Askalli: Self-publishing Advice Podcast

On this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Dan Holloway reports on Spotify's continued expansion into audiobooks, including new access across key Nordic markets and the rollout of its AI-powered "recaps" feature that helps listeners pick up where they left off. He outlines how Spotify is addressing copyright concerns around AI use and notes broader audio developments, including 11 Labs signing voice deals with major celebrities. Dan also looks at beehiiv's move to position itself as a full-service platform for long-form creators, offering new website and analytics tools for authors who rely on newsletters. Sponsor Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by PublishMe—helping indie authors succeed globally with expert translation, tailored marketing, and publishing support. From first draft to international launch, PublishMe ensures your book reaches readers everywhere. Visit publishme.me. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive

Orna Ross and Joanna Penn sit down for a candid, back-and-forth debrief on Author Nation and SelfPubCon 2025, and some of the bigger creative questions raised by the conferences. They unpack the benefits and challenges of physical versus online events, then broaden the conversation into creative courage and change. Discover Drew Davies's "kill two things" rule, why Orna pressed pause on her Go Creative! series, and how Joanna is stepping into a new season with her Masters in Death, Religion, and Culture. As ever, you'll enjoy honest reflection, practical takeaways, and permission to step boldly into your own next creative chapter. About the Hosts Joanna Penn writes nonfiction for authors and is an award-nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling thriller author as J.F.Penn. She's also an award-winning podcaster, creative entrepreneur, and international professional speaker. Orna Ross launched the Alliance of Independent Authors at the London Book Fair in 2012. Her work for ALLi has seen her named as

On the Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast, Orna Ross talks about the latest ALLi projects designed to support both the creative and commercial sides of an indie author's life. In this episode, she discusses the new indie author bookstore, the Indie Author Income Survey, and why understanding your own definition of success matters as much as the numbers. Orna encourages authors to think about what "enough" looks like in their writing lives and offers practical steps to move toward those goals, whether that means updating your author profile, planning your next release, or carving out regular time for business decisions. About the Host Orna Ross launched the Alliance of Independent Authors at the London Book Fair in 2012. Her work for ALLi has seen her named as one of The Bookseller's "100 top people in publishing". She also publishes poetry, fiction, and nonfiction and is greatly excited by the democratizing, empowering potential of author-publishing. For more information about Orna, visit her website.

On this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Dan Holloway reports on Amazon's launch of Kindle Translate, an AI-powered tool that allows translations between English, Spanish, and German. He discusses how it could open new markets for authors while raising questions about accuracy and the role of human translators. Dan also covers Australia's decision to reject a text and data mining exception to copyright law, a win for authors and creatives concerned about AI training practices, and shares updates on the ongoing Anthropic settlement affecting writers worldwide. Sponsor Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by PublishMe—helping indie authors succeed globally with expert translation, tailored marketing, and publishing support. From first draft to international launch, PublishMe ensures your book reaches readers everywhere. Visit publishme.me. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of nearly 2,000 blog posts and a handy search

How do you turn a literary world into a collaborative storytelling experience? In this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Anna Featherstone talks with Vee Hendro and Hayley Gordon—the award-winning duo behind Storybrewers Roleplaying—about producing their book- and card-based role-playing games, including Good Society: A Jane Austen Roleplaying Game and My Late Father's Correspondence. Together, they explore how indie creators can merge writing, design, and ethics to craft imaginative, inclusive, and immersive books. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-Publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of nearly 2,000 blog posts and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. And, if you haven't already, we invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. Sponsor This podcast is proudly sponsored by Gatekeeper Press — your partner in premium independent publishing. Empowering authors with expert guidance, 100% rights, 100% royalties, and g

My guest this episode is Lynne Golodner, a former journalist who built a successful marketing business before deciding to make creative writing her priority. She now writes full time, runs her own publishing imprint, and helps other writers gain the confidence to tell their stories. Her novels weave Jewish identity into contemporary life, and she's found freedom and success as an independent author. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for 40 years and now amplifies the voices of independent author-publishers and works with authors as a developmental editor. Find Howard at howardlovy.com, LinkedIn, and X. About the Guest Lynne Golodner is the award-winning author of twelve bestselling books and hundreds of essays and articles, as well as

On this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Dan Holloway reports on Grammarly's rebrand as Superhuman and what it signals about the growing role of AI in writing tools. He also outlines the European and International Booksellers Federation's new AI charter, which emphasizes copyright protection and fair treatment for small publishers, and highlights a new $50 million Literary Arts Fund aimed at supporting organizations that help writers and creators. Sponsor Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by PublishMe—helping indie authors succeed globally with expert translation, tailored marketing, and publishing support. From first draft to international launch, PublishMe ensures your book reaches readers everywhere. Visit publishme.me. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of nearly 2,000 blog posts and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. And, if you haven't already, we invite you to join our organization an

Author and podcaster Polly Campbell joins Matty Dalrymple to explore how writing contests can sharpen a writer's editorial skills. Polly discusses the fast-paced revision process required for short fiction contests, how to make every word count, and why tight deadlines can lead to more focused, confident writing. She also shares practical strategies for structuring quick edits, choosing impactful details, and balancing creativity with polish—all lessons that can strengthen any writer's craft. Further Reading Book Prizes & Awards for Indie Authors About the Host Matty Dalrymple podcasts, writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage as The Indy Author. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors, and her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine. She serves as the campaigns manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors. Matty is also the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with Rock Paper Scissors; the Ann Kinnear

In this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Member Q&A podcast, hosts Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black discuss how an author can find a reliable publishing mentor, when to seek paid help, and low-cost community options to avoid overspending. Other questions include: Does ALLi maintain a vetted list of book contests, and where can members find it? Can you change your Amazon list price without matching the printed barcode price? Which review routes are worth it—editorial reviews vs. reader-review services? How should authors handle translations and run ads in languages they don't speak? Can you include color photo inserts with print-on-demand and still distribute on Amazon? How much lead time should ARC readers get, and do launch-day reviews matter? And more! Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-Publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of nearly 2,000 blog posts and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. And, if you haven't already, we invite you to join

On this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Dan Holloway takes a close look at Amazon's new book discovery algorithm and how it may be impacting indie authors' visibility and sales stability. He contrasts the uncertainty of platform-dependent publishing with the growing reliability of direct sales, particularly through Substack, where income trends show consistent returns for authors building engaged readerships. Dan explains what these shifts mean for indie authors trying to build sustainable careers in a changing marketplace. Sponsor Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by PublishMe—helping indie authors succeed globally with expert translation, tailored marketing, and publishing support. From first draft to international launch, PublishMe ensures your book reaches readers everywhere. Visit publishme.me. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of nearly 2,000 blog posts and a handy search box to find key info on the topic y

In this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, dark-fantasy author Julie Embleton joins Matty Dalrymple to talk about mindfulness, adaptability, and sustainability in the indie author career. Julie shares how shifting social media landscapes, rising business costs, and changing reader habits inspired her to take back control—focusing on direct sales, authentic marketing, and the platforms that truly align with her values. Sponsor This podcast is proudly sponsored by Bookfunnel. Do you have reader magnets, ARCs, and direct digital sales? Want to join multi-author promotions? Thousands of authors trust BookFunnel for seamless delivery and real human support. Visit BookFunnel.com. About the Host Matty Dalrymple podcasts, writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage as The Indy Author. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors, and her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine. She serves as the campaigns manager for the Al

My guest this episode is Steven Leibo, an international affairs expert who spent decades teaching and commenting on global politics. In retirement, he has devoted himself to a sweeping fiction series set in the 19th century, following an American and Chinese family through major events that shaped both nations. His work blends real-world events with themes of identity, immigration, and cultural conflict. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for 40 years and now amplifies the voices of independent author-publishers and works with authors as a developmental editor. Find Howard at howardlovy.com, LinkedIn, and X. About the Guest Steven Leibo is an international affairs expert and former professor who spent his career studying the relationsh

On this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Dan Holloway recaps key takeaways from SelfPubCon2025, where authors focused less on AI and more on direct connections with readers through email lists, crowdfunding, and special editions that reflect an artisanal, aesthetic-driven approach. He also reports that Spotify is launching Audiobook Selects, a new platform for indie authors, beginning with romance-themed submissions featuring “swoon-worthy” tropes like friends-to-lovers and grumpy/sunshine pairings. Sponsor Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by PublishMe—helping indie authors succeed globally with expert translation, tailored marketing, and publishing support. From first draft to international launch, PublishMe ensures your book reaches readers everywhere. Visit publishme.me. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of nearly 2,000 blog posts and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. And, if you haven

On the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, host Orna Ross speaks with Roz Morris, editor-in-chief at ALLi, about ALLi’s new marketing guide and why marketing today is less about algorithms and more about authentic human connection. They explore how shifts in the industry, including the rise of AI, are transforming how authors reach readers, and they discuss how understanding your values, reader journey, and publishing personality can lead to more effective, sustainable marketing. Sponsor This podcast is proudly sponsored by Bookfunnel. Do you have reader magnets, ARCs, and direct digital sales? Want to join multi-author promotions? Thousands of authors trust BookFunnel for seamless delivery and real human support. Visit BookFunnel.com. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of nearly 2,000 blog posts and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. And, if you haven’t already, we invite you to join our organization and become a se

In this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Member Q&A podcast, hosts Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black discuss how indie authors can balance the creative work of writing with the ongoing demands of marketing and business management. Other questions include: Is it smart to include QR codes in your e-books and print editions, and what’s the best way to use them? How can an author with a traditionally published background reach a wider audience for a self-published book? What’s the best way to synchronize publication dates across KDP and IngramSpark? Can IngramSpark produce a book that’s already published through Amazon KDP? How should authors handle distribution when a book appears on Amazon through Ingram? What are the pros and cons of outsourcing versus handling all publishing tasks solo? And More! Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-Publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of nearly 2,000 blog posts and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. And, if

On this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Dan Holloway reports on the closure of Baker & Taylor, the century-old book distributor that will shut down in 2026, leaving a gap that companies like Ingram and Amazon may fill. He also notes Spotify’s new integration with ChatGPT, assuring creators that their music and podcasts won’t be used to train AI. In other news, Reedsy has launched the Reedsy Novel Sprint, a NaNoWriMo-style writing challenge with cash prizes and no AI allowed, as the original NaNoWriMo organization shutters. Sponsor Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by PublishMe—helping indie authors succeed globally with expert translation, tailored marketing, and publishing support. From first draft to international launch, PublishMe ensures your book reaches readers everywhere. Visit publishme.me. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of nearly 2,000 blog posts and a handy search box to find key info on the topi

In this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast, Anna Featherstone speaks with indie author Fiona Tarr about the production and distribution strategies that helped her grow from her first fantasy novel in 2014 to becoming a six-figure mystery and crime writer today. Fiona explains how she keeps her production pipeline on track, why her long-term preorder strategy has been so effective across platforms, and what she’s learned about library distribution and audiobook production. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-Publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of nearly 2,000 blog posts and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. And, if you haven’t already, we invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. Sponsor This podcast is proudly sponsored by Gatekeeper Press — your partner in premium independent publishing. Empowering authors with expert guidance, 100% rights, 100% royalties, and global distribution. From editing to marketing,

My guest this episode is Judith Hutchinson Lepore, a Canadian writer from British Columbia whose work spans fantasy, historical fiction, and memoir. Her latest book, Finding the Phoenix, tells how she and her family escaped a devastating wildfire that destroyed much of their community. What began as personal loss became a story of renewal and connection. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for 40 years and now amplifies the voices of independent author-publishers and works with authors as a developmental editor. Find Howard at howardlovy.com, LinkedIn, and X. About the Guest Judith Hutchinson Lepore is the author of the acclaimed epic fantasy trilogy The Magic of Miraven, which has sold in eight countries. A longtime freelance writer an

On this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Dan Holloway reports that Bookshop.org has launched e-book sales in the UK, allowing readers to support local bookstores while buying digital titles—a boost for indie authors whose books are distributed through Draft2Digital and other platforms. He also notes that Bookshop.org has been shortlisted for a Digital Publishing Award for its new e-book platform, alongside other innovations in accessibility and AI tools for authors. Finally, Dan looks at Amazon’s latest Kindle releases, including the new color Kindle Scribe, a sign that the e-book market remains strong. Sponsor Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by PublishMe—helping indie authors succeed globally with expert translation, tailored marketing, and publishing support. From first draft to international launch, PublishMe ensures your book reaches readers everywhere. Visit publishme.me. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive o

ALLi Campaigns Manager Matty Dalrymple talks with Karen Williams of Librotas about how authors can build business authority through their books. Karen discusses her path into writing and mentoring nonfiction authors, stressing structure, clarity, and preparation. She explains how authority-building books enhance credibility and business growth, explores different formats, and offers advice on aligning books with business goals, engaging readers, and repurposing content. About the Host Matty Dalrymple podcasts, writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage as The Indy Author. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors, and her articles have appeared in Writer’s Digest magazine. She serves as the campaigns manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors. Matty is also the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with Rock Paper Scissors; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with The Sense of Death; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Sh