In the Reaching More Readers podcast, Dale L. Roberts and Holly Greenland discuss five compelling reasons why authors should maintain an email list. They address the common perception that email marketing is crucial for an author's business despite some authors' reluctance to embrace it. The hesitations often stem from concerns about time and effort, technical challenges, fear of spamming, and a lack of understanding or concern over costs. However, Dale and Holly argue that email marketing does ...
Apr 24, 2024•24 min•Ep. 531
In this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway discusses a Society of Authors survey revealing significant concerns among creatives about AI's impact on their work and income. He also covers the UK government's latest updates on AI regulation, noting a lack of protections for content creators. Additionally, Dan highlights Substack's new partnership with Spotify, which enhances podcast visibility and subscriber integration. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-p...
Apr 19, 2024•11 min•Ep. 530
In the latest episode of the Creating Better Books podcast, ALLi News and Podcast Producer Howard Lovy interviews Shaun Loftus, founder of The Book Whisperer, which offers complete publishing services for indie authors. Shaun shares her journey from a tech-savvy marketing director to a leader in indie publishing, emphasizing the educational approach of The Book Whisperer in guiding authors through the complexities of self-publishing. The discussion also touches on the upcoming “unconference” in ...
Apr 17, 2024•21 min•Ep. 529
My guest this episode is Jill Dobson, whose story is a little different from the ones I usually tell on this podcast. She found a traditional publisher at a very young age—in fact, when she was a teenager. Then she endured decades of rejection or, even worse, being ignored. She recently went indie and felt like a weight was lifted. Now, it's up to readers to decide and not a nameless gatekeeper. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center , with a huge ar...
Apr 14, 2024•16 min•Ep. 528
In this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway brings attention to Fairly Trained, the first platform to certify ethically trained large language models, highlighting a major advancement in AI ethics. Dan also explores HarperCollins' innovative environmental efforts in reducing paper usage through font changes and the carbon footprint disparities between print and audiobooks. Additionally, he discusses the new partnership between Draft2Digital and the social reading app Fable,...
Apr 12, 2024•12 min•Ep. 527
What does independence mean for authors in terms of creative and publishing choices? Why is interdependence so important, and how can we be stronger together? Orna Ross and Joanna Penn discuss their ideas. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our self-publishing advice center . And, if you haven’t already, we invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. Now, go write and publish! About the Hosts Joanna Penn writes nonfiction for authors and is an award-nominated,...
Apr 10, 2024•42 min•Ep. 526
In this insightful episode, Orna Ross unpacks the ACCESS framework—Attract, Captivate, Connect, Engage, Subscribe, Satisfy—to understand each stage in the process of attracting and ultimately satisfying your readers—in the most creative way possible. The Creative Self-Publishing stream of the ALLi Podcast is sponsored by Orna Ross's Creative Planning Program for Authors & Poets. If you’re feeling daunted by the enormity of your writing and publishing goals, or overwhelmed by your to-do list,...
Apr 07, 2024•24 min•Ep. 527
Welcome to this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, where host Dan Holloway spotlights “Romantasy,” a blend of romance and fantasy that's rapidly gaining momentum in the indie publishing world. This emerging genre, now recognized in mainstream literary circles, is reshaping reader engagement and opening new avenues for authors. In addition, Dan turns his attention to the conclusion of the FTX saga, discussing the implications of Sam Bankman Freed's 25-year sentencing on the tech industr...
Apr 05, 2024•12 min•Ep. 525
In this episode of the AskALLi Member Q&A podcast, Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black discuss how to find cover designers and editors. Other questions include: What is the difference between copyright and trademark? How do I find someone to review my book? How do I find someone to edit my book, design my cover, or perform another author service? Do I need a separate checking account for my writing business? And more! Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-Publishing Author Advice ...
Apr 03, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 524
My guest this episode is Pauline Wilson, an Australian author who began writing historical fiction later in life when she discovered that her own family history was filled with stories that needed to be told. From former convicts to insane asylum inmates, Pauline found a wonderful cast of characters in her own ancestors. And whatever she couldn't dig up, she fictionalized. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center , with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog po...
Mar 31, 2024•10 min•Ep. 523
In this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway discusses the significant lawsuits facing Amazon and Apple, highlighting the Department of Justice's action against Apple for anti-competitive practices and a consumer lawsuit against Amazon's digital content sales methods. These legal battles could have far-reaching implications for the digital marketplace, particularly for indie authors and the distribution of digital content. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self...
Mar 29, 2024•14 min•Ep. 524
In the Reaching More Readers podcast, Dale L. Roberts and Holly Greenland dive into the key elements of a successful marketing strategy for nonfiction indie authors. They emphasize the importance of "findability," ensuring your books reach the right readers at the right time, and highlight the role of strategic thinking in making the most of your marketing efforts. From author websites and book covers to social media and physical marketing materials, Dale and Holly offer concise, top tips to enh...
Mar 27, 2024•25 min•Ep. 522
In this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, literary groups celebrate a pivotal moment for the publishing industry with the near passage of Europe's Artificial Intelligence Act, a landmark legislation requiring transparency in the training of generative AI platforms, including the disclosure of works used in their development. This act, widely welcomed by publishers, marks a significant step in regulating AI's role in creative industries. Dan also revisits the London Book Fair, highligh...
Mar 22, 2024•13 min•Ep. 521
In the latest episode of the Creating Better Books podcast, ALLi News and Podcast Producer Howard Lovy interviews Dan Gerstein, CEO of Gotham Ghostwriters. Dan discusses the different forms of ghostwriting available to authors, from books to speeches, and how these services can fit various budgets and needs. The conversation also touches on the growing demand for ghostwriting in areas like business and memoirs, reflecting on how this trend is shaping the publishing industry. Find more author adv...
Mar 20, 2024•24 min•Ep. 517
My guest this episode is Aurora Winter, the author of several award-winning fiction and non-fiction books. She has a background as a TV executive and wrote an award-winning screenplay for a TV movie. Aurora is also master of the career pivot, from investor to TV executive to fiction and nonfiction author. She has some advice on how to change course wisely. 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 ...
Mar 17, 2024•19 min•Ep. 520
In this special episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway brings us the latest from the London Book Fair, including the much-anticipated announcement of the 2024 Selfies Awards winners. Dan also discusses the resurgence of analog in a digital world, the implications of recent policy changes by major tech platforms like Facebook/Meta, Gmail, and Yahoo Mail, and fantasy author Brandon Sanderson's innovative crowdfunding success. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-...
Mar 15, 2024•12 min•Ep. 519
Nurture a positive money mindset, master the art of manifestation, and take away lots of money management tips for authors. Carissa Andrews will explore how shifts in your money beliefs can expand your commercial success as an author and you'll learn practical money manifestation and management techniques. Unleash the abundant author that lies within! This is a post from SelfPubCon (The Self-Publishing Advice Conference), an online author event, run free twice-yearly, in association with the All...
Mar 13, 2024•32 min•Ep. 518
In the latest episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway highlights the celebration of Read an E-Book Week, emphasizing the importance and diversity of indie e-books available on platforms like Smashwords, encouraging readers to explore and embrace the digital reading experience. Dan also brings updates from the world of digital publishing just before the London Book Fair, including the controversial “consent or pay” program by Facebook/Meta and the significant policy changes by G...
Mar 08, 2024•13 min•Ep. 518
In this episode of the AskALLi Member Q&A podcast, Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black tackle the complex issue of AI-generated content and Amazon's new disclosure mandates. With the rise of AI in the creative process, authors face new challenges and ethical considerations. Tune in as our hosts shed light on the nuances of AI assistance in publishing and how to stay compliant with the latest requirements from KDP. Other Questions Include: How to find the right cover designer for your book amidst...
Mar 06, 2024•36 min•Ep. 516
My guest this episode is Tiffany Obeng, a children's book author from Houston, Texas, who also works in employment law. Through her job handling job-discrimination cases, she realized that black children like her own need to be aware of all the career choices they have. That's when she really started publishing her books with a mission. 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 k...
Mar 03, 2024•15 min•Ep. 517
In this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, ALLi News Editor Dan Holloway explores Sora's advancement in creative AI, Substack's innovative creation of networks to connect content creators, and Spotify's strategic pursuit of Apple. 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 organiz...
Mar 01, 2024•14 min•Ep. 517
This month on the Reaching More Readers podcast, Dale takes the lead advising Holly on the best ways to identify the right book promotion sites to reach your readers and make sure you don't get scammed along the way. Take a listen if you've ever considered a book promo site but didn't know where to start or which one may be right for you. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our self-publishing advice center . And, if you haven’t already, we invite you to join our organization and become ...
Feb 28, 2024•24 min•Ep. 515
This week, Campaigns Manager Melissa Addey and Blog Manager Holly Greenland explore the role of ALLi’s ambassadors: who they are and what they do. From opening up awards to speaking at events and gathering facts and figures all around the world, the ambassadors are part of ALLi’s outreach, amplifying ALLi’s voice to authors everywhere. Ambassadors work with our campaigning efforts to understand what needs to be done to support indie authors and make it happen. Find more author advice, tips, and ...
Feb 25, 2024•22 min•Ep. 517
On the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway takes a critical look at Spotify's recent update to the terms of use for audiobook creators, a move that has stirred significant debate within the indie author community. As Spotify's Findaway Voices faces scrutiny over its revised policies, Dan explores the implications of these changes and the broader concerns they raise about rights and transparency in the digital publishing landscape. “In the opinion of the Watchdog Desk, the update to the Te...
Feb 23, 2024•13 min•Ep. 517
In the latest episode of the Creating Better Books podcast, Alli News and Podcast Producer Howard Lovy interviews Brooke Gansemer, CEO and Publisher of BiblioKid Publishing. The discussion offers a look into the world of children's book publishing, providing practical advice for authors and illustrators. Gansemer's insights into the current state of children's literature and the importance of balancing quality and engagement in storytelling make this a valuable listen for those involved in child...
Feb 21, 2024•15 min•Ep. 515
My guest this episode is Victoria Goldman, an author of crime fiction who tried to go the traditional route, but her work was too difficult to categorize. So, she went indie, where her audience understands her unique voice. Part of that voice has to do with her Jewish identity and she writes with one eye on current events and the rise in antisemitism. 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 searc...
Feb 18, 2024•15 min•Ep. 514
This week on the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway addresses Spotify's claim of paying "tens of millions" to audiobook creators. The Society of Authors and other groups are demanding greater transparency from Spotify regarding these payments. Dan explores the implications of this issue for indie authors and the publishing industry. 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 ...
Feb 16, 2024•13 min•Ep. 513
ALLi Director Orna Ross welcomes the Alliance’s newly appointed Business Adviser, Joe Solari. Listeners will get an insight into Joe's expertise and innovative vision for the indie publishing industry, followed by a detailed discussion about the upcoming Author Nation conference in Las Vegas, scheduled for November 2024, with early-bird tickets just released. Joe shares his exciting plans for the event, explains how it will differ from the 20Books conference, and what to expect if you attend thi...
Feb 14, 2024•42 min•Ep. 512
In the latest episode of the Creative Self-Publishing Podcast, ALLi Director Orna Ross explores the innovative potential of Kickstarter for book launches. Sharing her personal experiences, Orna reveals how Kickstarter serves as more than a funding tool, fostering deeper connections with readers and authors. A valuable listen for any self-publisher looking to tap into the creative possibilities of book publishing through crowdfunding. The Creative Self-Publishing stream of the ALLi Podcast is spo...
Feb 11, 2024•16 min•Ep. 513
On the Self-Publishing News podcast with Dan Holloway: Research from Germany suggests children, not grown-ups, are driving a reading revival. 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 spoke...
Feb 09, 2024•14 min•Ep. 513
