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
In this episode of the Author Nation podcast, Managing Director Joe Solari sits down with Chris Banks, founder of ProWritingAid, to talk about the feedback, mindset, and community writers need to keep going.
Chris shares how a broken ankle helped turn a personal writing tool into one of the most trusted resources for authors, and why fast, useful feedback can help writers grow their craft with more confidence.
They also explo...
Imagine never losing momentum on a story again.
This week Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari sits down with Michael Stewart, Head of Community at Sudowrite, to explore how AI tools are helping authors overcome writer’s block, stay organized, and focus on the creative work that truly sparks joy.
Michael shares insights on Sudowrite’s evolution, its supportive 15K+ author community, and how features like Story Bibl...
AI narration isn’t the future — it’s already here.
In this week's episode, Joe Solari talks with Phil Marshall, founder of Spoken, about how his platform is transforming audiobook creation for indie authors. Phil shares how Spoken’s AI lets writers design custom voices, produce full-cast audiobooks in hours, and distribute affordably — all while keeping creative control.
🎧 Check out Spoken here: spoken.press
🌐 Connect with like-mi...
What does it take to build lasting visibility as an author in a constantly changing world?
In this episode, Joe Solari talks with Desireé Duffy — founder of Black Château, Books That Make You, and The BookFest — about how to think strategically, stay agile, and integrate your marketing to reach readers in meaningful ways.
Desireé shares how she built a multi-channel ecosystem connecting authors and readers through PR, events...
Audiobooks are now the fastest-growing format in publishing, expanding more than 25% each year. Are you in the game?
This week, Joe Solari is joined by Madeline Shue, Head of Author Growth at ElevenLabs, to discuss the launch of ElevenReader, a new publishing model that lets you create and sell audiobooks directly to your readers — with full control, fair royalties, and no unnecessary barriers.
Madeline breaks down how Eleven...
Your next big launch doesn’t need to start with Amazon.
This week, Joe Solari is joined by Oriana Leckert, Head of Publishing at Kickstarter, to explore how authors are taking control of their publishing futures—one campaign at a time.
You’ll hear how our Kickstart Together cohort has launched over 30 author-led campaigns and raised more than $179,000 in its first year. Whether you’re a debut author funding your first book or a seaso...
What if you could make money with your voice while you sleep?
In this week's episode, Joe Solari talks with UK narrator and audio innovator Simon Patrick about how he turned voice licensing into passive income with ElevenLabs—and how it all started by helping his teenage daughter publish her first book. You’ll hear about AI-powered audiobook production, author-narrator collaboration, and how Simon’s family turned publis...
What does it look like to build a writing career before you can even vote? In this inspiring episode, Author Nation's Joe Solari sits down with 22-year-old indie author Abby Patrick to explore her journey from homeschooled teen with a story idea to multi-published author, Instagram bookfluencer, and playwright.
Whether you’re an emerging author, a parent of a creative teen, or a veteran writer curious about the next gen...
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...
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.