The Shelf Discovery Podcast

What if your past wasn’t just something you remember… but something that actively pulls you back? In this episode of Shelf Discovery , I do something a little different. Instead of interviewing an author, I step into the spotlight and answer the same questions I usually ask my guests—this time about my own magical realism novel, Son of the Axe . The result is a more personal, reflective episode th...

Why do the same books keep showing up everywhere? In this solo episode of Shelf Discovery , D.P. Martinez explores how algorithms influence what readers discover—and what they never see. From Amazon recommendations to BookTok trends, we unpack how popularity loops shape visibility, why certain types of books dominate your feed, and which stories often get left behind. In this episode: How recommen...

When was the last time you read a book of short stories? For many readers, the answer is: a long time ago . Short fiction used to play a much larger role in literary culture. Writers such as Jorge Luis Borges, Edgar Allan Poe, and many authors built lasting reputations through the short story. Yet today, short story collections often feel strangely absent from bookshop shelves. In this episode of...

What kinds of books struggle to make it through traditional publishing? In this episode of Shelf Discovery , D.P. Martinez explores the kinds of stories that often fall outside the mainstream publishing system—from unusual genre mashups to experimental storytelling and niche historical narratives. These are the books that can be difficult to market but often become some of the most original reads...

In this episode of Shelf Discovery , we meet indie author Jesse Karjalainen , whose upcoming historical conspiracy thriller The Broken Crown blends real British history with fast-paced suspense. Inspired by the spirit of The Da Vinci Code , the novel follows an ordinary taxi driver who discovers a mysterious piece of gold that pulls him into a centuries-old secret tied to the English monarchy. In...

n this episode of Shelf Discovery , we go behind the scenes with Daniel Li from Sinoist Books , an independent press dedicated to bringing Chinese-language literature to English-speaking readers through translation. We talk about how the press bridges two very different publishing cultures, what makes a story resonate across languages, and how translation opens new perspectives for readers beyond...

What happens when the wicked witches of classic fairy tales refuse to accept the roles written for them? In this episode of Shelf Discovery , we speak with indie fantasy author Jennifer Taylor-Gray , whose debut novel The Old Crones Club reimagines familiar fairy-tale villains as complex, rebellious protagonists. Locked away by the mysterious Grimm Brotherhood and threatened with losing their memo...

Finding a genuinely good indie book can feel harder than it should be. In this solo episode of Shelf Discovery , I share a practical, reader-first system for discovering high-quality indie fiction without falling into endless scrolling or disappointing reads. In this episode, you’ll learn: Where to look for strong indie books (small presses, indie bookshops, and curated newsletters) How to judge a...

In this episode of Shelf Discovery , we go behind the scenes with Aina Marti Balcells , founder of Heloise Press , an independent publisher focused on contemporary fiction by women. We talk about why “women’s fiction” is largely a marketing label rather than a true genre, how Heloise Press began with a strong emphasis on translated literature, and what Aina looks for when selecting bold, stylistic...

In this episode, we spotlight The Terminus of All Things with British indie author Jay Neil. The novel follows an ordinary man who stumbles into Endland, a bizarre realm where forgotten brands, beliefs, and cultural castoffs go when they fade from public attention. Jay talks about his influences (including Robert Rankin), the mix of nostalgia and bureaucracy inside his worldbuilding, and why the b...

Not all readers jump into indie fiction with enthusiasm — and there are real reasons why. In this episode, we unpack the common objections many book lovers have about indie fiction: concerns about quality, not knowing where to find great indie books, the fear of missing out on what everyone else is reading, and assumptions about the publishing route. Instead of brushing these objections aside, we...

In this episode, we spotlight Murphy Who Talks , a satirical novel by Irish indie author Ronan O’Shea , published by Indie Novella. Ronan shares the premise behind the book — a silent pub, Anglo-Irish identity, Brexit-era tensions — and talks about voice, comedy, and why Murphy makes such an engaging narrator. If you’re curious about contemporary satire with heart and political awareness, this one...

In this episode, we step into the world of indie publishing with Damien Mosley , founder of the London-based press Indie Novella . Damien shares how the press champions “accessible literary fiction,” the hidden stories that drive their catalogue, and one standout title readers should discover. We also talk identity-driven fiction, indie bookshop success stories, and a must-read recommendation from...

In the very first episode of The Shelf Discovery Podcast, we dive into what it really means to be an indie author. If you love discovering books that don’t always make bestseller lists, this episode is your launchpad. We break down the two core paths of indie publishing — self-published authors and authors working with independent presses — and explain how both differ from the traditional Big Five...

If you love finding books that aren’t plastered all over bestseller lists, listen up. I’m launching a podcast called The Shelf Discovery Podcast , and it’s all about the hidden gems in London’s indie fiction scene. Every week, I interview a self-published author in five quick questions… then I talk to indie publishers and bookshops who know exactly which underrated stories deserve your attention....