The Self Publishing Show
Mark Dawson is a best selling self-published author on multiple platforms including Amazon and Kobo. He is the author of the John Milton thriller series and its spin-off Beatrix Rose. In addition, he’s written several ‘Soho Noir' novels. Mark’s breakthrough came when he developed a marketing strategy for promoting and selling his books. His swift success enabled him to quit his 9 to 5 job and he has generated gross revenues of more than a million dollars in less than five years.
Mark has become a leading voice in the self publishing industry and he advocates and teaches a strategy based around offering books for free, mailing list development and social media advertising. In 2015, he published the first version of what is now his acclaimed online course ‘Advertising for Authors’. He has also developed a course for writers at the start of their careers – Self Publishing 101.
James Blatch co-hosts the podcast and he represents the first time, wannabe author. James is a former BBC News journalist who is currently writing his first novel.
Between them James and Mark explore the world of self publishing with a focus on actionable tips for new and experienced indie authors.
Latest episodes
Nov 24, 2023 • 51min
SPS-412: Time Management for Authors - with Mark Dawson
Mark Dawson embarks on a solo episode exploring how authors can optimise the time available to them to write (and sell) more books.
Nov 17, 2023 • 57min
SPS-411: The Importance of Researching Settings – with Tony Park
As an Australian living in South Africa, Tony Park explains what he does to make sure he reflects African places, people and practices correctly.
Nov 10, 2023 • 38min
SPS-410: Selling Serials with The Pigeonhole – with Mark Blayney
Getting reviews and reader feedback can be difficult. The Pigeonhole is a new way to transform your relationship with your readers.
Nov 3, 2023 • 48min
SPS-409: Catering for the Christian Market – with Thomas Umstattd
Thomas Umstattd, a veteran podcaster and SEO expert, discusses the Christian market and tips for authors. Topics include SEO optimization, utilizing AI for book blurbs, marketing strategies, and the influence of AI on writing.
6 snips
Oct 27, 2023 • 52min
SPS-408: Essential Tips for New Authors – with Mark Dawson
Bestselling author and self-publishing expert Mark Dawson shares essential tips for new authors, focusing on mastering book production, establishing online presence, leveraging email lists, understanding metadata, and adapting to the evolving landscape of self-publishing.
Oct 20, 2023 • 53min
SPS-407: How to Choose Your Amazon Categories – with Dave Chesson
With a quarter of Amazon categories not having their own bestseller rankings, it’s important to choose ones that’ll help promote your book.
Oct 13, 2023 • 1h 3min
SPS-406: Turn Your Inner Darkness into Words – with Joanna Penn
Self-publishing veteran Joanna Penn talks about her new non-fiction book “Writing the Shadow” and where her writing career will go from here.
Oct 6, 2023 • 39min
SPS-405: Is A.I. a Help or a Hindrance? - with Mark Dawson
5 snips
Sep 29, 2023 • 52min
SPS-404: Making Self-Publishing More Affordable - with Dan Wood
Dan Wood, promising writer, discusses the challenges of self-publishing for promising authors. They explore book covers, translations, and audiobooks, and how these expenses can discourage writers. The speakers also discuss the benefits of having a strong fan base and the appeal of being available in print, audio, and ebook formats. Additionally, they touch on topics such as the global market for ebooks and audiobooks, the popularity of fantasy authors in New Zealand, and the flourishing indie scene in Germany and France.
Sep 22, 2023 • 59min
SPS-403: Fairytale Endings From Ads for Authors - with Laura Burton
Laura Burton almost gave up on writing after getting a bad review from someone she knew. Then she found the Ads for Authors course, and is now a full-time author.
