The Indie Author Insider Podcast

Join Rinn Marrell and I as we sit down and discuss her debut novel, Rely on Death! This Greek mythology retelling features Persephone and Thanatos; a girl who thinks she's cursed and the God of Death who wants her soul. We talk about the characters, the series that is coming in the future and the cliffhanger Rinn leaves us on!  

If you love Greek mythology and books that make you feel everything, then this is a book you need to explore! You can find your own physical copy here: https://shoptheindieauthorinsider.com/products/rely-on-death-signed-with-goodies 

Or, the ebook here: https://link.amazon/B0fqfpPJa 

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This video contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. 

Join Kaitlin and I as we talk about kindness, honesty, and the reality of being art of the bookish community. We get into reader entitlement, review culture, cold DMs, and why genuine support matters so much to indie authors.

We discussed the truth about how much authors actually earn from book sales and why buying directly from authors can make a huge difference. Kaitlin brings her perspective as a reader and content creator, and we talk about burnout, transparency, and what it really means to support indie authors.

If you love indie books and want to make the book community a better place, this episode is for you. Be sure to hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, I sit down with indie author Rachel Lynn to talk about her writing process across different genres like romance, fantasy, and mystery. We also discuss her newrelease, A Study in Shadows. We get real about the emotional cost of writing, the pressure to stay visible online, and how Rachel balances building a readership with making time to rest. Rachel also shares practical insights on finding ARC readers, selling signed books directly, and the hidden costs of indie publishing. We talk about genre-blending, writing characters readers can connect with, and why staying true to who you are and how having your own voice matters more than chasing trends.

 Don’t forget to hit the subscribe button, so you never miss an episode.

Join narrator, Kate Clover, and I as we dive into the world of narration! We talk about what it takes to get started, what equipment you may need, the difference between dual, duet, and solo, and how authors should be selling their audiobooks at events!

We had a great time and whether you’re a reader, and author, or a bookish business, you should definitely tune in for the whole episode! Go ahead and hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode! 

Join Nicole, a reader, mom of three, and former sign language interpreter, and I, for an honest conversation about what draws readers to a book, and what makes them pass. We talk about covers, blurbs, romantasy, and why genuine connections matter more than pushy promotion. Nicole shares her experience with ARC and ALC reading, reviews, and the books that she loves long after reading!! We also discuss how authors and readers can build trust and support indie books together. If you love books and want to understand the reader/author relationship, this conversation is for you!
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Join Dan Desai Martin and I as we talk about his debut novel, In the Shadow of the Sanctum! We discuss what it really takes to bring a book from an idea to a physical book that readers can pick up and read! Dan tells us that he has been a lifelong lover of fantasy and has a background in religious studies, which helped him shape the story of "In the Shadow of the Sanctum"! 

We also get into the realities of the publishing journey. Dan experienced more than 100 rejections, learned how to query agents, and explains the differences between traditional publishing, small presses, vanity presses, and self-publishing. Dan shares what marketing a book looks like for him, why supporting independent authors matters, and how libraries, local bookstores, direct sales, and reader reviews can make a real difference.
If you are a reader curious about the people behind the books, or an author trying to make sense of the publishing world, this conversation is for you!
You can find Dan on Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @DandesaiMartinBe sure to hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode! If you would like your own copy of In the Shadows of the Sanctum, you can find it here: https://amzn.to/4d374raAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy the book through my link, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you!  

Join Candace Nicole and I as we talk about her new book, Deeper Roots, the second book in the Roots Series following Tangled Roots, which released earlier this year!

We talk about the real-life moment that inspired one of the series’ most unsettling parent-child dynamics and why Bethany became the character readers love to hate! Candace Nicole also shares how she made the jump from writing romance to psychological thrillers, how she pulls readers in emotionally without taking her stories completely into the dark, and why authentic representation matters so much in her books.

And, of course, we had to ask the question we’re all wondering... could a psychological romance be next? You’ll have to watch to hear her answer!

We also get real about what it’s like to be an indie author behind the scenes. We talk about the marketing pressure, Amazon reviews, direct sales, and what it really takes to build a successful street team. Candace Nicole shares why creative freedom is so important to her, how she keeps track of all those plot threads across a trilogy, and what readers can expect from the next book in the Roots Series.

If you love indie books, character-driven suspense, spice, tension, and characters who are anything but simple, this conversation is for you!

Want your own copy of one of Candace Nicole’s books? You can find the links below, or head over to her website to grab a copy for yourself!

Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I may receive a very small commission at no additional cost to you. Every little bit helps support the podcast and our mission to continue bridging the gap between authors and readers.

And while you’re here, hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode!

Tangled Roots: https://amzn.to/4ybelNT

Deeper Roots: https://amzn.to/3Tn8sOG

Sunday Affair: https://amzn.to/47lhsXK

Made by Us: https://amzn.to/4xJegju

Made for You: https://amzn.to/3V91RrG

Made to Love: https://amzn.to/47nZ6Fu

In this episode, I sit down with M.E. Radford, author of the Weaveborn series, for a conversation about mythology, indie publishing, and the hidden details that are put into her books.

M.E. Radford takes us inside Weaveborn, Weave the Dawn and Weaveborn, Weave Sleeper, sharing how Claire and Theo navigate an ancient system connecting mortals and immortals, and what happens when that system starts to break down and becomes a target for AI and those seeking control.

We talk about the mythology and history behind the series, drawing from Ireland, England, Norway, France, Greece, and Egypt, as well as the meaning behind the sigils and cover art. Emmy also shares why Theo’s sarcastic, logical personality makes him one of her favorite characters.

She talks with us about indie publishing, ARC readers, book mail, reviews, and the realities of getting a series into readers’ hands. It’s a fun, honest conversation about fantasy, mythology, creativity, and what it takes to find the readers who will love it.

Be sure to hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode! 

If you would like your own copy, you can find yours here:

BOOK ONE: https://amzn.to/4Av8PHG

BOOK TWO: https://amzn.to/4ApjEL7

 Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you.  

In this episode, Laona and I talk about what really gets readers to notice and trust an indie book! From the cover art, tropes and blurbs to reviews, newsletters, and word of mouth! We discuss some of the realities of the business side of the indie author world, while Leona brings the reader perspective and what makes her want to pick up (or pass on) a book. We also talk about the importance of transparency, kindness, and building genuine connections with readers and other authors.

If you’re an indie author, reader/reviewer, or just love books, we hope you’ll enjoy this conversation!!

Thanks for watching, and don’t forget to hit that subscribe button for more conversations about books, publishing, and the indie author world!

Join Hayden Fox and I as we discuss her debut novel, The Way Back to You, a raw and emotional second-chance hockey romance about love, healing, trauma, and hope.

Hayden walks us through writing such deeply personal characters, the vulnerability of putting her first book into the world, and the fears and self-doubt that came with having readers connect with pieces of her own life.

We also talk about the inspiration behind the story, creating the cover, interracial representation, and what she hopes readers take away from the book. We also get into the realities of indie publishing, from beta readers and ARC teams to street teams, PR, and everything Hayden has learned while writing and releasing her debut novel.

We invite you to join our conversation about love, heartbreak, healing, and what it means to take something personal and turn it into a story that might mean everything to the right reader!!

If you would be interested in purchasing your own copy of The Way Back to You by Hayden Fox, you can find it here: https://shoptheindieauthorinsider.com/products/the-way-back-to-you

Don't forget to hit that subscribe button! You don't want to miss future episodes as we continue to bridge the gap between authors and readers!