To indie publish or traditionally publish? That is the question.
For years, indie publishing was seen as a fallback for authors who couldn’t land a traditional contract. But times have changed. Many indie authors now outsell and out-earn their traditionally published counterparts.
And yet, while many traditionally published authors are switching to indie, it’s far less common to see a successful indie author sign with a major publisher.
What would make an indie author turn down a traditional publishing deal?
I spoke with Scott LaPierre, an author and conference speaker, to find out.
In this week’s episode, we discuss:

• The biggest myths about traditional publishing
• How signing a contract affected book sales
• Traditional publishing’s take on pricing and marketing
• The cost of getting your rights back and why it matters

Scott gives a first-hand account of working as a traditional and indie author and where he landed after experiencing both routes.
If you’ve ever wondered which path is right for you and your book, listen in or read the blog version of our conversation.

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If you’re thinking about writing a book series, you might want to reconsider, especially if you’re a new author. That’s not to say you should never write a series, but it can be a risky endeavor, and I can prove it with math.
In this week’s episode, I break down why writing a series may limit your potential readership. You’ll learn:

• The four steps every reader must take for your sequel to sell well
• The math behind why sequels struggle to sell
• The hidden dangers of "battered reader syndrome" and how it affects new authors
• A pre-series strategy for new authors

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should commit to a series or focus on standalones, listen in or read the blog post for a fresh perspective and a smarter strategy.

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Have you ever set up a book table and stacked your books neatly, only to walk away with disappointing sales? You're not alone.
But there is a better way to sell books from your book table at in-person events.
In this week's episode of Novel Marketing, I sit down with Sarah Hickner, an expert in book table sales, to uncover:

• Common mistakes authors make at book tables (and how to avoid them)
• Simple tricks to draw readers in without feeling pushy
• How to use giveaways, bundles, and book covers to boost sales
• Why in-person events aren't just about selling books

Whether you're an introvert or a seasoned seller, listen in or read the blog version to learn how to set up an eye-catching table, use giveaways effectively, craft the perfect pitch, and avoid common mistakes that cost authors sales.

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Congrats on getting booked for a podcast interview! Whether you’re promoting your book or lead magnet, your audio quality on the podcast can make or break your credibility.
In our latest episode, we share pro tips on:

• How to prepare for your interview (beyond just showing up)
• Microphone techniques that make you sound like a pro
• The gear you need (that doesn’t break the bank)
• What to do after the interview is done

I’ve been podcasting since 2007, I’ve tested a lot of gear, and I’ve made some classic podcast blunders. This episode will help you avoid those mistakes, sound professional, and have fun.
Whether you’re planning a podcast tour for your book launch or wanting to purchase your first microphone, listen in or read the blog to learn how to make the most of your podcast guest opportunities.

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Serialized fiction has been captivating readers for centuries, from nightly bedtime stories to Charles Dickens' Great Expectations to modern writers on platforms like Royal Road and Wattpad.
In this episode, I interview bestselling author Seth Ring, who shares how serialized fiction helped him write 25+ books, build a dedicated fanbase, hone his craft, and achieve financial success.
Discover:

• The benefits of writing serialized stories
• The key differences between Wattpad, Royal Road, and other serial writing platforms
• What serialized fiction means for the future of publishing

Whether you’re curious about trying serialized fiction or wonder if your genre is a good fit, this conversation will give you insight and direction.
Blog & Audio Version
Listen in or check out the blog version to discover the methods and advantages of writing in installments for your readers.

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Where is publishing headed in 2025? Are we witnessing the end of traditional publishing or the birth of something new?
In this week's episode of Novel Marketing, we’re unpacking:

• The surprising trends reshaping the industry.
• Why successful indie authors are rejecting six-figure advances.
• How romantasy, premium books, and shifting political preferences are transforming bestseller lists.

And of course, we can’t ignore AI. We'll even see what AI has to say about the future of publishing and whether it can be taken seriously or not.Listen in or check out the blog version to discover what’s next for authors in 2025 and how you can adapt.

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Many authors feel stuck. They're toiling away in obscurity, and none of their promotion efforts seem to go anywhere.Success in publishing is as much about who you know as what you know. And sometimes, the lack of knowing the right people keeps you from finding success.We still live in a world that's run by human people, and your connection to those humans will lead to your success. If the word networking makes you feel awkward, you need to change your mindset.Networking is about relationships.So, how do you network with other authors, influencers, industry professionals, and customers at the bookstore? And how do you network in a way that makes you and the person you're connecting with feel amazing?I asked Steve Garrity. He's spent more than 20 years in sales and leadership. He coaches and develops others to thrive, and he is the author of the upcoming book Greatfruit: How Cancer Led to Living a More Fruitful Life. His book is currently live on Kickstarter and has raised over $10,000 in preorders.In this week's episode, you'll discover
·     How to change your mindset about networking
·     How to stop worrying about what to say when meeting people
·     Tools and tips for building and maintaining relationships in your networkListen in or read the blog version of this episode to gain the courage and tools to connect with people and bless them.

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Are you feeling overwhelmed by the endless task of writing, publishing, and marketing your book? From deciding which software to use for writing to figuring out how to keep track of all the characters in your story, the choices can feel paralyzing, and the number of things that need to be done can be very overwhelming.
Besides your writing tasks, you have the business side of things: scheduling meetings, tracking your finances, recording book sales, running ads, and figuring out if your business is actually profitable.
If just thinking about your to-do list is raising your blood pressure, it's time for you to take control and reduce your stress by learning a technique called project management.
In this week's episode, I spoke with Lorna K. Bailey. She's been an executive author's assistant since 2014, and she's helped many top authors grow their sales and increase their focus on writing.
We talked about
·      How to organize and prioritize your to-do list
·      The benefits and differences between digital and paper calendars
·      Tips for effective scheduling that helps you achieve your goals
Listen in or read the blog version to discover how project management techniques can help you tackle the overwhelming task of writing, publishing, and marketing your books.

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Your author platform is your ability to spread the word about your book. As an indie author, your platform is directly linked with how large your book launch can be. Bigger platforms lead to bigger launches. All else being equal, traditional publishers always prefer large-platform authors to authors with no platform.
So, how do you grow your author platform?
This week’s episode is a webinar I recently presented.
You’ll learn
·      Two myths about author platform
·      What you’ll need to build an enduring platform
·      Answers to three common questions from authors about email, social media, and money.
Listen in or read the blog post to learn why having a solid author platform is crucial for indie and traditional authors. Find out how to build a platform that will give your book the best chance for success.

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Is your website’s Contact page serving your readers and web visitors?
In the past, authors simply shared their email addresses on their websites. But that opened the door to a flood of spam, which drowned out real messages from readers.
Connecting with your readers is essential to building your readership, so you can’t simply remove your email address from your website. But how do you create an effective Contact page that helps readers connect but keeps spammers out?
In this week’s episode, we’ll discuss the best practices for creating a contact page that truly works.
You’ll learn

• Which “Contact” page elements are necessary
• How to help readers to contact you by their preferred method
• How to keep spammers out of your inbox

Listen in or read the blog version to learn how to create a successful author contact page and form that helps readers and influencers find you and makes spammers leave you alone.

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