Self-Publishing with ALLi

On the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Campaigns Manager Matty Dalrymple interviews Hannah Jacobson about how indie authors can find and make the most of book awards. Their conversation covers everything from spotting red flags and budgeting for entry fees to using nominations and wins to boost visibility, strengthen a book's metadata, and open doors to opportunities like BookBub Featured Deals. Jacobson, founder of Book Award Pro, also explains how awards can support authors at any stage of their publishing journey and offers practical tips on sharing award news without sounding self-promotional. 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.

On this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Dan Holloway reports on concerns around companies using AI-generated staff profiles to sell high-priced author services, including Melbourne Book Publisher and related outfits in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. He also looks at Tulia's new author platform that builds customizable book pages from ISBN data, highlights a small-group social reading app, and notes a case from New Zealand where AI-assisted cover design led to books being disqualified from a major award. 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.

In this discussion, Orna Ross, the Director of the Alliance of Independent Authors, brings her expertise advocating for indie authors to the forefront. Together with Joe Solari, they delve into the energizing atmosphere of Author Nation, where networking took center stage. They explore the rise of AI in publishing, new advertising channels, and the evolving paths available for authors. Orna emphasizes the importance of authenticity in reader connections amidst the challenges of AI-generated content. Join them as they navigate the future of indie publishing!

My guest this episode is Suzanne Barratt, who writes as S. J. Barratt. She blends her background in agriculture and environmental communications with her love of Scotland and Shetland to create eco-adventure stories for middle-grade readers. We talked about her childhood surrounded by books and nature, how she shaped her writing through research and collaboration with an illustrator and editors, and why the indie path gives her the creative freedom she values. 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 handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for 40 years and now amplifies the voices of independent author-publishers and works with authors as a developmental editor. Find Howard at howardlovy.com, LinkedIn, and X. About the Guest S. J. Barratt is a self-published children's author whose eco-themed stories explore the connection between people and the natural world. Rooted in her English countryside upbringing and shaped by a career in agriculture and environmental communications, she brings a practical understanding of rural life to her work. Now based in Lyon, France, she writes middle-grade adventures that encourage young readers to step away from screens and rediscover the outdoors. Her Living at the Edge of the World series reflects this mission. Learn more at S. J. Barratt.

Discover Spotify's strategic push into audiobooks across Nordic markets, making listening easier than ever. Explore the innovative AI-powered 'Recaps' feature designed to help listeners catch up seamlessly. Delve into the ongoing copyright discussions surrounding these advancements, sparked by high-profile celebrity voice deals from Eleven Labs. Additionally, learn how beehiiv is stepping up its game with new tools to empower newsletter authors, offering enhanced websites and analytics to boost their reach.

Orna Ross and Joanna Penn dive into their experiences at Author Nation and the benefits of in-person networking. They discuss Drew Davies's 'kill two things' rule to spark creativity and the importance of managing subscriptions effectively. Joanna shares insights from her master's in Death, Religion, and Culture, exploring the contrasts between academic and creative writing. They reflect on sustainable practices for long-term authorship, encouraging listeners to embrace new creative directions and make strategic choices in their writing journeys.

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.