My guest this episode is Sarah Banham, an author who admits that she is so restless that she refuses to be pinned down to one genre. Her fiction and nonfiction work keep her excited about writing, and she also helps other authors find their own voices. It wasn't until she turned forty that she gained the confidence to do this on her own, and she has not stopped since. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog...

In this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway explores the potential US ban on TikTok and its implications for Gen Z readers and authors who use BookTok for book marketing. Dan examines alternative platforms like Discord for author-reader connections, noting that they may not match TikTok's ability to foster new readers. This discussion is crucial given BookTok's substantial role in influencing book trends and revitalizing interest in physical books among younger readers. ...

In the latest installment of the AskALLi Member Q&A podcast, hosts Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black discuss effective strategies for finding ARC (Advanced Review Copy) reviewers for manuscripts. Other questions include: Do I need a new ISBN if I change the cover? Do I need to use a different ISBN for each retailer when publishing on Kindle and other platforms? How can I create a legal disclaimer for a memoir written as fiction? Is it possible to retain rights to my characters and...

This episode focuses on the unique challenges faced by multi-genre authors in the self-publishing sector. ALLi Director Orna Ross provides practical solutions and personal examples for targeting different readers, establishing a cohesive brand, maintaining quality across genres, managing reader expectations, and building genre-specific expertise, along with tips for optimizing your time. The Creative Self-Publishing stream of the ALLi Podcast is sponsored by Orna Ross's Creative Planning...

In this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway discusses a significant legal victory in Japan where three manga publishers won $10 million in damages from a piracy site, potentially setting a precedent for how lost earnings are calculated in copyright infringement cases. This ruling could reshape the global debate over the impact of piracy on sales. Dan also touches on HarperCollins' partnership with Eleven Labs for AI-narrated audiobooks, exploring the balance between...

In the Reaching More Readers podcast, Dale L. Roberts and Holly Greenland discuss five compelling reasons why authors should maintain an email list. They address the common perception that email marketing is crucial for an author's business despite some authors' reluctance to embrace it. The hesitations often stem from concerns about time and effort, technical challenges, fear of spamming, and a lack of understanding or concern over costs. However, Dale and Holly argue that email marketing...

In this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway discusses a Society of Authors survey revealing significant concerns among creatives about AI's impact on their work and income. He also covers the UK government's latest updates on AI regulation, noting a lack of protections for content creators. Additionally, Dan highlights Substack's new partnership with Spotify, which enhances podcast visibility and subscriber integration. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at...

In the latest episode of the Creating Better Books podcast, ALLi News and Podcast Producer Howard Lovy interviews Shaun Loftus, founder of The Book Whisperer, which offers complete publishing services for indie authors. Shaun shares her journey from a tech-savvy marketing director to a leader in indie publishing, emphasizing the educational approach of The Book Whisperer in guiding authors through the complexities of self-publishing. The discussion also touches on the upcoming “unconference”...

My guest this episode is Jill Dobson, whose story is a little different from the ones I usually tell on this podcast. She found a traditional publisher at a very young age—in fact, when she was a teenager. Then she endured decades of rejection or, even worse, being ignored. She recently went indie and felt like a weight was lifted. Now, it's up to readers to decide and not a nameless gatekeeper. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge...

In this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway brings attention to Fairly Trained, the first platform to certify ethically trained large language models, highlighting a major advancement in AI ethics. Dan also explores HarperCollins' innovative environmental efforts in reducing paper usage through font changes and the carbon footprint disparities between print and audiobooks. Additionally, he discusses the new partnership between Draft2Digital and the social reading app...

What does independence mean for authors in terms of creative and publishing choices? Why is interdependence so important, and how can we be stronger together? Orna Ross and Joanna Penn discuss their ideas. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our self-publishing advice center. And, if you haven’t already, we invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. Now, go write and publish! About the Hosts Joanna Penn writes nonfiction for authors and is an...

In this insightful episode, Orna Ross unpacks the ACCESS framework—Attract, Captivate, Connect, Engage, Subscribe, Satisfy—to understand each stage in the process of attracting and ultimately satisfying your readers—in the most creative way possible. The Creative Self-Publishing stream of the ALLi Podcast is sponsored by Orna Ross's Creative Planning Program for Authors & Poets. If you’re feeling daunted by the enormity of your writing and publishing goals, or overwhelmed by your to-do...

Welcome to this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, where host Dan Holloway spotlights “Romantasy,” a blend of romance and fantasy that's rapidly gaining momentum in the indie publishing world. This emerging genre, now recognized in mainstream literary circles, is reshaping reader engagement and opening new avenues for authors. In addition, Dan turns his attention to the conclusion of the FTX saga, discussing the implications of Sam Bankman Freed's 25-year sentencing on the tech...

In this episode of the AskALLi Member Q&A podcast, Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black discuss how to find cover designers and editors.  Other questions include: What is the difference between copyright and trademark? How do I find someone to review my book? How do I find someone to edit my book, design my cover, or perform another author service? Do I need a separate checking account for my writing business? And more! Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-Publishing...

My guest this episode is Pauline Wilson, an Australian author who began writing historical fiction later in life when she discovered that her own family history was filled with stories that needed to be told. From former convicts to insane asylum inmates, Pauline found a wonderful cast of characters in her own ancestors. And whatever she couldn't dig up, she fictionalized. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog...

In this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway discusses the significant lawsuits facing Amazon and Apple, highlighting the Department of Justice's action against Apple for anti-competitive practices and a consumer lawsuit against Amazon's digital content sales methods. These legal battles could have far-reaching implications for the digital marketplace, particularly for indie authors and the distribution of digital content. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our...

In the Reaching More Readers podcast, Dale L. Roberts and Holly Greenland dive into the key elements of a successful marketing strategy for nonfiction indie authors. They emphasize the importance of "findability," ensuring your books reach the right readers at the right time, and highlight the role of strategic thinking in making the most of your marketing efforts. From author websites and book covers to social media and physical marketing materials, Dale and Holly offer concise, top tips to...

In this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, literary groups celebrate a pivotal moment for the publishing industry with the near passage of Europe's Artificial Intelligence Act, a landmark legislation requiring transparency in the training of generative AI platforms, including the disclosure of works used in their development. This act, widely welcomed by publishers, marks a significant step in regulating AI's role in creative industries. Dan also revisits the London Book Fair,...

In the latest episode of the Creating Better Books podcast, ALLi News and Podcast Producer Howard Lovy interviews Dan Gerstein, CEO of Gotham Ghostwriters. Dan discusses the different forms of ghostwriting available to authors, from books to speeches, and how these services can fit various budgets and needs. The conversation also touches on the growing demand for ghostwriting in areas like business and memoirs, reflecting on how this trend is shaping the publishing industry. Find more author...

My guest this episode is Aurora Winter, the author of several award-winning fiction and non-fiction books. She has a background as a TV executive and wrote an award-winning screenplay for a TV movie. Aurora is also master of the career pivot, from investor to TV executive to fiction and nonfiction author. She has some advice on how to change course wisely. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a...

In this special episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway brings us the latest from the London Book Fair, including the much-anticipated announcement of the 2024 Selfies Awards winners. Dan also discusses the resurgence of analog in a digital world, the implications of recent policy changes by major tech platforms like Facebook/Meta, Gmail, and Yahoo Mail, and fantasy author Brandon Sanderson's innovative crowdfunding success. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our...

Nurture a positive money mindset, master the art of manifestation, and take away lots of money management tips for authors. Carissa Andrews will explore how shifts in your money beliefs can expand your commercial success as an author and you'll learn practical money manifestation and management techniques. Unleash the abundant author that lies within! This is a post from SelfPubCon (The Self-Publishing Advice Conference), an online author event, run free twice-yearly, in association with...

In the latest episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway highlights the celebration of Read an E-Book Week, emphasizing the importance and diversity of indie e-books available on platforms like Smashwords, encouraging readers to explore and embrace the digital reading experience. Dan also brings updates from the world of digital publishing just before the London Book Fair, including the controversial “consent or pay” program by Facebook/Meta and the significant policy changes...

In this episode of the AskALLi Member Q&A podcast, Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black tackle the complex issue of AI-generated content and Amazon's new disclosure mandates. With the rise of AI in the creative process, authors face new challenges and ethical considerations. Tune in as our hosts shed light on the nuances of AI assistance in publishing and how to stay compliant with the latest requirements from KDP. Other Questions Include: How to find the right cover designer for your book...