In this Indie Author Magazine deep-dive, our hosts unpack an exciting new model for publishing that challenges industry gatekeeping and reframes literary value. Drawing on the recent success of Left Unread Books—an imprint dedicated to amplifying black and brown authors—they explore how community-driven initiatives are revolutionizing inclusivity, discoverability, and capital in indie publishing.

Through insightful discussion, they examine how founder Michael Laborn built infrastructure on social and community capital rather than traditional venture funding, and why this approach isn't just about representation—it's about shifting structural power. The episode highlights stories like Cry Void Bringer, Devil of the Deep, and From Our Blood, showcasing how genre fiction can serve as a lens to address systemic issues like colonialism and institutional racism.

Listeners will gain actionable advice, whether they're writers looking for their audience or readers eager to bridge cultural gaps. The hosts offer practical ways for fans to support marginalized authors beyond simple purchasing, emphasizing the importance of preorders, engagement, and community building.

Key Segments:

• [00:00:16] International rights and discoverability: spotlight on Dropcap Marketplace

• [00:02:21] How Left Unread Books reframes curation and inclusivity

• [00:05:53] The power of collaboration and community capital

• [00:07:53] Case studies: Cry Void Bringer, Devil of the Deep, and From Our Blood

• [00:12:02] Action steps for readers and authors to nurture grassroots literary success

• [00:13:45] Revolutionary narratives: why marginalized voices challenge the publishing status quo

Perfect for readers, writers, and publishing professionals hungry for new ways to foster change, this episode proves that mission-driven communities can fuel lasting transformation across the literary landscape.

Listen in for inspiration, practical strategies, and a fresh take on the future of indie publishing.

Trust the Messy First Draft Process: Why Overwriting Is Essential
Our hosts dive deep into one of the most challenging phases for any creator—the unruly, sprawling first draft. Drawing insights from book coach Rana Goffstein’s article in Indie Author Magazine, this episode unpacks why that bloated, meandering draft isn’t a sign of failure, but a vital step in your creative discovery.

They break down common anxieties around overwriting, challenge the misconception that drafting is about performance, and share practical wisdom on how letting your draft "get messy" actually sharpens the final story. From uncovering hidden character wounds (07:37), to the infamous coffee cup test (06:56), to understanding the true function of the discovery phase (03:44), listeners are guided through the psychological and craft-based benefits of embracing the chaos.

Key Segments:

• Crucial Insight: Why the messy draft is an act of creative discovery, not inefficiency (02:36)

• Overwriting Anxiety: Reframing fear of long drafts (03:28)

• Coffee Cup Test: Hidden value in overwritten scenes (06:56)

• Five Hidden Discoveries: What ‘wasted’ pages really reveal (07:37)

• Writer vs. Reader Needs: Two distinct creative phases (04:53)

• Turning Cuts Into Foundations: How deleted scenes fuel your final manuscript (10:41)

Perfect for anyone staring at an overwhelming draft, this episode offers a refreshing perspective—and permission—to trust the messy process. You’ll walk away with practical insights (and a lot less self-judgment) for your next writing sprint.

Join our hosts for a fresh, insightful deep dive into Indie Author Magazine’s holiday gift guide for writers. In this episode, they unpack an essential article recommending the five most impactful craft books that every fiction author should add to their shelf. From tackling that intimidating first draft to building immersive worlds for long series, they break down why each recommended title goes beyond theory to offer actionable wisdom for every stage of your writing journey.

Whether you’re just getting started or refining your tenth novel, you’ll discover how these selected books help writers spark creativity, master emotional resonance, and take control of their writing careers. The hosts don’t just review the titles—they highlight the nuggets of knowledge and practical frameworks each book delivers, making this episode a roadmap for thoughtful gifting or investing in your own craft.

Key Segments & Timestamps:

• [00:01:44] Introduction: Why craft books are the ultimate writer’s gift

• [00:03:23] Joanna Penn’s How to Write a Novel: Blueprint for finishing your first draft

• [00:04:42] Derek Murphy’s Bookcraft: The comprehensive reference for structure and techniques

• [00:06:10] Lisa Cron’s Story Genius: How brain science enhances fiction and emotional impact

• [00:07:23] Donald Maas’ The Emotional Craft of Fiction: Mastering emotion and reader connection

• [00:09:03] Timothy Hickson’s On Writing and World Building: Building consistent universes for series

• [00:11:05] Beyond craft: Subscriptions, business resources, and why knowledge is the best ongoing gift

Tune in for distilled insights and actionable takeaways that will inspire and empower you—so your next story not only gets written, but truly connects with readers.

Join our hosts as they peel back the curtain on the real digital spaces where today’s indie authors connect, collaborate, and thrive. In this deep dive, they explore a curated list from Desmith Dottie, spotlighting communities that offer everything from powerhouse business advice to anti-burnout support and focused craft critique.

Whether you’re hunting for accountability partners, structured writing sprints, or a corner of the internet free from doomscrolling, this episode helps you discover the author community that truly fits your goals and personality—not just your follower count.

Timestamps for Key Segments:

• [00:00:16] – Opening: Chelle Honiker introduces Dropcap Marketplace for global book rights sales

• [00:01:44] – The Overwhelm of Information & The Power of Real Communities

• [00:03:38] – The “Heavy Hitters”: 20 Books to 50k and Self Publishing Formula

• [00:06:05] – More Intimate Options: Successful Indie Author & Community Culture

• [00:07:11] – Groups for Accountability & Author Health: Write Fast Sustainably, Heart Breathings

• [00:08:54] – Emotional and Inspirational Communities: Indie Inspiration

• [00:10:06] – Niche Strategies and Philosophies: Wide for the Win

• [00:11:36] – A Throwback Approach: Internet Writing Workshop (email-based critique)

• [00:12:44] – Matchmaking: How to Choose the Right Community for Your Identity & Goals

• [00:14:25] – Closing Thoughts: What’s Your Non-Negotiable Rule?

Tune in for a practical, eye-opening look at where “real authors hang out”—and why the right room for you is the one that empowers your unique writing journey.

Episode Description: Indie Author Magazine – Deep Dive: Author Merch

Ready to turn your stories into a brand that fans carry with them into the world? In this episode, our hosts unpack the newest Indie Author Magazine article on author merchandising—from game-changing strategies to the logistics you can’t afford to skip.

Discover why merch is more than a quick cash grab and how it builds lasting brand loyalty (03:00), the crucial legal steps for licensing your designs and avoiding costly mistakes (04:01), and how choosing the right store platform can make or break your venture (06:12). Whether you're plotting your first batch of bookmarks or dreaming up a fictional brewery T-shirt, you’ll get actionable advice and learn from real authors who’ve been through it.

Key Segments:

• Why Merch Matters More Than You Think (03:00)

• Navigating Legal Landmines: Licensing, Copyright, and Sales Caps (04:01)

• Choosing Your Platform: Etsy, Fourth Wall, Shopify, Printify, and More (06:12)

• Real-World Wisdom from Authors: Quality Checks, Shipping, and Reader Feedback (10:34)

• Top Tips for Getting Started, Keeping It Simple, and Building Community (11:47)

• World-building for Merch Success (14:01)

Listen in for practical tips, “aha” moments, and a roadmap to growing your indie author business beyond the page.

Unlock the full potential of Microsoft Word in your writing workflow! In this insightful deep dive, our hosts dissect the power and versatility of Word for indie authors, inspired by the latest feature article in Indie Author Magazine. Whether you’ve underestimated Word as just a basic tool, or you’re curious how it can streamline your drafting, editing, and submission process, this episode will open your eyes and sharpen your skills.

From harnessing styles for effortless formatting and leveraging the navigation pane, to using Copilot’s AI-powered brainstorming and mastering professional editing features like Track Changes, this conversation goes beyond the basics. Learn essential strategies for building your own author dictionary, combining feedback, managing references, and packaging your manuscript for professional submissions.

Key Segments & Timestamps:

• [00:02:41] – Understanding Word’s True Capabilities for Authors

• [00:03:41] – Styles and Structure: The Invisible Skeleton of Your Book

• [00:06:02] – The Navigation Pane: A Game-Changer for Organization

• [00:06:43] – Author Dictionary & Autocorrect: Personalize Word for Your Worlds

• [00:08:15] – Copilot and AI: Brainstorming, Summarizing, and Staying Creative

• [00:09:39] – Track Changes & Document Comparison: Professional-Grade Editing

• [00:12:29] – Templates & Submission Formatting: Making a Perfect First Impression

• [00:13:19] – References & Indexes: Nonfiction and Worldbuilding Tools

• [00:14:11] – Final Polish: Section Breaks, Headers, Table of Contents, and PDF Export

Tune in for practical tips and pro author insights that will help you transform your writing process with Microsoft Word—so you can focus on your story, not your software.

In this special deep dive from Indie Author Magazine, our hosts explore the groundbreaking potential of Creatorwood TV—a platform that promises to turn any indie author's novel into a feature-length, professionally produced movie with the power of AI.

Join them as they break down exactly how Creatorwood's "Movie Machine" automation works, examine the jaw-dropping time and cost savings, and uncover what it really means for indie storytellers to become indie filmmakers. Is the future of film as inclusive and creator-driven as the Kindle revolution was for books? Or is this a step too far? They ask hard questions about ownership, revenue splits, and where the indie industry goes from here.

Key Segments with Timestamps:

• 00:01:45 – Setting the Stage: The ever-evolving world of indie publishing and the new creator-driven film revolution.

• 00:03:40 – Who Is Behind Creatorwood?: Michael Evans’ background and credibility, from Mr. Beast collaborations to sci-fi author roots.

• 00:05:29 – Smashing Cost and Access Barriers: How Creatorwood slashes the cost of film production from millions to thousands—and what creators trade off to get there.

• 00:08:09 – The Directorial Experience: Step-by-step, how authors control their movie adaptation, with AI as their digital production crew.

• 00:11:05 – Revenue Models and Creator Control: The platform’s creator-first 80% revenue share and non-exclusive distribution rights.

• 00:12:41 – Looking Ahead: The cultural implications—a surge of diverse, niche stories in film and television.

• 00:13:28 – Final Thoughts: Reflecting on what this tectonic shift means for creativity and the indie community.

Tune in for an enlightening and thought-provoking journey into the future of storytelling—where indie authors could become the next wave of filmmakers, no Hollywood gatekeepers required.

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Don’t forget to check out our show notes for links to Creatorwood.com and an exclusive discount on Dropcap Marketplace, featured in this episode’s introduction by Chelle Honiker.

In this episode of Indie Author Magazine, our hosts dig into Susan Odev’s provocative article about the “lonely author” myth and why indie writers must embrace community if they want to succeed. From the real pressures of wearing every publishing hat (marketer, accountant, IT support, and more) to the transformative power of finding your author tribe, this deep dive breaks down exactly why isolation is bad for your career—and what it truly takes to thrive as an independent author.

Discover the four essential pillars of author community: accountability, knowledge sharing, moral support, and business opportunities. The hosts offer practical advice for introverts and extroverts alike, demystifying how to build meaningful connections (both online and off) while avoiding toxic group dynamics. Plus, they share their favorite metaphors and challenges for finding your own archipelago of allies in the publishing world.

Key Segments & Timestamps:

• [00:01:45] Busting the romantic myth of the solitary writer

• [00:02:31] Why “going solo” works against your author career

• [00:05:11] Overwhelm Block: All the hats indie authors wear

• [00:06:03] The four pillars of a powerful author community

• [00:08:44] Collaboration, competition, and the “scarcity mindset”

• [00:10:23] Where to find your tribe: Online, in-person, and small support groups

• [00:13:21] Navigating the dark side—How to spot (and leave) toxic groups

• [00:14:34] How to nurture lasting author connections

• [00:15:45] Final metaphor & challenge: No writer is an island—build your archipelago

Listen in for actionable insights and inspiration on building your path from isolation to resilience and growth in today’s indie publishing world.

Double Funding Success

How can indie authors nearly double their chances of crowdfunding success? In this episode, our hosts break down the latest data and insights from a featured article in Indie Author Magazine, exploring why crowdfunding doesn’t have to be a solo journey—and why, frankly, it shouldn’t be.

Together, they unpack the real numbers behind structured author communities, like the Author Nation Kickstarter cohort, which took first-time authors’ success rates from the industry average of 56% to an astonishing 90%. Along the way, they highlight proven strategies: from tightly-run mastermind groups, to the magic of anthology collaborations, to the dos and don’ts of effective backer swaps.

Whether you’re a first-time crowdfunder or a seasoned indie publisher, this episode offers practical takeaways, real-life examples, and a fresh mindset for your next campaign. You’ll walk away understanding not just what works, but why it works—and ready to find your own collaborative edge.

Key Segments:

• [00:02:01] Debunking the “solo grind” of indie authorship

• [00:02:25] The data that proves community nearly doubles success rates

• [00:04:07] Inside the Author Nation Kickstarter cohort model

• [00:05:14] The power of masterminds and direct mentorship

• [00:06:26] Facebook groups and the evolution of constructive feedback

• [00:07:44] Anthology collaborations, book collections, and aggregation strategies

• [00:09:45] Backer swaps—what works (and what really doesn’t)

• [00:12:30] Actionable advice: how listeners can apply these tactics now

Curious about making your next campaign a sure thing? Tune in and discover how finding your team can change everything for your indie author journey.

In this episode of Indie Author Magazine’s Deep Dive, our hosts crack open the world of epistolary writing—stories told through letters, journal entries, official documents, and more. Together, they unravel why this centuries-old format is experiencing a renaissance in indie fiction, and why the act of reading someone else’s “mail” is so profoundly immersive.

Drawing on key examples like Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Alice Walker’s The Color Purple, and Jane Austen’s Lady Susan, Paige Turner and Reed Moore analyze how epistolary structure shapes suspense, intimacy, and authenticity. They share a practical checklist for writers, highlighting the rules of brevity, distinctive voices, and the crucial question: Why are these documents being written?

Whether you’re curious about writing in this format or just want to appreciate its artistry, this episode gives you the insight and tools to approach epistolary fiction with fresh eyes.

Key Segments & Timestamps:

• (00:02:05) What is epistolary writing—and what makes it more than just “letters in a novel?”

• (00:05:06) Case Study 1: Dracula and the power of fragmented suspense

• (00:06:44) Case Study 2: The Color Purple—voice, transformation, and empowerment

• (00:08:00) Case Study 3: Lady Susan—manipulation through correspondence

• (00:09:17) The “rules of the road” for writing great epistolary fiction

• (00:12:22) The ultimate pro tip: motivation and the necessity behind every document

• (00:12:48) Contemporary resonance—why this ancient form feels modern

Tune in for a thought-provoking look at how constraints spark creativity, and discover which fragments of your own life would tell your authentic story.