Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks

Episode 050

Released on: December 5, 2023

Creating an audiobook is no small feat, but ensuring quality audio that meets industry standards is essential before release. In this podcast, Shanon shares an invaluable free tool from ACX that acts as an audio quality control lab for DIY authors. Their Audio Lab allows you to upload a file and receive an automated report checking specs against ACX’s rigorous standards. Shanon explains what this comprehensive report covers, from volume consistency to sample rate, and how to interpret the easy-to-understand pass/fail metrics. Whether releasing wide or direct to fans, every author-narrator should take advantage of this tool to catch problems early and dial-in professional grade audio.

🐉Shanon’s Indiegogo for A Curse of Scales & Feathers: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-curse-of-scales-feathers-a-fantasy-romance#/

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

🌟 Authortube Writing Conference (AWC): https://www.authortubewritingconference.com/

🌟 AWC Stream Party! Highlighting AWC Presenters: MK Williams 🍿: https://youtube.com/live/VdFroPk5iCU

🌟 Self-Narrating and Producing an Audiobook for Newbie Authors: https://youtu.be/fvGOQ20bCEI?si=CG-OlwIjefgH-7wi

🌟 ACX Audio Lab: https://www.acx.com/audiolab

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

🌟 The Dark Side of ACX: The Hidden World of Audiobook Rights: https://youtu.be/SVwjSOyxrR0

🌟Drop us a line at [email protected]

MORE AUDIOBOOK NARRATION VIDEOS BY M.K. WILLIAMS:

📽️Video 1: Audiobooks on YouTube Experiment Introduction Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA6DxN9Rbmk

📽️Video 2: MK Narrating an Audiobook: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptczvKOeAfk

📽️Video 3: Compare to AI Narrating the same Audiobook: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVekaVgCDYE

📽️Video Playlist 4: Compare to a Pro narrating a different audiobook: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOnfvLR28Ms&list=PL5wG4jOiELp0fxUIuCWEsufn9HRnkniPv

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

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CONNECT WITH US!

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

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

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

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

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 049

Released on: November 28, 2023

Deciding to launch a Kickstarter but not sure how to make your campaign stand out? My latest podcast episode breaks down the crucial concept of identifying your unique selling point (USP)—what makes you and your writing special. I discuss tips for pinpointing those memorable qualities in both yourself and your work, from assessing your writing style to considering reader feedback. I also explain why highlighting your USP can be pivotal in attracting passionate Kickstarter backers who connect with your creative vision. Whether you write epic fantasy, YA romance or another genre, defining and broadcasting your author USP is an invaluable step as you share your stories.

🐉Shanon’s Indiegogo for A Curse of Scales & Feathers: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-curse-of-scales-feathers-a-fantasy-romance#/

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

🌟Authortube Writing Conference (AWC): https://www.authortubewritingconference.com/

🌟AWC Speaker Applications: https://www.authortubewritingconference.com/awc-2024-speakers/apply

🌟2024 AWC Special Guest Speakers: https://www.authortubewritingconference.com/awc-2024-speakers

🌟Drop us a line at [email protected]

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

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CONNECT WITH US!

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

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

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

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

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 048

Released on: November 20, 2023

Learn what Kickstarter is and why it’s an invaluable direct sales channel for indie authors. Shanon discusses the power of pre-selling books by crowdfunding future projects. She shares her own success story of raising over 3x her goal to fund a new fantasy romance novel. You'll get an inside look at the pros and cons of running a Kickstarter campaign. Discover if this unique platform could be right for catapulting your next book launch.

🐉Shanon’s Indiegogo for A Curse of Scales & Feathers: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-curse-of-scales-feathers-a-fantasy-romance#/

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

🌟20Booksto50K Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/20Booksto50k/

🌟20Booksto50K Conference: https://20booksvegas.com/

🌟 Author Nation with Chelle Honiker with Draft2Digital: https://www.youtube.com/live/1PmViFTqKIQ?si=2Wt1wDGYbH_xIQS7

🌟Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/

🌟Shanon’s Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sdhuston/acurseofscaleandfeathers

🌟Drop us a line at [email protected]

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

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CONNECT WITH US!

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

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

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

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

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 047

Released on: November 15, 2023

In this episode, Shanon is joined by YouTuber and contemporary romance and picture book author, Emma Bennet. They discuss T Taylor’s book, “7 FIGURE FICTION: How to Use Universal Fantasy to SELL Your Books to ANYONE.” In this book, the author promises to shine a light on how writers can incorporate the idea of Universal Fantasies into their stories and sell them to readers who don’t know they love their books yet. Shanon and Emma discuss the premise of the book and breakdown Taylor’s definition of Universal Fantasy and how that compares to tropes according to the author’s explanation.

Emma Bennet has been a guest on the podcast before, where she shared her thoughts about “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. You can catch that whole episode here: https://youtu.be/jAZcnzRFXqg.

Emma will also join us next season to talk about being a hybrid author, romance writing, and tips for succeeding during NaNoWriMo and social media marketing

📘WHERE TO FIND THE BOOK ONLINE: https://7figurefiction.com/

🌟Drop us a line at [email protected]

❣️Have you checked out Shanon’s new epic fantasy romance, A Curse of Scales & Feathers? You can check it out here 👉 https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-curse-of-scales-feathers-a-fantasy-romance#/

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CONNECT WITH EMMA BENNET!

🎥YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmmaBennetAuthor

📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romanceemma/

🌐Website: https://www.emma-bennet.co.uk/

CONNECT WITH SHANON: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 046

Released on: November 7, 2023

Beware the dark side of ACX. Many indie authors are unaware of the hidden world surrounding audiobook rights and how ACX truly operates. But knowledge is power, and every author should arm themselves with an understanding of the mysteries of ACX before it’s too late. Join me this week as I illuminate the obscure policies and unseen loopholes that govern ACX audiobook rights. Sometimes what you don’t know can hurt you—so delve into the unknown and lay claim to what’s yours. The dark side of ACX awaits.

🐉Shanon’s Indiegogo for A Curse of Scales & Feathers: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-curse-of-scales-feathers-a-fantasy-romance#/

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

🌟Sign up for your Audiobook Creation Exchange account: https://www.acx.com/

🌟Drop us a line at [email protected]

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

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CONNECT WITH US!

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

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

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

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

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 045

Released on: October 31, 2023

Take control of your author presence on Amazon! In this week's podcast, Shanon shares how you can customize your Amazon author URL to build your brand and reach more readers. Tired of that clunky, forgettable default URL? I'll reveal a simple trick to claim an intuitive author link that establishes your authority and helps fans find you. Whether you're a new author looking to strengthen your platform or a seasoned pro wanting to improve discoverability, you won't want to miss this quick tip to make your author page your own. Tuning in could be the small tweak that unlocks the next level of your author career on the world's biggest bookstore.

🐉Shanon’s Indiegogo for A Curse of Scales & Feathers: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-curse-of-scales-feathers-a-fantasy-romance#/

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

🌟Sign up for your Amazon Author Central account: https://author.amazon.com/

🌟Drop us a line at [email protected]

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

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CONNECT WITH US!

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

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

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

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

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 044

Released on: October 24, 2023

Do you know if your book links are secretly sabotaging your sales and costing you money Join host Shanon (S.D. Huston) as she talks about how some many authors may be unknowingly using the WRONG book links and destroying their chances of success. She’ll share a tip that could change your book sales across retailers like Apple and Kobo. Don't lose more sales by not having the right links! Learn this tip that could dramatically increase YOUR book sales today.

🐉Shanon’s Indiegogo for A Curse of Scales & Feathers: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-curse-of-scales-feathers-a-fantasy-romance#/

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

🌟Books2Read: https://books2read.com/

🌟StoryOrigin: https://storyoriginapp.com/?via=s-d

🌟Linktree: https://linktr.ee/

🌟1link: https://1link.st/

🌟BoookLink: https://boook.link/

🌟BookLinker: https://booklinker.com/

🌟Book Goodies: https://bookgoodies.com/geotargeted-amazon-link-tool/

🌟J.M. Celi - Author of The Unlife of Lisa Cooper - The Writer's Den #07 on BOOKS BY ADRIAN YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5D6r0oMSmeI

🌟Drop us a line at [email protected]

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

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CONNECT WITH US!

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

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

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

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

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 043

Released on: October 15, 2023

In this episode, Shanon and Ben are joined by authors and YouTubers Laura Nettles, who writes adult and middle grade horror and sci-fi and dark fantasy, and Bethany Votaw, who writes short fiction and thrillers. They discuss Linda Stirling’s book, “How to Get Reviews & Endorsements.” This book is all about how authors can seek out various types of reviews for their published books. Stirling breaks this down into four different types, which the host discuss those types and the strategies she offers. They also discuss what they learned or were surprised about, what may not have been as helpful for them and why, and what best tip they learned. You’ll also get to see why Ben was the spicy one of this review group!

Honorable mention and shoutout should have been noted! Bethany Votaw has been a guest on the podcast before, where she shared her insights about being a ghostwriter while also being an author. You can catch her episode here: https://youtu.be/jAZcnzRFXqg.

WHERE TO BUY OR BORROW THE BOOK ONLINE:

📘Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/How-Get-Reviews-Endorsements-Strategies-ebook/dp/B0BDCX91R5

📘Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-get-reviews-endorsements-linda-stirling/1142247142

📘Overdrive: https://www.overdrive.com/media/9255177/how-to-get-reviews-endorsements

📘Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1370366

SOURCES & WEBSITES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

🌟Writing Excuses podcast: https://writingexcuses.com/

🌟Alexa Donne’s YouTube video “The AUDACITY of These Book Publicity Scams”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGZfwAHtLp0

🌟Vanessa on YouTube, Read w/Dr. B: https://www.youtube.com/@readwithdrb

🌟Drop us a line at [email protected]

❣️Have you checked out Shanon’s new epic fantasy romance, A Curse of Scales & Feathers? You can check it out here 👉 https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-curse-of-scales-feathers-a-fantasy-romance#/

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CONNECT WITH LAURA NETTLES!

🔗Linktree for Laura: https://linktr.ee/laura_nettles

📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romanceemma/

🌐Website: https://www.emma-bennet.co.uk/

CONNECT WITH BETHANY!

🔗Linktree for Bethany: https://linktr.ee/bethanyjvotaw

CONNECT WITH US!

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

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

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

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 042

Released on: October 10, 2023

You’ve finished writing your manuscript—now it’s time to get it ready for the world! But professional formatting can cost a pretty penny. Save your money and do it yourself with these tricks to make your manuscript look professional.

Join host Shanon (S.D. Huston) as she reveals the hidden gems that will level up your manuscript from drab Word doc to dazzling professional-grade formatting. Learn how to convert files for both eBook and print formats that will wow any retailer or reader. You’ll walk away empowered, with a polished manuscript formatted to indie publishing standards.

The secret lies in mastering free tools you likely already have access to. Tune in to unlock the keys to DIY formatting success. It’s easier than you think!

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

🌟Shanon’s Indiegogo for A Curse of Scales & Feathers: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-curse-of-scales-feathers-a-fantasy-romance#/

🌟Calibre: https://betterfasteracademy.com/2for30/

🌟Draft2Digital (D2D): https://draft2digital.com/

🌟Reedsy, reedsybookeditor: https://reedsy.com/write-a-book

🌟Drop us a line at [email protected]

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

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CONNECT WITH US!

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

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

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

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

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 041

Released on: October 3, 2023

Your author bio is key to attracting readers—but how can you magnetize it to draw more eyes? Join your host Shanon, S.D. Huston, as she reveals a simple yet impactful trick to make your bio more magnetic. Learn actionable tips to craft an author bio that highlights your expertise and hooks readers searching for your type of book.

Whether you’re optimizing bios for Amazon, social media, or your website, discover how small tweaks can dramatically boost your visibility and platform. Shanon explains the psychology behind bio engagement and shares her favorite bio-optimization strategy you can start implementing today. If you want to enhance your discoverability and sell more books, don’t miss this info-packed episode.

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

🌟Shanon’s Indiegogo for A Curse of Scales & Feathers: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-curse-of-scales-feathers-a-fantasy-romance#/

🌟 30 for 30 October Challenge!: https://betterfasteracademy.com/2for30/

🌟 🚀 Publisher Rocket (keyword & category research tool) - https://DaleLinks.com/Rocket (affiliate link)

🌟Drop us a line at [email protected]

Where noted, outbound links are affiliate links, which means that your support helps other authors while the purchase price for you remains the same!

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

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CONNECT WITH US!

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

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

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

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

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt