My guest this episode is Jane Buckley, an author from Derry, Northern Ireland, who writes about the Troubles based on her own experiences. After building a career in London, she returned home and began writing to help others understand the conflict. Her books draw from real events, capturing both the violence and the everyday lives of those who lived through it. 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 ...
Feb 16, 2025•31 min•Ep. 642
On this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Dan Holloway discusses how Spotify focuses on audiobooks with new tools for authors and its first full year of profitability. Kindle device sales hit their highest levels in over a decade, suggesting a shift in e-book reading habits. Plus, London Book Fair is just a month away, with key sessions on accessibility, sustainability, and attracting new readers. Sponsors Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality,...
Feb 14, 2025•11 min•Ep. 641
On the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, host Joe Solari explains how authors can price their books for profit. He challenges the idea that books are commodities, using Starbucks as an example of how to create value beyond price. Solari breaks down price elasticity, customer lifetime value, and direct sales, offering practical strategies to maximize revenue. 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 han...
Feb 12, 2025•17 min•Ep. 640
Alexa Nazzaro, founder of the Axel Author Group, discusses how authors can monetize public speaking through podcasts, author events, and other opportunities. Drawing on her background as a Toastmaster, corporate presentation trainer, Dale Carnegie trainer, and TEDx selection committee member, she outlines strategies for identifying speaking engagements, crafting effective author pitches, and making the most of speaking appearances to support an author’s career. This is a post from SelfPubCon (Th...
Feb 09, 2025•50 min•Ep. 639
On this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Dan Holloway reports on Bookshop.org’s new support for ebooks, giving indie authors more ways to reach readers while supporting local bookstores. He also covers the U.S. Copyright Office’s latest report on AI and copyright, which outlines how current laws apply to AI-assisted works, and the Authors Guild’s new Human Authored certification, designed to provide transparency about AI-generated content in books. Sponsors Self-Publishing News ...
Feb 07, 2025•11 min•Ep. 638
ALLi Campaigns Manager Matty Dalrymple speaks with Kathy Meis, founder and CEO of Bublish, about editing with your audience in mind. Kathy explains why authors should view their books as gifts to readers, designed to evoke specific emotions and experiences. She advises stepping back from the manuscript, studying the market, and understanding comparable titles to better position a book. Kathy also highlights the value of knowing your genre, reading reviews, and seeking editorial feedback to align...
Feb 05, 2025•31 min•Ep. 637
My guest this episode is Anne E. Beall, an author and entrepreneur who grew a successful market-research firm, then wrote a book that helped grow her business. She’s published a range of nonfiction works, from an in-depth look at the hidden messages in fairy tales to guides on how to find calm and self-compassion through meditation. I’ll let Anne E. Beall tell her story. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center , with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog post...
Feb 02, 2025•27 min•Ep. 636
On this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast, Dan Holloway celebrates indie successes at the Audie Awards, highlighting notable entries like Spotify’s audiobook Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood. He also discusses the World Economic Forum’s report on the future of jobs, which predicts creative thinking and lifelong curiosity will be among the most valued skills in the next five years, even as reading and writing are seen as declining workplace priorities. Plus, an update on the AI Summit...
Jan 31, 2025•12 min•Ep. 635
In this conversation, Dale L. Roberts and LinkedIn expert Sue Ellson discuss the importance of LinkedIn for authors. They explore how authors can effectively build their presence on the platform, create standout profiles, utilize various features, and engage with their audience. Sue emphasizes the significance of networking, connecting with the right people, and leveraging LinkedIn's analytics to refine strategies. The discussion provides actionable insights for authors looking to enhance their ...
Jan 29, 2025•34 min•Ep. 634
In this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Member Q&A podcast, hosts Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black discuss what to look for in an editor, including recommendations for vetting, sample edits, and aligning editor styles with author needs. Other questions include: How can first-time authors set up profitable Amazon ads for fiction? What are the benefits and drawbacks of entering short story competitions? How can authors effectively market hardback books with dust jackets distributed via...
Jan 26, 2025•47 min•Ep. 633
On this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast , Dan Holloway covers the latest developments around TikTok, including its near ban in the United States and the uncertainty it has created for BookTok creators. He also reports on the arrests of individuals behind PageTurner Press and the investigation into Publishing.com, marking significant moves against self-publishing scams. Sponsors Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books direc...
Jan 24, 2025•9 min•Ep. 634
In this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast, Anna Featherstone speaks with professional indexer Madeleine Davis, president of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Indexers. Together, they explore the critical role of indexes in nonfiction books, discussing why authors should consider investing in professional indexing, the process of creating an index, and how a great index can enhance the usability and longevity of a book. Davis also shares fascinating insights from her career...
Jan 22, 2025•42 min•Ep. 632
My guest this episode is Nellie Neeman, an author who writes international thrillers under her name and sweet, clean romances as Ellie Hartwood. She uses her thrillers to highlight Israel as a vibrant and resilient country and helps foster a community of writers through her mentorship and leadership. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center , with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We inv...
Jan 19, 2025•34 min•Ep. 631
On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway explores new data showing a resurgence in print book sales, with adult fiction leading the growth and young adult fiction seeing a decline. He also highlights Spotify’s new Wrapped feature for authors, providing audiobook creators with detailed insights into their listeners’ habits. Plus, Dan reflects on the impact of Taylor Swift’s self-published Eras Tour Book , which sold over 1.2 million copies, showcasing the power of self-pu...
Jan 17, 2025•11 min•Ep. 632
Join historical fiction author Margaret Skea, children's historical fiction author Kate Cunningham, and crossover author Matt Beighton—who writes both chapter books for children and gaming books for all ages—as they explore innovative strategies for selling print beyond traditional outlets like bookshops and online platforms. This panel offers creative, genre-specific approaches to reaching new audiences, providing actionable ideas for minimizing competition and maximizing profits. This is a pos...
Jan 15, 2025•42 min•Ep. 630
On the Creative Self-Publishing stream of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast, Orna Ross and Joanna Penn discuss creative challenges, including patience, mindset, and balancing creative freedom with traditional publishing ambitions. Joanna shares her experience submitting her novel Blood Vintage to traditional publishers, while Orna reflects on how family obligations disrupted her plans and required a flexible approach to creativity. Sponsor This podcast is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell...
Jan 12, 2025•33 min•Ep. 629
On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway covers the UK High Court’s decision to strengthen enforcement against piracy websites, Japan’s use of AI to combat manga piracy, and Spotify’s new partner program for podcasters. He also highlights authors recognized in the UK’s New Year’s Honours list and a new opportunity for contributors to The New Publishing Standard. Sponsors Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books dire...
Jan 10, 2025•12 min•Ep. 628
ALLi Campaigns Manager Matty Dalrymple speaks with author and editor Valerie Francis about the role of developmental editing in crafting a breakout book. Valerie highlights the importance of a strong premise, compelling protagonist, intriguing plot, and engaging world. She explains how to capture reader interest in the first five to ten pages and use story theory to elevate book quality. They also discuss common pitfalls, such as overemphasizing world-building, and offer tips for focusing on the...
Jan 08, 2025•36 min•Ep. 627
My guest this episode is Angela Yuriko Smith, a poet, author, and publisher of Space and Time magazine. She’s a two-time Bram Stoker Award winner, president of the Horror Writers Association, and founder of the Authortunities Hub, where she mentors indie authors. I'll let Angela Yuriko Smith tell her story. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center , with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need....
Jan 05, 2025•46 min•Ep. 626
On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway discusses the latest developments surrounding the potential TikTok ban in the United States and its implications for authors using the platform. He also looks ahead to key European legislation in 2025, including the Accessibility Act and changes impacting digital publishing, payments, and online content regulation, highlighting what indie authors need to prepare for in the new year. Sponsors Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsor...
Jan 03, 2025•12 min•Ep. 625
In this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast, nonfiction adviser Anna Featherstone talks with author and indie publishing expert Mark Leslie Lefebvre about how to get your books into libraries. They discuss the benefits of library distribution, strategies for working with librarians, and how to make your book a good fit for library collections. 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 h...
Jan 01, 2025•46 min•Ep. 624
In this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Member Q&A podcast, hosts Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black discuss whether debut authors should focus their prelaunch efforts on Amazon or consider a wider approach, including using universal links. Other questions include: · How do I get free upload codes for IngramSpark, and what are the current restrictions? · Are there templates available for formatting books for multiple platforms, and which software is recommended? · What should I do if I...
Dec 29, 2024•42 min•Ep. 623
On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway discusses the UK government’s public consultation on balancing AI and copyright, including options for licensing and rights reservations. He also covers new guidelines from audiobook publishers on labeling AI-narrated audiobooks, with recommendations for metadata and transparency. Sponsors Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum...
Dec 27, 2024•16 min•Ep. 622
This week on the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Campaigns Manager Matty Dalrymple talks with USA Today bestselling mystery thriller author Pamela Fagan Hutchins. Pamela shares strategies for structuring novels to meet reader expectations, including the importance of a strong midpoint to maintain engagement. She discusses how indie authors can leverage flexibility to adjust content based on reader feedback, connect directly with fans, and plan future books in a series while balancing continui...
Dec 25, 2024•38 min•Ep. 621
My guest this episode is Kevin G. Chapman, an attorney and independent author who has released a book a year for the last eight years. He explains how patience, planning, and a passion for storytelling have helped him balance a demanding career with writing award-winning mysteries and thrillers. Kevin also talks about his approach to plotting intricate stories and why taking your time can make all the difference. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Cente...
Dec 22, 2024•38 min•Ep. 620
On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway explores Oxford’s Word of the Year shortlist, highlighting trends like "romantasy" and "lore," which reflect shifting reader and writer habits. He also covers Tumblr’s new community feature for creators, TikTok’s legal battle over its U.S. ban, and Harvard’s AI training dataset project, which raises questions about Google Books’ involvement and public domain use. Sponsors Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sel...
Dec 20, 2024•11 min•Ep. 621
The Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast is changing, and this episode gives you an inside look at the exciting new features planned for 2025. Join ALLi Director Orna Ross, Campaigns Manager Matty Dalrymple, and Content and Communications Manager Howard Lovy as they discuss the new name, revamped structure, and fresh approach to delivering expert insights across all seven processes of publishing. With contributions from advisors, expanded guest appearances, and a focus on fostering both virtual and...
Dec 18, 2024•15 min•Ep. 619
On this Creative Self-Publishing stream of the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Orna Ross explores the seismic shifts in publishing over the past five years, from AI innovations and subscription models to the rise of indie authorpreneurs. She delves into the new challenges authors face in a crowded, tech-driven market and uncovers the exciting opportunities that will transform how indie authors publish. Looking ahead, Orna shares her vision for the future, where creativity, technology, and com...
Dec 15, 2024•31 min•Ep. 618
On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway examines a major survey of over 13,500 authors, revealing strong opinions on AI license deals. The findings show widespread support for transparency and compensation, with most authors preferring licensing bodies over publishers to manage these agreements. Dan also explores the implications for indie authors relying on platforms like Amazon and Spotify. Sponsors Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-qua...
Dec 13, 2024•12 min•Ep. 617
In this episode of Self-Publishing with ALLi, Dale L. Roberts talks with Andrea Jo DeWerd, a book marketing expert, about the essentials of author branding and marketing. Andrea explains how to create a memorable brand, build a cohesive author presence, and use social media effectively. She also discusses boosting book sales through in-person events and community engagement, debunks common marketing myths, and offers practical tips for public speaking and identifying the right opportunities for ...
Dec 11, 2024•25 min•Ep. 616
