Author Nation: State of the Nation

In Episode 40, Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari interviews “the Voice of Author Nation” and indie publishing expert Kevin Tumlinson . Kevin reflects on his self-publishing career, including the challenges of writing burnout, the decision to shift away from rapid release, and finding a balance between creative ambition and sustainable growth in today’s evolving publishing world. Join us l...

In Episode 39 , Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari sits down with Reedsy co-founder Ricardo Fayet to discuss how Reedsy helps authors build their publishing teams. They dive into Reedsy’s curated marketplace, the power of developmental editing, and how AI is impacting the industry. Ricardo also shares insights on Reedsy’s evolution over the past decade and their popular writing tool for au...

In Episode 38, Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari sits down with Draft2Digital 's COO Dan Wood and Corporate Communications lead Jim Azevedo. The trio discusses the evolution of Draft2Digital, their acquisition of Smashwords, and the ongoing transition for authors to their platform. They also explore changes in the indie publishing landscape, from the impact of AI and advertising strategie...

In Episode 37, Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari sits down with bestselling post-apocalyptic and thriller author Franklin Horton to discuss his writing journey, from early rejections to indie success, and explore his creative process in crafting compelling stories. Tune in for an insightful discussion on building immersive fictional worlds, developing a loyal fan base, and navigating the...

In Episode 36, Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari discusses the latest AI updates with Elizabeth Ann West , CEO of Future Fiction Academy . They explore the newest trends and tools shaping the future of indie publishing and offer insights into how authors can adapt to the fast-evolving AI landscape. Packed with practical tips, this episode is your guide to staying ahead in the world of AI-...

In Episode 35, Author Nation 's Managing Director Joe Solari sits down with Dave Chesson , creator of Kindlepreneur, to discuss how emerging technologies are reshaping the publishing world. Together, they explore how authors can leverage tools like Chesson's Atticus to improve collaboration, streamline book formatting, and maintain greater control over their work in the ever-evolving self-...

In Episode 34, Author Nation 's Managing Director Joe Solari and bestselling thriller author Ernest Dempsey discuss how to keep storytelling fresh over multiple books. Dempsey shares insights on balancing genre expectations with creative risks and his decision to venture into new genres. Tune in to hear Dempsey’s tips for maintaining momentum in long-running series and his thoughts on navigati...

In Episode 33, ⁠ Author Nation⁠ ⁠ ' s Managing Director ⁠⁠ Joe Solari and CEO of Future Fiction Academy Elizabeth Ann West discuss how AI is reshaping the publishing world. They dive into the newest AI tools, the future of multimedia content creation, and share tips on how authors can use these innovations to boost their writing and marketing. Tune in for a fresh take on what’s next for indie...

In Episode 32, Author Nation⁠ ' s Managing Director ⁠ Joe Solari sits down with bestselling author, Kevin Tumlinson , to discuss the future of author events and the innovative approach of The Signing Store at RAVE. Discover how this new system aims to streamline book sales, enhance reader interactions, and create a more profitable experience for authors. Tune in to explore the exciting possibi...

In Episode 31, Author Nation 's Managing Director Joe Solari and Written Word Media 's Mike Hourigan delve into effective strategies for enhancing book discoverability and building a strong reader community. Gain valuable insights on innovative marketing techniques, data analysis, and promotional tools to boost your book's success in the competitive publishing landscape. Join us live i...

In Episode 30, Author Nation ' s Managing Director Joe Solari sits down with authors John P. Logsdon and AG Riddle to explore their unique journeys in the publishing world. Join the conversation on marketing, building a reader community, and navigating the evolving self-publishing landscape. Join us live in November at  ⁠ www.authornation.live ⁠ or suggest a topic or host at ⁠ www.authornation...

In Episode 29, Author Nation 's Managing Director Joe Solari explores the power of data with John P. Logsdon , COO of Author Helper Suite . Tune in for actionable insights on using data to boost your book sales, optimize your marketing strategy, and grow your reader community. Join us live in November at  ⁠ www.authornation.live ⁠ or suggest a topic or host at ⁠www.authornation.live/deepdive ⁠...

In Episode 28, Author Nation 's Managing Director Joe Solari sits down with Sarah Gilbert from Lulu to discuss innovative strategies for non-fiction authors using print-on-demand services. Join the conversation to learn about effective distribution, direct sales, and the latest tools Lulu offers to help authors grow their reader community and boost book sales. Join us live in November at  ⁠ ww...

In Episode 27, Author Nation ⁠ ' s Managing Director, ⁠ Joe Solari , chats with Rossana Corniel from Booksprout about effective strategies for gathering and managing book reviews. Discover key strategies for building review momentum, engaging with the reader community, and the importance of long-term marketing for successful book launches! Join us live in November at  www.authornation.live or...

In Episode 26, Author Nation 's Managing Director Joe Solari  and historical mystery author Joni Swift discuss Swift's journey as an author, her publishing strategies, and overcoming challenges like imposter syndrome. Join Joe and Joni for a deep dive into building community, embracing continuous learning, and practical tips for overcoming challenges in your writing journey. Join us live i...

In Episode 25, Joe Solari explores fan engagement with Soundbooth Theater' s Jeff Hays and Emily Labes-Royce. They discuss creative ways to connect with fans beyond conventional means, such as in-person events like Author Nation's RAVE. Their conversation emphasizes the importance of personal interactions in fostering community, enriching the fan experience, and deepening the bond between...

In Episode 24, Joe Solari and Chelle Honiker explore the rich literary scene in Cleveland with Eryka Parker , a local author, editor, and book coach. The discussion covers Eryka's personal journey and leadership experiences within the local writing community. They also tap into broader topics, such as developmental editing and the importance of representation and community support in publishin...

In Episode 23, Author Nation Conference Director Jamie Davis , CEO of Ream Michael Evans , Indie Literary Fiction Author Joshua S. Narins , and Indie Children's Book Author Sandra Elaine Scott explore building an author brand in hard-to-market genres. They discuss the unique challenges of reaching specific audiences, such as the dual appeal needed in children's books for both young readers...

In Episode 22, Author Nation Conference Director Jamie Davis , Author Nation Northeast Regional Coordinator E. Prybylski ,  Ream CEO Michael Evans , Author Helper Suite Co-Founder Ben Zackheim , and bestselling author  Kevin McLaughlin dissect the intricacies of building a robust publishing team. The discussion covers the critical role of editors, the journey through various writing stages, and th...

In Episode 21, Joe Solari talks with Joe Pulizzi , the founder of The Tilt and Content Marketing Institute. Pulizzi, a seasoned expert, shares practical insights from his journey of growing a massive email newsletter audience and hosting major industry events. They discuss the strategic importance of audience building and diversifying revenue streams, and the significance of creating valuable asse...

In Episode 20, Author Nation Conference Director Jamie Davis explores the essential topic of building a loyal fan base with  Ream CEO Michael Evans , Author Helper Suite Co-Founder Ben Zackheim , and bestselling author  Kevin McLaughlin . They discuss strategies like understanding your audience deeply, creating memorable 'magic moments,' and effectively using tools to track and manage read...

In Episode 19, Author Nation's Joe Solari and Chelle Honiker discuss the evolving state of direct sales with bestselling author and entrepreneur Pierre Alex Jeanty . They explore how direct sales empower authors to forge closer connections with their audience and offer enriched experiences that cater to readers' needs. They also cover strategies for leveraging content across multiple platf...

In Episode 18, Author Nation team members Mandie Stevens , Chelle Honiker , Suze Solari , and Jen B. Green share their detailed planning process and excitement for the inaugural 2024 show. They discuss their approach to creating a welcoming environment that supports networking and learning for authors at different career stages. RAVE Coordinator Mandie also reveals exclusive updates on this year&#...

In Episode 17, Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari welcomes Jeff Hays and Emily Labes-Royce from Soundbooth Theater to discuss how they are revolutionizing the audiobook industry. Jeff discusses the company's origins and the creative collaborations that enhance their audiobooks, while Emily shares marketing strategies and community engagement efforts. This episode also covers Soundbooth...

In Episode 16, Author Nation Managing Director  Joe Solari explores the dynamic world of Story Wars with team members Kelly Lytle, Genevieve Santos-Miller, and Gabby Valentine. They discuss the evolution of Story Wars from a local brewery event to a major attraction at Author Nation 2024, combining improv and creative writing in a competitive, high-energy format. The episode details how participan...