Podcasts about self publishing

This week on #SolutionsWatch, James is joined by Tom-Oliver Regenauer, a self-taught publisher whose German language self-published books now regularly outsell major publishing houses in Germany. He discusses how and why he started Regenauer Press, how he self-publishes his books, how others can join the self-publishing revolution and produce actual print books that evade the digital censors, and how he used his skills to publish the German translation of REPORTAGE.

Tell us what you want to hear on the show!Want to write a book but don't know where to start, or whether to self-publish vs. traditional? In this episode of Second Act Success, host Shannon Russell talks with Amy Vogel, who went from tech sales and then spent years as a pastor before publishing 5 books and now working as a women's book coach. If you are thinking about turning your story into a brand-building book that clarifies your message, motivation, and mindset, this episode is a must listen.Amy shares her journey to publishing her first book at age 42, why more women are choosing self-publishing, and how a book can become your business centerpiece, instead of a stressful side project. If you're a midlife creator, coach, consultant, or entrepreneur ready to finally write your book, this conversation is your roadmap.Key Takeaways:Qualified to author: Why your lived experience is enough, and why 40s/50s is prime time to publish.Publish path 101: Clear pros/cons of traditional vs. self-publishing, costs, timelines, rights, and royalties.Brand centerpiece book: Use your book to drive clients, speaking, and programs, not just royalties.The 3 M's Framework: Align Message, Motivation, and Mindset to finish the manuscript.Accountability wins: How coaching, deadlines, and a plan get you from idea to finished draft.Vision > hustle: Define your success metrics and avoid burnout while you build your author platform.SHOW NOTES:https://secondactsuccess.co/219Connect with Amy Vogel:https://www.amywvogel.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/amywvogel/---------- You are listening to the Top 2% globally ranked podcast Second Act Success!CONTACT Shannon and share your feedback about what you'd like to hear on the podcast! https://secondactsuccess.co/contact Book a FREE Strategy Call with host and business coach Shannon Russell - https://www.calendly.com/second-act-success/coaching-strategyWork with Shannonhttps://secondactsuccess.co/coaching FREE Resourceshttps://secondactsuccess.co/resources FREE Masterclasshttps://secondactsuccess.co/secrets READ Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life https://startyoursecondact.com. LISTEN to the How To Quit Your Job and Start A Business Podcast! https://secondactsuccess.co/listenLET'S CONNECT!Instagram - https://instagram.com/secondactsuccessLinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/shan...

313. Rediscovering Childhood Creativity In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan explores the themes of creativity, mental health, and the importance of rediscovering childhood creativity. He shares his journey of self-publishing, the significance of networking, and how professional pressures can stifle joy in creative expression. Mike encourages listeners to reconnect with their creative roots and emphasizes the value of creating for joy rather than profit. He also discusses tools and resources to help individuals reignite their creative passions and the lifelong journey of maintaining creativity in their lives. 3 Key Takeaways:

In this episode, Matt & Lauren share three chilling scenarios bound to keep you up at night and our tips for surviving your worst book publishing nightmares! Hear the horrifying tales of: 

In this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast, Anna Featherstone speaks with indie author Fiona Tarr about the production and distribution strategies that helped her grow from her first fantasy novel in 2014 to becoming a six-figure mystery and crime writer today. Fiona explains how she keeps her production pipeline on track, why her long-term preorder strategy has been so effective across platforms, and what she's learned about library distribution and audiobook production. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-Publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of nearly 2,000 blog posts and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. And, if you haven't already, we invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. Sponsor This podcast is proudly sponsored by Gatekeeper Press — your partner in premium independent publishing. Empowering authors with expert guidance, 100% rights, 100% royalties, and global distribution. From editing to marketing, their all-inclusive services help you publish professionally and confidently. Gatekeeper Press — Where Authors Are Family. About the Host Anna Featherstone is ALLi's nonfiction adviser and an author advocate and mentor. A judge of The Australian Business Book Awards and Australian Society of Travel Writers awards, she's also the founder of Bold Authors and presents author marketing and self-publishing workshops for organizations, including Byron Writers Festival. Anna has authored books including how-to and memoirs and her book Look-It's Your Book! about writing, publishing, marketing, and leveraging nonfiction is on the Australian Society of Authors recommended reading list. When she's not being bookish, Anna's into bees, beings, and the big issues of our time. About the Guest Fiona Tarr writes bold, fast-paced crime and mystery novels set in small Australian towns and featuring strong female leads. Her bestselling Opal Fields series has reached number one in the Amazon Australia store and has drawn comparisons to Jane Harper, Patricia Wolf, and Melinda Leigh. A great-niece of My Brother Jack author George Johnston, Fiona brings a contemporary voice to her family's literary legacy. She lives in Noosa, Australia, with her husband, near their two adult children, and can be found on Facebook.

Join me for a fun chat with Jesse Finkelstein, my publisher at Page Two Publishing. We discuss what publishers really look for in authors and why hybrid publishing has been an excellent fit for me. Whether you're aspiring to write your own book or are simply curious about the publishing process, we have valuable insights to share. Plus, I give you the inside scoop on my upcoming book, The Referable Client Experience, and some awesome bonuses for those who grab a copy early! Resources and links mentioned in this episode can be found on the show notes page at http://www.staceybrownrandall.com/383

My YouTube podcast channel was deleted without warning, leaving me searching for answers. Meanwhile, Baker & Taylor faces closure, PublishDrive partners with ElevenReader for AI audiobooks, and Bookvault unveils new Spot UV and foil upgrades. BookBaby highlights proven ad strategies that drive real sales, and Spoken earns ALLi's highest rating for author trust. It's a week packed with big shifts, bold moves, and major updates for indie authors in this week's Self-Publishing News. Self-Publishing News October 13, 2025 - The Final 3 Kickstarter Campaign - https://DaleLinks.com/Kickstarter LIVE: Game-Changing Author Strategies Revealed - https://youtube.com/live/C122wCbad-U My YouTube Podcast Channel - https://DaleLinks.com/YouTubePodcast Baker & Taylor Prepares Plan to Shut Down - https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/98777-baker-taylor-prepares-plan-to-shut-down.html PublishDrive Partners with ElevenReader for Instant Audiobook Creation - https://publishdrive.com/publishdrive-partners-with-elevenreader-for-instant-audiobook-creation.html PublishDrive: Book Marketing that Works Insights from Dale L Roberts - https://youtu.be/wos5AoL5jpk?si=_8KM8622A4fPkETF Bookvault Bespoke - https://bookvault.app/bookvaultbespoke-product-examples/ Booklinker - https://booklinker.com BookBaby: Examples of Book Advertising That Drive Sales - https://blog.bookbaby.com/how-to-promote-your-book/book-promotion/book-advertising-examples Spoken: V1.04 Release Notes: New Upgrades! - https://spoken.press - ALLi Watchdog List - https://DaleLinks.com/ALLi ALLi: SelfPubCon 2025 - https://selfpublishingadvice.org/conference-2025/ StoryOrigin: Mastering Self-Publishing: From Novice to Pro - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/mCWvXho_QwGFXcvN6PVe9A#/registration Michell Buck Books: Building an Author Platform with Dale L. Roberts - https://open.substack.com/live-stream/66104?utm_source=live-stream-scheduled-upsell Miblart: Book Marketing Strategies 2026 - https://miblart.com/book-marketing-webinars/ Author Nation - https://DaleLinks.com/AuthorNation (affiliate link) Author Nation: MEET UPS AND OUTSIDE EVENTS - https://www.authornation.live/2025-meetups   Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - https://TheSelfPublishingHub.com Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord Check out my main YouTube channel  - https://www.youtube.com/@dalelroberts My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee. Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

Today, Erik talks with the Co-Founder & CEO of Caraa, Aaron Lou. Aaron, raised in Spain, embraced fashion early, favoring Vogue over comics. With a successful career running billion-dollar businesses, he felt it was time to return to his first love: fashion. Aaron and Carmen founded Caraa, a brand designed to fit seamlessly into the modern woman's life. He understands that life is busy, and his mission is simple: to create bags that are as versatile and resilient as the women who carry them. Is there a guest you want Equalman to interview on the podcast? Do you have any questions you wish you could ask an expert? Send an email to our team: Equalman@equalman.com   5x #1 Bestselling Author and Motivational Speaker Erik Qualman has performed in over 55 countries and reached over 50 million people this past decade. He was voted the 2nd Most Likable Author in the World behind Harry Potter's J.K. Rowling.   Have Erik speak at your conference: eq@equalman.com   Motivational Speaker | Erik Qualman has inspired audiences at FedEx, Chase, ADP, Huawei, Starbucks, Godiva, FBI, Google, and many more on Focus and Digital Leadership.   Learn more at https://equalman.com

On this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Dan Holloway reports that Bookshop.org has launched e-book sales in the UK, allowing readers to support local bookstores while buying digital titles—a boost for indie authors whose books are distributed through Draft2Digital and other platforms. He also notes that Bookshop.org has been shortlisted for a Digital Publishing Award for its new e-book platform, alongside other innovations in accessibility and AI tools for authors. Finally, Dan looks at Amazon's latest Kindle releases, including the new color Kindle Scribe, a sign that the e-book market remains strong. Sponsor Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by PublishMe—helping indie authors succeed globally with expert translation, tailored marketing, and publishing support. From first draft to international launch, PublishMe ensures your book reaches readers everywhere. Visit publishme.me. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of nearly 2,000 blog posts and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. And, if you haven't already, we invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. About the Host Dan Holloway is a novelist, poet, and spoken word artist. He is the MC of the performance arts show The New Libertines, He competed at the National Poetry Slam final at the Royal Albert Hall. His latest collection, The Transparency of Sutures, is available on Kindle.

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

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.

#895 I'm a New York Times bestselling author! This is thanks to my new book, Lean Learning, and a massive pre-launch promotional effort. So, what's changed in my life since earning this prestigious badge? Almost nothing. But writing books is still worth it, and I'll tell you exactly why in today's episode. I'll also share the strategies to help you unlock the true benefits of becoming an author. Importantly, I also want to help you succeed without getting sidetracked by goals that won't move the needle for your brand and business! Listen in to hear what traditional publishers will and won't do for you and why I wouldn't go down this route again. I'll discuss the BILF, books-in-lieu-of-fee, tactic that enabled me to move copies and build relationships around this release. I'll also dive into the promotional methods I've been using since Superfans and Will It Fly? that are still delivering massive results today. Tune in! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session895.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today is a fantastic day for the Story Nerd Podcast. We are celebrating the launch of Melanie's new middle-grade novel, Jett Cooper, by sharing a behind the veil look at how she put theory into practice. Join us for this special episode and learn more about Melanie, what inspired her to write this novel, and why it took her so long. Valerie also shares her reaction to reading the completed novel for the first time with Melanie. If you've ever wondered why Valerie and Melanie started the Story Nerd podcast then join us for this exclusive Story Nerd episode. If you want to see whether Melanie and Valerie know what they're talking about, now you can get their books and read for yourself.  The proof is in the pages!For more details about where you can get Jett Cooper, go to melaniehill.au Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.

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.

KDP just expanded its print distribution to new global markets, giving authors more reach than ever before. Meanwhile, Amazon Ads opened up Sponsored Brands access for every author, even if you only have one book. There's also plenty happening around the publishing world, from major events to author opportunities you won't want to miss. Tune in for the latest industry updates, insights, and surprises in this week's Self-Publishing News. The Final 3: Your Publishing Playbook, Rewritten (Kickstarter) - https://DaleLinks.com/Kickstarter MK Williams - https://1mkwilliams.com/ KDP Forum: Distribute your print books in the Republic of Ireland and Belgium marketplaces - https://www.kdpcommunity.com/s/article/Distribute-your-print-books-in-the-Republic-of-Ireland-and-Belgium-marketplaces?language=en_US&forum=KDP%20Forum Book Bounty:

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. In this episode, we spoke to best-selling Scottish author Skye MacKinnon, whose many books are inspired by folklore and mythology, no matter the genre. We had a great conversation about incorporating elements of myth and folktales in fiction, co-writing with other authors, and much more. Skye MacKinnon is an international bestselling author who writes across multiple genres, from science fiction to fantasy to paranormal romance and even children's books. Skye joins us on the podcast this week to discuss writing in different genres and how she manages to incorporate her love of Scottish folklore and mythology into her work, no matter what she's writing. She also talks about her experience co-writing series with authors she admires, and why she decided to go wide.  Learn more on Skye's website and check out Skye's books on Kobo.  

Is self-publishing still worth it in 2025? For nonfiction authors, the answer depends on understanding the evolving publishing landscape and the strategies that drive long-term success.In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, discover seven essential steps to successfully self-publish a nonfiction book in today's market. The episode also explores why more authors are choosing self-publishing over traditional or hybrid publishing — and the exact strategies being used to make it work.Listeners will learn how the industry continues to shift: Amazon KDP and IngramSpark adjusting fees and policies, new print-on-demand platforms like BookVault creating fresh opportunities for direct sales, and AI tools supporting editing, book marketing, and metadata optimization. With reader trust in self-published books higher than ever, the bar for professional design, editing, and early reviews has also been raised.What you'll take away from this episode:The 7 key steps to self-publishing success in 2025How to navigate the trade-offs of cost vs. quality, speed vs. strategy, and control vs. credibilityDistribution strategies that combine Amazon, IngramSpark, and direct-to-consumer salesWhy early reviews fuel Amazon's algorithm and long-term visibilityHow to think beyond the book by bundling with coaching, courses, and eventsWhether exploring publishing options for authors, evaluating hybrid publishing, or ready to take the self-publishing route, this episode breaks down what it takes to publish and market a book that continues to work long after launch.Tune in now to learn how nonfiction authors can build momentum, credibility, and impact through self-publishing.Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com and discover if traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing is right for you. It's time to make your mark and connect with like-minded authors to publish your book, build your author brand, and book marketing. Join TodayLiked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabkLove the show? Leave a review and let us know!CONNECT WITH US: Website | Instagram | Facebook

In this Self-Publishing Advice Conference highlight, discover how reviews, contests, and awards can boost your reputation and drive engagement in the session, “Proof is Profitable.” Hannah Jacobson of Book Award Pro and Edward Trayer of The Wishing Shelf Book Awards share case studies and practical strategies alongside a panel of award-winning indie authors. Together, they explore how to use customer reviews to build trust, enter and win contests to gain recognition, and leverage awards to enhance your brand's prestige and attract a wider audience. This is a post from SelfPubCon (The Self-Publishing Advice Conference), an online author event run free twice yearly in association with the Alliance of Independent Authors. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of nearly 2,000 blog posts and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. And, if you haven't already, we invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. You can do that at http://allianceindependentauthors.org.

Today, Erik sits down with Marcel Schwantes. Marcel is a speaker, author, acclaimed executive coach, and an Inc. Magazine Contributing Editor with a global following. Marcel delivers presentations, workshops, courses, and coaching programs about the human side of business and how cultures of care, connection, and belonging power companies to thrive and outperform the competition. Marcel hosts the popular "Love in Action" podcast, heard in over 160 countries.   ABOUT THE BOOK Marcel Schwantes' book, Humane Leadership, is a practical guide to building workplaces where people thrive—not just survive. Centered on the concept of "Love in Action," the book introduces a framework for humane leadership based on five core principles: Leadership is Patient Leadership is Kind Leadership is Humble Leadership Advocates for People Leadership is Trustworthy Drawing on cutting-edge research and real-world case studies, Schwantes demonstrates that leading with love isn't just beneficial for individuals—it's also a winning strategy for organizations. This book is designed for leaders who are ready to challenge outdated norms and cultivate workplaces that foster engagement, loyalty, and exceptional performance.   Is there a guest you want Equalman to interview on the podcast? Do you have any questions you wish you could ask an expert? Send an email to our team: Equalman@equalman.com   5x #1 Bestselling Author and Motivational Speaker Erik Qualman has performed in over 55 countries and reached over 50 million people this past decade. He was voted the 2nd Most Likable Author in the World behind Harry Potter's J.K. Rowling.   Have Erik speak at your conference: eq@equalman.com   Motivational Speaker | Erik Qualman has inspired audiences at FedEx, Chase, ADP, Huawei, Starbucks, Godiva, FBI, Google, and many more on Focus and Digital Leadership.   Learn more at https://equalman.com

On this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Dan Holloway reports that the judge in the Anthropic case has approved the settlement process, confirming 482,000 eligible titles with payments split 50/50 between authors and publishers. He clarifies that Spotify's new terms do not affect creators, celebrates L. J. Ross's shortlist nomination at the UK Speakies audiobook awards, and notes that TikTok's US operations will move to a US-run consortium, securing BookTok's future. Sponsor Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by PublishMe—helping indie authors succeed globally with expert translation, tailored marketing, and publishing support. From first draft to international launch, PublishMe ensures your book reaches readers everywhere. Visit publishme.me. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of nearly 2,000 blog posts and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. And, if you haven't already, we invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. About the Host Dan Holloway is a novelist, poet, and spoken word artist. He is the MC of the performance arts show The New Libertines, He competed at the National Poetry Slam final at the Royal Albert Hall. His latest collection, The Transparency of Sutures, is available on Kindle.

Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcastFor all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com This Episode's Heavy Hitters: - The price for being a lawyer is your soul. This comes from Tucker's personal experience.- The two years he spent in Hollywood were the “worst two years” of his life; and is also where Tucker realized he wasn't a “soulless, sociopathic, narcissist.”- Buddha's “core principle” to “do your work, then help others do theirs” is Tucker's guiding principle in life, and it's taken him 42 years to truly understand the meaning and significance of it.- The reason he makes his clients at Scribe participate in “read-alouds” of their book before publishing is because he once read his own audiobook and realized how many things he would've changed, even though he edited the script on paper many, many times already.- A brand is a construction of who you are, so when people “rebrand” themselves, sometimes all it is is a reconstruction of people's perception of you.- If you want real change, you have to really change.   

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!What happens when a traditionally published debut novel suddenly appears on Kindle Unlimited while still showing wide? That unexpected twist opens into a bigger conversation about publishing decisions (and what's actually within an author's control).In this episode, Turner Gable Kahn, author of The Dirty Version (Harper Perennial), shares how she honored her grandmothers with a pen name, threaded #MeToo-era questions into a contemporary romance, and wrestled with multiple endings before landing on the one that aligned with her feminist lens.We also dig into her writing process. And, the publishing side. A sharp agent and editor helped shape her manuscript, but much to many authors' chagrin, even with a major publishing house, you're still the one creating assets, posting, and doing the lion's share of marketing.  If you're weighing traditional vs. indie, fighting the mid-book slump, or simply trying to finish without losing your mind, this conversation offers both clarity and solidarity.

In this special episode of Self-Publishing with ALLi, Howard Lovy interviews Kayleigh Brindley, conference manager for SelfPubCon25. Kayleigh offers a behind-the-scenes look at this year's Self-Publishing Advice Conference, which takes place online October 18–19. She discusses the theme, “New Trends in Self-Publishing,” the decision to spread the event across two days, highlights from the speaker lineup, and details of the pre-conference orientation. Kayleigh also explains when free access opens on SelfPubConnect, how long replays will remain available, and what attendees can expect in terms of live Q&As, community networking, and practical takeaways Show Notes SelfPubCon 2025: Full Agenda and Speaker Line-Up Announced Self-Publishing Advice Conference 2025 Best and Worst Self-Publishing Services About the Host Author 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 Kayleigh is a virtual assistant who started Admin Angels UK in 2013 with the aim of helping small business owners and authors achieve a better work-life balance. Kayleigh joined the ALLi team in 2018 as a social media administrator. She now works on ALLi comms and the annual Self-Publishing Advice Conference. When she's not working or spending time with her family, Kayleigh spends most of her time reading, running Dungeons and Dragons games, and writing stories about magic.

Wir reden weiter über die Möglichkeit, vom Schreiben zu leben, und zwar diesmal mit den Themen Self-Publishing und vor allem Crowdfunding. Dazu haben wir uns Jasmin Neitzel eingeladen, die uns als Crowdfunding-Expertin an ihrem Wissen teilhaben lässt. Zum Schluss empfehlen wir als Medienthema noch drei Bücher und einen Film.

This episode is part two of my recent conversation with Pat Flynn. Pat, is an online business legend, and this is the third time he's been on the show. Pat is the founder of Smart Passive Income. In this episode, we dig into his experience publishing his latest book, Lean Learning: How to Achieve More by Learning Less. Lean Learning was a New York Times bestseller. Get Pat's book, Lean Learning ⁠Deep Pocket Monster⁠ ⁠Short Pocket Monster⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Full transcript and show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pat's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠TikTok⁠ *** TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Reached Goal, Life Unchanged 04:14 Navigating Traditional Publishing Challenges 08:46 Leveraging Connections for Future Opportunities 12:21 Book Launch Strategy Concerns 15:38 Just in Time Learning 19:33 Unexpected Pokemon-Entrepreneurship Crossover 23:06 Multitasking Prevents Entrepreneur Burnout 25:49 Podcast Guesting Boosted Book Launch 29:37 Book Launch and Interview Journey 32:46 Monthly Networking Reflection Ritual 36:27 Collaborative Friendship and Opportunities 37:03 Embracing Abundance, Supporting Each Other 40:31 Leave Feedback on Podcasts *** RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#275: From ignoring short-form video to 3.5 billion views | Pat Flynn's Pokémon juggernaut (Part 1) *** ASK CREATOR SCIENCE → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Submit your question here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ *** WHEN YOU'RE READY

Have you optimized the seven essential elements of your Amazon book page before you even consider marketing? Are you making the most of A+ content, and advertising with Amazon? Amazon Ads expert Geoff Affleck gives his tips. In the intro, potential TikTok US changes [BBC]; Special editions [Written Word Media]; Self-Publishing with Dale Kickstarter books; […] The post Amazon Advertising For Books With Geoff Affleck first appeared on The Creative Penn.

Mark Leslie Lefebvre is the author of more than thirty books that include the award-winning humorous urban fantasy Canadian Werewolf series— hailed by readers as “the thinking man's werewolf”—and his award-nominated ghostly explorations such as Haunted Hospitals and Tomes of Terror. He is also the editor of more than ten anthologies that include titles in the Hugo Award Nominated Pulphouse Fiction Magazine and the Aurora Award-winning Tesseracts series, which showcases the best in Canadian speculative fiction. His work has been translated into French, Italian, and German. While choosing the shorter and easier-to-spell moniker of Mark Leslie for most of his writing, Mark leverages his full name for work in inspiring, informing, and assisting other authors. Mark's first short story was published in 1992, the same year he began in the book industry. He is a tireless advocate for libraries, bookstores, and other authors and has held the roles of president of The Canadian Booksellers Association, board member for BookNet Canada, chair of the Professional Advisor Committee for Sheridan College's Honours Degree in Writing and Publishing, and Director of Self-Publishing and Author Relations for Rakuten, Kobo, Inc. where he launched Kobo Writing Life. A pioneer in digital publishing, Mark has embraced both traditional and self-publishing routes and continues to look for new ways that technology and innovation can improve the industry for all authors. He has appeared on countless podcasts, television, and radio programs and has spoken on stages across Canada and the United States as well as in England, Germany, France, and Italy. Mark's weekly podcast, Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing—launched in January 2018— takes an unflinching look at the reality of the publishing world with a balanced take on the pros and cons of various publishing routes. One of his greatest passions is helping writers navigate the bold new realms and opportunities that continue to unfold as the industry evolves. Mark Leslie Lefebvre became a Writers of the Future judge in 2024. “Fantastic fiction has long been considered the herald of possibility. If so, then writers are the pioneering champions of inspiring the world in creative and imaginative ways that can bring form and reality to that raw potential. One of the most significant things we can do as writers is to inspire others to dream well beyond the limits and constraints of our world—to imagine the infinite potency and wonders that lie just on the other side of ‘what if.' Those whose mission is to seek out and celebrate new imaginative voices, to offer them a platform to launch their words, dreams, and stories, and to provide guidance as they navigate a complex and ever-changing publishing industry are the purveyors of possibility in the finest sense. And that is what Writers of the Future has always been. I am proud and honored to join the prestigious panel of world-class writers, artists and all of the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes in continuing L. Ron Hubbard's magnificent vision of paying it forward to the creative minds of tomorrow.” —Mark Leslie Lefebvre Find out more at: markleslie.ca markleslie.ca/about/

Curious about indie publishing? Physician Paria Hassouri shares her debut journey to self-publish Harvesting Rosewater, centering a woman's midlife awakening.If you've ever been interested in the independent publishing process, you're not alone. Today's revealing conversation with Paria Hassouri, a pediatrician, whose self-published debut, Harvesting Rosewater, recently hit bookstores, takes readers inside her remarkable publishing process. Discover how Paria balances medicine and storytelling in today's under-the-radar debut feature, which centers on a physician's midlife awakening that I guarantee you will not be able to put down.In our illuminating conversation, we explore:Independent Publishing Adventures- Paria opens up about her unique indie publishing path, sharing how she navigated editing, securing book blurbs, and the creative freedom that comes with going her own way—plus the surprises that made the process both challenging and rewarding.Uncovering Autofiction Elements From Paria's Life- Drawing on her own childhood in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, Paria shares personal memories and reflections from this challenging period in her young life in her story. She shares how blending real-life experiences with fiction has allowed her to explore her own identity, belonging, and what she hopes readers will take away from her book.The Women's Life Freedom Movement- We explore how themes of women's rights and resistance shaped this story, offering readers deeper insight into lives under restrictive systems and the tragedy that sparked the movement.

Today, Erik sits down with Lois Robbins, founder of WATSKIN—an elevated UPF sunwear brand dedicated to empowering women to enjoy the sun with confidence, without compromising style. After experiencing a skin cancer scare, Lois launched WATSKIN and has since turned it into a household name, revolutionizing UPF clothing to be both chic and sexy. Erik and Lois discuss her journey from diagnosis to entrepreneurship, the inspiration behind the brand, behind-the-scenes stories from Lois' acting career, the meaning behind the name WATSKIN, challenges she's faced along the way, and much more. More about Lois Robbins: Lois is also quite the accomplished actress and producer, best known for her roles in One Life to Live, Loving, Ryan's Hope, and All My Children She is currently in the play, Other Desert Cities at Coachella Valley repertory. Robbins is also actively involved in philanthropic work with the Melanoma Research Alliance, Evelyn H. Lauder's Breast Cancer Center, the Dubin Breast Center, Alzheimer's Drug Foundation, and the Lung Cancer Research Foundation. Social Handles: https://www.instagram.com/loisrobbins21/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/watskinofficial/?hl=en Website: https://www.loisrobbins.com/ https://www.watskinsunwear.com/   Is there a guest you want Equalman to interview on the podcast? Do you have any questions you wish you could ask an expert? Send an email to our team: Equalman@equalman.com   5x #1 Bestselling Author and Motivational Speaker Erik Qualman has performed in over 55 countries and reached over 50 million people this past decade. He was voted the 2nd Most Likable Author in the World behind Harry Potter's J.K. Rowling.   Have Erik speak at your conference: eq@equalman.com   Motivational Speaker | Erik Qualman has inspired audiences at FedEx, Chase, ADP, Huawei, Starbucks, Godiva, FBI, Google, and many more on Focus and Digital Leadership.   Learn more at https://equalman.com

On this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Dan Holloway reports on the Anthropic class action hearing, where the judge will decide if the database of pirated titles is clear enough for authors to check their inclusion. He also highlights a new “Really Sensible Licensing” system for AI use of creative works, audiobook revenues overtaking e-books in monthly reports, and Disney Plus joining with Webtoon as graphic novels gain ground both online and in bookstores. Sponsor Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by PublishMe—helping indie authors succeed globally with expert translation, tailored marketing, and publishing support. From first draft to international launch, PublishMe ensures your book reaches readers everywhere. Visit publishme.me. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of nearly 2,000 blog posts and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. And, if you haven't already, we invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. About the Host Dan Holloway is a novelist, poet, and spoken word artist. He is the MC of the performance arts show The New Libertines, He competed at the National Poetry Slam final at the Royal Albert Hall. His latest collection, The Transparency of Sutures, is available on Kindle.

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!Maid meets Under the Tuscan Sun!Betsy Cornwell built her career writing young adult fantasy, but her newest book tells an entirely different story. In this episode, Betsy opens up about her memoir, Ring of Salt, which chronicles her escape from an abusive marriage and her creation of a sanctuary for single-parent artists.At the center is the Old Knitting Factory in western Ireland, a historic building she transformed into a childcare-inclusive residency. What began as a crowdfunded dream became both a physical refuge and a symbol of resilience, reshaping her creative life.Betsy also shares wisdom about the writing process itself. Teaching creative writing at the University of Galway, she knows firsthand how perfectionism derails authors and offers that waiting to write or release a book until it's guaranteed “good” is like refusing to give birth unless you know the baby will be perfect.This is an episode for anyone wrestling with the voice that says “not good enough.” Ring of Salt releases September 30th.

Are you struggling to reach readers on TikTok? In this episode, Dale Roberts sits down with Marvin Wey of AuthorScale.com to explore how authors can use slideshow content to turn browsers into buyers. Discover why volume matters more than perfection, how storytelling trumps flashy production, and what metrics really define virality. Marvin breaks down the slideshow strategy that's helping authors drive engagement, build curiosity, and sell more books, all without burning out or breaking the bank. About the Host Dale L. Roberts is a self-publishing advocate, award-winning author, and video content creator. Dale's inherent passion for life fuels his self-publishing advocacy both in print and online. After publishing over 50 titles and becoming an international bestselling author on Amazon, Dale started his YouTube channel, Self-Publishing with Dale. Selected by Feedspot and LA Weekly as one of the best sources in self-publishing of 2022, Dale cemented his position as the indie-author community's go-to authority. You can find Dale on his website or YouTube. About the Guest Marvin Wey brings over ten years of experience in book publishing and growth marketing. In 2016, he joined one of today's most successful publishing startups and fiction reading apps as one of its earliest employees. Now, with his new company AuthorScale, he and his team are developing cutting-edge tools to help indie authors leverage technology to revolutionize their book marketing.

Spotify and TikTok are teaming up to change how readers discover audiobooks, but that's just the beginning. In this week's self-publishing news, Draft2Digital responds to the KDP Select library shift, CraveBooks rolls out new perks, and the founder of Book Award Pro shares why niche awards might be more powerful than you think. - The Final 3 | My Kickstarter Campaign - https://DaleLinks.com/Kickstarter - Draft2Digital - https://www.dalelinks.com/d2d (referral link) - D2D's The Indie Advantage - https://authoremail.com/email/campaigns/ft563zqc4b1e8 - D2D Answers: Getting Your Books into Libraries While Enrolled In Kindle Unlimited - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kv__4chF-Oo - KDP Select Undergoes MASSIVE Change... It'll Surprise You - https://youtu.be/EpeDj4b4SHs - Publishers Weekly: Spotify Launches BookTok Hub - https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/international/international-book-news/article/98564-spotify-teams-with-tiktok-on-booktok-hub.html - Publishers Weekly: ReaderLink Agrees to Buy Baker & Taylor - https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/industry-deals/article/98575-readerlink-agrees-to-buy-baker-taylor.html - ALLi: Small Awards, Big Impact: Why Niche Recognition Can Outperform Major Prizes - https://selfpublishingadvice.org/small-awards-big-impact/ - CraveBooks - https://DaleLinks.com/CraveBooks (affiliate link) - Get Authentic Book Reviews - https://GetAuthenticBookReviews.com - Book Marketing that works: Insights from Dale L. Roberts - https://streamyard.com/watch/ujr67ajAi499 - Book Marketing in 2025: What Works and What Doesn't | Joe Solari of ‪@AuthorNationLive‬ - https://www.youtube.com/live/tU3ffjzZBTc?si=wy7_FnKRqfw3t8zj‬ Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - https://TheSelfPublishingHub.com Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord Check out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@dalelroberts My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee. Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts​

Send us a textIn this episode of Quilting on the Side, hosts Andi and Tori welcome Teresa, the AI Quilter, who shares her journey from the semiconductor industry to the world of quilting and artificial intelligence. Teresa discusses her passion for teaching AI concepts to various audiences, including quilters, and addresses the ethical concerns surrounding AI-generated art. She emphasizes the importance of understanding AI's capabilities and how it can enhance creativity without replacing the human touch. The conversation also covers marketing strategies for solopreneurs and concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal Teresa's inspirations and insights into the quilting community.Don't miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Teresa, the AI Quilter04:42 The Journey into AI and Quilting17:09 Ethics and Copyright in AI Art23:55 Leveraging AI for Creative Processes35:57 Marketing Tips for Solopreneurs44:32 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing ThoughtsConnect with Theresa:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaiquilter/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAIQuilter Get her book, Digital Muse: Bringing AI Into Your Creative Process, and her patterns: https://theaiquilter.com/shop Heard about the Self Publishing Incubator? Click here to see more. Want More Quilting Content?

In this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Member Q&A podcast, hosts Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black discuss how a debut author can promote a first audiobook without an existing platform. Other questions include: How can an urban fantasy with an unrequited-love subplot be marketed without signaling it's a romance? Can authors obtain a tax exemption when purchasing author copies on KDP? Where should a charity's endorsement logo go on a children's book cover, and what permissions are required? What's the best ebook format and software—and how do ISBNs factor in? Any practical tips for generating usable AI images for author projects? How do ALLi members find the current IngramSpark revision code? And More! Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-Publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of nearly 2,000 blog posts and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. And, if you haven't already, we invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. About the Hosts Michael La Ronn is ALLi's Outreach Manager. He is the author of over 80 science fiction & fantasy books and self-help books for writers. He writes from the great plains of Iowa and has managed to write while raising a family, working a full-time job, and even attending law school classes in the evenings (now graduated!). You can find his fiction at www.michaellaronn.com and his videos and books for writers at www.authorlevelup.com. Sacha Black is a bestselling and competition winning author, rebel podcaster, speaker and casual rule breaker. She writes fiction under a secret pen name and other books about the art of writing. When Sacha isn't writing, she runs ALLi's blog. She lives in England, with her wife and genius, giant of a son. You can find her on her website, her podcast, and on Instagram.  

Today we're reposting an interview from the podcast: Human Intelligence In An AI World hosted by Rob Lauber and powered by PepTalk. Erik and Rob dig into why co-intelligence is the future, not artificial intelligence alone. Erik explains his "Jetsons and Flintstones" concept, his "STAMP" framework for digital leadership, strategies for focusing on "big" versus "busy" work, and the mindset shift needed to be a disruptor rather than the disrupted. Together, they break down the hype, confront ethical challenges, and offer practical advice for leaders and organizations trying to stay ahead, without getting too far ahead of their market.   Key insights: Why face-to-face human connection still matters in a tech-driven world Co-intelligence: partnering with AI rather than fearing it How to focus on what matters in an increasingly distracted environment Being a disruptor vs. getting disrupted Practical advice for balancing innovation with ethics and human values   Is there a guest you want Equalman to interview on the podcast? Do you have any questions you wish you could ask an expert? Send an email to our team: Equalman@equalman.com   5x #1 Bestselling Author and Motivational Speaker Erik Qualman has performed in over 55 countries and reached over 50 million people this past decade. He was voted the 2nd Most Likable Author in the World behind Harry Potter's J.K. Rowling.   Have Erik speak at your conference: eq@equalman.com   Motivational Speaker | Erik Qualman has inspired audiences at FedEx, Chase, ADP, Huawei, Starbucks, Godiva, FBI, Google, and many more on Focus and Digital Leadership.   Learn more at https://equalman.com

Welcome back to the Spun Today podcast! In this inspiring episode, host Tony Ortiz sits down with returning guest Amanda Lucas—educator, writer, and now founder of her very own microschool, the Lucas Literacy Lab. Amanda shares her incredible journey of resilience, starting from homeschooling her daughters during the pandemic to navigating the bureaucratic maze of opening a school from scratch—all while balancing motherhood, creativity, and her passion for writing. Amanda dives deep into the challenges of entrepreneurship and education reform, highlighting the tenacity required to pioneer new paths in teaching. She also discusses her children's book, "I Need an Idea," and the creative process behind it, offering insight for writers and educators alike. This conversation isn't just about opening a school—it's a masterclass in creative problem-solving, leadership, and building something meaningful against all odds. Whether you're an aspiring writer, educator, or entrepreneur, Amanda's story will inspire you to take bold steps toward your own creative dreams—one small, determined step at a time. Stick around for a conversation packed with hard-won wisdom, storytelling, and the reminder that creativity can thrive even in the toughest circumstances. The Spun Today Podcast is a Podcast that is anchored in Writing, but unlimited in scope.  Give it a whirl.      Twitter: https://twitter.com/spuntoday  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spuntoday/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spuntoday   Website: http://www.spuntoday.com/home  Newsletter: http://www.spuntoday.com/subscribe      Links referenced in this episode   Check out and follow the Lucas Literacy Lab: Lucas Literacy Lab: https://www.lucasliteracylab.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucasliteracylab/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LucasLiteracyLab   Want to start your own Microschool? Checkout KaiPod: https://www.kaipodlearning.com/start-a-microschool/   Get your Podcast Started Today! https://signup.libsyn.com/?promo_code=SPUN (Use Promo code SPUN and get up to 2-months of free service!)   Check out all the Spun Today Merch, and other ways to help support this show! https://www.spuntoday.com/support   Check out my Books   Make Way for You – Tips for getting out of your own way FRACTAL – A Time Travel Tale Melted Cold – A Collection of Short Stories   http://www.spuntoday.com/books/ (e-Book, Paperback & Hardcover are now available).   Fill out my Spun Today Questionnaire if you're passionate about your craft.  I'll share your insight and motivation on the Podcast: http://www.spuntoday.com/questionnaire/     Shop on Amazon using this link, to support the Podcast: https://amzn.to/4km592l      Shop on iTunes using this link, to support the Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewTop?genreId=38&id=27820&popId=42&uo=10   Shop at the Spun Today store for Mugs, Notebooks, T-Shirts and more: https://spuntoday-shop.fourthwall.com/   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com   Outro Background Music: https://www.bensound.com   Spun Today Logo by: https://www.naveendhanalak.com/   Sound effects are credited to: http://www.freesfx.co.uk   Listen on: ApplePodcasts | Spotify | Pocket Casts | YouTube | Website

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.

Summer winds down:  Labor Day Weekend, US Open, quick trip to Mohonk.  Listening to Austen.  Self Publishing to Seven Figure Contract in 90 Days.  The fun of the Shakespeare Backstory. Spitting in Sports.  Colors and the Brain.  Fishtales.  Where are the Bobs? Credits: Talent:  Tamsen Granger and Dan Abuhoff Engineer: Elizabeth Easton Aziz Art:  Zeke Abuhoff

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!Most authors have as big a stack (if not bigger) of abandoned drafts as they do books that actually make it into the world. Jane Hamilton—bestselling author of The Book of Ruth and A Map of the World and two-time Oprah Book Club pick—is refreshingly open about that reality.Her newest novel, The Phoebe Variations, took nearly a decade to finish. Not because she was “blocked,” but because finding the center of a story often means writing and tossing out entire versions until one finally lands. “I wrote probably seven distinct novels before I got to what it is now,” she told me.She talks about putting “Spanx” on her drafts while acknowledging the boxes of pages she'll likely never read again. As I always say, those pages weren't wasted; they were the stepping stones to the book she ultimately wrote. “I just have to make it the best failure I can,” she says, “and in doing so I get to the next place.”For writers who may also feel stuck (*raises own hand), her perspective is freeing. Writing isn't mechanical. It's unpredictable and sometimes maddening. But it's always a process of discovery.Whether you've read Jane's work for years or are just meeting her now, this conversation is a candid look at the messy road to great storytelling.

Worried about your KDP Select reads dropping to zero? Some authors are reporting strange behavior inside Kindle Unlimited, while a major AI lawsuit involving $1.5 billion hits a possible roadblock. Plus, new tools for library discoverability, podcast interviews that don't sell books, and surprising updates from the review and marketing world. It's a packed week of self-publishing news you don't want to miss. The Final 3 Kickstarter - https://DaleLinks.com/Kickstarter KDP Community: KENP Reads Dropped to Zero Since Aug 14 — Anyone Else? - https://www.kdpcommunity.com/s/question/0D5at00000OJ6NTCA1/kenp-reads-dropped-to-zero-since-aug-14-anyone-else?language=en_US&t=1757978262334 Anthropic Lawsuit: Judge Is Unhappy about the Details of $1.5 Billion Settlement (source: The Bottom Line) - https://janefriedman.com/the-bottom-line-janes-publishing-industry-newsletter/  Books by Bots - https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2025/09/02/books-by-bots/  ALLi Podcast: Libby App Releases Inspire Me AI Tool - https://selfpublishingadvice.org/podcast-inspire-me/  Writer Beware: Protecting Intellectual Property: What Writers Need to Know About Copyright - https://writerbeware.blog/2025/09/12/protecting-intellectual-property-what-writers-need-to-know-about-copyright/  The Jay Shetty Effect (Or Lack Thereof) - https://michelleglogovac.substack.com/p/the-jay-shetty-effect-or-lack-thereof  ProWritingAid: Novel November - https://dalelinks.com/novnov (affiliate link) Get Authentic Book Reviews - https://GetAuthenticBookReviews.com  Why Most Authors Waste Their Back Matter (and How to Fix It) - https://youtu.be/UgQNGZgOiQw?si=-gjXpu1Y98z8q4gr  SPTT 094 – Mastering Self-Publishing and Starting Over with Fiction - https://youtu.be/ceZdgmTZtcc?si=dZluHaCnEV6L2tmx  Tertulia for Authors - http://DaleLinks.com/Tertulia (affiliate link) Book Marketing that Works: Insights from Dale L. Roberts - https://streamyard.com/watch/ujr67ajAi499  ALLi's 2025 Author Income Survey - https://allianceindependentauthors.org/survey Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - https://TheSelfPublishingHub.com Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp  Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships  Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord  Check out my main YouTube channel  - https://www.youtube.com/@dalelroberts My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee. Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

What are the challenges of writing and publishing books for children? How can you publish high-quality books and still make a profit? How can you market books to children effectively in a scalable manner? Darcy Pattison gives her tips. In the intro, Novel Writing November; Business models and ethics for authors [Self-Publishing with ALLi]; AI-Assisted […] The post Writing, Self-Publishing And Marketing Books For Children With Darcy Pattison first appeared on The Creative Penn.

Chris Hammer (Scrublands, The Valley) and Caroline Overington (Last Woman Hanged, The Cuckoo's Cry) talk about Australian books, self-publishing and how their books have changed over time. Learn more about the two authors, how the TV adaptation of Scrublands has impacted Chris, Caroline's work at The Australian, and as always, the book industry in this new episode of Authors on Authors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Erik sits down with the co-founder and CEO of Entrupy and the co-inventor of Entrupy's patented technology, Vidyuth Srinivasan. Vidyuth is on a mission to take down the counterfeiting industry, one fake designer bag at a time. Entrupy is the leading AI-powered authentication technology for luxury handbags and sneakers.   More about Vidyuth: Vidyuth earned a degree in journalism while simultaneously designing and developing video games for Raptor Entertainment. He then embarked on a stellar career across a variety of roles including sales, business development, marketing, PR and filmmaking, while also working for software giants such as Intuit, Microsoft. Since its inception in 2012, Entrupy has authenticated $5B worth of inventory and has collected 50M reference images to train its AI database. Today, Entrupy operates in 90+ countries and works with thousands of customers across the globe. This includes retailers, pawn shops, and department stores as well as TikTok Shop as the official authentication technology for handbags and sneakers on the platform. Entrupy's fast-learning AI technology has a 99.1% accuracy rate, spotting things that the human eye can't. Entrupy authenticates handbags and sneakers from major brands including Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dior, Balenciaga, Gucci, YSL, Burberry, and so many more. Every year, Entrupy releases a “State of the Fake” report, which reveals proprietary data garnered from Entrupy's millions of AI-driven evaluations performed on products. As one of the few authentication solutions on the market and the only one that publicly shares this amount of data, the report aims to build awareness around the murky world of counterfeits and educate people on the impact counterfeit goods are having on both people and the environment. Check out the 2024 report HERE.   Is there a guest you want Equalman to interview on the podcast? Do you have any questions you wish you could ask an expert? Send an email to our team: Equalman@equalman.com   5x #1 Bestselling Author and Motivational Speaker Erik Qualman has performed in over 55 countries and reached over 50 million people this past decade. He was voted the 2nd Most Likable Author in the World behind Harry Potter's J.K. Rowling.   Have Erik speak at your conference: eq@equalman.com   Motivational Speaker | Erik Qualman has inspired audiences at FedEx, Chase, ADP, Huawei, Starbucks, Godiva, FBI, Google, and many more on Focus and Digital Leadership.   Learn more at https://equalman.com

Send us a textIn this inspiring episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we sit down with T.L.M. McCoy, author and founder of Blue Round Book Group, LLC. T.L. shares the heartfelt story behind her middle-grade fantasy novel, "Delilah Versus the Ghastly Grimm," written for her grandchild diagnosed with Dravet syndrome. She discusses the importance of disability representation in children's literature and how her book aims to empower kids with disabilities by providing relatable heroes. T.L. delves into the challenges of starting her own publishing company, emphasizing the need for inclusive storytelling and the personal journey of bringing her vision to life. Listeners will gain insight into the creative process, the significance of community support, and the drive to break barriers in the literary world. Join us for a conversation that champions the message that it's never too late to pursue your dreams and make a difference through storytelling. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from T.L.'s passion and dedication to creating a more inclusive literary landscape.

This summer, Cody Cook-Parrott deleted their Instagram account. In doing so, they “lost” 80,000 followers and gained so. much. more.In this conversation, we dig into why Cody decided to delete IG, how their creative attention has shifted since, and what it really looks like to build a business (and publish a book) off the grid.Tune in to this episode to hear us explore:Why Cody deleted their account instead of deactivatingWhat it means to archive your work onlineThe realities of giving up social capitalSacred witnessing and ways to cultivate the feeling of being seenHow Cody is approaching their next book launch without social mediaWhy we love self-publishing & the fate of Amelia's first zine project 

KDP has quietly confirmed a huge change to the Select program, and we've got the update. Plus, big audiobook news from ElevenLabs, a lifetime discount on Authorbase, and a special report from Jane Friedman on the past decade of publishing. All that and more in the Self-Publishing News for September 9, 2025. The Final 3: Your Publishing Playbook, Rewritten - https://DaleLinks.com/Kickstarter Email Marketing for Books - https://DaleLinks.com/EmailBook  Sources: KDP: How to enroll in KDP Select - https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GD9PMU58BV24QFZ7#enroll Kindlepreneur: ghost categories. - https://kindlepreneur.com/how-to-choose-the-best-kindle-ebook-kdp-category/ Publisher Rocket - https://DaleLinks.com/Rocket (affiliate link)  Amazon Ads - https://advertising.amazon.com Writer Beware: If Your Publisher Promised to Register Your Copyright, Check Your Registration Now - https://writerbeware.blog/2025/08/29/if-your-publisher-promised-to-register-your-copyright-check-your-registration-now Jane Friedman: How Publishing Has Changed Since 2015 - https://janefriedman.com/how-publishing-has-changed-since-2015/  GeniusLink - https://DaleLinks.com/Genius (affiliate link) ALLi's 2025 Author Income Survey - https://allianceindependentauthors.org/survey (deadline September 17, 2025) MailerLite: Free plan update: What you need to know - https://www.mailerlite.com/help/free-plan-update-faq MailerLite - https://dalelinks.com/mailerlite (affiliate link) Author Nation - https://DaleLinks.com/AuthorNation (affiliate link)  ElevenReader - https://elevenreader.io/ AuthorBase - https://DaleLinks.com/AuthorBase (affiliate link) Lock in 20% off for life till September 30th.  September 2025: Creating Multiple Income Streams from Your Book - https://twinflamesstudios.com/monetize?partnerid=r1397 (affiliate link) Draft2Digital's Self-Publishing Insider: Catching Up with Dale Roberts - https://www.youtube.com/live/WRG4SfnhDKg?si=JY2_3R4oSxEeCSlv Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - https://TheSelfPublishingHub.com Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp  Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord Check out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@dalelroberts My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee. Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

In this episode, I introduce you to Mercedes who is married with two young children and a one eyed siamese cat. When she was expecting her first baby, she knew she needed to get some systems in place to get organized and stay organized once she had the baby. Her husband listened to a lot of podcasts at the time so she decided to find one about organizing. Two popped up but she ultimately chose Organize 365® because Abby had just found out she was pregnant with Grayson so she related the episodes.  Mercedes started with the overflow boxes for the clothes for the baby. Then she did her personal spaces, because that's what was taught to do first. Mercedes saw that it worked so she fully trusted the systems and implemented as instructed. Full trust.  But it was great that she did her personal spaces because then we talked about how moms don't get on the to do list. We do the children's clothes and personal spaces but when does mom's get done. Do your personal spaces first women! Then all you have to do is maintain like Mercedes explained.  In 2023, Mercedes got one of the Teacher workboxes to teach home school. She has two neurodivergent children and wants to support them the best she can.  Throughout the interview we discussed the life of being a stay at home mom. And what it is like to have children with disabilities. It's very isolating because social media has a narrative of what it should be like to be a stay at home mom but they leave out the part about if have disabled children. Mercedes wishes she'd realized earlier that her life didn't have to meet the social media narrative.  Mercedes had tried tips and tricks from books and social media but they were one off suggestions. They were like a one time task. What we identified about what makes Organize 365® so much more beneficial is that it's a whole system. Mercedes loves the way the podcast and system makes her think about the functionality of the organizing she's doing. It's about applying the learned information from the programs.  She first realized she was an organized person when her friends hadn't planned anything for summer coming up and she already had the water table and sand box at her house ready to put together when it got warm enough. She attributes Organize 365® to her parenting journey being “easy.” Mercedes was always a somewhat organized person. But what Organize 365® did for her was to organize her mindset to match her actions. She got the Sunday Basket® in December of 2024 and the Friday Workbox® in February of 2025.  She uses them in combination with an app Finch for self care. It reminds her of her cleaning tasks so she can focus on all the crafts. Mercedes has her days planned out so she can get 2 creativity hours in. Mercedes values her new found clarity of what is going on in her life, the capacity she's gained to do more, and time for creativity.  She wrote a novel and that's what spurred on the Friday Workbox® purchase so she could organize self publishing. She's started novel number two…watch out world this organized mama is on a roll.  Mercedes's advice is, “Do things as you need to. It's your journey. You're the one in charge of it. Don't listen to social media. Listen to Lisa, she knows what she is talking about.”  EPISODE RESOURCES: The Sunday Basket® Teacher Friday Workbox® Friday Workbox® Sign Up for the Organize 365® Newsletter  On the Wednesday podcast, I get to talk with members of the Organize 365­® community as they share the challenges, progress, missteps and triumphs along their organizing journey. I am grateful that you are reaching out to share with me and with this community. You can see and hear transformation in action. If you are ready to share your story with us, please apply at https://organize365.com/wednesday. Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Organize 365® when you share on social media!

307. Why Your Creative Process Needs More Boredom In this episode of Creative Chats, host Mike Brennan delves into the often-overlooked role of boredom in sparking creativity. Drawing from personal experiences and insights from thought leaders like Simon Sinek, Mike explores how moments of boredom can open the door to imagination and innovation. Discover how stepping away from constant stimulation can lead to unexpected creative breakthroughs. Tune in to learn how embracing boredom might just be the key to unlocking your creative potential. Don't forget to check out Simon Sinek's podcast for a deeper dive into this intriguing topic. 3 Key Takeaways:

Chandler Bolt is the founder and CEO of Self-Publishing.com, helping people write books that grow their businesses. He's a Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient who dropped out of college and scaled his company from zero to over $75 million, publishing 2-5 books daily with over 7,000 books published to date.Connect with Chandler:Instagram: @realchandlerboltWant To Quit Your Job In The Next 6-18 Months Through Buying Commercial Real Estate & Small Businesses?