On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway covers ACX’s new AI tool that lets voice narrators replicate their voices for audiobooks. He also discusses TikTok’s appeal against its potential US ban, Meta’s plan to train AI on public Facebook posts, and Apple’s compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which could affect the future of Apple Books. Sponsors Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers ...
Sep 20, 2024•13 min•Ep. 588
On the Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast’s Branding, Marketing, and Promotion stream, Dale L. Roberts talks to best-selling mystery author Diane Vallere about how she leverages social media to boost book visibility and engage readers without the hard sell. Dale and Diane discuss strategies for maintaining consistent and engaging content and creative ways to connect with an audience. After spending twenty years in luxury retailing, Diane swapped fashion accessories for murder mystery elements. As...
Sep 18, 2024•36 min•Ep. 587
My guest this episode is Gail Brenner Nastasia, a practicing attorney in Massachusetts and the author of The Fruit You’ll Never See, a memoir about overcoming addiction and a difficult upbringing. Gail’s writing is a way to process her past and help others facing similar struggles. Now working on her second book, she continues to balance her legal career with her passion for storytelling. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center , with a huge archive o...
Sep 15, 2024•35 min•Ep. 586
On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway discusses the controversy over NaNoWriMo’s recent statement, which initially claimed that condemning AI tools in writing had classist and ableist undertones. After backlash from the writing community, NaNoWriMo revised the statement to clarify their stance. Dan also talks about Canva’s price hike due to AI tool development and provides updates on legal battles involving the Internet Archive and a Spotify royalty scam involving AI-...
Sep 13, 2024•15 min•Ep. 585
In this podcast, Matty Dalrymple, campaigns manager at the Alliance of Independent Authors, talks with ALLi Director Orna Ross about AI's impact on indie authors and publishing. They discuss AI creator rights, new licensing models, and the balance between creative control and AI's benefits. The conversation also covers ALLi’s advocacy for ethical AI use, practical support for authors, and ethical considerations around AI-generated content. This conversation was featured in a webinar for ALLi mem...
Sep 11, 2024•55 min•Ep. 584
In this episode of the AskALLi Member Q&A podcast, hosts Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black discuss when to seek permission for quotes in memoirs and when to paraphrase. They also share strategies for maximizing global distribution through various platforms and aggregators. Other questions include: Is it better to upload my print book to IngramSpark before Amazon to avoid issues? How do I navigate copyright concerns? Should I use the same ISBN for Draft2Digital and Amazon? Is self-publishing a ...
Sep 08, 2024•43 min•Ep. 583
On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway explores whether Apple cut jobs at Apple Books because e-books aren’t generating enough profit. He also covers OpenAI’s $100 billion valuation, the Grammys allowing AI-generated content, and Bookshop.org’s plan to pay royalties to authors from second-hand book sales. Sponsors Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties sel...
Sep 06, 2024•12 min•Ep. 582
In this episode of the Advice on Editing & Design stream of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast, Campaigns Manager Matty Dalrymple talks with Michael Johnson of Benetech about the importance of accessibility for authors and visually impaired readers, emphasizing ethical self-publishing and the potential market share missed if authors do not make their content accessible. Michael provides practical tips for indie authors on how to ensure their books are accessible, including the use of tech...
Sep 04, 2024•30 min•Ep. 581
My guest this episode is Anna Davidson, who, after years of working as an editor and managing editor, began writing poetry during her recovery from long COVID. She decided to self-publish her debut poetry collection, Poetry for Life and Other Chronic Conditions , to maintain creative control and ensure her work reached readers quickly. 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 ke...
Sep 01, 2024•26 min•Ep. 580
On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway discusses the new deal between OpenAI and Condé Nast, noting that editors and authors were not consulted, sparking concern. He also covers a lawsuit against Anthropic over using pirated works in AI training, highlights Draft2Digital's survey on authors' views about AI, and introduces a blockchain startup called Story, aimed at tracking digital works. Dan wraps up with positive news about rising Kindle Unlimited payouts, signaling ...
Aug 30, 2024•13 min•Ep. 579
In this month's episode of Reaching More Readers, Holly Greenland shares new research suggesting that financial investments in marketing do pay off for many self-published authors. But where should you make those marketing investments, and how can you ensure you're spending wisely? Dale L. Roberts and Holly discuss their views and experiences, offering practical tips to help you make informed decisions. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our self-publishing advice center . And, if you h...
Aug 28, 2024•28 min•Ep. 578
On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway covers the FTC's new measures against fake reviews, which could impact indie authors relying on genuine reviews for visibility. He outlines key points like the ban on AI-generated and paid reviews, along with potential fines. Dan also discusses the latest sustainability efforts in publishing and the addition of a gaming category to the Sunday Times Rich List, highlighting the growing link between gaming and storytelling. Sponsors ...
Aug 23, 2024•12 min•Ep. 577
In the latest episode of the Creating Better Books podcast, ALLi Content and Communications Manager Howard Lovy interviews Hannah Jacobson, founder of Book Award Pro, a company dedicated to helping authors gain recognition through book awards. Hannah discusses the challenges indie authors face in navigating the award landscape, the importance of ensuring the legitimacy of awards, and how her company leverages AI to match books with the right opportunities. She also highlights the growing accepta...
Aug 21, 2024•27 min•Ep. 576
My guest this episode is Phillip Mottaz, a mystery author based in Los Angeles. Phillip has a unique journey from a small town in Illinois to the sketch comedy scene in Chicago and now to writing indie mystery novels in L.A. His latest book, Deadly Maybe, coming out this month, reunites the famous Gallagher brothers from the band Oasis to solve a murder. We'll talk about how Phillip's love for storytelling began, his transition from improv to mystery writing, and what drives his independent appr...
Aug 18, 2024•37 min•Ep. 575
On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway discusses Substack's new feature that lets users publish blog posts without committing to a full newsletter, making it easier to connect with readers. He also highlights Spiracle's QR code-enabled greeting cards, which link directly to audiobooks, and Challypop, a platform for micro-influencers in the book community. Sponsors Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly ...
Aug 16, 2024•12 min•Ep. 574
The Alliance of Independent Authors Podcast is undergoing some exciting changes, which Director Orna Ross reveals in this special announcement episode. A new name, new content, and an expansion of the podcasting team to reflect the many faces of ALLi—advisers, ambassadors, and core team—with the aim of bringing you fresh and engaging self-publishing advice, news, and inspirations.
Aug 14, 2024•11 min
On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway covers Amazon's new identity verification requirement for KDP authors, aimed at preventing fraud and improving the reader experience. He also discusses the NO FAKES Act, a U.S. legislation designed to prevent the unauthorized use of people's likenesses and voices, particularly concerning AI and deepfakes. Also, Dan touches on a recent court ruling on the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and its implications for DRM and VPN usage. ...
Aug 09, 2024•13 min•Ep. 573
Dive into a candid discussion with author Michael La Ronn as he unveils essential mindset strategies for fostering a lifelong writing habit and a rewarding self-publishing business. Unlock your true potential and increase your book revenue with practical, actionable advice that's simple to implement and absolutely free. Absorb valuable insights from the presentation and watch your writing and publishing journey flourish like never before! This is a post from SelfPubCon (The Self-Publishing Advic...
Aug 07, 2024•44 min•Ep. 572
My guest this episode is Terry Lister, a seasoned solo traveler and author who, after retiring from a successful career as an accountant, has explored over 100 countries. Terry's love for travel began in Bermuda, where he dreamed of far-off places. His books capture not just the destinations but also the cultural and economic landscapes he encounters. 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...
Aug 04, 2024•21 min•Ep. 571
On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway talks about Colin Kaepernick's new self-publishing platform, Lumi, which focuses on comics and manga. Lumi aims to make publishing easier by using AI to help creators with the process. Dan also highlights new additions to the Cambridge Dictionary, influenced by social media and reality TV. He touches on the latest trends in ebook and audiobook sales, noting the steady growth in digital audiobooks. The episode wraps up with a discu...
Aug 02, 2024•9 min•Ep. 570
In this episode of the AskALLi Member Q&A podcast, hosts Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black discuss how to make the most of your ALLi membership. Other questions include: How do I pursue organic search discovery of my book? Can I use the same ISBN for different translations of my book? If I remove my book from Amazon, am I free to do whatever I want with it? Can I include trademarked names in my book? And more! Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-Publishing Author Advice Center...
Jul 31, 2024•43 min•Ep. 569
On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway covers the launch of Created by Humans, an AI rights licensing platform, and the Copyright Clearance Centre's new initiative to include AI permissions in their annual copyright licenses. Dan also discusses the expansion of the Amazon Literary Partnership into Ireland, highlighting its support for a range of literary organizations and the opportunities for authors to apply for the 2025 grants. Find more author advice, tips, and too...
Jul 26, 2024•9 min•Ep. 568
This month in the Reaching More Readers podcast, Dale L. Roberts and Holly Greenland wrap up their journey around the tips and tricks for email marketing for indie authors. This time, they'll take a closer look at offering “reader magnets,” the importance of testing your mailer systems, and further tips on growing your list. Look back at previous Reaching More Readers episodes for information about why an email list is so important for indie authors and to find out how you can establish your new...
Jul 24, 2024•26 min•Ep. 567
My guest this episode is Dawn Brookes, a British writer of Cozy Mysteries and a former nurse who worked in healthcare for nearly 40 years. After retiring from nursing, Dawn began writing full-time, drawing on her extensive experience to create rich characters and engaging stories. Dawn uses her life experiences to fuel her writing and is indie because it allows her to connect with readers and build a fan base. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center ,...
Jul 21, 2024•21 min•Ep. 566
On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway discusses the new COPIED Act, which aims to provide copyright protection for creators in the AI age. This bipartisan bill, introduced in the United States, seeks to ensure that creators can tag their work with metadata to prevent unauthorized use by AI for training purposes. Dan also touches on the implications of AI on creativity, referencing a recent study that highlights the balance between individual originality and collective...
Jul 19, 2024•13 min•Ep. 565
In the latest episode of the Creating Better Books podcast, ALLi Content and Communications Manager Howard Lovy interviews Kathryn Goldman of the Creative Law Center, a seasoned intellectual property attorney dedicated to supporting independent creatives. Kathryn shares her expertise on how authors can protect themselves legally, from handling defamation risks in memoirs to understanding the rights around using real people in fiction. Kathryn also tackles the nuances of copyright issues in the a...
Jul 17, 2024•22 min•Ep. 564
ALLi Campaigns Manager Matty Dalrymple and Outreach Manager Michael La Ronn share tips for how indie authors can protect themselves from phishing and scams. They provide insight into how phishing works, share advice on recognizing scams, and introduce the SALSA (Sender, Attachment, Links, Subject line, Authentication) method to help authors identify potential threats. Michael also explains the resources ALLi offers, like their self-publishing service ratings and watchdog services, to help author...
Jul 14, 2024•32 min•Ep. 563
On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway explores the impact of the recent UK election on indie writers, highlighting the new government's pledges on copyright protection and freelance work. He also covers the administration woes of Australia's largest online bookseller, Booktopia, and the launch of Amazon's new Vella prize. Additionally, Dan discusses the first-ever International Summit of Audio Publishers and its significance for the audiobook market. Find more author ...
Jul 12, 2024•14 min•Ep. 562
Drawing insights from their own recent Kickstarters, Orna Ross and Joanna Penn explore both fiction and nonfiction crowdfunding and discuss their upcoming campaigns, with a particular focus on reader participation, making a profit, and getting paid. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting out, this episode will provide you with actionable tips and inspiration to launch your own successful crowdfunding campaign. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our self-publishing advice cent...
Jul 10, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 561
My guest this episode is Karl Drinkwater, who writes dystopian space opera, dark suspense and diverse social fiction. But as he develops stories about far-off locales, he also writes with one eye on the real world. And that's where his writing meets his environmental advocacy and political life in the Green Party. 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 yo...
Jul 07, 2024•28 min•Ep. 560
