The Self Publishing Show

SPS-444: Why Your Matter Matters with James Blatch & Cissy Mecca

James and Cissy break down one of the most overlooked (but powerful) parts of your book: front and back matter. From prologues and epilogues to marketing strategy, they explore what actually works for readers and what might be quietly losing you sales. Expect honest takes (including a strong stance on prologues!), practical tips on optimising your back matter for conversions, and smart ways to turn your book into a reader-retention machine. Plus: writing retreats, live events, and a few unexpected tangents along the way. Key Talking Points * Why front matter should be minimal and never get in the way of the reader diving into your story. * The truth about prologues (and why many readers skip them entirely) vs when they can work. * How epilogues (especially in romance) can add value and even drive reader engagement. * The importance of a single, clear call-to-action at the end of your book to maximise conversions. * Smart strategies for back matter marketing, including bonus content, newsletter signups, and reader retention tactics. Links & Resources Mentioned * ProWritingAid (Sponsor – code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions): https://prowritingaid.com [https://prowritingaid.com/] * Indie Writers Club (join for retreats & community): https://learnselfpublishing.com/support [https://learnselfpublishing.com/support] * AI Summit: https://aisummit.indieauthortraining.com [https://aisummit.indieauthortraining.com/] * Writer Retreat (New Zealand – August): Indie Writers Club [https://www.indiewritersclub.com/auckland-2026] * Self-Publishing Show Boat Party (London) 11th June 2026: https://learnselfpublishing.com/party-on-the-boat [https://learnselfpublishing.com/party-on-the-boat]

SPS-443: Draft2Digital's New Charge! with James Blatch & Cissy Mecca

James and Cissy dig into Draft2Digital's newly announced fees, including a one-off activation charge for new accounts and a yearly maintenance fee for low-earning accounts, and discuss why the reaction from authors has been so strong. They explore what the change says about the growing pressure of AI-generated low-quality uploads, the real cost of running author-facing distribution platforms, and whether small fees are now becoming unavoidable across the industry. Alongside that, they revisit the wider AI debate in publishing, discussing why some authors continue to resist the technology while others are embracing it for admin, analysis, and workflow support. The episode also touches on BookVault special editions, upcoming events, and James's AI translations webinar. Key Talking Points * Draft2Digital's new pricing model, including the $20 activation fee for new accounts and the $12 annual maintenance fee for authors earning under $100 a year. * Why Draft2Digital's decision is tied to the growing problem of AI-generated low-quality uploads and the cost of filtering them. * The continuing debate around AI in publishing, including resistance from some authors and the argument that readers, not gatekeepers, will ultimately decide what succeeds. * The difference between low-quality AI "slop" and thoughtful, professional uses of AI in business processes and publishing workflows. * BookVault box sets, special editions, and how premium physical products can create new opportunities for authors selling direct or at events. Links & Resources Mentioned * ProWritingAid (Sponsor – code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions): https://prowritingaid.com [https://prowritingaid.com/] * Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com [https://draft2digital.com/] * AI Translations Webinar: https://learnselfpublishing.com/translationswebinar [https://learnselfpublishing.com/translationswebinar] * Indie Writers Club / support page: https://learnselfpublishing.com/support [https://learnselfpublishing.com/support] * BookVault: https://bookvault.app [https://bookvault.app/]

SPS-442: Inside the SPS Live Schedule with James Blatch & Cissy Mecca

James and Cissy continue their exploration of how AI is transforming the business side of self-publishing, focusing on practical workflows that help authors save time and make better decisions. They also discuss planning for Self Publishing Show Live, including shaping the agenda and what attendees can expect from this year's event. Alongside this, the conversation highlights how authors can use AI as a powerful assistant for admin, marketing, and organisation - gaining efficiency without sacrificing creativity. Key Talking Points * How AI can streamline everyday author admin tasks and reduce time spent on repetitive work. * Building simple AI workflows to improve productivity and decision-making. * Discussion around The Self Publishing Show Live, including agenda planning and event expectations. * Why authors should focus on using AI as an assistant rather than a creative replacement. * How efficiency and better systems can give authors a competitive edge in a crowded market. Links & Resources Mentioned * ProWritingAid (Sponsor – code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions) https://prowritingaid.com [https://prowritingaid.com/] * Self Publishing Show Live 2026: https://learnselfpublishing.com/spslive [https://learnselfpublishing.com/spslive] * Self Publishing Show Live Boat Party: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/party-on-the-boat [https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/party-on-the-boat] * Indie Writers Club Patreon: https://learnselfpublishing.com/support [https://learnselfpublishing.com/support]

SPS-441: AI Can Fix Your Ads James Blatch & Cissy Mecca

James and Cissy explore one of the most practical uses of AI for authors: analysing advertising, sales, and marketing data to make better business decisions. James shares how he used Claude to review Facebook ads, KDP income, and reader engagement data, while Cissy explains how she used AI to assess years of BookBub performance and identify the best strategy for future promotions. Alongside the data discussion, they touch on the ongoing debate around AI writing, why detection remains unreliable, and how authors can focus on using AI as a powerful backend assistant rather than a creative replacement. The episode also includes a mention of James's upcoming webinar on improving AI translations. Key Talking Points * How authors can use AI to analyse Facebook ads, KDP sales, and reader engagement data in seconds instead of spending hours in spreadsheets. * Cissy's use of AI to evaluate BookBub results over time and identify which price points, formats, and titles perform best. * Why AI can be a game-changer for admin, reporting, and decision-making even for authors who do not use it to write fiction. * A continued discussion on AI writing, including why detection tools are unreliable and why the market may ultimately decide what readers want. * Details of James's upcoming webinar on AI translations and why first-pass translation tools still fall short for fiction. Links & Resources Mentioned * ProWritingAid (Sponsor – code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions): https://prowritingaid.com [https://prowritingaid.com/] * AI Translations Course: https://learnselfpublishing.com/aitranslations [https://learnselfpublishing.com/aitranslations] * Free AI Translations Webinar: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/webinar [https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/webinar]

SPS-440: Author Under Attack James Blatch & Cissy Mecca

James and Cissy unpack two major controversies affecting authors this week: a traditionally published author dropped over AI writing accusations, and a literary agent's viral TikTok telling writers to stay away from the London Book Fair. Together, these stories highlight growing tensions around AI, gatekeeping, and who the publishing industry is really for. Alongside the debate, the episode blends in personal reflections on writing routines, burnout, and the realities of balancing creativity with business, offering a grounded look at what it means to be an author in today's rapidly shifting landscape. Key Talking Points * The fallout from a publisher cancelling an author over suspected AI use and what this means for trust in the industry. * A literary agent's controversial TikTok telling writers not to attend the London Book Fair and the wider issue of gatekeeping. * Why authors are increasingly feeling "under attack" from multiple directions, including AI scrutiny and industry attitudes. * The ongoing challenge of balancing writing time with business demands, stress, and productivity. * Personal insights into author life, including burnout, routine disruption, and staying consistent in a demanding creative career. Links & Resources Mentioned * ProWritingAid (Sponsor – code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions): https://prowritingaid.com [https://prowritingaid.com/]