Author Nation: State of the Nation

In this episode of the Author Nation podcast, Managing Director Joe Solari sits down with Chris Banks , founder of ProWritingAid, to talk about the feedback, mindset, and community writers need to keep going. Chris shares how a broken ankle helped turn a personal writing tool into one of the most trusted resources for authors, and why fast, useful feedback can help writers grow their craft with mo...

Imagine never losing momentum on a story again. This week Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari sits down with  Michael Stewart , Head of Community at Sudowrite , to explore how AI tools are helping authors overcome writer’s block, stay organized, and focus on the creative work that truly sparks joy.   Michael shares insights on Sudowrite’s evolution, its supportive 15K+ author community, and...

AI narration isn’t the future — it’s already here.   In this week's episode, Joe Solari talks with Phil Marshall , founder of Spoken , about how his platform is transforming audiobook creation for indie authors. Phil shares how Spoken’s AI lets writers design custom voices, produce full-cast audiobooks in hours, and distribute affordably — all while keeping creative control.   🎧 Check out Spoken...

What does it take to build lasting visibility as an author in a constantly changing world? In this episode, Joe Solari talks with Desireé Duffy — founder of Black Château , Books That Make You , and The BookFest — about how to think strategically, stay agile, and integrate your marketing to reach readers in meaningful ways.  Desireé shares how she built a multi-channel ecosystem connecting authors...

Audiobooks are now the fastest-growing format in publishing, expanding more than 25% each year. Are you in the game? This week, Joe Solari is joined by Madeline Shue, Head of Author Growth at ElevenLabs, to discuss the launch of ElevenReader, a new publishing model that lets you create and sell audiobooks directly to your readers — with full control, fair royalties, and no unnecessary barriers. Ma...

Your next big launch doesn’t need to start with Amazon. This week, Joe Solari is joined by Oriana Leckert, Head of Publishing at Kickstarter, to explore how authors are taking control of their publishing futures—one campaign at a time. You’ll hear how our Kickstart Together cohort has launched over 30 author-led campaigns and raised more than $179,000 in its first year. Whether you’re a debut auth...

What if you could make money with your voice while you sleep?   In this week's episode, Joe Solari talks with UK narrator and audio innovator Simon Patrick about how he turned voice licensing into passive income with ElevenLabs —and how it all started by helping his teenage daughter publish her first book. You’ll hear about AI-powered audiobook production, author-narrator collaboration, and ho...

What does it look like to build a writing career before you can even vote? In this inspiring episode, Author Nation's Joe Solari  sits down with 22-year-old indie author  Abby Patrick to explore her journey from homeschooled teen with a story idea to multi-published author, Instagram bookfluencer, and playwright.   Whether you’re an emerging author, a parent of a creative teen, or a veteran wr...

Marketing as an author isn’t just about selling books—it’s about building lasting reader connections. This week, indie author and marketing expert Bonnie Paulson joins Author Nation's Joe Solari to explore community-driven marketing and how indie authors can foster long-term engagement. Learn how to scale your efforts, automate smartly, and create a marketing strategy that grows with your care...

The future of book sales is evolving, and direct-to-reader strategies are at the forefront. This week on State of the Nation, Joe Solari is joined by Curios Founder Grant Powell and SVP of Customer Success Greg Keogh to discuss how their platform is revolutionizing direct sales for authors. Learn how indie authors can use Curios to sell books, offer exclusive content, and build stronger reader rel...

How do you turn casual readers into lifelong fans? This week, Joe Solari sits down with bestselling horror author David Viergutz  to explore how indie authors can go beyond books to create immersive reader experiences. From building direct sales funnels and leveraging ScareMail to crafting high-engagement content, David shares how he’s transformed his brand into a thriving, reader-focused business...

How can indie authors build sustainable careers in today’s ever-changing market? This week on State of the Nation , Joe Solari is joined by Sean Platt , founder of Sterling & Stone and co-author of Write. Publish. Repeat. They discuss the evolution of indie publishing, the rise and fall of algorithm-driven strategies, and why direct sales are becoming more critical than ever. From Kindle Unlim...

What does it take to thrive as an indie author in today’s fast-changing landscape? This week on State of the Nation, “The Voice of Author Nation” Kevin Tumlinson joins Joe Solari to explore the shift from rapid release to artisan storytelling, why strong author communities are the key to long-term success, and how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping indie publishing.  Episode Resources: 🚀...

What separates hobbyist writers from successful, long-term authorpreneurs? In our Season 2 opener, renowned sci-fi author and Professional Conduct Committee Chair Jonathan Brazee sits down with Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari for a candid discussion on crafting a career in indie publishing, navigating industry shifts, and treating writing like a business. Episode Resources: 🚀 Explore J...

In Episode 51, Managing Director Joe Solari chats with the Western Empire queens, Jocelyn Lindsay , Elaine Canyon , and Amber Washer . They dive into CrossWrite, our exciting new accountability and goal-tracking system designed to help authors stay on track and reach their goals. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about community, collaboration, and making big creative moves! Episode Resources...

In Episode 50, Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari welcomes back Elizabeth Ann West , CEO of Future Fiction Academy , for the Q4 2024 AI update. They dive into the latest advancements in AI, how major tech players like Amazon and Anthropic are shaping the future, and what these shifts mean for indie authors. Tune in to discover how AI tools can streamline your business, boost creativity, an...

In Episode 49, Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari is joined by indie author Lula White . Lula shares practical self-publishing strategies from her journey as a former trial lawyer turned author of angsty, climactic romance and historical fiction that keeps readers up at night. Tune in for insights on leveraging wide and direct sales strategies to reclaim creative control and foster deeper...

In Episode 48, ⁠ Author Nation ⁠ 's ⁠ Joe Solari ⁠ sits down with author and educator Troy Lambert to explore the intersection of storytelling and career-building. Troy shares his expertise on plotting, audience engagement, and the importance of knowing your “why” as an author. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your craft, this episode offers actionable insights to help you cra...

In Episode 47, ⁠ Author Nation ⁠ 's ⁠ Joe Solari ⁠ sits down with cozy mystery author Diana Xarissa to discuss her journey from hobbyist to six-figure indie author. Diana shares her unique approach to writing multiple series, maintaining a year-ahead schedule, and building a loyal readership that spans over 150 books. Whether you’re a fan of cozy mysteries or looking for inspiration to sustain a l...

In Episode 46, ⁠ Author Nation ⁠ 's ⁠ Joe Solari ⁠ is joined by Bookvault 's Alex Smith and Curtis Roberts-Argrav to discuss how their platform is changing the game for indie authors. From innovative features like sprayed edges and bespoke editions to seamless direct sales integrations, Bookvault offers tools to help authors elevate their books and connect with readers. Whether you’re considering...

In Episode 45,  ⁠ Author Nation ⁠ 's Managing Director ⁠ Joe Solari ⁠ with Chelle Honiker and Alice Briggs , co-founders of Indie Author Magazine , to explore how their publication empowers independent authors. They share the magazine’s origin story, its role as a trusted resource for indie authors, and how it blends timeless principles with modern tools to help authors thrive. The discussion also...

In Episode 44, Author Nation ⁠ 's Managing Director ⁠ Joe Solari ⁠  sits down with post-apocalyptic author Tara Ellis to talk about her unique journey through multiple genres and her passion for crafting gripping stories. Tara dives into her creative process, balancing the business of writing with storytelling, and the challenges of staying inspired in a competitive industry. Whether you’re an asp...

In Episode 43,  ⁠ Author Nation ⁠ 's Managing Director ⁠ Joe Solari ⁠ sits down with Alex Newton, CEO and Founder of K-lytics , for an in-depth discussion on data-driven publishing. They explore the evolution of Kindle Unlimited, the importance of genre trends, and how K-lytics helps authors make informed decisions about what to write and how to market. From rising opportunities in digital publish...

In Episode 42, Author Nation 's Managing Director Joe Solari sits down with Damon Courtney , the creator of BookFunnel , to discuss how this essential tool empowers authors to connect directly with readers. Damon explains ways BookFunnel can support direct sales, boost audiobook accessibility, and streamline reader engagement. They also reflect on industry shifts, like the rise of audiobooks and d...

In Episode 41, Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari speaks with Shannon Humphrey , indie author and chair of the Professional Conduct Committee, about creating a respectful, inclusive space at Author Nation and elevating professionalism across the publishing industry. Shannon discusses the development of the Author Nation Code of Conduct and offers insights on setting standards that empower...