Indie Writers Club

In this week's episode Cara and James are joined by Robin Bennett-Freebairn whose non-fiction gift books are flying off the virtual Etsy shelves. This has big implications for special editions and box sets, especially at this time of year.USEFUL LINKS:Get 15% of annual plans at our sponsor ProWritingAid by using code IWC15https://www.prowritingaid.comJoin our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with James & Cara and your chance to discuss your writing career.https://www.indiewritersclub.com/support

Cara and James explore the evolving landscape of AI acceptance, highlighting how many still resist its integration. They discuss the growing potential of direct selling for indie creators, emphasizing innovative tools like Shopify and TikTok Shop. The duo also weighs the benefits of collaborating with micro-influencers versus opting for paid promotions. They dive into the practicality of using AI for creative tasks, translations, and marketing, while advocating for thoughtful use that enhances accessibility. Tune in for insights and laughs!

James and Cara dive into the fast-paced world of indie publishing, exploring the game-changing potential of AI translations. They share insights on the A10 Amazon Algorithm and its impact on sales dynamics. The hosts advocate for authentic storytelling and highlight the benefits of using tools like ProWritingAid. They discuss the rise of Substack for connecting with niche readers and warn authors about prevalent scams. With a nod to the democratizing effect of indie publishing, they emphasize the importance of organic marketing strategies.

In this engaging conversation, AP Beswick, an independent author who leveraged TikTok to amass a loyal readership, shares his journey of empire-building through direct sales. He dives into the effective use of TikTok Lives for community engagement and boosting sales, discussing innovative tactics like mystery book bags and live packing. AP also explores organic marketing strategies, the benefits of separate accounts for targeted growth, and offers practical advice on scaling operations while maintaining a personal touch in fulfillment.

Join the hosts as they dive into the excitement of Novel November, revealing their draft progress and word counts. They discuss the benefits of writing retreats and how different environments enhance creativity. Cara shares her gothic retelling challenges, while James navigates pacing and structuring his plot. They explore overcoming writer's block with unique strategies and debate the pros and cons of rewriting while drafting. Plus, find out how community sprints can boost productivity and keep you accountable in your writing journey!

The hosts dive into the world of influencers and their potential for book marketing, especially in the romance genre. James warns about the future of AI in ad campaigns, emphasizing that ad creative is becoming the new way to target audiences. They also discuss the importance of young readers in driving romance discoverability and offer insights on using smaller influencers for better ROI. Plus, hear about exciting upcoming events and the revival of a popular podcast, all while navigating the challenges of the rising cost of living.

James reports from AuthorNation, sharing insights on a recovering indie market and the rapid adoption of AI in publishing. The discussion includes AI's impact on advertising dynamics, targeting problems, and the emerging needs for clear product packaging. Amidst the talk of scams targeting authors, they offer practical advice on spotting fraudulent outreach. The duo also explores the potential of AI voice tools and emphasizes the importance of human creativity alongside technology. With a nod to digital nomad life, they brainstorm productive retreats for authors.

Dive into the mysterious realm of ghostwriting, where a seasoned professional spills insights from the shadows of the literary world. The hosts tackle the rise of author scams leveraging AI, revealing a chilling trend in personalized approaches. Learn how structured outlines aid ghostwriters and why these gigs can provide a steady income. Ethical concerns in collaboration and the importance of transparency are also explored. Plus, a quick Halloween chat adds a touch of seasonal fun to this engaging discussion.

Cecilia (Cissy) Mecca, a hybrid romance author, dives into her innovative journey using AI assistant 'Pedro' to streamline her writing business. She shares how she trained Pedro to manage workflows, analyze ads, and create personalized daily agendas. Cissy discusses the significance of connecting AI to tools like Google Drive for efficiency and offers practical tips on voice training for AI. Join her as she reveals how AI not only handles tasks but also empowers her creativity, making room for more strategic focus in her writing life.

We discuss the the state of Trad vs Indie after a couple of comments from notable authors and commentators and come to an interesting conclusion!Also - it's possible Taylor Swift is secretly self-publishing poetry on Amazon KDP! We look at the evidence and implications...USEFUL LINKS:Get 15% of annual plans at our sponsor ProWritingAid by using code IWC15https://www.prowritingaid.comJoin our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with James & Cara and your chance to discuss your writing career.https://www.indiewritersclub.com/support