Author Nation: State of the Nation
Welcome to the Author Nation podcast, your go-to source for all things indie publishing and self-publishing! Join us as we explore the evolution of the industry, discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by indie authors, and dive into the importance of community, branding, and personal relationships. From tips and tricks for building a successful long-term career to insights on professional standards in publishing, we've got you covered. Get ready to be inspired, informed, and empowered on your journey as an indie author. Subscribe now and be part of the Author Nation community!
Episodes
Marketing as an author isn’t just about selling books—it’s about building lasting reader connections. This week, indie author and marketing expert Bonnie Paulson joins Author Nation's Joe Solari to explore community-driven marketing and how indie authors can foster long-term engagement. Learn how to scale your efforts, automate smartly, and create a marketing strategy that grows with your career.
Episode Resources:
🚀 Che...
The future of book sales is evolving, and direct-to-reader strategies are at the forefront. This week on State of the Nation, Joe Solari is joined by Curios Founder Grant Powell and SVP of Customer Success Greg Keogh to discuss how their platform is revolutionizing direct sales for authors. Learn how indie authors can use Curios to sell books, offer exclusive content, and build stronger reader relationships—all without relying on t...
How do you turn casual readers into lifelong fans? This week, Joe Solari sits down with bestselling horror author David Viergutz to explore how indie authors can go beyond books to create immersive reader experiences. From building direct sales funnels and leveraging ScareMail to crafting high-engagement content, David shares how he’s transformed his brand into a thriving, reader-focused business. Whether you write horror or any ot...
How can indie authors build sustainable careers in today’s ever-changing market? This week onState of the Nation,Joe Solariis joined bySean Platt, founder of Sterling & Stone and co-author of Write. Publish. Repeat. They discuss the evolution of indie publishing, the rise and fall of algorithm-driven strategies, and why direct sales are becoming more critical than ever. From Kindle Unlimited to Hollywood adaptation deals, this ...
What does it take to thrive as an indie author in today’s fast-changing landscape? This week on State of the Nation, “The Voice of Author Nation” Kevin Tumlinson joins Joe Solari to explore the shift from rapid release to artisan storytelling, why strong author communities are the key to long-term success, and how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping indie publishing.
What separates hobbyist writers from successful, long-term authorpreneurs? In our Season 2 opener, renowned sci-fi author and Professional Conduct Committee Chair Jonathan Brazee sits down with Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari for a candid discussion on crafting a career in indie publishing, navigating industry shifts, and treating writing like a business.
Episode Resources:
🚀 Explore Jonathan Brazee's work here.
In Episode 51, Managing Director Joe Solari chats with the Western Empire queens, Jocelyn Lindsay, Elaine Canyon, and Amber Washer. They dive into CrossWrite, our exciting new accountability and goal-tracking system designed to help authors stay on track and reach their goals. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about community, collaboration, and making big creative moves!
Episode Resources:
🌐 Join the Author Nation Community: C...
In Episode 50, Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari welcomes back Elizabeth Ann West, CEO of Future Fiction Academy, for the Q4 2024 AI update. They dive into the latest advancements in AI, how major tech players like Amazon and Anthropic are shaping the future, and what these shifts mean for indie authors. Tune in to discover how AI tools can streamline your business, boost creativity, and keep you competitive in a rapidly e...
In Episode 49, Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari is joined by indie author Lula White. Lula shares practical self-publishing strategies from her journey as a former trial lawyer turned author of angsty, climactic romance and historical fiction that keeps readers up at night. Tune in for insights on leveraging wide and direct sales strategies to reclaim creative control and foster deeper reader engagement.
In Episode 48, Author Nation's Joe Solari sits down with author and educator Troy Lambert to explore the intersection of storytelling and career-building. Troy shares his expertise on plotting, audience engagement, and the importance of knowing your “why” as an author. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your craft, this episode offers actionable insights to help you craft stories and a career that lasts.
Join...
In Episode 47, Author Nation's Joe Solari sits down with cozy mystery author Diana Xarissa to discuss her journey from hobbyist to six-figure indie author. Diana shares her unique approach to writing multiple series, maintaining a year-ahead schedule, and building a loyal readership that spans over 150 books. Whether you’re a fan of cozy mysteries or looking for inspiration to sustain a long-term writing career, this episode is...
In Episode 46, Author Nation's Joe Solari is joined by Bookvault's Alex Smith and Curtis Roberts-Argrav to discuss how their platform is changing the game for indie authors. From innovative features like sprayed edges and bespoke editions to seamless direct sales integrations, Bookvault offers tools to help authors elevate their books and connect with readers. Whether you’re considering Kickstarter campaigns or exclusive collec...
In Episode 45, Author Nation's Managing Director Joe Solari with Chelle Honiker and Alice Briggs, co-founders of Indie Author Magazine, to explore how their publication empowers independent authors. They share the magazine’s origin story, its role as a trusted resource for indie authors, and how it blends timeless principles with modern tools to help authors thrive. The discussion also covers trends in publishing, the resurgenc...
In Episode 44, Author Nation's Managing Director Joe Solari sits down with post-apocalyptic author Tara Ellis to talk about her unique journey through multiple genres and her passion for crafting gripping stories. Tara dives into her creative process, balancing the business of writing with storytelling, and the challenges of staying inspired in a competitive industry. Whether you’re an aspiring author or a fan of post-apocalypti...
In Episode 43, Author Nation's Managing Director Joe Solari sits down with Alex Newton, CEO and Founder of K-lytics, for an in-depth discussion on data-driven publishing. They explore the evolution of Kindle Unlimited, the importance of genre trends, and how K-lytics helps authors make informed decisions about what to write and how to market. From rising opportunities in digital publishing to the power of analytics in understan...
In Episode 42, Author Nation's Managing Director Joe Solari sits down with Damon Courtney, the creator of BookFunnel, to discuss how this essential tool empowers authors to connect directly with readers. Damon explains ways BookFunnel can support direct sales, boost audiobook accessibility, and streamline reader engagement. They also reflect on industry shifts, like the rise of audiobooks and direct-to-consumer models, and how auth...
In Episode 41, Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari speaks with Shannon Humphrey, indie author and chair of the Professional Conduct Committee, about creating a respectful, inclusive space at Author Nation and elevating professionalism across the publishing industry. Shannon discusses the development of the Author Nation Code of Conduct and offers insights on setting standards that empower authors while promoting safety, trus...
In Episode 40, Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari interviews “the Voice of Author Nation” and indie publishing expert Kevin Tumlinson. Kevin reflects on his self-publishing career, including the challenges of writing burnout, the decision to shift away from rapid release, and finding a balance between creative ambition and sustainable growth in today’s evolving publishing world.
Join us live in November at www.authornat...
In Episode 39, Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari sits down with Reedsy co-founder Ricardo Fayet to discuss how Reedsy helps authors build their publishing teams. They dive into Reedsy’s curated marketplace, the power of developmental editing, and how AI is impacting the industry. Ricardo also shares insights on Reedsy’s evolution over the past decade and their popular writing tool for authors.
In Episode 38, Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari sits down with Draft2Digital's COO Dan Wood and Corporate Communications lead Jim Azevedo. The trio discusses the evolution of Draft2Digital, their acquisition of Smashwords, and the ongoing transition for authors to their platform. They also explore changes in the indie publishing landscape, from the impact of AI and advertising strategies to the growing demand for print-on...
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