Indie Writers Club

We discuss the use by Meta of pirated versions of books to build their AI. And we talk about our own action points from the fabulous Ireland's Publishing Show. Useful links: Check if your book has been pirated on LibGen: https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/03/search-libgen-data-set/682094/ Free PDF - Five Immediate Actions Indie Authors Should Take: https://www.indiewritersclu...

In this episode Cara and James road test a new AI manuscript analysis tool from seasoned experts, ProWritingAid. The results were...unexpected. Try out the tool yourself: indiewritersclub.com/pwa

In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, James & Cara discuss Bill Bryson's reported attack on self publishing and the wider perception of our industry. Links: One place left in the IWC Cambridge Writers Retreat: indiewritersclub.com/retreat

In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, Cara and James discuss the tips and tricks for gaining maximum visibility for your book launch. Resources: Self Publishing Launchpad online course: learnselfpublishing.com/launchpad Five Must Do Actions for New Authors (free PDF): indiewritersclub.com/fiveactions

Indie authors have used Facebook (Meta) ads since day one, but we need to be honest with ourselves - are they still performing? Cara and James discuss the changes that have happened, particularly since the privacy scandals.

Welcome to the Indie Writers Club, a place to chat about all things self publishing. In episode 025, James & Cara discuss different ways to get your novels translated into German. It's a fast growing market and it can be the different between profit and loss for some authors. Grab the final IWC Writing Retreat slots: indiewritersclub.com/retreat

Join Cara & James as they discuss the latest developments in the ongoing saga of AI and copyright legalities. Join the waitlist for the inaugural IWC Writers' Retreat: indiewritersclub.com/retreat

They come for the story but stay for the characters...  That's how important character development is. In this episode we explore why character is crucial, when it's good, when it's not so good and some practical tips on getting your development to help your plot. Useful links: Retreat waitlist: https://www.indiewritersclub.com/retreat Ireland's Publishing Show: https://www.ind...

The 22 rules of storytelling from Emma Coats, a former Pixar writer, have been doing the rounds for years and for good reason. Although Emma herself now describes them as guidelines, rather than rules, they are seen as the foundation on which the best novels are built. Cara and James go through them one by one. Useful links: Retreat waitlist: https://www.indiewritersclub.com/retreat Ireland's...

We all get One Star reviews. But when should we take them seriously and when can they be safely ignored? In this episode we talk about our own hurtful reviews and talk about coping strategies. Useful links: The IWC Retreat: indiewritersclub.com/retreat Ireland's Publishing Show: indiewritersclub.com/ireland

In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, Cara Clare and James Blatch discuss various topics including the potential ban of TikTok in the US, the importance of diversifying social media presence, and the planning of an indie writers retreat. They delve into productivity techniques known as 'razors', exploring how these principles can simplify decision-making and enhance productivity for...

In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, James & Cara discuss their ad spend and book revenue for 2024.

Happy New Year from the Indie Writers Club. In the first episode of 2025, Cara and James discuss what's in store for indie authors in the next twelve months. They also set out their own goals for the year. Useful Links: SPS Live London 2025: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive WWM's Predictions for 2025: https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/the-top-10-publishing-trends-for-2025/ Take...

James & Cara are down the pub with a couple of author friends to reflect on 2024. Many thanks to our friends at The Salisbury Arms in Cambridge!

James returns. Cara chats to Sacha Black about productivity tips. Our next episode will be a live recording from a pub, released on Christmas Day!

In this episode James & Cara discuss the latest tips and tricks with Meta Ads (Facebook & Instagram). Join the discussion: https://indiewritersclub.com/discord Sign up for episode alerts: https://indiewritersclub.com

There's so much news about in indie publishing, James & Cara take time to digest and analyse: A new deal for Audio Books from ACX A new Publishing Assistant from publishdrive.com Trad moving in on indie direct selling special editions technique A misleading headline about 8,000 AI books/year from a publisher A new way to work with ChatGPT Check out Publishing Assistant: https://publishdri...

James is back from AuthorNation in Las Vegas. During this week's Indie Writers Club episode James discusses the legal presentation from Alicia Wright regarding the law, ethics and AI. If you want to sign up for AuthorNation 2025 click here: https://claymore.krtra.com/t/YCtI1A27yXCp And join the Indie Writers Club mailing list to be first to hear about the ticket release for The Self Publishin...

Get episode alerts at indiewritersclub.com Join the discussion at indiewritersclub.com/discord Summary In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, Cara Clare and James Blatch discuss their experiences at a recent writers' conference in Las Vegas. They share insights on the conference's attendance, the quality of sessions, and the importance of networking among indie authors. The conversat...

It's the Indie Writers Club! Links: The Self Publishing Show Live! https://learnselfpublishing.com/spslive Author Nation (Vegas): https://www.authornation.live/ Ireland's Publishing Show (March): https://irelandspublishingshow.com/ NINC (Florida, September): https://ninc.com/ In this episode, James and Cara progress during NaNoWriMo, the importance of consistency in writing, and the valu...

Useful links: WWM Survey: indiewritersclub.com/survey Publish Drive Offer: indiewritersclub.com/publishdrive Join the Discord Discussion: indiewritersclub.com/discord In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, Cara and James discuss their personal updates, including writing progress and the upcoming NaNoWriMo challenge.    The conversation shifts to the Written Word Media Annual Author Survey, whe...

James and Cara discuss the importance of book reviews in building an author's reputation. The conversation delves into strategies for obtaining reviews, the significance of targeting the right audience, and how to handle negative feedback with resilience and perspective. Links: Publish Drive offer: indiewritersclub.com/publishdrive Discord Server: indiewritersclub.com/discord Mailing List: in...

In episode 008, James & Cara continue to analyse the key ingredients that maybe missing from your book, for your ads to generate sales. Check out the amazing offer from Publish Drive, 50% off annual subscription plans! https://publishdrive.com/50-off-all-yearly-plans Learn Self Publishing's Ads for Authors course is open: https://learnselfpublishing.com/adsforauthors Join our Discord serv...

In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, hosts James and Cara discuss the importance of having a well-prepared book package for successful advertising, the impact of AI on the publishing industry, and the significance of understanding genre expectations.  They also share personal updates, insights on social media dynamics for authors, and the necessity of research in crafting effective book titl...

Summary In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, hosts Cara Clare and James Blatch discuss alternative income streams for writers, focusing on ghostwriting and non-fiction opportunities. They explore the benefits of ghostwriting, including collaborative writing processes and reliable income, while also emphasizing the importance of diversifying income sources through teaching and coaching. The c...