Self-Publishing with ALLi

On this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast , Dan Holloway covers the latest developments around TikTok, including its near ban in the United States and the uncertainty it has created for BookTok creators. He also reports on the arrests of individuals behind PageTurner Press and the investigation into Publishing.com, marking significant moves against self-publishing scams. Sponsors Se...

In this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast, Anna Featherstone speaks with professional indexer Madeleine Davis, president of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Indexers. Together, they explore the critical role of indexes in nonfiction books, discussing why authors should consider investing in professional indexing, the process of creating an index, and how a great index can e...

My guest this episode is Nellie Neeman, an author who writes international thrillers under her name and sweet, clean romances as Ellie Hartwood. She uses her thrillers to highlight Israel as a vibrant and resilient country and helps foster a community of writers through her mentorship and leadership. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our  Self-publishing Author Advice Center , with a hug...

On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway explores new data showing a resurgence in print book sales, with adult fiction leading the growth and young adult fiction seeing a decline. He also highlights Spotify's new Wrapped feature for authors, providing audiobook creators with detailed insights into their listeners' habits. Plus, Dan reflects on the impact of Taylor Swift's...

Join historical fiction author Margaret Skea, children's historical fiction author Kate Cunningham, and crossover author Matt Beighton—who writes both chapter books for children and gaming books for all ages—as they explore innovative strategies for selling print beyond traditional outlets like bookshops and online platforms. This panel offers creative, genre-specific approaches to reaching new au...

On the Creative Self-Publishing stream of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast, Orna Ross and Joanna Penn discuss creative challenges, including patience, mindset, and balancing creative freedom with traditional publishing ambitions. Joanna shares her experience submitting her novel Blood Vintage to traditional publishers, while Orna reflects on how family obligations disrupted her plans and requ...

On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway covers the UK High Court's decision to strengthen enforcement against piracy websites, Japan's use of AI to combat manga piracy, and Spotify's new partner program for podcasters. He also highlights authors recognized in the UK's New Year's Honours list and a new opportunity for contributors to The New Publishing Standard. Sponsors S...

ALLi Campaigns Manager Matty Dalrymple speaks with author and editor Valerie Francis about the role of developmental editing in crafting a breakout book. Valerie highlights the importance of a strong premise, compelling protagonist, intriguing plot, and engaging world. She explains how to capture reader interest in the first five to ten pages and use story theory to elevate book quality. They also...

My guest this episode is Angela Yuriko Smith, a poet, author, and publisher of Space and Time magazine. She's a two-time Bram Stoker Award winner, president of the Horror Writers Association, and founder of the Authortunities Hub, where she mentors indie authors. I'll let Angela Yuriko Smith tell her story. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center , with...

On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway discusses the latest developments surrounding the potential TikTok ban in the United States and its implications for authors using the platform. He also looks ahead to key European legislation in 2025, including the Accessibility Act and changes impacting digital publishing, payments, and online content regulation, highlighting what...

In this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast, nonfiction adviser Anna Featherstone talks with author and indie publishing expert Mark Leslie Lefebvre about how to get your books into libraries. They discuss the benefits of library distribution, strategies for working with librarians, and how to make your book a good fit for library collections. Find more author advice, tips, and tools...

In this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Member Q&A podcast, hosts Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black discuss whether debut authors should focus their prelaunch efforts on Amazon or consider a wider approach, including using universal links. Other questions include: ·        How do I get free upload codes for IngramSpark, and what are the current restrictions? ·        Are there templates ava...

On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway discusses the UK government's public consultation on balancing AI and copyright, including options for licensing and rights reservations. He also covers new guidelines from audiobook publishers on labeling AI-narrated audiobooks, with recommendations for metadata and transparency. Sponsors Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored b...

This week on the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Campaigns Manager Matty Dalrymple talks with USA Today bestselling mystery thriller author Pamela Fagan Hutchins. Pamela shares strategies for structuring novels to meet reader expectations, including the importance of a strong midpoint to maintain engagement. She discusses how indie authors can leverage flexibility to adjust content based on rea...

My guest this episode is Kevin G. Chapman, an attorney and independent author who has released a book a year for the last eight years. He explains how patience, planning, and a passion for storytelling have helped him balance a demanding career with writing award-winning mysteries and thrillers. Kevin also talks about his approach to plotting intricate stories and why taking your time can make all...

On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway explores Oxford's Word of the Year shortlist, highlighting trends like "romantasy" and "lore," which reflect shifting reader and writer habits. He also covers Tumblr's new community feature for creators, TikTok's legal battle over its U.S. ban, and Harvard's AI training dataset project, which raises questions about Google Books' inv...

The Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast is changing, and this episode gives you an inside look at the exciting new features planned for 2025. Join ALLi Director Orna Ross, Campaigns Manager Matty Dalrymple, and Content and Communications Manager Howard Lovy as they discuss the new name, revamped structure, and fresh approach to delivering expert insights across all seven processes of publishing. Wit...

On this Creative Self-Publishing stream of the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Orna Ross explores the seismic shifts in publishing over the past five years, from AI innovations and subscription models to the rise of indie authorpreneurs. She delves into the new challenges authors face in a crowded, tech-driven market and uncovers the exciting opportunities that will transform how indie authors...

On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway examines a major survey of over 13,500 authors, revealing strong opinions on AI license deals. The findings show widespread support for transparency and compensation, with most authors preferring licensing bodies over publishers to manage these agreements. Dan also explores the implications for indie authors relying on platforms lik...

In this episode of Self-Publishing with ALLi, Dale L. Roberts talks with Andrea Jo DeWerd, a book marketing expert, about the essentials of author branding and marketing. Andrea explains how to create a memorable brand, build a cohesive author presence, and use social media effectively. She also discusses boosting book sales through in-person events and community engagement, debunks common marketi...

My guest this episode is Sylvia Bourgeois, who writes stories featuring strong, unconventional women set against the natural beauty and industry of the Pacific Northwest. A former heavy equipment operator and project manager, Sylvia uses her unique life experiences to craft compelling historical fiction. Her latest novel, Here, Now, takes readers on a journey from 1920s Seattle to a remote logging...

On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway examines Spines, a new AI-powered self-publishing service claiming to revolutionize the industry with faster and cheaper book production. He also discusses the growing dominance of AI startups in publishing, OpenAI's latest legal troubles, and revelations about the true size of the audiobook market, which may be far larger than offi...

In this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast, ALLi's nonfiction adviser Anna Featherstone talks with Michael Hanrahan, founder of Publish Central, about ways authors can save money when outsourcing publishing tasks. They cover topics such as reducing editing costs by improving your manuscript, making cost-effective printing decisions, managing contracts, and understanding what's truly...

On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway explores major developments in audiobooks, including Amazon Music's move into the market and Spotify's new deal with Bloomsbury. He also discusses ByteDance and Microsoft's ventures into publishing, with ByteDance focusing on BookTok-friendly genres and Microsoft aiming to speed up the publishing process. With tech companies increas...

In this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Campaigns Manager Matty Dalrymple interviews Karen Inglis, a best-selling author and ALLi's children's book adviser. They explore the author's role in creating children's picture books, working with illustrators, managing costs, and choosing trim sizes and print quality. Karen also highlights the importance of perfecting the story and havin...