Curious about why more writers are choosing the indie author path over traditional publishing? In this episode of Indie Author Blueprint, Michelle Rayburn unpacks the current landscape of publishing, exploring the reasons behind the shift and what it means for writers today.

You’ll gain insight into how the industry is changing, the new opportunities available for authors, and what it really takes to thrive as an indie. Whether you’re already on the fence about your next steps or just curious about what’s happening behind the scenes, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the choices available to today’s writers. Tune in to feel informed, inspired, and ready to explore your own author journey.

Be sure to look for all the learning content on Indie Author Blueprint on Substack.

In this episode of Indie Author Blueprint, host Michelle Rayburn shares inspiration drawn from bestselling author Kristin Hannah’s writing journey, highlighted in a recent interview on Open Book with Jenna. This lesson takes a closer look at how unexpected paths, personal discipline, and commitment to craft shape a sustainable author career, no matter your publishing route. If you’re an indie author wondering how to find joy and meaning in your work while building your business for the long-term, this episode offers thoughtful encouragement and practical next steps to help you reset your mindset and approach to writing. Tune in for a gentle boost and ideas you can put into practice right away.

Curious about using AI in your book marketing? In this episode, Michelle Rayburn explores practical, low-pressure ways indie authors can leverage AI for post-publishing tasks—like crafting blurbs, bios, and promotional content—while keeping your voice authentic and creativity front-and-center. Discover where AI fits in your toolbox, without the hype or pressure!

Follow Indie Author Blueprint on Substack to get the full show notes.

https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com

If you’re writing nonfiction, footnotes aren’t optional—they’re essential. In this episode, we cover why citations matter, how to track them as you write, and the common mistakes indie authors make when it comes to sourcing. Plus, grab your free tip sheet for paid subscribers.

https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com

Are you getting ready to publish your first book and feeling overwhelmed by all the publishing options? In this episode, Michelle Rayburn explains why Amazon KDP is the best place for new indie authors to start. She shares her real-world experience on how KDP’s simplicity, user-friendly dashboard, and cost-free revisions can make your first self-publishing experience easier and more enjoyable. Despite "helpful" advice, you do NOT need to "go wide" with your book distribution.

Discover how starting simple with KDP helps you avoid technical hurdles, surprise costs, and stress—so you can focus on launching your book with confidence. Tune in and take your first step toward indie publishing success!

Be sure to check out all of the tutorials on Indie Author Blueprint on Substack.

https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com

You’ve written the book, published it, and now you’re ready to get it into more hands, but have you created a sell sheet?

In this episode, we’re breaking down what a sell sheet is, why it matters for indie authors, and how it can help you pitch your book more professionally to bookstores, libraries, event organizers, and media outlets. From boosting your marketing game to simplifying your outreach, a well-designed sell sheet is a powerful tool you don’t want to overlook.

Plus, I’ve created a free Canva template to help you build your own. Paid subscribers can grab the link at the end of the episode or in the show notes on Substack. Look for Indie Author Blueprint.

For indie authors, setting the right price for your book can seem like a daunting task filled with unending variables and decisions. Whether you're aiming for maximum profitability or trying to attract a vast audience, pricing is an essential part of your publishing journey.

Learn how to strategically set competitive and profitable prices, navigate printing costs, calculate royalties, and maximize reader reach using KDP Select. Elevate your publishing game with insider strategies and expert insights.

Get the full content at https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com.

Master the art of selecting the perfect keywords for your KDP publishing journey. Discover why keywords matter, learn strategic selection formulas, and explore seven essential strategies in this episode. Boost your book's visibility on Amazon and beyond with up-to-date tips and insights from Indie Author Blueprint.

Learn more on https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com

Learn how to navigate KDP categories with confidence! Discover effective strategies for choosing the right categories to boost your book's visibility. Avoid common pitfalls, understand the importance of ethical selection, and explore helpful tools like Publisher Rocket for optimal results. Perfect for indie authors looking to elevate their publishing success.

Find more tutorials and bonuses at: https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com

Today I’m exploring the art of writing captivating back cover blurbs for fiction and memoirs. If you missed it, last week I talked about nonfiction blurbs. Fiction is different, and they way we craft the back cover copy, which is also used for the book description, in a different way.

Although you might be tempted to put nothing but endorsement blurbs on your fiction book’s back cover, that isn’t the best tactic for a fiction author who is self-publishing. Yes, you see it with traditionally published books. But those are from well-known authors. You’re establishing an audience, so readers won’t just commit without a description. You need to hook them into reading.

If a blurb doesn't clearly convey what makes the story unique or compelling, readers may overlook the book in favor of others with more enticing descriptions.

Why does it matter? A bad fiction blurb can deter potential readers, leading to decreased sales and diminished visibility in the market. Crafting a compelling, accurate, and engaging blurb is essential for attracting readers and boosting book sales.

I’ll give specific examples of the key pieces that go into a blurb and review examples of before and after.

Plus, for paid subscribers, you’re welcome to put your own back cover blurb into a private chat with me, and we will workshop it together a bit. I’d love to bring other paid subscribers into that conversation.

https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com