Author Nation: State of the Nation

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In Episode 49, Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari is joined by indie author Lula White. Lula shares practical self-publishing strategies from her journey as a former trial lawyer turned author of angsty, climactic romance and historical fiction that keeps readers up at night. Tune in for insights on leveraging wide and direct sales strategies to reclaim creative control and foster deeper reader engagement. Join us live in November at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.authornation.live⁠⁠⁠⁠ or suggest a topic or host at www.authornation.live/deepdive⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In Episode 48, ⁠Author Nation⁠'s ⁠Joe Solari⁠ sits down with author and educator Troy Lambert to explore the intersection of storytelling and career-building. Troy shares his expertise on plotting, audience engagement, and the importance of knowing your “why” as an author. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your craft, this episode offers actionable insights to help you craft stories and a career that lasts. Join us live in November at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.authornation.live⁠⁠⁠⁠ or suggest a topic or host at www.authornation.live/deepdive⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In Episode 47, ⁠Author Nation⁠'s ⁠Joe Solari⁠ sits down with cozy mystery author Diana Xarissa to discuss her journey from hobbyist to six-figure indie author. Diana shares her unique approach to writing multiple series, maintaining a year-ahead schedule, and building a loyal readership that spans over 150 books. Whether you’re a fan of cozy mysteries or looking for inspiration to sustain a long-term writing career, this episode is packed with insights and strategies. Join us live in November at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.authornation.live⁠⁠⁠⁠ or suggest a topic or host at www.authornation.live/deepdive⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In Episode 46, ⁠Author Nation⁠'s ⁠Joe Solari⁠ is joined by Bookvault's Alex Smith and Curtis Roberts-Argrav to discuss how their platform is changing the game for indie authors. From innovative features like sprayed edges and bespoke editions to seamless direct sales integrations, Bookvault offers tools to help authors elevate their books and connect with readers. Whether you’re considering Kickstarter campaigns or exclusive collector editions, this episode is packed with insights into how print-on-demand can support your author career.Join us live in November at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.authornation.live⁠⁠⁠⁠ or suggest a topic or host at www.authornation.live/deepdive⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In Episode 45, ⁠Author Nation⁠'s Managing Director ⁠Joe Solari⁠ with Chelle Honiker and Alice Briggs, co-founders of Indie Author Magazine, to explore how their publication empowers independent authors. They share the magazine’s origin story, its role as a trusted resource for indie authors, and how it blends timeless principles with modern tools to help authors thrive. The discussion also covers trends in publishing, the resurgence of print, and actionable insights for building sustainable, creative careers.  Join us live in November at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.authornation.live⁠⁠⁠⁠ or suggest a topic or host at www.authornation.live/deepdive⁠⁠⁠⁠.