Indie Author Blueprint

Stop Paying for Subscriptions You Don't Need

Software subscriptions tend to pile up quietly in an indie author’s business. In this episode, we walk through why a yearly software checkup matters—what to keep, what to cancel, and where upgrading to a paid tool might actually save time and frustration. You’ll also get a practical framework for reviewing your subscriptions with clarity, not guilt, so your tools support the season of writing and publishing you’re in now. Plus, paid subscribers on Substack get a bonus tool to help you list and analyze your paid software, courses, memberships and more. Track annual costs, and keep notes on what you’re considering downgrading. Read the post and get the bonus content at: https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com/p/its-time-for-a-yearly-subscription [https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com/p/its-time-for-a-yearly-subscription] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit indieauthorblueprint.substack.com/subscribe [https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

The Editing Dilemma

Confident writers often underestimate how much editing their book really needs. In this episode, Michelle Rayburn explores why indie authors skip or minimize editing, what publishing standards actually require, and how to evaluate what level of editing your manuscript needs. A practical and gentle guide to making wise editorial decisions. https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com [https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit indieauthorblueprint.substack.com/subscribe [https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Should I Publish in December?

Is December a good time to publish your book or the worst time of the year to launch? In this episode, Michelle breaks down KDP delays, holiday-shopping behavior, discoverability challenges, and when a December release can actually work. Learn how to decide whether to publish now or wait for a clean January runway. https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com [https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit indieauthorblueprint.substack.com/subscribe [https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Cover Design Anxiety

In this episode of Indie Author Blueprint, Michelle dives into the real reasons cover design creates so much anxiety for indie authors. She unpacks the fear of overspending or underspending, the worry about choosing a cover that won’t sell, and the emotional weight that comes from treating cover feedback like personal critique. Michelle shares practical systems to evaluate design with confidence, explains how to avoid being thrown off by one strong opinion, and offers one actionable step listeners can take today to reduce cover-related stress and improve their design instincts. https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com [https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit indieauthorblueprint.substack.com/subscribe [https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Sometimes You Have to Pivot

Something in your publishing process not working? As an indie author, you can pivot. In this episode, we explore when and how to change direction—whether that means adjusting your release date, rethinking your cover, switching contractors, or revising your marketing plan. We also talk about the importance of kindness and professionalism when exiting a collaboration, and why contractors may also bow out if treated poorly. Pivoting isn’t failure—it’s a smart business decision that protects your book and your brand. https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com [https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit indieauthorblueprint.substack.com/subscribe [https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]