
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

Sep 15, 2023 • 50min
SPS-402: How to Use A.I. in Your Marketing – with Mark Dawson & James Blatch
A.I. is a fast-developing field, and it’s important for authors to use it both effectively and ethically.

Sep 8, 2023 • 41min
SPS-401: Breathe Life Into Old Books with TikTok – with Lloyd & Marguerite Richards
Lloyd Richards shares how a TikTok video revived his neglected book, leading to huge sales. The podcast discusses AI tools for book promotion, a lawyer's journey into crime fiction writing, the impact of TikTok on the reading community, and the unexpected viral success of a book promo on TikTok.

Sep 1, 2023 • 36min
SPS-400: 400 Episodes of the Self Publishing Show - with Mark Dawson & James Blatch
As the Self Publishing Show hits its 400th episode, Mark and James take a look at how the industry has changed and what lies in the podcast’s future.

Aug 25, 2023 • 52min
SPS-399: The Dialogue Doctor Will See You Now - with Jeff Elkins
Dialogue expert Jeff Elkins explains how the way our characters talk influences the way our readers view their personalities.

Aug 18, 2023 • 48min
SPS-398: Sell Audiobooks Direct with BookFunnel - with Damon Courtney
Damon Courtney’s BookFunnel is the perfect way to distribute your audiobooks outside of traditional store systems.

Aug 11, 2023 • 42min
SPS-397: The Self Publishing Show Live! 2023 (Show Recap) - with Mark Dawson & James Blatch
SPS Live 2023 was our biggest conference yet – Mark and James take a look at the highlights.

Aug 4, 2023 • 42min
SPS-396: Become a Book Rockstar - with Aryn Van Dyke
It’s important to connect with your audience in a way that’s meaningful to them – Book Rockstar can show you how.

Jul 28, 2023 • 50min
SPS-395: Dominating the Dark Romance Charts with TikTok - with Rosa Lee
Rosa Lee only started writing two years ago, but a surprise viral video on Tiktok means she’s now a full time Dark Romance author.

Jul 21, 2023 • 1h 1min
SPS-394: Writing Crime for Books, Film & TV - with Tim Sullivan

Jul 14, 2023 • 47min
SPS-393: Reach More Readers with WWM & Hello Books - with Ricci Wolman
Ricci Wolman explains the various services Written Word Media offers plus the recent partnership with Hello Books.