Self-Publishing with ALLi

Orna Ross and Joanna Penn sit down for a candid, back-and-forth debrief on Author Nation and SelfPubCon 2025, and some of the bigger creative questions raised by the conferences. They unpack the benefits and challenges of physical versus online events, then broaden the conversation into creative courage and change. Discover Drew Davies's "kill two things" rule, why Orna pressed pause on her Go Creative! series, and how Joanna is stepping into a new season with her Masters in Death, Religion, and Culture. As ever, you'll enjoy honest reflection, practical takeaways, and permission to step boldly into your own next creative chapter. 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.

Explore the dynamic balance between creativity and commercial success for indie authors. Discover the launch of a new bookstore aimed at enhancing discoverability and credibility. Learn how to define your own version of success and consider practical steps to align your income with creative goals. Get insights from the Indie Author Income Survey and understand the importance of personal metrics. Orna Ross encourages reflection and planning to ensure you're moving toward what 'enough' means for you.

On this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Dan Holloway reports on Amazon's launch of Kindle Translate, an AI-powered tool that allows translations between English, Spanish, and German. He discusses how it could open new markets for authors while raising questions about accuracy and the role of human translators. Dan also covers Australia's decision to reject a text and data mining exception to copyright law, a win for authors and creatives concerned about AI training practices, and shares updates on the ongoing Anthropic settlement affecting writers worldwide. Sponsor Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by PublishMe—helping indie authors succeed globally with expert translation, tailored marketing, and publishing support. From first draft to international launch, PublishMe ensures your book reaches readers everywhere. Visit publishme.me. 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.

Join Vee Hendro and Hayley Gordon, the creative minds behind Storybrewers Roleplaying, as they share their journey from law to game design. Discover how they blend narrative storytelling with game mechanics, creating immersive experiences like Good Society and My Late Father's Correspondence. They explain the importance of balancing literary elements with gameplay and the DIY spirit of indie publishing. Plus, learn about accessibility, inclusivity, and the tools they use to bring their imaginative worlds to life!

Lynne Golodner, a former journalist and award-winning author, shares her journey of weaving Jewish identity into her fiction. She discusses the transition from journalism to creative writing, emphasizing the importance of persistence and patience in finishing a novel. Lynne highlights her unique imprint focused on women over 40, as well as the freedom of indie publishing to maintain her cultural voice. She also offers insights into coaching writers, stressing the significance of confidence in storytelling, particularly for midlife authors.

On this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Dan Holloway reports on Grammarly's rebrand as Superhuman and what it signals about the growing role of AI in writing tools. He also outlines the European and International Booksellers Federation's new AI charter, which emphasizes copyright protection and fair treatment for small publishers, and highlights a new $50 million Literary Arts Fund aimed at supporting organizations that help writers and creators. Sponsor Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by PublishMe—helping indie authors succeed globally with expert translation, tailored marketing, and publishing support. From first draft to international launch, PublishMe ensures your book reaches readers everywhere. Visit publishme.me. 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.

Polly Campbell, an author and podcaster known for her works on writing and creativity, joins Matty Dalrymple to discuss the editorial process for short fiction contests. They delve into how contests sharpen writing skills and foster community, with Polly sharing her strategies for tight revisions, impactful details, and balancing creativity with polish. Listen as they explore making every sentence count, adapting to genre expectations, and the joy of writing under pressure. Polly emphasizes the transformative power of contests in reigniting creativity and validating a writer's journey.

The hosts dive into the best strategies for finding a reliable publishing mentor without breaking the bank. They discuss the ins and outs of changing Amazon prices without barcode updates. There’s a comparison of editorial vs. reader-review routes, and advice on handling translations and ads in foreign languages. Color photo inserts with print-on-demand distribution are also covered, along with the crucial lead time for ARC readers and the importance of launch-day reviews. It’s packed with actionable insights for aspiring authors!

Explore the impact of Amazon's new discovery algorithm on indie authors and their sales stability. Learn how algorithm changes create volatility in visibility and planning. Discover the benefits of direct sales through platforms like Substack, which offer a more reliable income stream. Delve into the importance of clear metadata for better book positioning. Understand how newsletters can lead to predictable earnings, with insights on subscriber economics and automation techniques that reduce friction for writers.

In this engaging discussion, dark-fantasy author Julie Embleton from Dublin shares her insights on navigating the indie author landscape. She explores the impact of social media changes and reader boycotts on sales, highlighting her move toward direct sales and authentic marketing. Julie emphasizes the importance of owning your audience and adapting to rising business costs. With a focus on enjoyable marketing tasks and mindful reassessment, she inspires authors to take control of their careers and connect with readers meaningfully.