Podcasts about indie publishing

On this episode of The USDN Podcast, The Chairman sits down with Collin McLamore, creator of Skyline Comics and the growing Skyline Universe.Collin discusses the origins of his flagship character Outline, the personal and grounded themes shaping his first series, and what it means to start building a creator-owned comic universe at a young age. The conversation also explores the realities of indie comics, the challenge of marketing through social media, and the long-term vision for Skyline Comics.If you enjoy discovering new indie comic creators and hearing the stories behind the books, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Follow Skyline Comics:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skylinecomics Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialskylinecomics YouTube: https://youtube.com/@skyline-comicsCollector Tip of the Week: Protect your comics with BCW Supplies using the USDN affiliate link: https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdn Use code USDN for 10% off.Affiliate disclosure: USDN may earn a commission if you use our link or code.

In this episode of The USDN Podcast, The Chairman sits down with Deece Casillas, stand-up comedian turned comic creator and founder of Inferno Comics.Deece discusses the origins of his indie comic Kill Stan, a dark character-driven story centered around trauma, purpose, and the complicated human desire to keep going even when everything feels lost.The conversation explores Dees' journey from comedy writing into the world of comics, the creation of Inferno Comics, and what it takes to build a creator-owned publishing label in the modern indie comic landscape.Topics include:• The inspiration behind Kill Stan • Launching Inferno Comics • The rise of indie and creator-owned comics • Marketing and selling comics independently • Why authentic storytelling matters more than everIf you're passionate about indie comics, creator journeys, and the future of independent storytelling, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.Support the showBCW Comic Book Supplieshttps://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdnUse code USDN for 10% off your orderAffiliate disclosure: USDN may earn a commission if you use our link or code.#IndieComics, #KillStan, #InfernoComics, #ComicBookPodcast, #CreatorOwnedComics, #IndependentComics, #ComicCreators, #GraphicNovels, #ComicCommunity, #NerdCulture

Aaron Renfroe is an author and the owner and operator of Pivot Press. Pivot Press is an organization built to optimize publishing books and audio in the LitRPG genre with as much quality, and as quickly, as possible. As an author who went from indie author to indie publisher, Aaron joins us to talk about publishing as a LitRPG author, and putting together a team of collaborators to work with, including co-authors, editors, and beta readers at Pivot Press. //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.

Welcome to The USDN Podcast - where indie comics come to life.On this episode of the USDN Podcast, The Chairman is joined by Akihiro Goska, director of Froglight Studio, an emerging indie manga studio from the Philippines.Akihiro shares how his creative journey began with Wattpad writing during lockdown, how Froglight Studio came together, and what it takes to build a collaborative manga project from the ground up. The conversation explores leadership, artistic growth, creative teamwork, and the studio's first major story, Snow's Warm Embrace.They also discuss the rise of manga creation outside Japan, the challenges of building recognition as a new studio, and Froglight's future plans in both manga and animation.Follow Froglight Studio: Facebook: Froglight Studio Instagram: Froglight Studio TikTok: Froglight Studio Subscribe and join the Council of Nerds for more interviews with indie comic creators, storytellers, crowdfunders, and rising voices in the world of comics. 

On this episode of the USDN Podcast, host The Chairman sits down with creator David Biggs, founder of Disco Punk Comics, to explore the origins of his upcoming indie comic series Once Upon a Hive in the West.Inspired by spaghetti westerns and the strange realities of insect life cycles, the series imagines a gritty frontier where bugs become gunslingers, outlaws, and legends of the Wild West.David shares the story behind launching Disco Punk Comics, the lessons he's learned navigating the indie comics scene, and how collaboration and community are shaping the future of his publishing label.The conversation also dives into the realities of indie comic production - crowdfunding, working with artists, building creative teams, and balancing the passion of storytelling with the business of comics.For anyone interested in indie comics, Kickstarter publishing, and creator-driven storytelling, this episode offers an inside look at what it takes to build a comic from the ground up.Follow David Biggs / Disco Punk ComicsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/discopunkcomics Website: https://discopunkcomics.com

Russell Berger joins The USDN Podcast to discuss A Knight's Title, his long-running independent sci-fi fantasy saga, and the realities of building a creator-owned universe without the backing of a major publisher.In this conversation, Russell shares how his love of creative writing began in elementary school, how influences like King Arthur, Star Wars, Highlander, anime, and comics helped shape his storytelling, and why A Knight's Title evolved into an episodic format instead of a traditional single-volume release.The episode also explores the business and mindset side of independent creation — from self-publishing out of necessity, to the difficulty of audience growth, to the importance of consistency, branding, and staying connected to readers.Russell also discusses the meaning of knighthood in his universe, the role of “blood abilities” in the story, his plans for future physical editions, and why he believes animation would be the ideal adaptation format for A Knight's Title.This is a strong conversation for anyone interested in indie publishing, worldbuilding, serialized storytelling, and the creator mindset it takes to keep going when no one hands you the opportunity.Follow Russell BergerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/KingDarkhart Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KingDarkhart?mibextid=LQQJ4d X: https://x.com/KingDarkhart Official Website: https://www.aknightstitle.com/#indiecomics, #scififantasy, #selfpublishing, #authorinterview, #creatorowned, #worldbuilding, #indieauthor, #podcast, #fantasybooks, #scifiwriter

If you've ever thought about writing a book — or already started one — this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how authors actually make it happen.

Former publicist to the stars, Isabelle Knight is the founder of Build Your Author Brand, an online consultancy helping fiction and non-fiction authors.  Isabelle joins us to share how you can build your author brand, grow your readership, raise your profile and give your books the best chance of success. //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.

A true architect of modern horror comics: Stephen Bissette (Swamp Thing, Taboo, Tyrant) joins the show to discuss his incredible journey from the first graduating class of the Joe Kubert School to becoming a pioneer of independent publishing. Steve is also working with Lighthouse Press to officially bring back his prehistoric masterpiece, Tyrant. We talk about the origin of this meticulously researched T-Rex biography, why he's bringing it back for a modern audience now via Kickstarter, and how his 15 years teaching at the Center for Cartoon Studies shaped his perspective on the industry today.Watch the uncut video version of this episode on YouTubeLINKS: Join our Patreon Community, and get access to bonus episodes, free comics, and other rewards! Try a FREE 7-day trial: HERETake your comic shopping experience to the limit, by shopping online at Gotham City Limit!The Schiller Kessler Group Click here to text us Fan Mail!Check out Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Battle Nexus, the raddest TMNT event of the decade! Buy your tickets for Collective Con 2026, Northeast Florida's largest pop culture convention: HERE Proudly sponsored by IDW ComicsProudly sponsored by Collective ConProudly sponsored by Gotham City LimitDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showREACH OUT!

Mark C. Dooley - The Genesis of a Fanboy & The Actual Adventures of Mark and DeeMark C. Dooley joins The USDN Podcast to talk about growing up a comic book fan before fandom was mainstream — and how the 1960s Batman TV era temporarily turned bullying into popularity overnight.Mark is the creator of MARK AND DEE: GENESIS OF A FANBOY (an autobiographical comic strip series spanning childhood into the teen years) and THE ACTUAL, SEMI-TRUE ADVENTURES OF MARK AND DEE (a contemporary series centered around community, friendship, and comic shop culture).We dive into Batmania, creativity as survival, meeting Dee at age 12, turning real-life triumph and tragedy into comics, and why indie storytelling hits different when it's lived.We also spotlight Mark's current Kickstarter for GENESIS OF A FANBOY Volume One, collecting years of strips into a single book, plus what's next with THE ACTUAL Volume One and Issue #6 (the wedding story).Guest Links: Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/markanddee/mark-and-dee-genesis-of-a-fanboy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.c.dooley/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markcdooley/ Substack: https://substack.com/@markcdooley1 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mcdooley1.bsky.social Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/u10978651 Blogspot: https://deboss1.blogspot.com/

Doug Marcaida - LINEAGE, Martial Arts Philosophy & Bringing Real Combat to ComicsForged in Fire judge and martial arts expert Doug Marcaida joins The USDN Podcast to discuss LINEAGE: Brotherhood of the Blade — a grounded, action-driven comic series published by Kid Heroes Productions.Blending authentic Filipino Martial Arts philosophy with brotherhood, legacy, and intelligent combat storytelling, LINEAGE follows two estranged brothers forced to confront their past and the mysterious blade tied to their family history.We explore Doug's journey from weapons specialist to storyteller, the philosophy behind “Keep Everyone Alive,” Kickstarter success, cultural representation in comics, and the future of the series.Support LINEAGE: https://kidhero.es/lineage Follow Doug Marcaida: https://instagram.com/dougmarcaidaThe USDN Podcast spotlights indie comic creators, Kickstarter campaigns, and the real stories behind the panels.The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come To Life! #DougMarcaida #LineageComic #IndieComics #Kickstarter #MartialArts #ComicBooks #CreatorOwned #USDNPodcast

My guest this episode is Jerri Williams, a retired FBI agent who spent twenty-six years investigating major financial crimes before building a second career as an author and podcaster. Since 2016, she has produced a long-running FBI true crime podcast, written widely about FBI myths and misconceptions, and built a strong independent publishing platform. 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 is an author, developmental editor, and writing coach with a long career in journalism and publishing. He works with writers at many stages of their careers, with a focus on helping them develop their ideas and strengthen their work while preserving their unique voices. He lives in Northern Michigan. About the Guest Retired FBI agent Jerri Williams spent twenty-six years as a special agent specializing in economic fraud and corruption investigations. She is now on a mission to show the public who the FBI is and what the FBI does. The FBI Agents Association recognized her as its Distinguished Service Honoree for sharing FBI stories. Through her police procedural novels, her nonfiction book, her blog, and her decade-old true crime podcast, "FBI Case File Review," she debunks misconceptions about the FBI found in books, TV, and movies. She has also worked as a consultant for major TV studios, assisting producers and showrunners in developing realistic FBI characters and storylines.

Braxton A. Cosby - The Yasuke Duology & Mythic Historical StorytellingHistory remembers warriors.Stories remember legends.On this episode of The USDN Podcast, bestselling author Braxton A. Cosby joins us to explore the YASUKE Duology, a bold reimagining of history's first African samurai, blending documented legacy with mythic fantasy.From the slave markets of India to feudal Japan…From loyalty under Oda Nobunaga to the supernatural realm of Elsewhere…We discuss:• Researching real historical figures• Expanding prose into graphic novels• The emotional themes behind Yasuke's journey• Indie comics publishing in today's market• Building a long-term storytelling careerWith over 20 books, multiple awards, and a growing transmedia footprint, Braxton shares insights for both readers and creators navigating the evolving comics and publishing landscape.Follow Braxton A. Cosby:www.braxtoncosby.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braxtonacosby/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BraxtonACosbyThe USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life.#indiecomics #yasuke #graphicnovel #historicalfantasy #authorinterview #comiccreator #samuraihistory #worldbuilding #indiepublishing

In a crowded marketplace, a well-executed in-person event can do more than sell books—it can elevate a publisher's brand, build lasting reader relationships, and open doors to new opportunities.  In this episode of “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA),” W. Brand Publishing Founder JuLee Brand will dive into practical, real-world advice for independent publishers who want to turn live events into powerful marketing and sales engines.  Topics Include:   what materials you need to bring   smart logistical planning that keeps your event running smoothly  proven strategies for promoting your appearance and drawing a crowd  and more!  If you're ready to boost book sales and expand your publishing company's visibility, this conversation is for you. PARTICIPANTS JuLee Brand is a graphic designer, art director, publisher, and storyteller with over 30 years of experience across music, television, and publishing. Founder of W. Brand Publishing and StorySessions™, she specializes in helping authors uncover clarity, meaning, and connection through guided conversation. Her work is rooted in a simple belief: words—and how they're presented—matter. Independent Book Publishers Association is the largest trade association for independent publishers in the United States. As the IBPA Director of Membership & Member Services, Christopher Locke assists the 4,000 members as they travel along their publishing journeys. Major projects include managing the member benefits to curate the most advantageous services for independent publishers and author publishers; managing the Innovative Voices Program that supports publishers from marginalized communities; and hosting the IBPA podcast, “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA).” He's also passionate about indie publishing, because he's an author publisher himself, having published two novels so far in his YA trilogy, The Enlightenment Adventures.LINKS Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a member of Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) here: https://www.ibpa-online.org/ Check out JuLee Brand's books at https://www.wbrandpub.com/ Follow IBPA on: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IBPAonline Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ibpalovesindies/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/independent-book-publishers-association Follow W. Brand Publishing on: Facebook & Instagram: @wbrandpub Today's episode is presented by Gatekeeper Press — where authors are family. Gatekeeper Press empowers indie authors with expert publishing, editing, and global distribution services—providing full, white-glove concierge support every step of the way.  Retain 100% of your rights, royalties, and creative control at gatekeeperpress.com.

Jane Friedman has spent her entire career in the book publishing industry, with a focus on author education and trend reporting. She is the editor of The Bottom Line, the essential publishing industry newsletter for authors, and was named Publishing Commentator of the Year by Digital Book World in 2023.  Jane joins us again to share her expertise, reflecting on 2025 and looking ahead at what 2026 might have in store for the publishing industry. //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.

Todd Black — Tokyo Blade Detectives #1–12 & The Future of Indie Sci-Fi ComicsIn this episode of The USDN Podcast, we sit down with comic creator Todd Black to discuss his cyberpunk detective series Tokyo Blade Detectives and the Kickstarter campaign collecting issues #1–12.Set 200 years in the future where guns are outlawed but violence still thrives, the series explores faction warfare, advanced technology, and the emotional consequences of conflict through the eyes of teenage detective Miko.We talk about:Building a long-running indie comic universeCrowdfunding strategy and Kickstarter lessonsCollaboration with international comic artistsExpanding creator-owned stories beyond comicsWriting the Thunder Rosa comic biographyAdvice for indie creators navigating today's industryIf you're passionate about indie comics, sci-fi storytelling, and creator-driven publishing, this conversation is for you.Support the Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/blackmagicwolf/tokyo-blade-detectives-1-12Follow Todd Black: X: https://x.com/Guardians_Comic Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/toddblack.bsky.socialThe USDN Podcast — Where Indie Comics Come to Life.

On this episode of The USDN Podcast, we sit down with indie comic creator Alfred Paige to discuss Hostile Assets — an upcoming crossover event uniting Gun Goth and Footpath in a brutal horror-action one-shot heading to Kickstarter this April.We explore Alfred's journey in indie comics, the collaboration with Mark Poulton of Haunted Pizza Comics, the creative process behind crossover storytelling, and what it takes to launch and sustain creator-owned comic projects through crowdfunding.This conversation dives into worldbuilding, indie publishing realities, horror storytelling influences, and the evolving landscape of Kickstarter comics.Kickstarter Links:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/koniwaves/gun-goth-x-footpath-hostile-assetshttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jonathanhedrick/footpath-dangerous-nightshttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sixfifteencomics/the-bearGuest Socials:https://www.facebook.com/Paige1productionshttps://www.facebook.com/paige.dollarzThe USDN Podcast — Where Indie Comics Come to Life.

D2D's CEO Kris Austin joins the D2D team to reflect on our 2025 and another year in publishing, and to look ahead to what is on the horizon in 2026. //Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

In 2018, we released "A People's Guide to Publishing," detailing everything Joe and the Microcosm team had learned through the years about starting, running, and sustaining an independent publishing company.For Microcosm's 30th anniversary, we've released a second edition of the book, expanded to include even MORE lessons Joe's learned over the last few years, and how to apply them to your publishing company.This week on the pod, join Joe and Elly as they talk about what's new in the second edition of "A People's Guide to Publishing!Get the book here: https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/books/3663************Thank you for catching the People's Guide to Publishing vlogcast!  We post new episodes every Thursday about publishing, authors, and the book industry. You can also listen via your preferred podcast app, or by visiting linktree.com/microcosmGet the book: https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/books/3663Get the workbook: https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/zines/10031More from Microcosm: http://microcosmpublishing.comMore by Joe Biel: http://joebiel.netMore by Elly Blue: http://takingthelane.comSubscribe to our monthly email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gIXT6vFind us on social media:Facebook: http://facebook.com/microcosmpublishingBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/microcosm.bsky.socialInstagram: http://instagram.com/microcosm_pub************

Legacy Rising: Building Gods, Monsters & Myth with Gary SeawardA story carried since 2008 finally takes shape.This week on The USDN Podcast, we welcome creator and artist Gary Seaward to discuss Legacy: Idols & Bones — a new indie comic universe blending superhero mythology, sci-fi scale, and horror-driven consequences.We explore the origins of the world, the characters shaping its future, and the Kickstarter campaign launching Issues #1 and #2.From Eidolon and Carcass to Pulse, Widow-Maker, and Re'Ordain — this is a deep dive into building modern indie mythology from the ground up.

He Was Dying… Then the Government Turned Him Into a Weapon | PorTroyal Smith – The Rogue RecordingsHe was dying.Then the government offered him survival.The price? Becoming a weapon.In this episode of The USDN Podcast, we sit down with PorTroyal Smith (Nathan Lebens), author of The Rogue Recordings, to explore a superhero saga grounded in military realism, moral ambiguity, and the true cost of power.From operating missiles in North Dakota to building a layered narrative about government-created super soldiers, PorTroyal shares the journey behind Shadowalker and Shadowar — and the question that defines the series:When survival changes who you are… are you still the hero?We discuss:• Military influence in storytelling• Weaponized humanity• Power and moral consequence• The evolution from Shadowalker to Shadowar• Writing stories that deepen on a second read

It's official! Draft2Digital and Bookshop.org have announced our partnership to bring indie ebooks to Bookshop.org! Join us as we talk to Bookshop.org. CEO Andy Hunter and D2D CEO Kris Austin about this exciting new partnership. //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.

Ever crushed your own dream before it had a chance? Or shut someone else down thinking you were being helpful? This episode hits all those moments we rarely admit but deeply feel. Phoenix Ash returns, fresh from a sinus battle and ready to get honest about sabotage. Not just the kind people throw at you, but the kind that sounds like perfectionism or “being realistic.” She unpacks how fear disguises itself as logic, how self-doubt poisons motivation, and how even love can come out as limitation. There's talk of indie publishing hustle, writing through chaos, the dangers of rushing your art, hormonal rollercoasters, and why marriage might just be a shortcut to legal security. It's honest, revealing, and filled with the kind of reflection that makes you pause and rethink your own patterns. Ready to stop poisoning your will? Start here.

Orna Ross is co-founder and director of the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) and a passionate advocate for self-publishing and author empowerment. Her motto is: “When in doubt, be braver.” Orna joins us to discuss the results of the ALLi Indie Author Income Survey and what we can learn about our industry.//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.

Self-publishing isn't a shortcut nor a consolation prize. It's a publishing model that works well for some writers and not at all for others.Today, I'm joined by Libby Waterford, a prolific romance author and self-publishing educator with more than twenty books published across pen names.We break down what self-publishing actually involves: the costs writers don't always anticipate, the level of control and responsibility it requires, and how marketing, timelines, and long-term goals factor into whether it's a good fit for you.This episode is about education and understanding your options, asking questions, and making intentional decisions about your writing career based on your long-term goalsTimestamps01:43 Meet Libby Waterford05:28 Why Libby chose self-publishing after being with a traditional publisher08:47 Pros and cons of self-publishing16:38 The advantages of being your own publisher23:09 Budgeting and essential costs27:09 Marketing, ROI, and sustainability38:53 Advice for new authors41:07 What Libby's working on next and education resourcesGuest Bio:Libby Waterford is the author of Sawyer's Cove, the Reboot, and The Never A Bride Contemporary Romance Series, and under her other pen name, Elle Waters, writes steamy Small Town Gay Romance. A former president of the Connecticut Chapter of Romance Writers of America, Libby is also a self-publishing coach and instructor at the Westport Writers Workshop in Westport, Connecticut, where she teaches classes on genre fiction and self-publishing.Linkshttps://libbywaterford.com/, https://www.instagram.com/libbywritesromance/, https://ellewatersbooks.substack.com/https://westportwriters.org/ Have 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

Running an independent press on a tight budget? You're not alone — and you're not out of options. This episode of Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA) explores funding opportunities many indie publishers miss.Shero Comics founder Shequeta Smith shares practical advice on finding and securing grants, fellowships, paid creative opportunities, and other nontraditional funding sources to help sustain and grow your publishing program. She also discusses how Substack can boost visibility and become an additional revenue stream for your brand.If you're looking for smarter ways to fund your publishing goals, this episode is full of actionable ideas you can start using now.PARTICIPANTSShequeta L. Smith is an award-winning writer, director, and the founder of Shero Comics, a Los Angeles–based multimedia company creating empowering comics, films, and games centered on women and girls of color. Since launching the company in 2016, she has independently sold more than 8,500 books worldwide and expanded the Shero universe into dolls, apparel, and branded merchandise. Smith is also the creator of SheroCon, a women-centered comic and creative tech convention, and recently made history as the first African-American comic creator featured at the Korea Manhwa Museum. In recognition of her work in comics and her impact on Los Angeles youth, she was named the 2025 Los Angeles Lakers & Comerica Bank Woman of Diversity.Independent Book Publishers Association is the largest trade association for independent publishers in the United States. As the IBPA Director of Membership & Member Services, Christopher Locke assists the 4,000 members as they travel along their publishing journeys. Major projects include managing the member benefits to curate the most advantageous services for independent publishers and author publishers; managing the Innovative Voices Program that supports publishers from marginalized communities; and hosting the IBPA podcast, “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA).” He's also passionate about indie publishing, because he's an author publisher himself, having published two novels so far in his YA trilogy, The Enlightenment Adventures.LINKSLearn more about the many benefits of becoming a member of Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) here: https://www.ibpa-online.org/Check out Shequeta Smith's books at www.shequeta.comFollow IBPA on:Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IBPAonlineInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ibpalovesindies/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/independent-book-publishers-associationFollow Shero Comics on:www.instagram.com/sherocomicswww.tiktok.com/@sherocomicswww.youtube.com/@sherocomicsToday's episode is presented by Gatekeeper Press — where authors are family. Gatekeeper Press empowers indie authors with expert publishing, editing, and global distribution services—providing full, white-glove concierge support every step of the way. Retain 100% of your rights, royalties, and creative control at gatekeeperpress.com.

Lee Wind joins us to talk about the IBPA (Independent Book Publishers Association) Boot Camp for Author Publishers, and how to bring all the pieces together when publishing to find your success.Lee Wind is the Chief Content Officer for the IBPA. He is also an author, who writes the books that would have changed his life as a young Gay Jewish kid. Lee was recently awarded BISG's Industry Champion Award for co-founding We Are Stronger Than Censorship, a program that buys and donates two books to offset every one book 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.

BECCA LEE GARDNER Author – Biography Becca Lee Gardner is an 8-time Honorable Mention Winner from the Writers of the Future contest. Worldbreaker: An Eldros Legacy Novel won the Utah Author's League 2024 Recommended Read Award. Becca writes novels, comic books, screenplays, and short stories. Her most recent series, Min the Mighty, began as a bedtime story she told her kids and has become a fan favorite. When she's not writing, Becca walks for hours and hours, chasing the sunrise. She also plays intense rounds of Marvel Splendor and Star Wars: Battlefront with her three kids. Her favorite evenings are spent watching Korean zombie shows with her husband who jump-scares quite easily. Find out more about Becca at BeccaLeeG.com MEGAN O'RUSSELL Author – Biography From the epic fantasy world of Ilbrea to the vampire and werewolf-plagued dystopia of the domes, author Megan O'Russell offers readers thirty-two books across nine series. With a passion for building immersive worlds, uncovering each character's unique voice, and discovering innovative ways to bring stories to audiences, Megan has created and presented workshops across the country helping fellow authors along their journey, including facing the Indie Publishing process with clear eyes and a workable plan. Megan's newest novel, Sketchbook of a Wayward Seer, is presented in partnership with the podcast Page by Page: Writing the Book in Real Time, where you can listen to a new, full chapter of the series every week. Other titles include Ember and Stone, Girl of Glass, The Cursebound Thief, and How I Magically Messed Up My Life in Four Freakin' Days. Find out more about Becca at MeganORussell.com Megan O'Russell

Welcome to 2026! Each new year brings the opportunity to begin anew, yet that can be daunting. Rather than start the new writing year feeling overwhelmed out of the gate, Mark Leslie Lefebvre provides encouragement on how to set realistic goals to keep you and your book publishing aspirations on track in 2026.//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.

Autumn A. Arnett joins us to talk about the EFA and what you should keep in mind when looking for the right editor for your book.The Editorial Freelancers Association is a nonprofit organization that advances excellence among a dynamic community of freelance editorial professionals by providing opportunities for business development, learning, and networking. EFA members are editors, writers, indexers, proofreaders, researchers, desktop publishers, translators, and others who offer a broad range of skills and specialties.//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.

Publishing a book can take many forms. Some may be published with large corporations in New York City while other books are self-published. Another option for writers to consider is publishing with a small, independent press. Samantha Kolber, owner and publisher of Rootstock Publishing in Montpelier, and Dede Cummings, owner and publisher of Green Writers Press in Brattleboro, tell us about the economics of publishing a book, soup to nuts, and how they work with new authors.Former New Hampshire Public Radio host Laura Knoy published her debut historical fiction novel, The Shopkeeper of Alsace, last year with Bedazzle Ink Publishing. She shared with us her perspective as a new author and why an independent press was the best choice for her. 

Thomas Dean Donnelly has been a professional screenwriter for over 30 years. In that time he has written on major projects, from Voltron to Uncharted, and from Marvel's Doctor Strange to The Walking Dead. During the Hollywood writers strike he wrote his first novel: YEAR OF THE RABBIT and just release its sequel YEAR OF THE HORSE, both spy thrillers. T.D. Donnelly joins us to share practices he has used in his writing to build memorable characters and stories for the screen.//Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

This special Christmas Day 2025 episode is a pre-recorded one with Mark Leslie Lefebvre who introduces a series of clips that highlight just 14 of the amazing episodes that have been brought to you every week in this past year.//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.

Every single day, there are news stories about artificial intelligence (AI)—most notably, controversies about unethical practices by companies that offer AI services—so independent publishers are trying to determine if using AI is the right fit for their businesses.Author and Indie Author Magazine Co-Founder and Publisher Chelle Honiker joins “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)” to share her expertise on the subject, including the ethical concerns about using AI, what the most effective AI platforms are for publishers, how AI can be used to help publishers run their businesses more efficiently, and much more.PARTICIPANTSChelle Honiker is the co-founder and publisher of Indie Author Magazine, IndieAuthorTraining, Indie Author Tools, and Direct2Readers.com. Her team of more than 80 writers, editors, trainers, and support staff provides resources and insights that help authors navigate the complexities of self-publishing. Her role as the programming director for Author Nation, an annual conference in Las Vegas, further exemplifies her commitment to fostering a community where authors can grow and succeed.With a career spanning over two decades in executive operations and leadership, Chelle has honed her skills in managing complex projects and delivering impactful training programs. Her experience as a speaker and TEDx Organizer has taken her to many countries, where she has shared her insights with diverse audiences.Independent Book Publishers Association is the largest trade association for independent publishers in the United States. As the IBPA Director of Membership & Member Services, Christopher Locke assists the 4,000 members as they travel along their publishing journeys. Major projects include managing the member benefits to curate the most advantageous services for independent publishers and author publishers; managing the Innovative Voices Program that supports publishers from marginalized communities; and hosting the IBPA podcast, “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA).” He's also passionate about indie publishing, because he's an author publisher himself, having published two novels so far in his YA trilogy, The Enlightenment Adventures.LINKSLearn more about the many benefits of becoming a member of Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) here: https://www.ibpa-online.org/Check out Chelle Honiker's books at https://chellehoniker.com/Also, learn more about Indie Author Magazine at https://indieauthormagazine.com/Follow IBPA on:Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IBPAonlineX – https://twitter.com/ibpaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ibpalovesindies/Today's episode is presented by Gatekeeper Press — where authors are family. Gatekeeper Press empowers indie authors with expert publishing, editing, and global distribution services—providing full, white-glove concierge support every step of the way. Retain 100% of your rights, royalties, and creative control at gatekeeperpress.com.

The way readers search for their next book is changing dramatically. With Google's generative search and Amazon's upcoming AI-driven recommendation engine, authors face a completely new landscape for book discovery. But how exactly will these changes affect your books' visibility? Reedsy's Ricardo Fayet joins us to share practical steps to make sure your books remain discoverable and compelling to readers in this rapidly shifting landscape.//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.

Cameron Sutter is a sci-fi/fantasy author and the inventor of Plottr – the popular visual story planning software. As a friend of the show, he joins us again to talk about new Plottr features, their Virtual Beta Readers, and the charity work they are supporting with their Plot for Good campaign. //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.

Becca Syme, founder of the Better-Faster Academy and Host of The Quitcast, joins us to talk about what habits and practices we need to focus on in this brand new day of publishing, and which don't serve us anymore. //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.

Audiobook sales have been on the rise for many years, and they show no signs of stopping; so many independent publishers are hoping to take advantage of this boom. But there are important factors to consider first. Will the return on investment be worth the cost of producing an audiobook? How do you produce a quality audiobook on a lean budget? What genres perform the best as audiobooks? Do you market your audiobook differently than your print and ebooks?Podium Entertainment has had great success in the audiobook market, so Publisher Victoria Gerken joins the podcast today to answer those questions, as well as discuss their transition from being an audiobook-only publisher to now also publishing print and ebooks.PARTICIPANTSVictoria Gerken is the Publisher at Podium Entertainment. She has welcomed independent authors into the Podium family since 2016. She previously worked with authors in traditional publishing roles - at Random House and Alfred A. Knopf - where she was a publicist and sold subsidiary rights. Victoria got her first taste of entrepreneurship in publishing as the founder of the Random House Speakers Bureau.Independent Book Publishers Association is the largest trade association for independent publishers in the United States. As the IBPA Director of Membership & Member Services, Christopher Locke assists the 4,000 members as they travel along their publishing journeys. Major projects include managing the member benefits to curate the most advantageous services for independent publishers and author publishers; managing the Innovative Voices Program that supports publishers from marginalized communities; and hosting the IBPA podcast, “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA).” He's also passionate about indie publishing, because he's an author publisher himself, having published two novels so far in his YA trilogy, The Enlightenment Adventures.LINKSLearn more about the many benefits of becoming a member of Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) here: https://www.ibpa-online.org/Learn more about Podium Entertainment here: www.podiumentertainment.comFollow IBPA on:Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IBPAonlineX – https://twitter.com/ibpaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ibpalovesindies/Follow Podium Entertainment on social media: @podiumentertainment

On the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Joe Solari sits down with ALLi Director Orna Ross for a candid debrief from Author Nation, where they talk about the energy of the conference, what it means for indie authors, and where the industry is headed. They cover everything from the value of in-person community to the rise of AI, new advertising opportunities, and the growing range of publishing paths available to authors. Orna reflects on meeting members face to face, the professionalism of the event, and what she sees as the key trends shaping author careers in the coming year. 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 Joe Solari assists authors in developing successful businesses as the managing partner of Author Ventures LLC. In his role as a business manager, he supports his private clients, who collectively achieved gross royalties of twenty-two million in 2023, with an average pre-tax profit of 44%. This remarkable success results from implementing disciplined business strategies and maintaining an unwavering dedication to enhancing the customer experience.

In this second episode of Indie Publishing, Angie and Daniel discuss a world where algorithms pick what books are published and what books are not, how riding market trends determines more of what agents and publishers see as "good" than the quality of writing, the strength of the story, and even the purpose of story itself. It is stories that make us human, and the stories are many. Angie and Daniel open up about why they chose indie publishing, what they have learned from rejections and near-closes with agents, and how sales and marketing teams boisterously shape which books make it to shelves and which do not. From audiobook production shock to royalty splits that pale to pay authors what they deserve, Angie and Daniel also break down the real math of storytelling and the practical realities that every author faces.If you've ever wondered whether Amazon's Kindle Unlimited helps or hurts, why preorders feel invisible, or how much a book's cover actually costs, you may enjoy this yarn! They also get candid about craft, discussing how hook-first culture, originated by Agents and queries, can warp a novel, forcing fireworks into page one while the middle goes slack, while the storyline tanks and even falls limp. Daniel argues for protecting slow openings, layered worlds, and voices that don't mirror the algorithm's taste. Then, Angie and Daniel discuss how fantasy as a genre, a genre originally constructed to explore the weird and off-shoot worlds and stories, has developed strangely into a linear story-ground: trend waves demand dragon rider and romantasy, but the new mythologies, gothic whispers, and odd structures that breathe weird breaths go missing.Toward the end, Angie and Daniel discuss the role of Indie publishing in keeping the storytelling doors open. That intimacy and living stories turn commerce into conversation: signing paperbacks, tucking art prints into packages, and hearing what resonates directly with readers help keep the oral-storytelling human alive and healthy.If this episode helps you on your journey, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help more humans find us.Daniel Firth Griffith is markâko and seanchaí, a participant citizen of Earth Mother, a father, horse-friend, sacred butcher, magikal storyteller, and award-winning indie author of six books on kincentric ecology, mythology, and horror. Learn more about Daniel's work and books HERE!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!Watch this episode on YouTubeListen to this episode inside our Community

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.

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!

Self-published authors Anne Ditmeyer and Martin Lake share what it really takes to go indie, from choosing platforms and budgeting for editing, design, and ISBNs to redefining success, avoiding scams, and playing the long game of finding readers and building a sustainable writing life.  You'll learn:Why Anne and Martin chose self-publishing over traditional routes and how they framed readers as their gatekeepers.How both authors define success beyond bestseller lists, from “book as business card” to improving the craft across 25 books.The real timelines of an indie career, including slow early sales, backlist effects, and why self-publishing is a marathon, not a sprint.What a realistic budget looks like for editing, design, typesetting, audiobooks, and print on demand, plus where they chose to DIY or outsource.How they use platforms such as Kindle Direct Publishing, Lulu, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, and Shopify, and why most sales still come through Amazon.Practical approaches to marketing that do not require a huge following, including series, mailing lists, events, workshops, and using your existing communities.The role of ISBNs, imprints, metadata, and print on demand for getting into libraries and bookstores, and why in-store placement is harder than it looks.Red flags to watch for with third-party “publishing services” and why due diligence can save you thousands in fees and frustration.   Resources and Links:

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

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.

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 question that IBPA staff probably gets asked the most by publishers is: How do I sell more books. We're always happy to help, so IBPA's Chief Content Officer Lee Wind joins “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)” to share advice on the most effective and ineffective book marketing tactics, including how you can get your book vetted so bookstores, librarians, and consumers will be more likely to buy it; how you can make your books more discoverable to buyers; how you should successfully market your book pre-publication, during the launch, and post publication; and much more.PARTICIPANTSLee Wind (he/him) is IBPA's Chief Content Officer, and is constantly iterating IBPA's book marketing programs to help our members' books achieve and succeed. A book blogger and author published by six different independent presses himself, Lee is passionate about empowering and amplifying independent voices. As an author, Lee writes stories to empower kids and teens to be their authentic selves and change the world—the same books that would have changed his life as a young gay, Jewish kid. Lee is also the co-founder of We Are Stronger Than Censorship, a nonprofit program that buys and donates two books to offset every one book challenge. You can visit Lee's author website at leewind.orgIndependent Book Publishers Association is the largest trade association for independent publishers in the United States. As the IBPA Director of Membership & Member Services, Christopher Locke assists the 3,900 members as they travel along their publishing journeys. Major projects include managing the member benefits to curate the most advantageous services for independent publishers and author publishers; managing the Innovative Voices Program that supports publishers from marginalized communities; and hosting the IBPA podcast, “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA).” He's also passionate about indie publishing, because he's an author publisher himself, having published two novels so far in his YA trilogy, The Enlightenment Adventures.LINKSLearn more about the many benefits of becoming a member of Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) here: https://www.ibpa-online.org/Sell more books with IBPA's book marketing programs: https://www.ibpa-online.org/page/ListofBenefits#sellmorebooksSupport independent publishers whose books have been banned through the We Are Stronger Than Censorship campaign: https://www.wearestrongerthancensorship.org/Check out IBPA Chief Content Officer Lee Wind's books here: https://www.leewind.org/Follow IBPA on:Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IBPAonlineX – https://twitter.com/ibpaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ibpalovesindies/Follow Lee Wind here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamleewind/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leewindBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/leewind.bsky.socialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/leewindauthor

Debut novelist Carys Shannon on how to stay true to your voice through submissions and agent feedback, why an editorially led indie press was the right home for her book, and the craft that brought it to life.We discuss:How to decide what your book wants to be and center its emotional life.Submission strategy after competitions: reading agent feedback without losing your vision.Indie presses 101: editorially led models, scale, and alignment.Contracts with a small press: advances, rights splits, and what to expect.Publicity with an indie: bespoke support and realistic reach.Craft choices that unlocked the book: first-person present vs close third, “killing your darlings.”Landscape as character.Redefining success through integrity of voice. Resources and Links:

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