Askalli: Self-publishing Advice Podcast

In this session live from London Book Fair, learn how to publish on Kobo Writing Life platform with KWL’s European Manager, Camille Modifini; how to sell books to libraries and bookstores with book selling supreme Amy Collins, President of New Shelves Books; and how to make sure you have the right mindset, right from the start with one of the most successful indie authors in the world, Adam Croft.  Panel chaired by ALLi Director Orna Ross. 

Welcome to AskALLi, the Self-Publishing Advice Podcast from the Alliance of Independent Authors. This week it’s our monthly Member Q&A where ALLi Members’ have their most pressing self-publishing questions analyzed and answered. Join your regular hosts for the Member Q&A: Michael La Ronn and Orna Ross. The AskALLi podcasts are sponsored by Damonza: Books Made Awesome. Questions this month include: Should authors get liability insurance? How to make a PDF. Can you display your ALLi badge on your books? Which self-publishing companies are reputable and provide effective service—especially in marketing and promotion? Also, News Editor Dan Holloway and Howard Lovy bring you the latest self-publishing news. They talk about the first winner of the Selfie Awards and other news from the London Book Fair.  Find more author advice, tips and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center: https://selfpublishingadvice.org, with a huge archive of nearly 2,000 blog posts, and a handy search box to find key inf

On the AskALLi Beginners' Self-Publishing Salon, Orna Ross and Tim Lewis look at the topic of using beta readers in your self-editing process. A beta reader is a trusted book lover whose opinion helps you to do a final self-edit on your book before sending it to the editor. But how do you choose the right beta readers? And how do you ensure you’ll get constructive advice on your manuscript and not just a review or opinion? Also, on Inspirational Indie Authors Howard Lovy interviews J. Dianne Dotson. Dianne is both a science and science fiction writer who is publishing a series of books, the first of which is called Heliopause: The Questrison Saga: Book One. And that's where Dianne shines as one of our favorite kinds of science fiction authors--- one who actually knows about science. Howard and Dianne discuss how to find the perfect balance between science and fiction. The AskALLi podcasts are sponsored by Damonza: Books Made Awesome. Find more author advice, tips and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice

Howard Lovy takes a close look at Inspirational Indie Authors. This isn't about their business model, their marketing, or even how many books they've sold. It's about their writing, and what indie authors have to say. Today's interview is with J. Dianne Dotson. She has written such best-sellers as: Lipids: Facts and Functions, What Are the Main Functions of Cilia & Flagella? And you can't forget the classic, What Are the Primary Functions of Phospholipids? Dianne is both a science and science fiction writer. Obviously, the titles I just listed are examples of her science writing. As for SciFi, she's publishing a series of books, the first of which is called Heliopause: The Questrison Saga: Book One. And that's where Dianne shines as one of our favorite kinds of science fiction authors--- one who actually knows about science. Inspirational Indie Authors is a biweekly feature within our AskALLi series of podcasts.  Find more author advice, tips and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center: https://

In this month's Advanced Self-Publishing Salon from the Alliance of Independent Authors, Orna Ross and Joanna Penn discuss ethics. The need for book reviews, the desirability of bestseller badges, the value in superfast author business models can put a strain on ethics. Sometimes authors make mistakes inadvertently, sometimes we stretch the rules on purpose.  Orna and Joanna look at recent controversies in the community around plagiarism, ghostwriting, reviews, and bestseller listings and ask: how far would you go to ensure your book is successful? The AskALLi podcasts are sponsored by Damonza: Books Made Awesome. Topics discussed this week include: Orna previews some changes coming on the ALLi website as we approach our seventh birthday. How do global changes in copyright law impact indie authors? A discussion about a recent ghostwriting/plagiarism scandal that rocked the indie Romance world. Is there a gray area between writing that's your own and something you picked up elsewhere? What are the limits of f

Welcome to AskALLi, the self-publishing advice podcast from the Alliance of Independent Authors. This week, it's our monthly Writing Salon, where we discuss the craft of writing with author Dan Blank and ALLi Director Orna Ross. This week, Orna and Dan talk about how to effectively share your work in a way that inspires others to connect and, ultimately, buy. The AskALLi podcasts are sponsored by Damonza: Books Made Awesome. Topics discussed include Writing vs. marketing: It's a false dichotomy How to lead people "through the gate" and develop an interest in your writing. How to think about the "creative writing" around your book, including cover copy and social media. "Show your work" to your fans as you write the book. How to use different social media formats for different purposes. Quick tips on how to get started on your book; And more! Also, on Inspirational Indie Authors Today the theme is crime, and the human mind. What if you were falsely accused of a murder? Howard Lovy's guest is one of the most-

Howard Lovy takes a close look at Inspirational Indie Authors. This isn't about their business model, their marketing, or even how many books they've sold. It's about their writing, and what indie authors have to say. Today the theme is crime, and the human mind. What if you were falsely accused of a murder? Our guest is one of the most-popular authors of British crime fiction today, Adam Croft, who is also a leading self-published author. Inspirational Indie Authors is a biweekly feature within our AskALLi series of podcasts.  Find more author advice, tips and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center: https://selfpublishingadvice.org, 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. You can do that at http://allianceindependentauthors.org.  

Welcome to AskALLi, the Self-Publishing Advice Podcast from the Alliance of Independent Authors. This week it’s our monthly Member Q&A where ALLi Members’ have their most pressing self-publishing questions analyzed and answered. Join your regular hosts for the Member Q&A: Michael La Ronn and Orna Ross. The AskALLi podcasts are sponsored by Damonza: Books Made Awesome. Questions this month include: How can I vet a contract? What raises alarm bells? Is there any advantage in going 50/50 with a publisher? How do I sell publishing rights? How do I negotiate? What steps do I take to publish in KDP? How can ALLi help me market my book? Can I publish a biography when the family objects? Also, News Editor Dan Holloway and Howard Lovy bring you the latest self-publishing news. They talk about the new Selfie Awards and Wattpad's new publishing venture. Find more author advice, tips and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center: https://selfpublishingadvice.org, with a huge archive of nearly 2,000 blog

Howard Lovy takes a close look at Inspirational Indie Authors. This isn't about their business model, their marketing, or even how many books they've sold. It's about their writing, and what indie authors have to say. Today the theme is money. Money, and crime, and human nature. The guest is Susan Grossey, who helps prevent financial crimes in real life, and writes about them in her series of fiction, the latest of which was just shortlisted for a Selfie award in the UK.  Inspirational Indie Authors is a biweekly feature within our AskALLi series of podcasts. Listen to the entire podcast here. Find more author advice, tips and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center: https://selfpublishingadvice.org, 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. You can do that at http://allianceindependentauthors.org.  

Orna Ross and Tim Lewis discuss the challenges and delights of self-editing for author-publishers. Every author needs to self-edit before submission but when you’re self publishing, there are particular things you need to think about. Tune in to a wide-ranging discussion on this essential topic, including tips and tools and the value of beta readers. Inspirational Indie Authors Howard Lovy introduces a new feature in our podcasts. He takes a close look at some Inspirational Indie Authors. This isn't about their business model, their marketing, or even how many books they've sold. It's about their writing, and what indie authors have to say. Today the theme is money. Money, and crime, and human nature. The guest is Susan Grossey, who helps prevent financial crimes in real life, and writes about them in her series of fiction, the latest of which was just shortlisted for a Selfie award in the UK.  Find more author advice, tips and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center: https://selfpublishingadvice.or

In this month's Advanced Self-Publishing Salon from the Alliance of Independent Authors, Orna Ross and Joanna Penn explore the findings of the US Authors’ Guild Survey on author income and issues arising, including the problems with most author income surveys. What are the takeaways for indie authors who want to make a decent income from their writing and publishing? The AskALLi podcasts are sponsored by Damonza: Books Made Awesome. Topics discussed this week include: An update from Orna on what ALLi is up to, leading up to the London Book Fair; also, Orna teases some upcoming changes and new programming on the AskALLi podcasts. An update from Joanna on her new ventures in audiobook narration; also, Orna is recording a poetry audiobook and has started an online open mic for poets. A discussion on the Author's Guild Survey on author income. What does it mean? What are its shortcomings, including some of the questionable assumptions it makes about self-publishing. And more! Find more author advice, tips and

In this presentation, Claire Scobie shares her journey of co-authoring a memoir with her mum, Patricia Scobie. Together, they published A Baboon in the Bedroom about an amazing journey across Africa in 2017. Claire shares the experience of collaborating long-distance with a family member (Claire lives in Australia, her mum in the UK) and the power of books to uplift after grief and loss. This segment will help you see how writing & indie-publishing a book with a loved one can bring you closer and give the loved one a new indie author career. This podcast is part of Self-Publishing Advice Conference, an online author conference that showcases the best self-publishing advice and education for authors across the world — harnessing the global reach of the Alliance of Independent Authors’ network. Our self-publishing conference, which runs fringe to Digital Book World, features well-known indie authors and advisors, for 24 sessions over 24-hours, in a one-day extravaganza of self-publishing expertise straight

Welcome to AskALLi, the Self-Publishing Advice Podcast from the Alliance of Independent Authors. This week it’s our monthly Member Q&A where ALLi Members’ have their most pressing self-publishing questions analyzed and answered. Join your regular hosts for the Member Q&A: Michael La Ronn and Dan Blank. The AskALLi podcasts are sponsored by Damonza: Books Made Awesome. Questions this month include: How do I transfer the copyright of my books from me to my brand new LLC/Corporation/Company? What's the recommended word length for a book description? How does Google Play price discounting work and how should I price my book? For 2nd editions of nonfiction books, do you unpublish the first edition? Do you request that reviews be transferred over to new edition? And more! Find more author advice, tips and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center: https://selfpublishingadvice.org, 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

Welcome to AskALLi, the self-publishing advice podcast from the Alliance of Independent Authors. This week it's our monthly beginners' self-publishing salon with advice, tips, and tools for indie authors just starting out. Topics discussed this week include: What are the differences between a hobbyist and business mindset? Being a "content provider" for somebody else vs. actually being in business. Writing for yourself vs. writing to make a living. What is the focus of ALLi members? Writing for a market vs. writing for your passion. And more! Find more author advice, tips and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center: https://selfpublishingadvice.org, 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. You can do that at http://allianceindependentauthors.org. Now, go write and publish! About the Hosts Orna Ross launched the Alliance of Inde

This month's Advanced Self-Publishing Salon from the Alliance of Independent Authors features some of the best discussions of the year between Orna Ross and Joanna Penn. Enjoy this compilation of three of their best shows. The AskALLi podcasts are sponsored by Damonza: Books Made Awesome. Topics discussed include: Are We Moving Toward Self-Publishing 3.0? Orna outlines Self-Publishing 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0. Going through giant "siren servers" like Amazon prevents authors from thinking more creatively about how to reach readers. Blockchain and other 3.0 technology will make it easier to reach readers directly, but we need to start thinking about it now. How to Refocus Your Author Business Ask yourself what you want to be known as. What do you want them to say about you at your funeral? What are the tasks you should outsource? If you build your assets over time, success is inevitable. Building Your Team of Professionals When is an author ready to build a team of professionals? What are the different kinds of p

This session will detail how a successful author-editor relationship works, no matter which type of editor your project needs. It considers the various types of editors and determines which type of editing your project need, as well as outlining what you should budget for editorial needs, manuscript preparation tips for a smooth project experience, and tips for a positive and constructive author-editor relationship. At the end of this session, you will have an editorial plan, complete with action steps that will enable you to find the perfect editor for you book and understand how authors work with editors. This podcast is part of Self-Publishing Advice Conference, an online author conference that showcases the best self-publishing advice and education for authors across the world — harnessing the global reach of the Alliance of Independent Authors’ network. Our self-publishing conference, which runs fringe to Digital Book World, features well-known indie authors and advisors, for 24 sessions over 24-hours, i

I first launched my IndieVoices podcast in March 2017 as a way of helping to amplify voices that had been marginalized—politically, artistically, socially, and in many other ways that have tragically divided us recently. I truly believe that everybody with a story to tell should be given the opportunity to tell it and be heard. Indie publishing, of course, has provided this opportunity for these voices to come in out of the wilderness. So, during the past couple of years, I have focused on interviewing publishers and authors who might have some uncomfortable things to say, but whose voices need to be heard. Criminal justice reform, autism, sex-abuse victims, aging, LGBTQ issues, are just a few of the themes I've featured since I launched the podcast. In 2019, I'll continue to amplify the voices of indie authors. They should be heard as the world dives into an unknown future. I'm using this final episode of the year to review what's been accomplished in 2018 and look ahead to 2019. Helping me do this is, of co

Welcome to AskALLi, the Self-Publishing Advice Podcast from the Alliance of Independent Authors. This week it’s our monthly Member Q&A where ALLi Members’ have their most pressing self-publishing questions analyzed and answered. Join your regular hosts for the Member Q&A: Michael La Ronn and Dan Blank. The AskALLi podcasts are sponsored by Damonza: Books Made Awesome. Questions this month include If I switch from an author to a publisher, do I need to re-upload my books to Amazon? If I publish a book on KDP Print AND IngramSpark, do I need separate ISBNs? What practical steps do published British authors take do to adapt their book covers for the United States? What free software do you recommend for formatting IngramSpark-ready PDFs? How can I clear a pen name for use? How can I clear a publishing company name for use? And more! Find more author advice, tips and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center: https://selfpublishingadvice.org, with a huge archive of nearly 2,000 blog posts, and a

Welcome to AskALLi, the self-publishing advice podcast from the Alliance of Independent Authors. This week it's our monthly beginners' self-publishing salon with advice, tips, and tools for indie authors just starting out. Topics discussed this week include: When should authors start marketing their book Why it’s essential to be good at marketing Online and offline channels to marketing Social media groups and online communities Events and conferences Content marketing Personal branding for authors  And more! Find more author advice, tips and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center: https://selfpublishingadvice.org, 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. You can do that at http://allianceindependentauthors.org. Now, go write and publish! About the Hosts Jyotsna Ramachandran is the founder of Happy Self Publishing and author o

In this month's Advanced Self-Publishing Salon from the Alliance of Independent Authors, Orna Ross and Joanna Penn discuss how to position yourself for success in the next year. Catch up on the latest self-publishing news for author entrepreneurs, including search on voice devices and the importance of a good pitch.  The AskALLi podcasts are sponsored by Damonza: Books Made Awesome. Topics discussed this week include: Orna and Joanna update us on their writing projects; An update on ALLi's activities and campaigns, including Self-Publishing 3.0 and making the self-publishing economy more visible; New opportunities in virtual and augmented reality. What exactly is happening at Amazon? The need for business training of self-published authors. Focus on independence; build up your audience on other platforms. Have your own website and make it a functioning e-commerce site, where you can sell directly. What does "positioning yourself in your market" mean? And more! Find more author advice, tips and tools at our