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 22, 2019 • 1h 6min
SPS-201: How to Write an Oscar-Nominated Screenplay - with Terri Tatchell
Oscar-nominated screenwriter Terri Tatchell talks about crafting movie screenplays and books and provides her take on self-publishing.
Nov 15, 2019 • 43min
SPS-200: Special 200th Episode: Four Years of the Self Publishing Show
In this special 200th edition, Mark and James revisit the top 10 downloaded episodes of the show and discuss Mark's new landmark print deal.
Nov 8, 2019 • 1h 1min
SPS-199: Stop Worrying and Start Writing - with Sarah Painter
Hybrid author Sarah Painter shares the importance of taking gentle care of ourselves as creative people, and also the value of taking writing and publishing step-by-step to avoid overwhelm. She also discusses how brain science can help writers to get past their blocks about writing.
Nov 1, 2019 • 1h 1min
SPS-198: The Self-Published Author, circa 1999 - with Jeff Wheeler
Fantasy author Jeff Wheeler provides an insightful look into what it was like in the trenches of self-publishing in the pre-Kindle era.
Oct 25, 2019 • 55min
SPS-197: Extreme Productivity: How to Write 20-Plus Books a Year - with Amanda Lee
Amanda Lee sheds light on her prolific output as a writer with tips and insight for all indie authors looking to boost productivity whilst maintaining professional standards for their finished books.
Oct 18, 2019 • 1h 2min
SPS-196: How to Turn a Struggle Into a Strength - with Hilary Jastram
Author, media contributor and reluctant entrepreneur, Hilary Jastram, discusses the impact of chronic illness on her writing and business life.
Oct 11, 2019 • 1h 4min
SPS-195: From Blasters to Bones: How to Switch from Sci-Fi to Crime Fiction - with Barry Hutchison
Any author considering writing in different genres would do well to tune in to this week's episode featuring writer Barry Hutchison. A popular and well-established name in sci-fi, find out what happened when he made the switch to writing crime fiction.
Oct 4, 2019 • 46min
SPS-194: Live from Florida! at the NINC conference with David Gaughran and Ricardo Fayet
Back in Florida to present at this year's NINC writers' conference, the SPF team recorded an edition of the Self Publishing Show in front of a live audience - a first - made up of indie authors and experts, including self publishing guru David Gaughran and Reedsy's Ricardo Fayet. It turned out to be a lively and informative affair!
Sep 27, 2019 • 1h 3min
SPS-193: How to Write About the FBI (and Get it Right) - with Jerri Williams
If you’re writing books that involve the workings of the FBI, you’re going to want ensure authenticity. Cue, retired FBI Special Agent and fiction author Jerri Williams.
Sep 20, 2019 • 1h 10min
SPS-192: How to Build an Audience on Instagram - with Stuart Grant
This week, Stuart Grant, Instagram expert and co-author of one of SPF's most popular indie author marketing guides, explains how to build your readership with the social media platform.
