SPS-451: Live at The Self Publishing Show

SPS-451: Live at The Self Publishing Show

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Sissy Mecca record live from SPS Live in London, surrounded by more than 500 authors from around the world. They share the atmosphere from the conference floor, discuss some of the standout sessions, and chat with special guests including volunteer coordinator Adrian Wills, Draft2Digital's Dan Wood, and Doug Pratt and Nick Harvey from the Two Indie Authors podcast. Topics include fandom building, direct sales, the future impact of AI on publishing, conference networking, and the power of community within the indie author world. Key Talking Points * Behind-the-scenes insights into running SPS Live * The vital role volunteers play in creating a successful conference experience * Building author fandom and reader loyalty beyond the ebook * Lessons from Damon Courtney's "Taylor Swift Method" presentation * Why direct sales and special editions continue to grow in importance * The value of author conferences for networking and learning * How the indie publishing landscape is changing through AI * Why authors need to understand AI, even if they choose not to use it * The increasing importance of reader relationships and community building * Dan Wood's perspective on industry trends and adapting to change * A conversation with Nick Harvey and Doug Pratt about podcasting and the indie author community * The unique atmosphere and energy of SPS Live compared to other industry events Links & Resources Mentioned * ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com [https://prowritingaid.com/] * Draft2Digital: https://www.draft2digital.com [https://www.draft2digital.com/] * BookFunnel: https://bookfunnel.com [https://bookfunnel.com/] * The Two Indie Authors Podcast * Vellum: https://vellum.pub [https://vellum.pub/] * SPS Live: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive [https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive]

SPS-450: How to Work a Conference (Not Just Attend One) with James Blatch & Cissy Mecca

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Cissy Mecca share practical advice on how to work a conference rather than simply attend one, ahead of SPS Live in London. They discuss how authors can prepare in advance, choose the right sessions, network confidently, ask useful questions, and turn conference inspiration into real action afterwards. The episode also covers author scams, AI discoverability, changing AI tools, and how writers can use conferences to build meaningful connections and long-term career momentum. Key Talking Points * How to prepare before arriving at a conference * Why authors should treat conferences as an investment * Choosing sessions based on your current goals * Making the most of panels, Q&As and speaker access * Networking naturally without feeling awkward * Why generosity and genuine curiosity help build stronger connections * How to take useful notes and turn ideas into action * Avoiding post-conference overwhelm * Staying alert to scams targeting authors * AI discoverability and why metadata, niche positioning and FAQs matter Links & Resources Mentioned * ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com [https://prowritingaid.com/] * SPS Live 2026 schedule: https://learnselfpublishing.com/schedule [https://learnselfpublishing.com/schedule] * SPS Live digital ticket: https://learnselfpublishing.com/spslive-digital [https://learnselfpublishing.com/spslive-digital] * Meta's subscriptions: https://www.meta.com/en-gb/help/subscriptions/960854640235758 [https://www.meta.com/en-gb/help/subscriptions/960854640235758]

SPS-449: The New Rules of Book Discovery with James Blatch & Cissy Mecca

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Cissy Mecca discuss the major changes coming to Audible and ACX, including the new royalty model and updated enrolment requirements for audiobook authors. They explore what these changes could mean for indie publishers, the growing opportunities in wide audio distribution, and why authors may want to think beyond Audible. Alongside the industry discussion, there's plenty of SPS banter covering podcast microphones, pop filters, romance conferences, and the ever-changing publishing landscape. Key Talking Points * Audible's new royalty model and ACX enrolment changes * What indie authors need to know about audiobook distribution updates * Exclusive versus wide audio strategies * Direct audiobook sales using platforms like BookFunnel * Spotify's increasing presence in the audiobook market * Concerns around royalty transparency and reporting * Why authors need to remain flexible as publishing evolves * SPS banter about podcasting, microphones, and author life Links & Resources Mentioned * ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com [https://prowritingaid.com/] Use code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions. * ACX: https://www.acx.com [https://www.acx.com/] * BookFunnel: https://bookfunnel.com [https://bookfunnel.com/] * Self-Publishing Show Live: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive [https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive] * The New Rules of Book Discovery PDF [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7kmko7kkvgfkv8obiu2q5/SPS-Ep-449-The-New-Rules-of-Book-Discovery.pdf?rlkey=ueisagy7qgkp9qusws5i6ylva&dl=0]

SPS-448: A Glimmer of Hope in the Age of AI with James Blatch & Cissy Mecca

Episode Summary James and Cissy tackle a "bits and bobs" episode covering the changing indie publishing landscape, with a focus on Amazon's evolving AI-driven algorithms and what authors need to do to stay discoverable. They discuss why clear genre signalling, strong metadata, covers, blurbs, titles, and reader expectation alignment are becoming more important than ever. The conversation also touches on pricing psychology, the value readers place on author access and premium offers and the importance of stepping away from mental work with physical hobbies. Key Talking Points * Why Amazon's AI and algorithm changes may reward authors who clearly understand and serve their ideal readers. * The importance of aligning covers, blurbs, titles, keywords, characters, and genre promise to create a strong reader experience. * Why authors should audit their books and metadata rather than panic about the flood of new AI-generated content. * Pricing psychology and why readers or clients may value products more when the price reflects that value. * The benefit of switching off from mentally demanding creative work by doing something physical and absorbing outside writing. Links & Resources Mentioned * ProWritingAid (Sponsor – code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions): https://prowritingaid.com [https://prowritingaid.com/] * Becca Syme: https://betterfasteracademy.com [https://betterfasteracademy.com/] * https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/barnes-and-noble-james-daunt-ai-books-b2978925.html [https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/barnes-and-noble-james-daunt-ai-books-b2978925.html] * https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNRtQCMNE/ [https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNRtQCMNE/] * https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNRtQD3nA/ [https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNRtQD3nA/] * Self-Publishing Show Live: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive [https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive] * SPS Live 2026 Party: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/party-on-the-boat [https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/party-on-the-boat]

SPS-447: You Are Your Brand with Isabelle Knight, James Blatch & Cissy Mecca

James and Cissy are joined by PR expert Isabelle Knight to discuss why authors are not just selling books, they are also building a brand readers can connect with. Isabelle explains how indie authors can identify their own author story, understand what sets them apart, and use that foundation across websites, newsletters, social media, events, and publicity opportunities. The episode also touches on Amazon's AI categorisation issues, Meta ad frustrations, upcoming romance conferences, and why professional author presentation matters more than ever. Key Talking Points * Why author branding starts with understanding your own story and what readers associate with you. * How to identify what makes your books distinct from others in the same genre. * Why readers connect with the emotional truth behind your books, not just the plot or trope. * How indie authors can use their author story across bios, websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, festivals, and events. * Why marketing should align with both your ideal readers and what you genuinely enjoy doing as an author. Links & Resources Mentioned * ProWritingAid (Sponsor – code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions): https://prowritingaid.com [https://prowritingaid.com/] * Build Your Author Brand / Isabelle Knight: https://buildyourauthorbrand.com [https://buildyourauthorbrand.com/] * Romance Writers of Australia Conference: https://romanceaustralia.com/pages/events [https://willorganise.eventsair.com/2026-rwa/] * Romance Writers of New Zealand: https://www.romancewriters.co.nz/event/2026-rwnz-conference-registration/ [https://www.romancewriters.co.nz/event/2026-rwnz-conference-registration/] * Self-Publishing Show Live: https://selfpublishingshowlive.com