

Author Nation: State of the Nation
Joe Solari
Welcome to the Author Nation podcast, your go-to source for all things indie publishing and self-publishing!
Join us as we explore the evolution of the industry, discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by indie authors, and dive into the importance of community, branding, and personal relationships. From tips and tricks for building a successful long-term career to insights on professional standards in publishing, we've got you covered.
Get ready to be inspired, informed, and empowered on your journey as an indie author. Subscribe now and be part of the Author Nation community!
Join us as we explore the evolution of the industry, discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by indie authors, and dive into the importance of community, branding, and personal relationships. From tips and tricks for building a successful long-term career to insights on professional standards in publishing, we've got you covered.
Get ready to be inspired, informed, and empowered on your journey as an indie author. Subscribe now and be part of the Author Nation community!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 26, 2025 • 29min
Simon Patrick on Creating Passive Income with Your Voice
In this engaging discussion, UK narrator and audio innovator Simon Patrick shares his journey of creating passive income through voice licensing with ElevenLabs. He reveals how helping his daughter publish her first book sparked his venture into audiobooks. Simon delves into the transformative impact of AI on audiobook production, the importance of facilitating young writers, and how technology is reshaping the publishing landscape. He highlights initiatives that empower authors to utilize audio tools, fostering creativity and new revenue opportunities.

Jul 24, 2025 • 28min
Abby Patrick on Publishing Young and Dreaming Big
What does it look like to build a writing career before you can even vote? In this inspiring episode, Author Nation's Joe Solari sits down with 22-year-old indie author Abby Patrick to explore her journey from homeschooled teen with a story idea to multi-published author, Instagram bookfluencer, and playwright. Whether you’re an emerging author, a parent of a creative teen, or a veteran writer curious about the next generation, this episode is a must-listen.Episode Resources:🚀 Check out Abby Patrick's work here.🌐 Join the Author Nation Community: Connect with like-minded authors and access exclusive resources in our online community here. 💬 Join Our Discord: Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here. 🎟️ Buy Show Tickets: Don’t miss out on the next Author Nation event! Secure your spot here.

Mar 20, 2025 • 45min
The Community-Driven Approach to Book Marketing with Bonnie Paulson
Marketing as an author isn’t just about selling books—it’s about building lasting reader connections. This week, indie author and marketing expert Bonnie Paulson joins Author Nation's Joe Solari to explore community-driven marketing and how indie authors can foster long-term engagement. Learn how to scale your efforts, automate smartly, and create a marketing strategy that grows with your career.Episode Resources:🚀 Check out Bonidi here.🌐 Join the Author Nation Community: Connect with like-minded authors and access exclusive resources in our online community here. 💬 Join Our Discord: Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here. 🎟️ Buy Show Tickets: Don’t miss out on the next Author Nation event! Secure your spot here.

5 snips
Mar 4, 2025 • 46min
Curious About Curios? The Direct Sales Platform Shaking Up Publishing
Join Grant Powell, the innovative founder of Curios—a direct sales platform revolutionizing how authors connect with readers—and Greg Keogh, SVP of Customer Success, as they explore the future of book sales. They discuss empowering indie authors to sell directly and engage with their audience, emphasizing independence over traditional publishing models. Learn about overcoming the social media hurdle, leveraging free content for visibility, and the importance of creator control in today’s digital landscape.

8 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 46min
Beyond Books: Mastering the Reader Experience with David Viergutz
David Viergutz, a bestselling horror author known for his immersive storytelling and innovative marketing, joins to discuss transforming casual readers into loyal fans. He shares insights on building direct sales and utilizing ScareMail for deeper connections. From evolving into a multimedia storyteller to mastering pricing strategies for profitability, David emphasizes engagement and personalization. This engaging conversation dives into the importance of community building and crafting memorable reader experiences, applicable to any genre.

9 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 49min
Reclaiming Creative Control with Sean Platt
In this intriguing discussion, Sean Platt, founder of Sterling & Stone and co-author of Write. Publish. Repeat, shares his insights into the ever-evolving world of indie publishing. He highlights the decline of algorithm-driven strategies and emphasizes the critical need for direct sales. Platt touches on the importance of nurturing reader relationships and adapting to shifting revenue models. He also explores 'genre therapy' for authors and how curiosity can enhance creative marketing, urging listeners to embrace critical discourse in their journeys.

Feb 6, 2025 • 52min
From Rapid Release to Artisan Author with Kevin Tumlinson
What does it take to thrive as an indie author in today’s fast-changing landscape? This week on State of the Nation, “The Voice of Author Nation” Kevin Tumlinson joins Joe Solari to explore the shift from rapid release to artisan storytelling, why strong author communities are the key to long-term success, and how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping indie publishing.
Episode Resources:🚀 Check out Kevin Tumlinson's work here.🌐 Join the Author Nation Community: Connect with like-minded authors and access exclusive resources in our online community here. 💬 Join Our Discord: Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here. 🎟️ Buy Show Tickets: Don’t miss out on the next Author Nation event! Secure your spot here.

Jan 30, 2025 • 41min
The Business of Being an Author with Jonathan Brazee
What separates hobbyist writers from successful, long-term authorpreneurs? In our Season 2 opener, renowned sci-fi author and Professional Conduct Committee Chair Jonathan Brazee sits down with Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari for a candid discussion on crafting a career in indie publishing, navigating industry shifts, and treating writing like a business.
Episode Resources:
🚀 Explore Jonathan Brazee's work here.
🌐 Join the Author Nation Community: Connect with like-minded authors and access exclusive resources in our online community here. 💬 Join Our Discord: Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here. 🎟️ Buy Show Tickets: Don’t miss out on the next Author Nation event! Secure your spot here.

Jan 16, 2025 • 41min
The Western Empire & CrossWrite
In Episode 51, Managing Director Joe Solari chats with the Western Empire queens, Jocelyn Lindsay, Elaine Canyon, and Amber Washer. They dive into CrossWrite, our exciting new accountability and goal-tracking system designed to help authors stay on track and reach their goals. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about community, collaboration, and making big creative moves!Episode Resources:🌐 Join the Author Nation Community: Connect with like-minded authors and access exclusive resources in our online community here. 💬 Join Our Discord: Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here. 📊 Explore CrossWrite: Ready to take your author goals to the next level? Learn more about our accountability and goal-tracking system, CrossWrite here.🎟️ Buy Show Tickets: Don’t miss out on the next Author Nation event! Secure your spot here.

Jan 9, 2025 • 41min
AI Update: Q4 2024
In Episode 50, Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari welcomes back Elizabeth Ann West, CEO of Future Fiction Academy, for the Q4 2024 AI update. They dive into the latest advancements in AI, how major tech players like Amazon and Anthropic are shaping the future, and what these shifts mean for indie authors. Tune in to discover how AI tools can streamline your business, boost creativity, and keep you competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Join us live in November at www.authornation.live or suggest a topic or host at www.authornation.live/deepdive.