Episode 092

Released on: August 15, 2025

On this episode of the Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks podcast, we’re joined by Derrick Jackson, a retired Air Force special agent whose real-world experience helped shape the heart-pounding events of his debut novel, Shadow One. Derrick shares how he made the leap from military investigations to storytelling, blending fact and fiction while protecting sensitive information and staying true to the spirit of his career. We talk about the challenges of writing with authenticity, navigating Department of Defense approvals, and his unique decision to work with a publicist as an indie author. This episode is a compelling deep dive into the power of lived experience and the bold strategies that can set yourbook apart.

CATCH THE FREE 2025 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE 👉 https://tinyurl.com/AWC-2025-Playlist

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 CONNECT WITH DERRICK JACKSON!

 🌐Derrick Jackson’s Bio: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0DKYKX1JS/about?ccs_id=5f92c278-4c2f-48af-bf97-a7998e87e81f

📘 Derrick Jackson’s Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/SHADOW-ONE-DERRICK-JACKSON-ebook/dp/B0DFVNN3GD

📘 Derrick Jackson’s Book on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shadow-one-derrick-jackson/1146251057   

CONNECT WITH US!

 ▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jm.celi.54,YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorjmceli,Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jm_celi,Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jmceli.bsky.social,Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jm_celi

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 #selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 091

Released on: August 1, 2025

On this episode of the Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks podcast, we sit down with multi-talented creative Rita Slanina, an actress, model, singer-songwriter, and indie author, to explore how she balances an eclectic creative career with self-publishing success. From testing the waters with poetry and facing rejection from traditional publishing to launching novella series and crowdfunding her latest release, Rita shares the ups and downs of her journey with humor and heart. Her practical approach to scheduling, willingness to leap into new projects, and honest reflections on creative burnout make this conversation both engaging and energizing.

CATCH THE FREE 2025 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE 👉 https://tinyurl.com/AWC-2025-Playlist

SOME WEBSITES/ITEMS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

🌟 ARMCHAIR CHATS // Author Interviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtVvpCVzJt344SruuuW9R0adm4JgPeQqv&si=67v75SxvcboUnoxD

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 CONNECT WITH RITA SLANINA!

 🎥 Rita’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RitaSlanina🌐 Rita’s Website: https://www.ritaslanina.com📸 Rita’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ritaslanina🐦 Rita’s Twitter: https://x.com/ritaslanina📱 Rita’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ritaslanina/

CONNECT WITH US!

 ▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jm.celi.54, YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorjmceli, Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jm_celi, Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jmceli.bsky.social, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jm_celi

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 #selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt #authortube

Episode 090

Released on: July 15, 2025

On this episode of the Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks podcast, we step into the visually rich world of comics, book covers, and self-publishing with seasoned artist J.K. Woodward. From working with industry giants like Marvel and IDW tocollaborating with indie authors, J.K. shares how he brings stories to life through paint, passion, and persistence. We dig into his creative process, lessons learned from crowdfunding, and how authors and artists can collaborate more effectively, especially when timelines, vision, and mutual promotion areon the line. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the business of storytelling from the artist’s side of the table.

CATCH THE FREE 2025 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE 👉 https://tinyurl.com/AWC-2025-Playlist

SOME WEBSITES/ITEMS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

 🌟 San Diego Comic-Con: https://www.comic-con.org/cc/

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 CONNECT WITH J.K. Woodward!

 🌐 J.K.'s Website, The Art of JK Woodward: https://www.theartofjkwoodward.com/

CONNECT WITH US!  

▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jm.celi.54, YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorjmceli, Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jm_celi, Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jmceli.bsky.social, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jm_celi

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 #selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 089

Released on: July 1, 2025

On this episode of the Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks podcast, we’re joined once again by romantasy comedy author Elaine Canyon, this time to talk all things audiobooks on a budget. Elaine shares her journey into narrating her own work and offers practical, low-cost strategies for authors who want to create professional-sounding audiobooks without breaking the bank. From essential gear and DIY soundproofing to software options and voice performance tips, we covereverything you need to know to get started. If you've ever thought about producing your own audiobook but didn’t know where to begin—or how to afford it—this episode might just be the push you need.

CATCH THE FREE 2025 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE 👉 https://tinyurl.com/AWC-2025-Playlist

SOME WEBSITES/ITEMS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

 🌟 New K-lytics Study: Fantasy Romance / Romantasy 2025*: https://k-lytics.com/custom/fantasy-romance-2025-04-pr/

🌟 Audacity: https://www.audacityteam.org/

*Affiliate link. The price is the same to you but supports thepodcast.

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CONNECT WITH ELAINE CANYON!

 🌐 Elaine's Website: https://elainecanyon.com

📚 Elaine's Books: https://cur.io/elainecanyon

🎥 Elaine's Authortube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@elainecanyon

 CONNECT WITH US!

 ▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jm.celi.54,YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorjmceli,Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jm_celi,Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jmceli.bsky.social,Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jm_celi

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 #selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 088

Released on: June 15, 2025

In this episode, we dive into Networking for Authors by Dale L. Roberts, a practical and insightful guide for writers looking to expand their reach and build meaningful connections in the industry. Join us as we explore how this book reshaped our approach to networking, branding, and community-building as authors. From real-life applications to personal takeaways, this conversation is packed with inspiration and actionable ideas.

For this book we each came up with a motto we pulled from the reading!

Ben: “Don’t be a jerk.”

Andy: “Serve others first.”

D.L.: Natural networking”

Shanon: “Lead with value.”

Devon: “Even lessons learned.”

📘WHERE TO FIND THE BOOK ONLINE: https://books2read.com/u/49R0xk

✨ Networking for Authors YouTube Playlist with more reviews on the book: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVrC50nqY3OKDsPfW9VhlHjC_6t2nWoaC

CATCH THE 2025 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE JUNE 27-29TH👉 https://tinyurl.com/AWC-2025-Playlist

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CONNECT WITH D.L. TILLERY!

🌐 D.L.’s Website: https://www.authordltillery.com/📚 D.L.’s Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/D-L-Tillery/e/B09CRDP37H🎥 D.L.’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AuthorDLTillery📱 D.L.’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDLTillery/📸 D.L.’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authordltillery/🐦 D.L.’s Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/authordltillery🌐 D.L.’s Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/banongaming CONNECT WITH ANDY!🎥 Andy’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PublishWithAndy📸 Andy’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selfpubwithandy/

CONNECT WITH DEVON GAMBRELL!

🎥 Devon’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@devongambrell🌐 Devon’s Website: https://dgambrell.com/

📘 Devon’s ALL CALL INDIE: https://dgambrell.com/allcallindie/

💜 Devon’s Social Links: https://dgambrell.com/links/

📚 Devon’s book The Witch's Crystal: https://books2read.com/u/mgYGGR

CONNECT WITH US!

▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Jamie’s J.M. Celi): Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jm.celi.54

▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorjmceli

▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jm_celi

▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jmceli.bsky.social

▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jm_celi

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 #selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 087

Released on: May 15, 2025

Join us for a thoughtful discussion on The Emotional Craft of Fiction by Donald Maass, where we explore how this powerful book challenges writers to go beyond the surface and create stories that truly resonate. We dive into the emotional heart of storytelling, unpack key takeaways, and reflect on how Maass’s insights can transform our writing lives. Whether you're drafting, revising, or seeking deeper connection in your prose, this conversation offers inspiration and tools to elevate your craft.

📘WHERE TO FIND THE BOOK ONLINE: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/633863/the-emotional-craft-of-fiction-by-donald-maass/and https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Craft-Fiction-Beneath-Surface/dp/1440348375

YOU CAN STILL CATCH ALL THE FREE REPLAYS FOR THE 2024 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE👉 https://bit.ly/2024-AWC-Playlist

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CONNECT WITH A ADESHILE!

🎥 Adeshile’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@adeshile.writes

CONNECT WITH US!

▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Morgan’s Links: https://linktr.ee/authormorganlee

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 086

Released on: April 15, 2025

On this episode of the Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks podcast, we dive into the world of budget-friendly publishing with romantasy comedy author Elaine Canyon. Elaine shares practical, down-to-earth strategies for producing high-quality books without breaking the bank, covering everything from editing and formatting to cover design and marketing. We also explore a range of tools authors can use throughout the publishing process, along with Elaine’s unique advice on when and how to pay for these services strategically—so you can stretch your dollars while still getting maximum value. If you’ve ever wondered how to publish smarter, not poorer, this conversation is a goldmine of resourceful hacks and honest insights.

WEBSITES/ITEMS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

🌟 Love, Dryads & Murder by Elaine Canyon:https://www.amazon.com/Love-Dryads-Murder-Virdinra-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B0F4J3TTRG🌟 “Working with GetCovers 2025 | Tips & Tricks toget amazing covers with GetCovers | GetCovers Covers” by Elaine Canyon: https://youtu.be/BIX-gjlul44?si=0XVT95fNW1hhQgU8🌟 Gimp: https://www.gimp.org/🌟 Secrets to Editing Success by K. Stanley andL. Cooke: https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Editing-Success-K-Stanley/dp/1999276264🌟 Kevin Tumlinson's Bootstrap Publishing: https://www.kevintumlinson.com/podcast-rss/186🌟 Curios: https://www.curios.com/🌟 The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi): https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/🌟 💗Charmed Chats & Happily Ever After Sprints with Elaine Canyon: https://www.youtube.com/live/41Cm15cbQO0?si=lAa3daLOg3Hz_4PJ

YOU CAN STILL CATCH ALL THE FREE REPLAYS FOR THE 2024 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE👉 https://bit.ly/2024-AWC-Playlist

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CONNECT WITH ELAINE CANYON!

🎥 Elaine Canyon Books YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPCyoOIBfrXgGUJpgkd65DQ

🌐 Elaine’s Website: https://elainecanyon.com

🌐 Elaine’s Curios: https://cur.io/elainecanyon

📧 Elaine's Newsletter: https://subscribepage.io/elainecanyon📸 Elaine's Instagram: https://instagram.com/elainecanyon

 CONNECT WITH US!

▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jm.celi.54

▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorjmceli

▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jm_celi

▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jmceli.bsky.social

▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jm_celi

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 #selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 085

Released on: March 15, 2025

On this episode of the Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks podcast, we sit down with bestselling poet and marketing expert Shelby Leigh to explore the essential strategies authors need to thrive on social media. Shelby shares her journey from anonymously posting poetry online to building a successful brand that helps creatives market their work with confidence. We dive into mindset shifts around self-promotion, practical ways to streamline content creation, and how social media platforms—especially TikTok—can drive book sales. She also opens up about the unexpected challenges and benefits of both self-publishing and traditional publishing. Whether you're struggling with marketing or looking to expand your author platform, this episode is full of valuable insights to help you make animpact!

WEBSITES/ITEMS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

 🌟 “How to Start on TikTok and Instagram as an Author | AuthorTube Writing Conference 2023,” marketing by shelby: https://youtu.be/15KOJQ4wV64?si=zyceB018dxMtIT9B🌟 “Diversifying Your Income Streams as an Author,” marketing by shelby: https://www.youtube.com/live/7J6g_IWgQrw?si=TMl_bQOKQWke3MV8🌟 You can still do a late pledge to Shanon’s Kickstarter:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sdhuston/a-curse-of-wings-and-gems/

YOU CAN STILLCATCH ALL THE FREE REPLAYS FOR THE 2024 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE👉 https://bit.ly/2024-AWC-Playlist

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 CONNECT WITH SHELBY LEIGH!

 🎥Subscribe to Shelby for weekly marketing videos: https://www.youtube.com/@marketingbyshelby🌐 Grab her marketing freebies here: https://www.marketingbyshelby.com/freebie❗ Explore all marketing guides and courses: https://www.marketingbyshelby.com/marketing-offers

 CONNECT WITH US!

 ▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jm.celi.54

▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorjmceli

▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jm_celi

▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jmceli.bsky.social

▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jm_celi

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 084

Released on: March 1, 2025

On this episode of the Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks podcast, we sit down with multi-genre author Nicole Pierman, who also writes under the pen name Nicole Brona, to explore the intricacies of managing multiple pen names in self-publishing. Nicole shares her eye-opening experience of choosing the wrong pen name just days before publishing and the valuable lessons she learned about branding, marketing psychology, and navigating Amazon’s algorithms. We also dive into the challenges and rewards of writing in niche genres like Irish mythology, as well as the unique hurdles of marketing poetry versus fiction. Whether you’re considering a pen name or juggling multiple author brands, this episode is packed with insights to help you make strategic decisions in your self-publishing journey!

WEBSITES/ITEMS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

 🌟 Shanon’s Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sdhuston/a-curse-of-wings-and-gems/

🌟 Author Ad School with Bryan Cohen: https://learn.bestpageforward.net/author-ad-school-enroll/🌟 Becca Syme (Phoenix/Intuitive Writing/CliftonStrengths): https://betterfasteracademy.com/

 YOU CAN STILL CATCH ALL THE FREE REPLAYS FOR THE 2024 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE👉 https://bit.ly/2024-AWC-Playlist

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 CONNECT WITH NICOLE PIERMAN/BRONA!

 🌐 Nicole’s Website: https://nicolepierman.com/

🎥 Nicole’s YouTube, Nicole's Bookish Nook: https://www.youtube.com/@NicolesBookishNook 📚Nicole Brona Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Nicole-Brona/author/B0C3FL7DHK📚Nicole Pierman Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nicole-Pierman/e/B08RG74PYP📧 Nicole’s Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/u2e2i6📱 Nicole’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064052976597#❗ Nicole’s Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14954026.Nicole_Pierman

 CONNECT WITH US!  

▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jm.celi.54,YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorjmceli,Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jm_celi,Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jmceli.bsky.social,Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jm_celi

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 #selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 083

Released on: February 15, 2025

On this episode of the Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks podcast, join us for an insightful conversation with Evan Gow, founder of StoryOrigin, as he shares the driving force behind his all-in-one platform designed for authors. From solving the problem of fragmented author tools to introducing innovative features like audiobook review distribution and beta copy management, Evan dives deep into the unique ways StoryOrigin is helping authors streamline their marketing and publishing efforts, like building an effective email list with enticing reader magnets. We also dive into actionable strategies for crafting email welcome sequences, explore emerging trends in self-publishing and direct sales, and uncover what sets StoryOrigin apart in today’s competitive publishing landscape. Tune in for practical tips and fresh insights designed to help you simplify your workflow and connect more deeply with your readers.

CONNECT WITH STORYORIGIN & EVAN GOW:

 🌟 StoryOrigin: https://storyoriginapp.com/?via=s-d(affiliate link)

🌟 Evan Gow, Indie Developer: [email protected]

🌟 Evan Gow, indie developer of StoryOrigin, on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@storyoriginapp

✨Shanon’s Kickstarter will launch on February 25th! Even if you can't buy anything later, following helps with the algorithm! 👉 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sdhuston/a-curse-of-wings-and-gems/

YOU CAN STILL CATCH ALL THE FREE REPLAYS FOR THE 2024 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE👉 https://bit.ly/2024-AWC-Playlist

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CONNECT WITH US!

 ▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jm.celi.54,YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorjmceli,Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jm_celi,Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jmceli.bsky.social,Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jm_celi

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt