The Indy Author Podcast

Matty Dalrymple talks with David Wogahn about PRINT STRATEGIES FOR INDIES, including the pros and cons of using platforms like IngramSpark and KDP for print-on-demand services, sharing insights on costs, logistics, and strategies for maximizing print book sales. David highlights the technical challenges of producing high-quality print books and the dynamics of managing discounts and pricing. The conversation covers the complexities of print runs, hardcover editions, large print books, and the importance of aligning one's distribution strategy with specific goals and budget.   Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/show-notes   If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple   David Wogahn is the founder and president of AuthorImprints, which is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi), and has taught self-publishing classes for Writer's Digest University, Jane Friedman, ALLi, the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), and the Santa Barbara Writers Conference, among other publishing professional organizations. David is the author of six books about self-publishing, including the Countdown to Book Launch® series. In 2012, he became the author of the first LinkedIn Learning course on the topic of self-publishing.   Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she’s learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer’s Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Kerrie Flanagan about ARTICLE WRITING FOR PLATFORM AND PROFIT, including practical strategies for finding paying markets—and why you should stop giving your work away for free. From her first paid piece in Better Homes and Gardens to her advice on researching and targeting the right outlets, Kerrie offers encouraging, actionable guidance to help writers turn their passion into income.   Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/show-notes   If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple   Kerrie Flanagan is the author of The Writer's Digest Guide to Magazine Article Writing and creator of the online course, Magazine Writing Blueprint. She has also published twenty other books, including three sci-fi/fantasy series' co-authored under the pen name C.G. Harris. Her expertise and passion for teaching writers have led her to present at writing conferences across the country and teach continuing studies classes through Stanford University. Her dedication to her writing is evident in her contributions to numerous publications, including The Writer magazine, Alaska Magazine, Writer's Digest, and six Chicken Soup for the Soul books.   Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she’s learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer’s Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Hannah Jacobson about UNLOCKING THE POWER OF BOOK AWARDS, including changes within the book awards landscape, particularly the increasing acceptance of indie-published works; practical tips on selecting and submitting to the right awards; how to leverage wins for maximum benefit; the value of receiving and incorporating feedback from award entries; and how authors can share their award journey with readers to build engagement, even if it doesn't end in a win.   Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/show-notes   If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple   Hannah Jacobson is the founder of Book Award Pro, the industry-trusted platform for getting reviews and awards. The company operates the world's largest database of legitimate book accolades, serving thousands of authors globally. As a recognized authority on literary accolades and prestigious book recognition, Hannah also serves an Advisor to the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) and the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA).   Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she’s learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer’s Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Timons Esaias about WARFARE FOR WRITERS, including how military history can serve as an invaluable resource for authors crafting stories that involve conflict, whether they are set in fantasy, science fiction, or historical periods. While warfare might seem intimidating to many writers, Esaias provides insights and guidance on how to incorporate elements of military history and strategy into fiction in a way that's engaging and informative.   Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist  Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/show-notes    If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple   Timons Esaias is a satirist, writer and poet living in Pittsburgh. His works, ranging from literary to genre, have been published in twenty-two languages. He has been a finalist for the British Science Fiction Award, and he won the Winter Anthology Contest, the SFPA Poetry Contest, and the Asimov's Readers Award (twice). He is a recent Pushcart nominee and Intrepid Award winner for the story "To Do." He is widely deplored for using a pillow as a protagonist, and, in another story, Concord grape jelly packets as an antagonist. His poetry collection is Why Elephants No Longer Communicate in Greek.   Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she’s learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer’s Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Jennifer Hilt and Ran Walker about WHAT WRITERS CAN LEARN FROM "THE FULL MONTY," including the idea of characters'  external wants versus internal needs; the use of tropes such as found family, ticking time bombs, and ugly duckling progressions; and how the film uses one element to convey multiple messages. We discuss how the movie explores themes of masculinity, self-image, and societal expectations, and reflect on what makes the movie universally appealing and emotionally impactful so that writers can apply those techniques to their own work.   Interview video at https://tinyurl.com/TIA293YT Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/show-notes   If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple   Jennifer Hilt is a USA Today Bestselling author and the creator of The Trope Thesaurus: An Author Resource, a five-book series beloved by writers seeking to hone their craft. With a diverse portfolio spanning twenty-four books under four pen names, she has also authored the urban fantasy trilogy The Undead Detective. Ran Walker is an award-winning author of 38 books. He is an associate professor of creative writing at Hampton University and teaches with Writer's Digest University. He lives in Virginia with his wife, daughter, and puppy.   Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she’s learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer’s Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Greta Boris about REVIVING A SERIES, including the process authors can use to evaluate what went wrong with the original work; the importance of ensuring that titles, covers, and marketing strategies are brand right; and the specific steps authors can take to improve the books' craft, tighten plots, and align better with genre expectations.   Interview video at https://youtu.be/Bu6YY2QWSxA Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/show-notes   If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple   Greta Boris is the USA Today Bestselling author of The Mortician Murders, a humor-filled ghostly mystery series, and The Almost True Crime Stories, a psychological suspense series. She hails from sunny Southern California, where—based on her stories which are all set there—things are darker than you’d expect. She loves coffee, wine-tasting, and dogs but not necessarily in that order.   Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she’s learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer’s Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Mark Leslie Lefebvre about THE PODCAST GUEST PLAYBOOK, including tips and strategies for being an effective podcast guest, emphasizing the importance of understanding the host's perspective, making the process as easy as possible for the host, and focusing on the value you can provide to the audience—if you do that, the benefits will accrue to you naturally! We highlight the importance of the Three Ps—professionalism, preparedness, and politeness— throughout the process and share personal anecdotes and practical advice to help creators get the most out of their podcast guest appearances.   Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/show-notes   If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple   Mark Leslie Lefebvre is the author of more than twenty books that include fiction and thrillers, and paranormal non-fiction explorations. He has also edited numerous anthologies. With three decades of experience in bookselling and publishing, Mark is a seasoned and trusted book industry professional who embraces both traditional and indie publishing options.   Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she’s learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction, podcasting as a host or guest, collaborating on nonfiction, and being an author speaker; her articles have appeared in "Writer’s Digest" magazine and "Indie Author Magazine." She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.  

Matty Dalrymple talks with Luke Richardson about THE TRAVELING WRITER IN LIFE AND ON THE PAGE, including how his travels to places like India, Hong Kong, Nepal, and Morocco have inspired his novels, as well as his process for incorporating realistic and vivid settings into his stories. He addresses the challenges writers face when creating stories set in places they haven't visited, shares research resources authors can use for book promotion as well as for writing, and offers best practices for capturing the essence of a location to create an immersive experience for readers.   Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/show-notes   If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple   Luke Richardson is an Amazon bestselling author known for his action-packed thrillers that blend history, adventure, and suspense. Inspired by his travels, he crafts gripping stories that transport readers to exotic locations like Egypt, Hong Kong, and Nepal. His Archaeological Thrillers Series follows Eden Black, as she uncovers ancient secrets and lost legends, while his International Detective books feature Leo Keane & Allissa Stockwell tracking missing persons worldwide. Praised for intricate plots, fast pacing, and vivid storytelling, Luke’s books make readers feel like they’ve traveled the world—without leaving home.   Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she’s learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer’s Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Ran Walker about CRAFTING POETIC PROSE, including the nuanced art of using poetic devices in fiction to bring language to life, venturing into various literary techniques, including metaphor and simile, personification, symbolism, homonyms, homophones, and homographs, and onomatopoeia, and exploring how these elements can enrich narratives and engage readers in more profound ways.   Interview video at https://tinyurl.com/TIA289YT Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/podcast.html   If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple   Ran Walker is an award-winning author of 38 books. He is an associate professor of creative writing at Hampton University and teaches with Writer's Digest University. He lives in Virginia with his wife, daughter, and puppy.   Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she’s learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction, podcasting for authors, becoming an author speaker, collaborating on nonfiction, and podcast guesting; her articles have appeared in "Writer’s Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Jennifer Hilt about DECODING STORYTELLING TROPES, including the universality of about 40 tropes that cross various genres, especially the tropes of found family, misdirection, secrets and scars, and the ticking time bomb. Jennifer shares insights about how tropes like these help shape narratives and character motivations, touching on examples from popular books and movies.    Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/288-Jennifer-Hilt   If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple   Jennifer Hilt is a USA Today Bestselling author and the creator of The Trope Thesaurus: An Author Resource, a five-book series beloved by writers seeking to hone their craft. With a diverse portfolio spanning twenty-four books under four pen names, she has also authored the urban fantasy trilogy The Undead Detective. As a professional plotter and concept creator, Jennifer has helped countless writers develop unforgettable stories. Holding degrees in linguistics and literature, Jennifer loves collecting obscure dictionaries, binge-watching Scandi-noir series, and shouting out tropes from her couch.   Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she’s learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer’s Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.