAlli: Self-Publishing Advice Podcast
Inspirational Indie Author Interview #195: Steven Leibo — International Affairs Expert Turns Retirement into Epic Fiction Series on China, America, and Identity

AskAlli: Self-Publishing Advice Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2025 26:42


My guest this episode is Steven Leibo, an international affairs expert who spent decades teaching and commenting on global politics. In retirement, he has devoted himself to a sweeping fiction series set in the 19th century, following an American and Chinese family through major events that shaped both nations. His work blends real-world events with themes of identity, immigration, and cultural conflict. 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. 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 Steven Leibo is an international affairs expert and former professor who spent his career studying the relationship between Asia and the West. In retirement, he now writes an epic fiction series set in the 19th century, exploring identity, immigration, and cultural change through the intertwined histories of China and America.

Christian Indie Writers' Podcast
306: RIP NaNoWriMo: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Writing Challenges for Christian Indie Authors

Christian Indie Writers' Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 43:30


Send us a textNovember is coming, and NaNoWriMo is no more! If you are used to the challenge of writing a novel in 30 days making November your most prolific month, you are likely mourning the demise of National Novel Writing Month. But don't worry, Tina, Jen and Jamie are here to empathize as well as to offer you some alternatives to NaNo which can help you finish your writing year strong!https://reedsy.com/studio/challenges/reedsy-novel-sprint-2025#faqshttps://prowritingaid.com/novel-novemberhttps://novel90.com/writing-challenge-fall/Support this ministry on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MGR7431Join Our Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/listenersofciwp

Talking Book Publishing with Kathleen Kaiser
On Building a Sustainable Marketing Plan for Indie Authors

Talking Book Publishing with Kathleen Kaiser

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 62:08 Transcription Available


In this insightful episode of Talking Book Publishing, hosts Kathleen and Adanna welcome Mary Vensel White, author, editor, publisher, and Orange County president of the California Writers Club. Mary shares her multidimensional expertise in publishing and digs into one of the most elusive topics for authors: book marketing. She brings a refreshingly honest and practical perspective on the importance of market research, knowing your genre, identifying comparable titles, and how all of that plays into placing your book in the right hands.Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of how cover design influences buying decisions, the power of ebook promotions (even free ones!), and why setting a budget and timeline early in the writing process is crucial. Mary and the hosts also explore effective low-budget marketing, the evolving role of social media, and how to reach readers in both digital and physical spaces. Whether you're a debut indie author or a seasoned writer looking to update your strategies, this episode is packed with actionable advice that cuts through the noise.We'd like to hear from you. If you have topics or speakers you'd like us to interview, please email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today and join the conversation in the comments on our Instagram @writerspubsnet.

Self Publishing Insiders
Freedom to Publish, Freedom to Read

Self Publishing Insiders

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 52:20


Banned Books Week spotlights stories that some try to erase—but indie publishing ensures your voice is never silenced. In this episode we'll explore how the freedom to publish empowers marginalized voices to bypass gatekeepers and reach readers worldwide. Lee Wind is the Chief Content Officer of the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), and an author of frequently challenged books. He has been part of leading the charge in this conversation leading http://wearestrongerthancensorship.org/ Discover what it means when the power to publish rests in the hands of the author, and the decision of what to read rests with the reader.//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.

On Wednesdays We Read (OWWR Pod)
Indie Intermission Ep. 23- I was afraid to Google things because I thought I'd get a virus. (Revenge Arc)

On Wednesdays We Read (OWWR Pod)

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 53:32


Send us a textHannah and Laura are still on Indiemission! They're covering the second half of Revenge Arc by Cat Voleur and trying to put all the creepy pieces of this story together. They also chat about some comedy specials, Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series, and rewatching Buffy.*This episode contains SPOILERS for Revenge Arc by Cat Voleur. Spoiler section begins at: 19 min 10 secs. ***CW for the episode: discussions of violence, abuse, death, murder, blood, online chat rooms, red rooms, stalking, blood, sexual abuse, cults, torture, homophobia, sexism, misogyny, kidnapping **Poem mentioned in the episode: The Lady's Dressing Room by Jonathan SwiftMedia Mentions:Revenge Arc by Cat Voleur One Punch Man by ONE Vinland Saga by Makoto YukimuraShadow of a Dead God by Patrick Samphire Among Thieves by M.J. KuhnRose Matafeo: On and On and On---HBO Max James Acaster: Hecklers Welcome---HBO Max Scream---Hulu Buffy the Vampire Slayer---Hulu Angel---Hulu Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn MuirSupport the showBe 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

Write the Damn Book Already
Ep 144: What I'd Tell You About Book Writing (If I Wasn't Afraid You'd Block Me)

Write the Damn Book Already

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 29:51 Transcription Available


Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!Ever felt like everyone else has the secret playbook for publishing while you're just winging it? Same.In this episode, I spill everything I'd tell you as the author of six books (and having published 50+ for others) if I wasn't afraid you'd unfollow or outright block me. I'll get real about the financial side of authorship—the thin margins, the myth of “making it” with one viral post, and the practical ways nonfiction authors can pair their books with courses, workshops, or speaking to create lasting impact.And because no creative path is linear, I also dive into the human stuff: editors who disagree, 3 a.m. regrets, friends who vanish at launch. The fix for all of it? A simple but powerful rule: adopt a no-panic zone mindset.*** ✍️ You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's start writing (for real this time). No incense, inspirational playlists, or fancy mantras. Just a clear, doable plan to get your nonfiction or memoir draft written in 33 days.

Let Fear Bounce
Kevin M. Hall – From Memoirs to Marketing: Navigating the Indie Author Journey S5 EPS43

Let Fear Bounce

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 50:59


Today on Let Fear Bounce, host Kim Lengling chats with Kevin M. Hall—author, storyteller, and encourager of indie authors everywhere.Kevin shares his inspiring journey from preserving family memories in Ilion: My Childhood, My Memories, and My Rosemount, MN Memories to exploring faith and the unseen world in SIGNS – The Veil Is Thinner Than We Imagine.Now he's empowering self-published authors with his upcoming release, Book Marketing on a Budget – Simple Steps for New Authors, proving that you don't need a big budget to share your story with the world.Tune in for down-to-earth wisdom, laughter, and practical guidance for anyone dreaming of writing, publishing, or promoting their own book.Learn more about Kevin M. Hall:www.Kevin-Hall.comFind his books on Amazon!Listen. Be Inspired. Let Fear Bounce.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support more authors and inspiring stories.www.kimlenglingauthor.com#KevinMHall #AuthorInterview #IndieAuthor #SelfPublishing #BookMarketing #BookMarketingOnABudget #WritingCommunity #Storyteller #AuthorLife #MemoirAuthor #FaithAndWriting #SpiritualBooks #IndiePublishing #AuthorEncouragement #WritingJourney #BookPromotion #WritersInspire #FamilyHistory #LocalHistory #HistoricalFiction #MysteryWriter #CreativeWriting #SelfPublishedAuthor #WritingMotivation #letfearbounce #books #nuggetsofhope #authorinterview

Self Publishing Insiders
Multi-Voice Stories with Spoken

Self Publishing Insiders

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 51:06


Phil Marshall is a technologist, entrepreneur, and storyteller who thrives at the intersection of imagination and execution. He is the founder and CEO of Spoken, a platform that empowers authors to create immersive single, dual, and multi-voice audiobooks. //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.

The Aspiring Adult Podcast
Regina Kypriandes | Denver Female Owned Small Business Series | Indie Author

The Aspiring Adult Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 57:42


In this episode, Sarah sits down with Regina Kypriandes, author of Falling Free, to discuss her creative journey — from discovering her voice as a writer to taking the leap into publishing her debut novel.Regina shares how Falling Free began as a deeply personal story that grew into something much larger: a reflection on timing, love, and the courage it takes to let go. But beyond the story itself, she opens up about what it means to write honestly, to face self-doubt, and to follow a creative calling despite uncertainty.Throughout the conversation, Regina and Sarah explore the writing process — how inspiration strikes, the discipline it takes to finish a book, and the moment Regina knew her story was ready to be shared with the world. She also talks about the realities of publishing with Atmosphere Press, demystifying what it's really like to bring a book to life from first draft to finished copy.This episode is a candid and inspiring look at creativity, resilience, and the journey of becoming an author. Whether you're a writer yourself or someone curious about the stories behind the stories, Regina's perspective offers warmth, insight, and encouragement to anyone daring to create something of their own.

On Wednesdays We Read (OWWR Pod)
Indie Intermission Ep. 22- We do beg your pardon, but we are in your garden. (Revenge Arc)

On Wednesdays We Read (OWWR Pod)

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2025 75:39


Send us a textIt's Indiemission time!!! Hannah and Laura are covering Revenge Arc by Cat Voleur and questioning if their love for this book means that they need more therapy. They also talk about YA novels that they recently read, British television, and different relationship dynamics in Gilmore Girls.*This episode contains SPOILERS for Revenge Arc by Cat Voleur. ***CW for the episode: discussions of violence, murder, death, assault, online chat rooms, red rooms, crime, torture, harassment, self-harm, suicide, sexual assaultMedia Mentions:Revenge Arc by Cat Voleur Star Wars: Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo Taskmaster---YouTubeWould I Lie To You?---YouTubeLast One Laughing UK---Prime Video The Babysitter Lives by Stephen Graham Jones Tender Beasts by Liselle Sambury Gilmore Girls---Netflix Cheetah Girls---Disney+ Raise Your Voice---Disney+ Support the showBe 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

Pencils&Lipstick podcast
Ep 282 A Twist on Jane Austen with Joan Bischoff DeWitt

Pencils&Lipstick podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025


Christy and Carol Award–winning author Joanne Bischof DeWitt writes romantic fiction that tugs at the reader's heartstrings. Her historical romance The Lady and the Lionheart received an extraordinary 5 Star TOP PICK! from Romantic Times Book Reviews and was the very first independently published novel to win a Christy Award. It has also recently taken to the stage. As a longtime Jane Austen fan, Joanne is often making popcorn with her mom so they can rewatch their favorite adaptions, and as a new wife, she celebrates God's own redemptive love stories. Joanne thanks the Lord daily for bringing along her very own hero who's a perfect balance between Colonel Brandon and Mr. Darcy. Together, they're a blended family and the grateful parents of six teens and young adults, making them huge advocates for conversations, laughter, and large dinner tables. You can find her at joannebischofdewitt.com, YouTube: The Story Stitcher, Instagram: @joannebischofdewitt. Find The Heart of Bennet Hollow.My birthday treat for you this week---> Push a Pencil: 40 Prompts to Develop Your Creative Writing for just $2 https://www.curios.com/collections/0x9f6b15366c6f7cf051031cdc481f84f49e279167NYC Midnight story challenges: https://www.nycmidnight.com/ProWritingAid Novel November: https://prowritingaid.com/novel-novemberSign 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 @author_katcaldwell

Get My Book Out There Podcast
90 When Amazon Cancels Your Book Days Before Launch: How We Turned a Disaster into Determination

Get My Book Out There Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 27:58


What do you do when Amazon cancels your book just days before release—without warning? In this powerful and surprisingly funny episode, Narelle Todd and S.E. Smith share the behind-the-scenes chaos of Pets in Space 10, the 10th-anniversary sci-fi romance anthology that Amazon accidentally deleted right before launch. They talk candidly about the shock, the scramble, and the emotional toll—but also the lessons in resilience, communication, and grace under fire. From finding creative ways to vent to turning mistakes into marketing moments, this episode is equal parts therapy session and masterclass in calm crisis management.

The Pulp Writer Show
Episode 272: Six Scams Targeting Indie Authors

The Pulp Writer Show

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 18:54


In this week's episode, we warn against six different scams targeting indie authors. I also take a look at my advertising results for September 2025. This coupon code will get you 50% off the audiobook of Cloak of Wolves, Book #2 in the Cloak Mage series, (as excellently narrated by Hollis McCarthy) at my Payhip store: WOLVESAUDIO The coupon code is valid through October 20, 2025. So if you need a new audiobook this fall, we've got you covered! TRANSCRIPT 00:00:00 Introduction and Writing Update Hello, everyone. Welcome to Episode 272 of The Pulp Writer Show. My name is Jonathan Moeller. Today is October 10th, 2025, and today we are looking at six common scams that target indie authors. We'll also look at my advertising results for September 2025 and some changes I will make because of that. But first, let's start with Coupon of the Week and a progress update on my current writing projects. First up, Coupon of the Week. This week's coupon code will get you 50% off the audiobook of Cloak of Wolves, Book #2 in the Cloak Mage series (as excellently narrated by Hollis McCarthy), at my Payhip store. That coupon code is WOLVESAUDIO, and as always, the coupon code and the link to my Payhip store will be available in the show notes for this episode. This coupon code is valid through October 20th, 2025. So if you need a new audiobook for this fall, we have got you covered. Now an update on my current writing and audiobook projects, I'm pleased to report the rough draft of Cloak of Worlds is done at 107,500 words. I think it's going to end up being about 30 chapters or so once I finish editing and I'm going to start editing very shortly. Before I start editing, I am going to write a short story called False Iron set in the world of Nadia and newsletter subscribers will get a free ebook copy of False Iron when Cloak of Worlds comes out, hopefully before the end of the month (if all goes well). I am also 11,000 words into Blade of Shadows, the second book in my Blades of Ruin epic fantasy series that will be my next main project after Cloak of World is published. In audiobook news, Ghosts in the Siege (as excellently narrated by Hollis McCarthy) is done and it's processing through the various platforms. I believe as of right now you can get it at Payhip, Kobo, and Google Play and then hopefully it should be available at the other stores within a few weeks. Brad Wills is starting work on the audiobook of Blade of Flames. In early 2026, I believe we should have the final audiobook from the Stealth and Spells series from C.J. McAllister. So that is where I'm at with my current writing and publishing projects. 00:02:18 Ad Results for September 2025 [Amounts Mentioned Are in USD] Now let's take a look back at some of my ad results for September 2025. First, the big changes. I am going to either give Facebook ads a rest for a while or more likely continue them in a very more limited way with a more focused strategy. As I've mentioned before, Meta has been shoving all this Advantage Plus AI stuff into Facebook ads and it just doesn't work. The key for online advertising, especially with books, is to narrow your target audience as much as possible and the Advantage Plus AI stuff all goes for a broad audience. To test that out, I did a couple of experiments. I didn't advertise Frostborn with Facebook ads in August, but I did advertise them with Facebook ads in September. The end result was I actually made $20 less from Frostborn in September than I did in August, but I also had the advertising expense for the month of September, so I made less overall. I also tried the reverse of that experiment. I advertised Cloak Games and Cloak Mage in August with Facebook, but not in September. The end result was that Cloak Games and Cloak Mage made about $200 less in September, but without the cost of advertising, that meant the profit was substantially higher. So I'm not sure if Facebook ads are effective or as effective as they used to be any longer (thanks generative AI), but in the [interest of] full testing, it'll experiment with it a bit more. I did try one ad campaign entirely with Advantage Plus this month and it was objectively terrible. I do not recommend using Advantage Plus for anything if you are advertising anything on Facebook. I probably will end up doing Facebook ads in a more focused way, similar to the way I do my BookBub ads, where I will set a time limited ad for one of my permafree books for four days or so and then shut it off when it's done because BookBub ads tend to work well the first three days and then lose their punch after. So I might end up doing something similar with Facebook ads, but we will report more on that in November once we finish with October's advertisement results. Meanwhile, Amazon ads did a lot better. Here are some of the campaigns I ran. Remember, for an Amazon ad to be successful, it needs to generate a sale or complete Kindle Unlimited read through for every six through eight clicks. For Demonsouled Omnibus One, I got back $2.44 for every dollar spent, with one sale for every 1.41 clicks. For Half-Elven Thief, I got back $1.31 for every dollar spent, with one sale for every 2.48 clicks. For Half-Elven Thief Omnibus One, 48% of the profit came from the audiobook for that one. I got back $10.13 for every dollar spent, with one sale for every 1.26 clicks. For Stealth and Spells Online: Creation, it did really well, with $24.01 for every dollar spent, with one sale for every 0.66 clicks. That was still enjoying the halo result from the release of Final Quest earlier this year. For Cloak Mage Omnibus One, I got back $3.64 for every dollar spent, with 65% of the profit coming from the audiobook and one sale for every 0.61 clicks. For Sevenfold Sword Omnibus One, I got back $3.47 for every $1 spent and one sale for every 2.42 clicks. For Dragontiarna Omnibus One, I got back $13.40 for every dollar spent and one sale for every 1.2 clicks. Out of all my campaigns. I only had one campaign that lost money, but it lost a grand total of $1.48, so that was good. So we can also see that omnibus editions definitely do very well with Amazon ads, especially if they have attached audiobooks. It turns out finishing Stealth and Spells Online made it a lot easier to advertise. A finished series is a lot easier to advertise than an incomplete one (who knew?). Though if I really want to kick up Half-Elven Thief, I need to write another book in the series, which I plan to do later this year. Once Cloak of Worlds is published, I will start on that. As I mentioned earlier, I'm also [doing] a variety of BookBub ads for my permafree books on Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Google Play, and Apple; these consistently do very well since it's a lot cheaper to get clicks through the non-Amazon stores for books when you're advertising them on BookBub. So that's where my ads are for September 2025. As I mentioned, I'm going to experiment a bit more with Facebook ads in October and November, but the end result (even if I have good results) is I'm going to use them a lot less than I used to moving forward because targeting is somewhat harder. That means it's time to start thinking about other marketing ideas. There is precedent. I resisted using Facebook ads for four years before I started experimenting with them in early 2020, so maybe it's time (after dragging my feet on the idea for five years) to start playing with short form video in 2026. That seems to be where all the growth and all the eyeballs seem to be. You may have noticed that the previous episode of this podcast, Episode 271 was the first one that was on YouTube, and it seems to have been a good idea since that doubled the amount of views an episode usually gets. So I may have more video experiments coming soon, but we'll see, and as always, thank you for reading, everyone and it would be pointless to advertise the books if people didn't want to read them, and that is a fact for which I am very grateful. 00:07:26 Main Topic of the Week: Six Scams Targeting Indie Authors Now on to our main (and to be honest, somewhat less enjoyable) main topic this week, six scams that are targeting indie authors. The old saying was, “there's a sucker born every minute”, but in the year of our Lord 2025, I think it's more accurate to say there's an AI powered scammer born every minute. As you might've gathered from my tone about this, I admit to being pretty annoyed by how many scam emails I get related to writing and indie publishing. These days it's pretty constant and they tend to cluster around when I have a new release. Some bot (or more realistically, a whole bunch of bots) is presumably scanning all new releases and then turns out a bunch of scammy emails when it detects a new book. I despise these people because they prey upon the vulnerable for money, which is wrong. Imagine a 75-year-old who just self-published the novel he or she has been working on for the last 30 years and finally decided to finish in retirement. Then they get a ChatGPT generated email from “John Grisham” praising their book in detail and asking for some money for marketing services. A lot of people would have absolutely no mental defense against this kind of scam, like someone from modern earth encountering a wizard who can cast illusion spells. Unfortunately, scamming is endemic everywhere these days. It is a constant debate how much the [US] federal program Medicare gets scammed out of every year. One of the local drug stores where I live has numerous signs warning about gift cards after so many local seniors were getting scammed into buying gift cards. Then there were a recent chain of text messages telling me I owed money for driving on toll roads in the state of Illinois, which was amusing because one, I haven't been to Illinois since 2022. Two, I was a passenger in someone else's car at the time, and three, the last time I was on a toll road in Illinois in a vehicle I actually owned was in 2017. As an amusing aside, when I mentioned this on Facebook, a frequent commenter and reader mentioned that he lives in the UK and he still got a bunch of text messages about toll roads in Illinois, even though A, he lives in the UK and B, he doesn't actually have a driver's license. Unfortunately, it is the truth that the internet makes scamming so easy, that constant vigilance is required these days, and with that in mind, here are six different kinds of scammy emails writers (and indie publishers) can expect to get. #1: ChatGPT. One of the reasons (you know if you've listened to the show before) that I'm very down on generative AI is that generative AI is a scammer's paradise. Lately, a new trend is that a scammer will feed a pirated copy of a book into ChatGPT and then use it to generate personalized pitch letters. These personalized pitch letters will also be littered with emojis and the tone will vary from warm and sycophantic to encouraging and edgy. Here's a quote from a recent one I got for Blade of Flames: “Talembur wakes in a forgotten catacomb, sword in hand, memory shredded, enemies sniffing blood in the dark. That's a hook so sharp it could flense an orc. Blade of Flames reads like classic, grim-and-gorgeous sword-and-sorcery with a hunger for blood, mystery, and very satisfying blade choreography.” In fact, I got two more just like that this morning before I started recording. This is an effective illusion for a scam because it seems like the scammer read the book and liked it and is making personalized compliments about it, even though that's the result of a ChatGPT or a similar bot. However, the rest of the email is a hard pitch for various marketing services that don't actually exist. I admit I fell halfway for this one the first time. I got one of those very detailed emails and I thought it would respond with a polite refusal since it seemed like a lot of work had gone into it. However, after responding, I think I then got five more emails in rapid succession, all of them pushing for the purchase of dubious marketing services, and I realized the whole thing was a ChatGPT powered bot. So watch out for these very personalized emails, especially the ones that appear instantaneously or very quickly after you publish a book. #2: Fake book clubs. This one is sometimes tied in with the ChatGPT scams. Sometimes the book club people use ChatGPT to generate their emails. The way this works is you'll get an email for someone claiming they run a large book club or reader group on Goodreads (or Facebook or whatever) and they think your book would be a good fit for their reader group and have a few questions about it. However, if you respond to this email, you'll start getting pressure for payment. Turns out the reader group or the book club doesn't actually exist and this is yet another scam, so watch out for emails that talk about the “5,000 member reader group” or something along those lines. By good luck, one of these emails arrived while I was writing the notes for this episode, so I thought it would quote it here. “I'm Jason, and I organize Book Club NYC, a community of more than 3,300 readers across New York who gather to read, reflect, and connect through books that challenge perception and spark deep conversation. When I discovered Ghost in the Siege, I was immediately struck by its layered power, a story that confronts truth and deception, morality and survival, within a world both haunting and familiar. It's the kind of book that doesn't just entertain; it lingers, asking questions about justice, humanity, and what it means to stand alone in the face of decay. That blend of atmosphere and insight makes it exactly the kind of story our members love to explore together. We'd love to feature Ghost in the Siege as part of our upcoming event on Wednesday, October 15th. Here's what that experience will look like: Quiet Reading & Reflection: members immersing themselves in your world, letting its tension and themes unfold in silence. Open Discussion: exploring the moral and psychological dimensions of corruption, redemption, and resistance.” And blah, blah, blah. It goes on in this vein quite a bit. You notice that if you actually read Ghost in the Siege (and I'm actually quite fond of Ghost in the Siege as a book), I don't think it would be fair to say that Ghost in the Siege “isn't just the kind of book that entertains, it lingers, asking questions about justice, humanity, and what it means to stand alone in the face of decay.” That is the kind of generic nonsense you can expect ChatGPT to spit out for this kind of thing. Now, as we mentioned, of course this book club doesn't actually exist, and if any of these good Goodreads or Facebook groups or whatever even exists, they'll be full of bots under the control of the scammer, and if you respond, the book club organizer will start talking about fees for having your book read before the group. As ever, if you pay, the scammer will either immediately disappear or continue to pressure you for more money. #3: “John Grisham” wants to promote my book. This type of email is just a straight up catfishing or identity theft attempt. You'll get an email allegedly from a famous author (for myself, I've gotten emails from “John Grisham” and “Colleen Hoover”, among others), and they'll offer to help you promote your books. Obviously, this is very fake. The actual John Grisham and Colleen Hoover (among other famous authors) have better things to do with their time than emailing random indie authors like me for marketing collaborations. If you respond to these emails, you'll get a request for payment, and if you pay, the scammer will promptly disappear and stop responding, or of course, ask for more money. #4: Meta Ads has a new dashboard. I've gotten this one quite a bit this year, allegedly from Meta. This email claims that Facebook is rolling out either a new ads dashboard or a new mobile app for managing ads, and you've been invited to participate in the beta test for the new dashboard or the new app. Just click on the link and start installation. I admit I ignored these at first because there's no way I'm ever installing any Meta apps on my phone because they're so intrusive and halfway to being spyware. Also, the current version of the Facebook ads dashboard is annoying enough and complicated enough to use it as it is, and I don't want to play with any half-baked beta features. So I ignored these emails, but then I realized I was getting surprisingly a lot of them. So I checked the senders and realized they weren't coming from an actual Meta address, but from a variety of different Gmail addresses, which meant they were in fact phishing attempts. Facebook ad phishing, alas, is a serious problem. The basic scam is that a hacker finds a way to gain control of your ads account and then uses it to advertise various scam projects, usually involving cryptocurrency. Since Facebook's customer support is so notoriously bad, it's very difficult to get this kind of situation resolved. So if you are using Facebook ads, be wary of any emails you get from Meta since they could be phishing attempts. #5: Bad tax news or payment failure. This one tends to be common around tax time or the end of the year. You'll get an email allegedly from one of the publishing platforms claiming that there's a problem with your tax information or that one of your payments failed. The email will include a link you can click to resolve the situation, which is of course fake so the scammers can capture your account and personal information. I've gotten a couple of these lately and some of them, to be honest, were quite good. I got one from Spotify claiming that my tax information was out of date, which was baffling because my tax information hasn't changed in the entire time I've had audiobooks with Spotify. I was suspicious, so I logged into my Spotify dashboard and checked that everything was in fact, okay. Then I realized the scam: the email had actually come to a different email account than the one I actually used for my Spotify dashboard. It was an exceptionally well done phishing email, but thankfully, years of ingrained caution against clicking email links served me well. So if you do get one of these, don't click on any links. Instead go directly to the dashboard of the platform in question and see for yourself. If there actually is a tax or a payment problem, there will probably be a notification of some kind on the dashboard, and of course if the notification email comes to a different email account than the one you actually use for that platform or service, it will obviously be fake. #6: Fake publishing services. There are a variety of fake publishing services out there offering a range of alleged benefits like more Facebook followers, more readers, more email subscribers, et cetera, or someone will offer to get your book into Publishers Weekly or something like that in exchange for a payment. Some of these blend over with the scammy sort of vanity publishers. Granted, I think that all vanity publishing (which is “you pay us and we publish your book”) is a scam, but some of them are worse than others. At best, if you engage with these kinds of services, you'll get some new followers from bots or so forth, which is useless for selling books. At worst, nothing will happen at all. The scammers will take your money and disappear. At the absolute worst, they'll pester you forever for more money or find a way to steal more personal information from you. Generally, if you get an unsolicited email from book marketers, it is almost surely a scam. If you're unsure, asking about the company in question in a Facebook group like 20BooksTo50K or Wide For The Win will help identify whether or not they're legit, but they're probably not legit. In conclusion, I'm afraid one has no choice but to exercise constant vigilance in the Internet world these days, especially if you're a self-publisher. Be extremely wary of any unsolicited emails. Never click on a link in an email. If a message claims there's a problem with one of your publishing platforms, don't click on the link. Go to the platform directly in a different browser tab or a different browser and see for yourself. Before spending money on anything, do some research and check that it is legitimate and not a scam. It's easy to fake legitimacy these days, so it's worthwhile to do a little investigating before spending money on anything. So that is it for this week. Thank you for listening to The Pulp Writer Show. I hope you found the show useful and a helpful guide against some of the scams you might encounter in the wild. A reminder that you can listen to all the back episodes at https://thepulpwritershow.com. If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review on your podcasting platform of choice. Stay safe and stay healthy and see you all next week.  

AskAlli: Self-Publishing Advice Podcast
Inspirational Indie Author Interview #194: Judith Hutchinson Lepore. Canadian Novelist Turns Real-Life Wildfire Escape into Story of Survival and Community

AskAlli: Self-Publishing Advice Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2025 23:11


My guest this episode is Judith Hutchinson Lepore, a Canadian writer from British Columbia whose work spans fantasy, historical fiction, and memoir. Her latest book, Finding the Phoenix, tells how she and her family escaped a devastating wildfire that destroyed much of their community. What began as personal loss became a story of renewal and connection. 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. 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 Judith Hutchinson Lepore is the author of the acclaimed epic fantasy trilogy The Magic of Miraven, which has sold in eight countries. A longtime freelance writer and editor in film, radio, and television, she also worked as a personal trainer and health columnist while raising two children. In 2022, she and her husband moved to West Kelowna, British Columbia. The following year, they survived the region's worst wildfire on record—an experience she recounts in her memoir Finding the Phoenix.

Oh F*ck Yeah with Ruan Willow
Why Choose Shifters and Heat Ratings: Author Imogen Knowed on Writing Cozy Sweet Spicy Romance

Oh F*ck Yeah with Ruan Willow

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2025 91:40


Send us a textEp 675: Why Choose Shifters and Heat Ratings Author Imogen Knowed on Writing Cozy Sweet Spicy Romance. **You can watch the video version on YouTube at Ruan Willow Podcaster. There is NO excerpt in the YouTube version, please visit podcast apps to get the excerpt. The excerpt is from "Whispers, Whiskers, and Wine" and is at the first part of this episode.Romance Author Imogen Knowed Reveals the Secrets Behind Writing Polyamorous "Why Choose" Stories.Ever wondered how authors craft realistic polyamorous romance without relying on supernatural shortcuts? Romance author Imogen Knowed pulls back the curtain on her unique approach to "why choose" stories and shifter romances, explaining why she ditched the fated-mate trope for something far more complex.In this candid conversation with host Ruan Willow, Imogen discusses her latest works including **Whispers, Whiskers and Wine** and the upcoming **Dates and Dead Bodies**—a cozy murder mystery that blends polyamorous romance with small-town intrigue. She opens up about the challenges of marketing "spicy" romance when platforms suppress erotic content, the wildly subjective nature of heat ratings, and her meticulous research into polyamory to create authentic relationship dynamics.From her recursive drafting process to using a "naughty words" thesaurus, Imogen shares the nitty-gritty details of crafting explicit scenes while balancing entertainment with subtle education. She explores the evolution of cozy romance toward more explicit content and debates whether fiction should teach readers about anatomy and consent—or simply provide escapist entertainment.**Ready to dive into the world of authentic polyamorous romance?** Listen to discover how one author is reshaping the genre with realistic characters, thoughtful consent, and unapologetically explicit storytelling.Key Takeaways:• Erotic romance faces significant marketing barriers—heat ratings and content warnings can severely limit discoverability.  • She pairs a cozy, “sweet‑and‑spicy” vibe with explicit group sex and polyamory, doing detailed research to portray realistic consent.  • Imogen only started writing impulsively in 2022, drafts as a hybrid plotter‑pantser, and has had to accept she can't please everyone.Connect with indie author Imogen Knowed: Instagram and Threads ImongenknowedBooks: Whispers, Whiskers, and Wine (affiliate link) https://amzn.to/4okmDhnDates and Dead Bodies (affiliate link) https://amzn.to/4nIAOwuPodcast Host Ruan Willow's latest book release:John Gives His Wife Hot Adventures, Book 2 in the Servicing the Work Men Series https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/johngiveshiswifehotadventures Support the showExclusives https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/subscribeNewsletters https://subscribepage.io/ruanwillowhttps://linktr.ee/RuanWillow Affiliates Firm Tech 15% OFF with code ruan15 https://myfirmtech.com/ruanwillow BeeDee dating app https://beedee.app/?r=ohfuckyeahThe Fantasy Box DATE30 for $30 OFF 1st box https://thefantasybox.sjv.io/c/6250602/2141126/26423

Denusion, the Daniel Griffith Podcast
What is an Author? and Other Musings with Storyteller Kyle McLindsey

Denusion, the Daniel Griffith Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 82:26 Transcription Available


In this yarn, Indie author Kyle McLindsey and Daniel pull back the curtain on how taste gets manufactured, how attention gets priced, and why so many “hot” reads feel the same.If you care about indie publishing, authentic storytelling, and writing that resists the consensus, this is a conversation to sit with. Listen, share it with a friend who reads slowly, and tell us in a review where you draw your own line between voice and virality. Then subscribe because the algorithm told you to...Learn more about Kyle's book HERE.Visit our community HERE.

Self Publishing Insiders
Elevating Black Romance Authors

Self Publishing Insiders

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 47:43


Lauren Lacey is a Southern storyteller who crafts heartfelt romances filled with the complexities of love and resilience. Her writing, often set in small towns, explores the depths of commitment and second chances. Her goal is to create stories that make readers laugh, cry, and believe in the beauty of happily ever afters. Lauren joins us to talk about the success of Black Romance Book Fest, as well as the rise of indie authors and how that that has uplifted marginalized voices.//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.

Write the Damn Book Already
Ep 143: From Starbucks Barista to Thriller Novelist with Julie Doar

Write the Damn Book Already

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2025 36:10 Transcription Available


Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!A single question on a cold Hudson Valley walk: What if there's a body in that hunter's tent? sparked the debut thriller The Gallagher Place by Julie Doar. In this episode, we chat about how she wrote the first draft by instinct, then shifted gears into precision: charting dates, timelines, and cause-and-effect until every twist landed in a way that made sense. When the manuscript worked its way to 100K+ words, cutting became an act of getting clarity on what stays, what goes, and how much weight the opening chapter really has to carry.As it turns out, her years working at Starbucks trained the same muscles that make a thriller work: anticipating and executing under pressure. We talk about turning that fast-twitch instinct into a writing rhythm, plus the art of finishing one idea before chasing the next.We also chat about how querying parallels sales strategy: staggering submissions, treating rejections as market data, and refining pages until they convert. The mindset shift from “why not me?” to “what did I learn?” keeps momentum alive until the right agent says yes. ✍️ You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's start writing (for real this time). No incense, inspirational playlists, or fancy mantras. Just a clear, doable plan to get your nonfiction or memoir draft written in 33 days.

Publish & Prosper
Matt & Lauren Agree to Disagree

Publish & Prosper

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2025 44:20 Transcription Available


In this episode, Matt & Lauren debate and discuss a variety of writing, publishing, editing, and marketing prompts. Hear their insights, opinions, and ideas on topics like: Exclusively Selling Direct vs. Going Wide with Your Book SalesWhich Social Media Platform Would You Use to Promote a Book? What Would You Use to Entice New Email Subscribers? And, of course, a few tangents too. Listen now, or watch the full episode on our YouTube channel! Dive Deeper

Self Publishing Insiders
Indie Culture and Author Nation

Self Publishing Insiders

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2025 52:09


What fuels indie author success beyond the page? In this conversation with Joe Solari of Author Nation, we explore how connection, insight and inspiration shape the heart of indie author culture. From building authentic community to sharing hard-won knowledge, discover why gathering together—online and in person—empowers authors to thrive.//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.

Pencils&Lipstick podcast
Ep 280 Memoir and Book Marketing with guest Kevin Hall

Pencils&Lipstick podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2025


Today I talk with Kevin Hall about all the things he had learned in marketing his books. He has put all of his ideas, what works and what doesn't, into a book just for indie authors. You can find out more about Kevin at http://www.kevin-hall.comInes Johnson has a Kickstarted up for her Page Turner Planning. She describes it as a guidebook, a planning system, and a course all rolled into one powerful tool to help writers balance craft and career with intention. Find out more here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/romancewriteclub/page-turner-planningBe sure to check out my audiobooks created with Spoken.press here: https://katcaldwell.com/curiosYou can create your audiobooks, too! Just go to Spoken.press to get started! (you can even use your own voice!!)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 @author_katcaldwell

AskAlli: Self-Publishing Advice Podcast
Inspirational Indie Author Interview #193: Stephen Oram Explores Humanity, Technology, and Applied Science Fiction

AskAlli: Self-Publishing Advice Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2025 29:53


My guest this episode is Stephen Oram, a London-based author of near-future science fiction who explores the intersection of humanity with imperfect technology. His journey has taken him from squatter and countercultural outsider to civil servant, and now to full-time writer. As a practitioner of applied science fiction, he works with scientists and technologists to imagine possible futures. 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. 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 Stephen Oram writes social science fiction novels and short stories, exploring the intersection of messy humans and imperfect technology. He is also a leading proponent of applied science fiction, working with scientists and technologists to explore possible outcomes of their research through short stories. Linux User & Developer Magazine described him as “A soothsayer for this century's relationship with technology,” while the Financial Times said his work “should set the rest of us thinking about science and its possible repercussions.” Connect with him on social media.

Course of Action
Jessica Berg: Unconventional Agent Flips Publishing On Its Head

Course of Action

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 60:45


Jessica Berg, author and founder of Rosecliff Literary, an agency focused on developing authors and breaking industry norms, joins me to talk all things publishing, agents, and what Rosecliff is doing differently than everyone else.If you are an aspiring author, this is the episode for you. A must-listen!About Rosecliff: (from their site)Writing is brutal. You don't have to do it alone. Rosecliff is that emotionally intelligent big sister of the literary world--sharp, funny, and deep in the trenches with you. We name the chaos. Then help you cut through it.Founded by Jessica Berg, a long-time industry professional with expertise in editing and more, Rosecliff is a literary agency for authors who crave clarity, strategy, and a little feral encouragement. They blend editorial depth with real-world know-how--and they don't flinch when things get messy.In this episode, Jeff and Jessica talk about life as a literary agent, the challenges of authors finding agents, publishing industry dos and don'ts, Rosecliff Lit and their awesome programs like Lunch with An Agent, Rosecliff After Dark, and a new author development small group program they are launching in Spring of 2026.Find more about Jessica, her career, and more at: rosecliffliterary.comJessica Berg, author and founder of Rosecliff Literary, an agency focused on developing authors and breaking industry norms, joins me to talk all things publishing, agents, and what Rosecliff is doing differently than everyone else.If you are an aspiring author, this is the episode for you. A must-listen!About Rosecliff: (from their site)Writing is brutal. You don't have to do it alone. Rosecliff is that emotionally intelligent big sister of the literary world--sharp, funny, and deep in the trenches with you. We name the chaos. Then help you cut through it.Founded by Jessica Berg, a long-time industry professional with expertise in editing and more, Rosecliff is a literary agency for authors who crave clarity, strategy, and a little feral encouragement. They blend editorial depth with real-world know-how--and they don't flinch when things get messy.In this episode, Jeff and Jessica talk about life as a literary agent, the challenges of authors finding agents, publishing industry dos and don'ts, Rosecliff Lit and their awesome programs like Lunch with An Agent, Rosecliff After Dark, and a new author development small group program they are launching in Spring of 2026.Bookmarks:0:00 - Intro2:30 - Rosecliff Literary Agency10:00 - Cold Calls29:00 - Platform50:00 - Indie Authors and Self Publishing54:00 - Rosecliff's Future PlansFind more about Jessica, her career, and more at: rosecliffliterary.com

Self Publishing Insiders
Lessons Learned: A Decade of Indie Publishing

Self Publishing Insiders

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 53:17


M.K. Williams is the author of multiple science fiction books, short stories, and self-publishing guides. A truly all-American author, she has lived and worked across the country and now finds herself beneath the sunny, and often rainy, skies of Tampa. Because she has found so much joy in helping others realize their dreams of becoming an author, M.K. Williams has launched Author Your Ambition. This is your go-to location for all the things you need to be a success self-published author with FREE email courses, books, and more. M.K. joins us to share the lessons she's learned from the last decade as an author who helps other authors.//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.

Pencils&Lipstick podcast
Ep 279 Keeping it Real in Fantasy with RL Baxter

Pencils&Lipstick podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2025


Today I have a wonderful conversation with author RL Baxter. We talk about writing fantasy, writing for YA and adults, finding your path as an indie author, how Ricky Baxter got starter and where he is going. You should follow him and check out his books. Links below!https://rickybaxter.wordpress.com/https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ricky-Baxter/author/B00QHCK5Vhttps://www.facebook.com/rickyleebaxterhttps://www.instagram.com/authorricky/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 @author_katcaldwell.

Talking Book Publishing with Kathleen Kaiser
On Owning the Spotlight: A Guide to Confident, Authentic Book Promotion with Kim Dower

Talking Book Publishing with Kathleen Kaiser

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025 50:50 Transcription Available


In this episode of Talking Book Publishing, hosts Kathleen and Adanna sit down with one of the industry's most respected voices in author publicity and media coaching: Kim Dower. As the founder of Kim-from-L.A. Literary & Media Services, Kim has spent over 40 years helping writers become not just authors, but compelling public speakers. She's also an award-winning poet and co-author of Life is a Series of Presentations, the book that introduced the 8 Presentation Practices—essential tools for anyone looking to connect with an audience.Kim dives deep into the heart of media training, sharing why authors must separate the book from how they speak about it. She discusses the power of storytelling, how to overcome the fear of public speaking, and why humor and vulnerability are crucial in every author's toolkit. Whether you're preparing for a book tour, podcast appearance, or public reading, this episode offers invaluable insight for turning your message into a magnetic presentation.We'd like to hear from you. If you have topics or speakers you'd like us to interview, please email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today and join the conversation in the comments on our Instagram @writerspubsnet.

Self Publishing Insiders
Catching Up with Dale Roberts

Self Publishing Insiders

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 54:35


In this episode, Jim and Mark sit down with Dale L. Roberts, the voice behind the hugely popular Self Publishing with Dale YouTube channel. Dale has helped countless indie authors navigate the world of self-publishing with practical, no-nonsense advice. We talk about his brand-new book, Email Marketing for Authors, why building a mailing list is a game-changer, and how he's bringing his next big project to life through Kickstarter. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting out, Dale shares insights that will help you grow your readership and take control of your publishing journey.//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.

Kobo Writing Life Podcast
#378 – Advice for Every Indie Author with Lexi Blake

Kobo Writing Life Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 50:48


In this episode, we are joined by best-selling romance author Lexi Blake! Lexi is the author of over 100 books and has been in the indie author and self-publishing space for well over a decade now. As a result, she has lots of advice to share to her fellow indie authors in this episode. Lexi's popular books include the Masters and Mercenaries series, the Park Avenue Promise series, and more. Here latest, Spy With Me, is book five in the Masters and Mercenaries: New Recruits series. We were honoured to have Lexi on the show as our guest and delighted to hear some great advice from her. We talked about Lexi's history in indie publishing, the challenges she's faced as an indie author, and get some insight into her publishing and promotional strategies. We also got to hear some great advice for indie authors at all stages of their career! Don't miss this opportunity to listen and learn from an expert like Lexi. Visit Lexi's website to learn more and check out Lexi's books on Kobo.

AskAlli: Self-Publishing Advice Podcast
Inspirational Indie Author Interview #192: Mo Fanning Blends Humor, Heartbreak, and the Search for Belonging

AskAlli: Self-Publishing Advice Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2025 27:40


My guest this episode is Mo Fanning, a novelist whose work blends humor, heartbreak, and hope while exploring themes of identity, loss, and chosen family. His stories often center LGBTQ+ lives but treat them with the same depth and complexity as any other. He also creates original music to accompany his books. 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. 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 Mo Fanning writes darkly comic LGBTQ+ fiction that tackles serious themes with heart and humour. His novel Husbands won the 2025 IndieReader Discovery Award, while The Armchair Bride was nominated for Arts Council Book of the Year. He has featured as a finalist in both 2024 and 2025 in the Page Turner Awards.

Kobo Writing Life Podcast
Kobo ReWriting Life – #18 – Approaching Translations for Success with Brenna Aubrey

Kobo Writing Life Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 47:55


Welcome to the Kobo ReWriting Life Podcast! Alongside your regularly scheduled Kobo Writing Life podcast episode releases, we will also be featuring some highlights from our backlist. This episode featuring Brenna Aubrey is all about translations and how to find success in a foreign language market. Brenna had great advice about being a globally conscious author, translation rights, and more! Breakout star in France, Italy and Germany, Brenna Aubrey gives listeners tips on translations. She advises on how to decide if translations are right for you, how much money an author should budget for translations, picking which market to target and selecting which backlist titles to translate. Brenna also discusses how she fell into her niche (writing “geek romance”) and why ultimately, she decided on self-publishing rather than traditional publishing. To learn more, visit Brenna's website.  

Pencils&Lipstick podcast
Ep 277 Writing Her Parents' Story with Nancy Hastings

Pencils&Lipstick podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025


Former journalist Nancy Hastings, the daughter of missionary parents, is the author of “Mission Possible.” Nancy's 30 plus years of experience as a journalist and freelancer gives her the ability to make her characters shine. Nancy lives and works out of her home base of Lexington, IN and spends her summers hiking and camping with her husband, three children and two grandchildren.https://nlhastingsauthor.comhttps://www.amazon.com/Mission-Possible-Nancy-Hastings/dp/B0BSRHCJSSSign 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

Pencils&Lipstick podcast
Ep 276 It's a Numbers Game

Pencils&Lipstick podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2025


Welcome back, everyone! It's the seventh season of Pencils&Lipstick! I want to take a moment to reflect on the summer, encourage you to keep writing (possibly look at thing a little differently), talk o you about audiobooks and remember that this is all a numbers game, so keep adding to your numbers!Links from the show:Spoken.press https://www.spoken.press/Stepping Across the Desert on Spoken: https://ihave.spoken.press/p/qOUvDqdYWABStepping Across the English Channel on Spoken: https://ihave.spoken.press/p/MEI9agpxljVBended Loyalty on Spoken: https://ihave.spoken.press/p/fX18IedYi5WSupport me by purchasing them from Curios: https://www.curios.com/creators/katcaldwell-K5559XSign 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