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Self-Publishing with ALLi

Self-Publishing with ALLi

896 episodes — Page 6 of 18

Ep 588ACX Introduces AI Tools for Voice Narrators, TikTok Fights US Ban, and Apple Faces EU Regulations: The Self-Publishing News Podcast with Dan Holloway

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 worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. Self-Publishing News is also sponsored by book cover design company Miblart. They offer unlimited revisions, take no deposit to start work and you pay only when you love the final result. Get a book cover that will become your number-one marketing tool. 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.

Sep 20, 202412 min

Ep 587Engage Readers Without Selling Out — Diane Vallere's Approach to Promotion: The Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast

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 a former president of the Sisters in Crime organization, she edited the Agatha Award-winning essay collection, Promophobia: Taking the Mystery out of Promoting Crime Fiction. Sponsor This podcast is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. 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.

Sep 18, 202435 min

Ep 586Inspirational Indie Author Interview #166: Gail Nastasia. Lawyer Turns Rough Childhood and Addiction into a Memoir to Help Others.

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 of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. Sponsor Inspirational Indie Authors is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for more than 35 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.

Sep 15, 202434 min

Ep 585NaNoWriMo Clarifies Position on AI Amid Author Backlash: The Self-Publishing News Podcast with Dan Holloway

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-generated content. Sponsors Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. Self-Publishing News is also sponsored by book cover design company Miblart. They offer unlimited revisions, take no deposit to start work and you pay only when you love the final result. Get a book cover that will become your number-one marketing tool. 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.

Sep 13, 202415 min

Ep 584AI and Indie Authors: Navigating Rights, Ethics, and Opportunities: A Webinar with Orna Ross and Matty Dalrymple

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 members in late August. About the Hosts Orna Ross launched the Alliance of Independent Authors at the London Book Fair in 2012. Her work for ALLi has seen her named as one of The Bookseller's "100 top people in publishing." She also publishes poetry, fiction, and nonfiction and is greatly excited by the democratizing, empowering potential of author-publishing. For more information about Orna, visit her website. Matty Dalrymple podcasts, writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage as The Indy Author. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors, and her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine. She serves as the campaigns manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors. Matty is also the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with Rock Paper Scissors; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with The Sense of Death; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts, including Close These Eyes. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime.

Sep 11, 202455 min

Ep 583When to Seek Permission for Quotes in Memoirs, Maximizing Global Distribution, and More: The Member Q&A Podcast with Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black

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 33,000-word historical romance on Kindle Unlimited a good idea? 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. Now, go write and publish! Sponsor The Member Q&A podcast is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. 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.

Sep 8, 202442 min

Ep 582Were Jobs Cut at Apple Books Because E-Books Aren't Profitable Enough? The Self-Publishing News Podcast with Dan Holloway

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 selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. Self-Publishing News is also sponsored by book cover design company Miblart. They offer unlimited revisions, take no deposit to start work and you pay only when you love the final result. Get a book cover that will become your number-one marketing tool. 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.

Sep 6, 202411 min

Ep 581Making Your Books Accessible and Ethical for Visually Impaired Readers: The Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast

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 technology and proper formatting. 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. Sponsors This podcast is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. This podcast is also sponsored by Gatekeeper Press, the all-inclusive Gold Standard in Publishing, offering authors 100% rights, royalties, satisfaction and worldwide distribution. Gatekeeper Press, Where Authors are Family. About the Host Matty Dalrymple podcasts, writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage as The Indy Author. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors, and her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine. She serves as the campaigns manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors. Matty is also the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with Rock Paper Scissors; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with The Sense of Death; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts, including Close These Eyes. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime.

Sep 4, 202430 min

Ep 580Inspirational Indie Author Interview #165: Anna Davidson. Editor Turns Long COVID Experience into a Moving Poetry Collection

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 key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. Sponsor Inspirational Indie Authors is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for more than 35 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.

Sep 1, 202425 min

Ep 579OpenAI's Deal with Condé Nast Sparks Concern; Plus, Rising Kindle Unlimited Payouts: The Self-Publishing News Podcast with Dan Holloway

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 a strong outlook for indie authors. Sponsors Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. Self-Publishing News is also sponsored by book cover design company Miblart. They offer unlimited revisions, take no deposit to start work and you pay only when you love the final result. Get a book cover that will become your number-one marketing tool. 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.

Aug 30, 202412 min

Ep 578Best Marketing Investments for Indie Authors: The Reaching More Readers Podcast with Dale L. Roberts and Holly Greenland

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 haven't already, we invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. Now, go write and publish! About the Hosts 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 Holly Greenland is a self-published author, content writer and strategic communications consultant. She has worked in marketing and communications for nearly twenty years, including at the BBC, UK Parliament, and award-winning agency Social & Local. Holly is currently completing a Publishing PhD with Kingston University in London, investigating the factors that increase the likelihood of indie author success. Find out more about Holly's writing on her website or connect on LinkedIn.

Aug 28, 202428 min

Ep 577FTC Cracks Down on Fake Reviews, Plus New Sustainability Efforts in Publishing: The Self-Publishing News Podcast with Dan Holloway

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 Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. Self-Publishing News is also sponsored by book cover design company Miblart. They offer unlimited revisions, take no deposit to start work and you pay only when you love the final result. Get a book cover that will become your number-one marketing tool. 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.

Aug 23, 202412 min

Ep 576Hannah Jacobson of Book Award Pro on Leveraging Awards and Reviews for Author Success: The Creating Better Books Podcast with Howard Lovy

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 acceptance of indie authors in the awards industry. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. The Creating Better Books podcast is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. This podcast is also sponsored by Gatekeeper Press, the all-inclusive Gold Standard in Publishing, offering authors 100% rights, royalties, satisfaction and worldwide distribution. Gatekeeper Press, Where Authors are Family. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for more than 35 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.

Aug 21, 202426 min

Ep 575Inspirational Indie Author Interview #164: Phillip Mottaz. Writing Mysteries with a Punk Rock Attitude and Real-Life Rock Stars

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 approach to publishing. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. Sponsor Inspirational Indie Authors is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for more than 35 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.

Aug 18, 202437 min

Ep 574Substack's New Blog Feature, Spiracle's Audiobook Cards, and Challypop for Micro-Influencers: The Self-Publishing News Podcast with Dan Holloway

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 to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. Self-Publishing News is also sponsored by book cover design company Miblart. They offer unlimited revisions, take no deposit to start work and you pay only when you love the final result. Get a book cover that will become your number-one marketing tool. 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.

Aug 16, 202411 min

Special Announcement: Changes to the ALLi Podcast

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, 202410 min

Ep 573KDP's New Identity Verification Requirement and the NO FAKES Act Explained: The Self-Publishing News Podcast with Dan Holloway

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. Sponsors Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. Self-Publishing News is also sponsored by book cover design company Miblart. They offer unlimited revisions, take no deposit to start work and you pay only when you love the final result. Get a book cover that will become your number-one marketing tool. 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.

Aug 9, 202413 min

Ep 572Levelling Up Your Author Mindset: Self-Publishing Conference Highlight

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 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.

Aug 7, 202444 min

Ep 571Inspirational Indie Author Interview #164: Terry Lister. From Accountant to Adventurer: Exploring the World Through Travel Memoirs

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 search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for more than 35 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.

Aug 4, 202421 min

Ep 570Colin Kaepernick Launches New Self-Publishing Platform for Comics and Manga: The Self-Publishing News Podcast with Dan Holloway

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 discussion on the role of AI in publishing and its potential impact. Sponsors Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. Self-Publishing News is also sponsored by book cover design company Miblart. They offer unlimited revisions, take no deposit to start work and you pay only when you love the final result. Get a book cover that will become your number-one marketing tool. 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.

Aug 2, 20249 min

Ep 569Making the Most of Your ALLi Membership, Editors Making Multiple Passes, Trademarked Names in Your Book, and More: The Member Q&A Podcast with Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black

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, 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. Now, go write and publish! Sponsor The Member Q&A podcast is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. 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.

Jul 31, 202442 min

Ep 568AI Licensing Platform 'Created by Humans' Launches, Plus Amazon Literary Partnership Expands to Ireland: The Self-Publishing News Podcast with Dan Holloway

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 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.

Jul 26, 20249 min

Ep 567Reader Magnets and Growing Your Email List for Indie Author Success: The Reaching More Readers Podcast with Dale L. Roberts and Holly Greenland

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 newsletter process. 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 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 Holly Greenland is a self-published author, content writer and strategic communications consultant. She has worked in marketing and communications for nearly twenty years, including at the BBC, UK Parliament, and award-winning agency Social & Local. Holly is currently completing a Publishing PhD with Kingston University in London, investigating the factors that increase the likelihood of indie author success. Find out more about Holly's writing on her website or connect on LinkedIn.

Jul 24, 202425 min

Ep 566Inspirational Indie Author Interview #163: Dawn Brookes. British Author Calls Upon Decades as a Nurse to Populate Her Cozy Mysteries

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, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for more than 35 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.

Jul 21, 202420 min

Ep 565The COPIED Act Seeks to Provide Copyright Protection for Creators in AI Age: The Self-Publishing News Podcast with Dan Holloway

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 diversity. 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.

Jul 19, 202413 min

Ep 564Kathryn Goldman of the Creative Law Center on Protecting Author Rights: The Creating Better Books Podcast with Howard Lovy

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 age of AI and the essential legal knowledge every self-publisher needs to safeguard their work. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. The Creating Better Books podcast is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. This podcast is also sponsored by Gatekeeper Press, the all-inclusive Gold Standard in Publishing, offering authors 100% rights, royalties, satisfaction and worldwide distribution. Gatekeeper Press, Where Authors are Family. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for more than 35 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.

Jul 17, 202422 min

Ep 563How to Protect Yourself from Phishing and Scams: The Campaigns Podcast with Matty Dalrymple

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 authors choose ethical publishing services. They emphasize the significance of community support and being vigilant to safeguard personal and financial information. Thoughts or further questions on this post or any self-publishing issue? If you're an ALLi member, head over to the SelfPubConnect forum for support from our experienced community of indie authors, advisors, and team. Simply create an account (if you haven't already) to request to join the forum and get going. Non-members looking for more information can search our extensive archive of blog posts and podcast episodes packed with tips and advice at ALLi's Self-Publishing Advice Center. And if you haven't already, we invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. About the Host Matty Dalrymple podcasts, writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage as The Indy Author. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors, and her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine. She serves as the campaigns manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors. Matty is also the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with Rock Paper Scissors; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with The Sense of Death; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts, including Close These Eyes. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime.

Jul 14, 202431 min

Ep 562UK Election Impact on Indie Writers, Booktopia's Downfall, and Amazon's Vella Prize Launch: The Self-Publishing News Podcast with Dan Holloway

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 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.

Jul 12, 202414 min

Ep 561Crowdfunding for Participation, Profit, and Payment: The Publishing for Profit Podcast with Orna Ross and Joanna Penn

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 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, New York Times and USA Today bestselling thriller author as J.F.Penn. She's also an award-winning podcaster, creative entrepreneur, and international professional speaker. Orna Ross launched the Alliance of Independent Authors at the London Book Fair in 2012. Her work for ALLi has seen her named as one of The Bookseller's "100 top people in publishing". She also publishes poetry, fiction, and nonfiction and is greatly excited by the democratizing, empowering potential of author-publishing. For more information about Orna, visit her website.

Jul 10, 20241h 2m

Ep 560Inspirational Indie Author Interview #162: Karl Drinkwater. Writer of Far-Away Space Operas Also Grounded in Real World as Green Party Politician

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 you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for more than 35 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.

Jul 7, 202428 min

Ep 559TikTok and Indie Bookstores Launch Alternatives to Amazon Prime Days: The Self-Publishing News Podcast with Dan Holloway

On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway discusses how TikTok and indie bookstores are launching alternatives to Amazon Prime Days. TikTok's "Deals for You Days" kicks off on July 9, promoting viral videos to drive sales through their shop. Meanwhile, the American Booksellers Association's "Indies Take the Gold" campaign encourages readers to support independent bookstores with Olympic-themed promotions. 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.

Jul 5, 202410 min

Ep 558What are Some Simple, Affordable Website Builders for Authors? More Self-Publishing Questions Answered by Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black: Member Q&A Podcast

In this episode of the AskALLi Member Q&A podcast, hosts Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black discuss options for simple and affordable website builders suitable for authors. Other questions include: What is the best way to get peer feedback on alternative cover designs for a spiritual, inspirational book? How does ISBN assignment work for different book formats, including audiobooks? What are effective strategies for soliciting book reviews in advance of a release? How should famous sayings of politicians be treated in terms of copyright and fair use? What methods can be used to determine the value of intellectual property when negotiating rights? How can authors handle potential scams involving magazine interviews and awards? 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. Now, go write and publish! 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.

Jul 3, 202438 min

Ep 557The Three Guiding Publishing Values: Creative Self-Publishing Podcast with Orna Ross

In her final episode on the Creative Self-Publishing stream of the Self-Publishing Advice & Inspirations podcast, Orna Ross outlines the relationship between publishing models and marketing models for indie authors. There are three guiding publishing values: productivity, connection, and originality—and knowing your top publishing value gives you the framework for your marketing. This episode guides you through. 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, or you're just not sure what way forward is best, Orna can help with a proven planning process devised specially for writers. Check it out at Patreon.com/OrnaRoss. About the Host Orna Ross launched the Alliance of Independent Authors at the London Book Fair in 2012. Her work for ALLi has seen her named as one of The Bookseller's "100 top people in publishing". She also publishes poetry, fiction, and nonfiction and is greatly excited by the democratizing, empowering potential of author-publishing. For more information about Orna, visit her website.

Jun 30, 202424 min

Ep 556More Email Marketing Tips for Indie Authors: The Reaching More Readers Podcast with Dale L. Roberts and Holly Greenland

In the Reaching More Readers podcast, Dale L. Roberts and Holly Greenland continue sharing their insights on building an effective email marketing strategy for indie authors. Their discussion includes the frequency of sending mailers, how to build subscribers, and the importance of automation. Dale and Holly provide practical tips and best practices to help authors connect with readers and promote their books through the all-important email newsletters. 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 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 Holly Greenland is a self-published author, content writer and strategic communications consultant. She has worked in marketing and communications for nearly twenty years, including at the BBC, UK Parliament, and award-winning agency Social & Local. Holly is currently completing a Publishing PhD with Kingston University in London, investigating the factors that increase the likelihood of indie author success. Find out more about Holly's writing on her website or connect on LinkedIn.

Jun 26, 202424 min

Ep 555Inspirational Indie Author Interview #161: Shana Frost. Indie Publishing Quest Takes Author from India to Scotland

My guest this episode is Shana Frost, who is not only ALLi's publications manager, but she's also an author who enjoys writing about people who feel like outsiders and create new families. It's a subject she knows a great deal about through her own journeys from her birthplace in India to her adopted home in Scotland. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for more than 35 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.

Jun 23, 202411 min

Ep 554Canadian Reading Trends, Meta's AI Controversy, and Ethically Sourced AI Training: The Self-Publishing News Podcast with Dan Holloway

On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway explores a study on Canadian reading habits, revealing a shift toward readers obtaining more printed books for free. Libraries are a major source, while "free internet sites" dominate for audiobooks. Dan also covers Meta's controversial AI training policy, which faces regulatory pushback in the UK and EU. Additionally, there's news on efforts to create an ethically sourced AI training dataset. 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.

Jun 21, 202411 min

Ep 553Alessandra Torre Unveils Machine-Powered Manuscript Analysis at Authors A.I.: The Creating Better Books Podcast with Howard Lovy

In the latest episode of the Creating Better Books podcast, ALLi News and Podcast Producer Howard Lovy interviews Alessandra Torre, cofounder and president of Authors A.I. They discuss how the company utilizes nongenerative AI to provide detailed analytical feedback on manuscripts, aiding authors in enhancing their writing without replacing the creative human element. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for more than 35 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.

Jun 19, 202429 min

Ep 552Self-Publishing for All: ALLi Campaigns Podcast with Orna Ross and Matty Dalrymple

In this episode of the Campaigns Podcast from the Alliance of Independent Authors, ALLi Director Orna Ross interviews newly appointed Campaigns Manager Matty Dalrymple about the latest initiatives ALLi is taking under its Self-Publishing for All and Ethical Self-Publishing campaigns. Thoughts or further questions on this post or any self-publishing issue? If you're an ALLi member, head over to the SelfPubConnect forum for support from our experienced community of indie authors, advisors, and team. Simply create an account (if you haven't already) to request to join the forum and get going. Non-members looking for more information can search our extensive archive of blog posts and podcast episodes packed with tips and advice at ALLi's Self-Publishing Advice Center. And if you haven't already, we invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. About the Hosts Orna Ross launched the Alliance of Independent Authors at the London Book Fair in 2012. Her work for ALLi has seen her named as one of The Bookseller's "100 top people in publishing". She also publishes poetry, fiction, and nonfiction and is greatly excited by the democratizing, empowering potential of author-publishing. For more information about Orna, visit her website. Matty Dalrymple podcasts, writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage as The Indy Author. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors, and her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine. She serves as the campaigns manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors. Matty is also the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with Rock Paper Scissors; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with The Sense of Death; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts, including Close These Eyes. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime.

Jun 16, 202431 min

Ep 550Survey Shows Slowdown in Audiobook Sales Growth, but Listeners Are More Avid: The Self-Publishing News Podcast with Dan Holloway

In this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway discusses new surveys showing a slowdown in audiobook sales growth but an increase in listener engagement. He highlights the Independent Book Publishers Association's Innovative Voices program, offering support to publishers from marginalized communities. Dan also covers Google's recent challenges with SEO practices and piracy issues. 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.

Jun 14, 202410 min

Ep 549Essential Financial Strategies for Indie Authors: The Publishing for Profit Podcast with Orna Ross and Joe Solari

On the Publishing for Profit Podcast from the Alliance of Independent Authors, ALLi Director Orna Ross and Business Adviser Joe Solari discuss essential financial strategies for indie authors. They emphasize realistic budgeting, long-term planning, and understanding brand promise to create sustainable and profitable author businesses. They address misconceptions around rapid release strategies, the impact of survivor bias, and the need for a strategic, patient approach to succeed in the competitive market. 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 Orna Ross launched the Alliance of Independent Authors at the London Book Fair in 2012. Her work for ALLi has seen her named as one of The Bookseller's "100 top people in publishing". She also publishes poetry, fiction, and nonfiction and is greatly excited by the democratizing, empowering potential of author-publishing. For more information about Orna, visit her website. Joe Solari assists authors in developing successful businesses as the managing partner of Author Ventures LLC. In his role as a business manager, he supports his private clients, who collectively achieved gross royalties of twenty-two million in 2023, with an average pre-tax profit of 44%. This remarkable success results from implementing disciplined business strategies and maintaining an unwavering dedication to enhancing the customer experience.

Jun 12, 202428 min

Ep 548Your Mindset Changes Everything: Self-Publishing Conference Highlight

Join Becca Syme for a keynote presentation that will give you a comprehensive understanding of how mindset plays a foundational role in every aspect of an indie author's business, from the writing process to marketing, networking, and managing both successes and setbacks. Emphasizing the profound impact of mindset on productivity, creativity, and mental well-being, this session offers authors tangible strategies to cultivate a proactive attitude, to foster sustainable success for you and your books. 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.

Jun 9, 202459 min

Ep 547Study Confirms Ambivalence to New Tech, and How to Opt Out of Facebook AI: The Self-Publishing News Podcast with Dan Holloway

In this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway discusses the controversy surrounding Facebook AI, specifically Meta's decision to use user content to train its AI platforms unless users opt out. He highlights a helpful guide on how to opt out, examines a new study revealing authors' ambivalence toward AI, and introduces an app that helps users write their autobiographies. Dan also covers the legal battle between the New York Times and the creators of the game Worldle. 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.

Jun 7, 202411 min

Ep 546Marketing Middle-Grade or Young-Adult Books and More Self-Publishing Questions Answered by Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black: Member Q&A Podcast

In the latest installment of the AskALLi Member Q&A podcast from the Alliance of Independent Authors, hosts Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black discuss effective strategies for marketing middle-grade or young-adult books. They emphasize the importance of targeting parents rather than children and recommend networking with other authors in the same genre to maximize visibility and sales. Other questions include: What do you do differently to launch a perma-free story or list magnet compared to a sale for a short story? What are some promotional things to do when marketing a murder mystery besides paying for NetGalley reviews? What are the moral issues of using AI narration as opposed to a human for your audiobook? Do you have any rules of engagement for dealing with negative reviews and nasty comments? Is it okay to attach press releases when approaching media, and should you try to speak to journalists in person or on the phone? Are there any benefits or disadvantages to launching two books at the same time, especially if one is a novel and the other is a short story collection? 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. Now, go write and publish! 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.

Jun 5, 202454 min

Ep 545Inspirational Indie Author Interview #160: Roxanne Bland. Mixed-Genre Author Defies Tropes in Far-Out Stories About Real-World Issues

My guest this episode is Roxanne Bland, a mixed-genre author who admits that her books are not for everyone. But if you're interested in stories that throw away all the old tropes and surprise you with elements of fantasy, science fiction, and romance, then you might want to check out her work. Not only that, but Roxanne writes with one eye on real-world problems such as bigotry. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for more than 35 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.

Jun 2, 202418 min

Ep 544How Would a TikTok Ban Affect Buoyant Print Sales? The Self-Publishing News Podcast with Dan Holloway

In this episode of Self-Publishing News, Dan Holloway explores the potential impacts of a TikTok ban on print book sales, particularly in the romance and fantasy genres. He also highlights the recent sale of a first edition of Tolkien's "The Hobbit" for £31,000, discusses the latest print and eBook sales figures, and addresses the controversy surrounding OpenAI's use of a voice resembling Scarlett Johansson. 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.

May 31, 202411 min

Ep 543The Marketing Forever Mindset: Self-Publishing Conference Highlight

One of the most interesting pieces of data to come from the Big Indie Author Data Drop was that even when indie authors are very successful, they don't stop doing their own marketing. They use tools and assistance/assistants, but marketing remains their responsibility, always. Many of the emerging indie authors, or those not selling, said that marketing was the task they liked least. There's an important mindset shift required to bridge the gap from reluctant or resentful marketing to marketing that is positive and proactive. In this inspiring and mind-shifting session chaired by Melissa Addey, join Dawn Brookes, Mark Dawson, Karen Inglis, Rachel McLean, Alison Morton, Octavia Randolph, Marc Reklau, Brit Bensen, Mark Hayden, and Elizabeth Stevens all multiple bestselling authors who show what makes marketing a positive activity for them. If thinking 'marketing will be with you forever' horrifies you as an author, then you need these sessions! This session is kindly sponsored by 1106 Design. 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.

May 29, 202440 min

Ep 542Values and Stories Should Drive Your Email Marketing: The Creative Self-Publishing Podcast with Orna Ross

In this Creative Self-Publishing episode, Orna Ross talks about the transformative power of values-based, story-driven email marketing. Discover why aligning your email campaigns with your core values can foster deeper connections with your audience and boost engagement with your emails. Orna walks you through the essentials of crafting compelling stories that resonate with readers, build trust, and drive action. Revolutionize your email marketing approach by putting values and storytelling at its heart. 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, or you're just not sure what way forward is best, Orna can help with a proven planning process devised specially for writers. Check it out at Patreon.com/OrnaRoss. About the Host Orna Ross launched the Alliance of Independent Authors at the London Book Fair in 2012. Her work for ALLi has seen her named as one of The Bookseller's "100 top people in publishing". She also publishes poetry, fiction, and nonfiction and is greatly excited by the democratizing, empowering potential of author-publishing. For more information about Orna, visit her website.

May 26, 202426 min

Ep 541Alice Munro's Legacy, British Book Awards, and Tech Legal Battles: The Self-Publishing News Podcast with Dan Holloway

On the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway pays tribute to the late Nobel Prize-winning author Alice Munro and highlights recent British Book Awards winners, including Rebecca Yarros's Fourth Wing. He covers major tech and legal news: OpenAI's disbanded risk project, the EU's fine on Microsoft, and ByteDance's legal battle over TikTok. Dan also discusses Sony Music's legal stance on AI and the ongoing mysteries in the blockchain world. 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.

May 24, 202411 min

Ep 540Email Marketing Tips for Indie Authors: Reaching More Readers Podcast with Dale L. Roberts and Holly Greenland

In the Reaching More Readers podcast, Dale L. Roberts and Holly Greenland discuss effective email marketing strategies for indie authors. They cover topics like choosing an email service, welcome emails, metrics to track, and engaging subscribers on a regular basis. The hosts aim to provide practical tips and best practices to help authors connect with readers and promote their books through email newsletters. 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 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 Holly Greenland is a self-published author, content writer and strategic communications consultant. She has worked in marketing and communications for nearly twenty years, including at the BBC, UK Parliament, and award-winning agency Social & Local. Holly is currently completing a Publishing PhD with Kingston University in London, investigating the factors that increase the likelihood of indie author success. Find out more about Holly's writing on her website or connect on LinkedIn.

May 22, 202423 min

Ep 539Inspirational Indie Author Interview #159: Anna Sayburn Lane. Writer Finds Her Fans in Write-To-Market Crime Fiction

My guest this episode is Anna Sayburn Lane, who began her career as a journalist until she decided she had enough of writing content for other people and became a novelist. Anna's entry into indie publishing was rocky until, just recently, she decided to pivot and write to market. Now, her crime fiction is seeing fantastic sales as she works toward becoming a full-time novelist. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for more than 35 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.

May 19, 202416 min