This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch checks in from his final day in New Zealand while Cissy Mecca takes us behind the scenes of her upcoming historical romance launch. They discuss realistic launch goals, building an ARC and influencer team, setting a marketing budget, and choosing advertising strategies that have actually worked for you rather than simply throwing money at launch day. James also shares insights from Written Word Media on how authors at different stages of their careers are approaching AI, plus plans to test different Facebook ad setups and share the results with the SPS community. Key Talking Points <ul data-spread="false"> <li>Cissy's strategy for launching her upcoming historical romance</li> <li>Setting realistic goals and expectations for a book launch</li> <li>Building ARC, street team and influencer support</li> <li>Finding and approaching relevant book influencers</li> <li>Deciding when to send physical books to creators</li> <li>Creating a launch budget that feels sustainable</li> <li>Facebook versus Amazon advertising</li> <li>Why proven strategies matter more than simply spending more</li> <li>James's upcoming Facebook ads testing and challenge/webinar</li> <li>Written Word Media's findings on author attitudes towards AI</li> <li>James's plans for another writers' retreat in Florida in 2027</li> </ul> Links & Resources Mentioned <ul data-spread="false"> <li>ProWritingAid: <a href= "https://prowritingaid.com/" data-rich-text-autolink= "">https://prowritingaid.com</a></li> <li>SPS Patreon / Support: <a href= "https://learnselfpublishing.com/support" data-rich-text-autolink= "">https://learnselfpublishing.com/support</a></li> </ul>

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch checks in from his final day in New Zealand while Cissy Mecca takes us behind the scenes of her upcoming historical romance launch. They discuss realistic launch goals, building an ARC and influencer team, setting a marketing budget, and choosing advertising strategies that have actually worked for you rather than simply throwing money at launch day. James also shares insights from Written Word Media on how authors at different stages of their careers are approaching AI, plus plans to test different Facebook ad setups and share the results with the SPS community. Key Talking Points Cissy's strategy for launching her upcoming historical romance Setting realistic goals and expectations for a book launch Building ARC, street team and influencer support Finding and approaching relevant book influencers Deciding when to send physical books to creators Creating a launch budget that feels sustainable Facebook versus Amazon advertising Why proven strategies matter more than simply spending more James's upcoming Facebook ads testing and challenge/webinar Written Word Media's findings on author attitudes towards AI James's plans for another writers' retreat in Florida in 2027 Links & Resources Mentioned ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com SPS Patreon / Support: https://learnselfpublishing.com/support

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch checks in from his final day in New Zealand while Cissy Mecca takes us behind the scenes of her upcoming historical romance launch. They discuss realistic launch goals, building an ARC and influencer team, setting a marketing budget, and choosing advertising strategies that have actually worked for you rather than simply throwing money at launch day. James also shares insights from Written Word Media on how authors at different stages of their careers are approaching AI, plus plans to test different Facebook ad setups and share the results with the SPS community. Key Talking Points <ul> <li>Cissy's strategy for launching her upcoming historical romance</li> <li>Setting realistic goals and expectations for a book launch</li> <li>Building ARC, street team and influencer support</li> <li>Finding and approaching relevant book influencers</li> <li>Deciding when to send physical books to creators</li> <li>Creating a launch budget that feels sustainable</li> <li>Facebook versus Amazon advertising</li> <li>Why proven strategies matter more than simply spending more</li> <li>James's upcoming Facebook ads testing and challenge/webinar</li> <li>Written Word Media's findings on author attitudes towards AI</li> <li>James's plans for another writers' retreat in Florida in 2027</li> </ul> Links &amp; Resources Mentioned <ul> <li>ProWritingAid: <a href="https://prowritingaid.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://prowritingaid.com</a></li> <li>SPS Patreon / Support: <a href="https://learnselfpublishing.com/support" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://learnselfpublishing.com/support</a></li> </ul>

SPS-461: The Book Launch Process

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Cissy Mecca are together in Pennsylvania after celebrating the wedding of their friends Lucy Score and Tim. James even had the honour of officiating the ceremony. There's also exciting news for Lucy Score fans: Things We Never Got Over is heading to the screen, with filming for the Amazon Prime series, titled Runaway, about to begin in Vancouver. Inspired by Lucy and Tim's own friends-to-lovers story, James and Cissy dive into romance tropes and why they work. Cissy runs through some of the most popular tropes with readers right now, from enemies to lovers and forced proximity to fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, second chance and fated mates. They look at how tropes create conflict and reader expectations, how authors can combine several tropes in one book, and why the same relationship dynamics can be useful well beyond romance. Key Talking Points <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal">Why building an audience and strong author business matters before a breakout moment arrives</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Why tropes have become such a powerful part of romance marketing</li> <li class="MsoNormal">How BookTok has helped make readers increasingly trope-aware</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Enemies to lovers and why it remains such a popular trope</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Forced proximity and the "one bed" microtrope</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Combining multiple tropes to build conflict and tension</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Fake dating and arranged relationship scenarios</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Grumpy/sunshine and opposites attract</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Friends to lovers and second-chance romance</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Protective and morally grey heroes</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Fated mates</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Using romance-style relationship dynamics in thrillers, crime, fantasy and science fiction</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Why successful tropes still need believable characters, conflict and emotional development</li> <li class="MsoNormal">A preview of next week's discussion on book promotions and BookBub Featured Deal performance</li> </ul> Links & Resources Mentioned ProWritingAid: <a href= "https://prowritingaid.com/">https://prowritingaid.com</a> Discount code: IWC15 SPS Live 2027 TICKETS are now available here is the link for more information: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Cissy Mecca are together in Pennsylvania after celebrating the wedding of their friends Lucy Score and Tim. James even had the honour of officiating the ceremony. There's also exciting news for Lucy Score fans: Things We Never Got Over is heading to the screen, with filming for the Amazon Prime series, titled Runaway, about to begin in Vancouver. Inspired by Lucy and Tim's own friends-to-lovers story, James and Cissy dive into romance tropes and why they work. Cissy runs through some of the most popular tropes with readers right now, from enemies to lovers and forced proximity to fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, second chance and fated mates. They look at how tropes create conflict and reader expectations, how authors can combine several tropes in one book, and why the same relationship dynamics can be useful well beyond romance. Key Talking Points Why building an audience and strong author business matters before a breakout moment arrives Why tropes have become such a powerful part of romance marketing How BookTok has helped make readers increasingly trope-aware Enemies to lovers and why it remains such a popular trope Forced proximity and the "one bed" microtrope Combining multiple tropes to build conflict and tension Fake dating and arranged relationship scenarios Grumpy/sunshine and opposites attract Friends to lovers and second-chance romance Protective and morally grey heroes Fated mates Using romance-style relationship dynamics in thrillers, crime, fantasy and science fiction Why successful tropes still need believable characters, conflict and emotional development A preview of next week's discussion on book promotions and BookBub Featured Deal performance Links & Resources Mentioned ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com Discount code: IWC15 SPS Live 2027 TICKETS are now available here is the link for more information: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Cissy Mecca are together in Pennsylvania after celebrating the wedding of their friends Lucy Score and Tim. James even had the honour of officiating the ceremony. There's also exciting news for Lucy Score fans: Things We Never Got Over is heading to the screen, with filming for the Amazon Prime series, titled Runaway, about to begin in Vancouver. Inspired by Lucy and Tim's own friends-to-lovers story, James and Cissy dive into romance tropes and why they work. Cissy runs through some of the most popular tropes with readers right now, from enemies to lovers and forced proximity to fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, second chance and fated mates. They look at how tropes create conflict and reader expectations, how authors can combine several tropes in one book, and why the same relationship dynamics can be useful well beyond romance. Key Talking Points <ul> <li>Why building an audience and strong author business matters before a breakout moment arrives</li> <li>Why tropes have become such a powerful part of romance marketing</li> <li>How BookTok has helped make readers increasingly trope-aware</li> <li>Enemies to lovers and why it remains such a popular trope</li> <li>Forced proximity and the "one bed" microtrope</li> <li>Combining multiple tropes to build conflict and tension</li> <li>Fake dating and arranged relationship scenarios</li> <li>Grumpy/sunshine and opposites attract</li> <li>Friends to lovers and second-chance romance</li> <li>Protective and morally grey heroes</li> <li>Fated mates</li> <li>Using romance-style relationship dynamics in thrillers, crime, fantasy and science fiction</li> <li>Why successful tropes still need believable characters, conflict and emotional development</li> <li>A preview of next week's discussion on book promotions and BookBub Featured Deal performance</li> </ul> Links &amp; Resources Mentioned ProWritingAid: <a href="https://prowritingaid.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://prowritingaid.com</a> Discount code: IWC15 SPS Live 2027 TICKETS are now available here is the link for more information: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive

SPS-464: Romance Tropes That Work For Everyone

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Cissy Mecca have a packed episode of indie publishing news, starting with a significant change to Amazon's preorder rules. Authors can now set up preorders up to 18 months in advance and postpone them twice without penalty – enough to tempt even preorder-phobic James into considering one for his next book. They also discuss a legal case involving Amazon Ads, Cissy's plans to test a Goodreads giveaway for her upcoming release, and the opportunities for indie authors in the Italian market following James's conversation with the team behind Indieverse in Milan. Later, Cissy shares an experiment using ChatGPT and Claude to create an interactive, visual experience around the world of her historical romance series. This leads into a wider conversation about AI, reader-facing marketing and the pressure some romance authors feel around using AI in their businesses. Key Talking Points <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal">Amazon's new 18-month preorder window</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Authors can now postpone a preorder twice without penalty</li> <li class="MsoNormal">James considers setting up a preorder for his next book</li> <li class="MsoNormal">The North Carolina Attorney General's case involving Amazon Ads</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Cissy's Goodreads giveaway experiment for her September launch</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Goodreads Giveaway Month and whether giveaways are worth testing</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Tracking launch data with Claude</li> <li class="MsoNormal">The Indieverse conference in Milan and the Italian indie publishing market</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Opportunities for English-language indie authors publishing in Italian</li> <li class="MsoNormal">An upcoming SPS conversation about the Italian market</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Cissy's AI-created interactive world-building experience for readers</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Using ChatGPT to create historical inspiration images</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Using Claude to build interactive marketing experiences</li> <li class="MsoNormal">AI as a tool for launch preparation, data and book marketing</li> <li class="MsoNormal">The debate around reader-facing AI use in romance</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Authors deciding their own boundaries and approach to AI</li> </ul> Links & Resources Mentioned ProWritingAid: <a href= "https://prowritingaid.com/">https://prowritingaid.com</a> Indie Writers Club / SPS Support: <a href="https://learnselfpublishing.com/support">https://learnselfpublishing.com/support</a> Down Under Mystery Club: <a href= "https://ajblythe.com/podcast">https://ajblythe.com/podcast</a> Cissy's: <a href= "https://claude.ai/code/artifact/5d614bc7-1e7f-4382-9966-a528a314391b?org=4a44f21c-9a4c-45cd-8a3f-7e8d3f3edd42" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Walk the Border</a> Password: vivian

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Cissy Mecca have a packed episode of indie publishing news, starting with a significant change to Amazon's preorder rules. Authors can now set up preorders up to 18 months in advance and postpone them twice without penalty – enough to tempt even preorder-phobic James into considering one for his next book. They also discuss a legal case involving Amazon Ads, Cissy's plans to test a Goodreads giveaway for her upcoming release, and the opportunities for indie authors in the Italian market following James's conversation with the team behind Indieverse in Milan. Later, Cissy shares an experiment using ChatGPT and Claude to create an interactive, visual experience around the world of her historical romance series. This leads into a wider conversation about AI, reader-facing marketing and the pressure some romance authors feel around using AI in their businesses. Key Talking Points Amazon's new 18-month preorder window Authors can now postpone a preorder twice without penalty James considers setting up a preorder for his next book The North Carolina Attorney General's case involving Amazon Ads Cissy's Goodreads giveaway experiment for her September launch Goodreads Giveaway Month and whether giveaways are worth testing Tracking launch data with Claude The Indieverse conference in Milan and the Italian indie publishing market Opportunities for English-language indie authors publishing in Italian An upcoming SPS conversation about the Italian market Cissy's AI-created interactive world-building experience for readers Using ChatGPT to create historical inspiration images Using Claude to build interactive marketing experiences AI as a tool for launch preparation, data and book marketing The debate around reader-facing AI use in romance Authors deciding their own boundaries and approach to AI Links & Resources Mentioned ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com Indie Writers Club / SPS Support: https://learnselfpublishing.com/support Down Under Mystery Club: https://ajblythe.com/podcast Cissy's: Walk the Border Password: vivian

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Cissy Mecca have a packed episode of indie publishing news, starting with a significant change to Amazon's preorder rules. Authors can now set up preorders up to 18 months in advance and postpone them twice without penalty – enough to tempt even preorder-phobic James into considering one for his next book. They also discuss a legal case involving Amazon Ads, Cissy's plans to test a Goodreads giveaway for her upcoming release, and the opportunities for indie authors in the Italian market following James's conversation with the team behind Indieverse in Milan. Later, Cissy shares an experiment using ChatGPT and Claude to create an interactive, visual experience around the world of her historical romance series. This leads into a wider conversation about AI, reader-facing marketing and the pressure some romance authors feel around using AI in their businesses. Key Talking Points <ul> <li>Amazon's new 18-month preorder window</li> <li>Authors can now postpone a preorder twice without penalty</li> <li>James considers setting up a preorder for his next book</li> <li>The North Carolina Attorney General's case involving Amazon Ads</li> <li>Cissy's Goodreads giveaway experiment for her September launch</li> <li>Goodreads Giveaway Month and whether giveaways are worth testing</li> <li>Tracking launch data with Claude</li> <li>The Indieverse conference in Milan and the Italian indie publishing market</li> <li>Opportunities for English-language indie authors publishing in Italian</li> <li>An upcoming SPS conversation about the Italian market</li> <li>Cissy's AI-created interactive world-building experience for readers</li> <li>Using ChatGPT to create historical inspiration images</li> <li>Using Claude to build interactive marketing experiences</li> <li>AI as a tool for launch preparation, data and book marketing</li> <li>The debate around reader-facing AI use in romance</li> <li>Authors deciding their own boundaries and approach to AI</li> </ul> Links &amp; Resources Mentioned ProWritingAid: <a href="https://prowritingaid.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://prowritingaid.com</a> Indie Writers Club / SPS Support: <a href="https://learnselfpublishing.com/support" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://learnselfpublishing.com/support</a> Down Under Mystery Club: <a href="https://ajblythe.com/podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://ajblythe.com/podcast</a> Cissy's: <a href="https://claude.ai/code/artifact/5d614bc7-1e7f-4382-9966-a528a314391b?org=4a44f21c-9a4c-45cd-8a3f-7e8d3f3edd42" rel="noopener noreferrer">Walk the Border</a> Password: vivian

SPS-463: Big News From KDP

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, it's launch day for Cissy Mecca's latest medieval romance, while James Blatch is getting serious about his own writing again, with a preorder underway and book two already taking shape. The main discussion focuses on two significant developments at Amazon KDP. James and Cissy look at the new limits on the number of titles authors can upload each week and reports that Amazon may no longer be honouring permafree price matching. They discuss why these changes may be happening, how they could affect different types of indie authors, and why adapting to changes outside your control is simply part of running an author business. There's also news from SPS Live London 2027, with Isabelle Knight and A.P. Beswick announced as the latest speakers, plus details of ProWritingAid's Novel November, the Orlando writing retreat and a very big SPS announcement coming next week. Key Talking Points <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal">Cissy's launch day and the next book already on preorder</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Amazon KDP's new weekly publishing limits</li> <li class="MsoNormal">What the KDP changes could mean for rapid-release authors and translations</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Reports of changes to Amazon's permafree price matching</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Adapting your author business when platforms change the rules</li> <li class="MsoNormal">ProWritingAid's Novel November writing challenge</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Isabelle Knight and A.P. Beswick announced for SPS Live London 2027</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Writing routines, deadlines, editors and accountability</li> <li class="MsoNormal">The Orlando writing retreat and the value of author communities</li> <li class="MsoNormal">A major SPS announcement coming next week</li> </ul> Links & Resources Mentioned ProWritingAid: <a href= "https://prowritingaid.com/" data-rich-text-autolink= "">https://prowritingaid.com</a> Discount code: IWC15 Orlando retreat waitlist - <a href= "http://indiewritersclub.com/orlando" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">indiewritersclub.com/orlando</a> Cissy's New Series: <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Ruthless-But-Her-Captive-Medieval-ebook/dp/B0HDN38GS6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.amazon.com/Ruthless-But-Her-Captive-Medieval-ebook/dp/B0HDN38GS6</a> James' new A+: <a href= "https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spider-espionage-thriller-Espionage-Thrillers-ebook/dp/B0HJQBSTGD/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spider-espionage-thriller-Espionage-Thrillers-ebook/dp/B0HJQBSTGD/</a> PWA's Nov-Nov: <a href="https://prowritingaid.com/novel-november" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://prowritingaid.com/novel-november</a> Meta Link Workaround: <a href= "https://youtu.be/frjsqfhKruI?si=cKvwPiYc-yk9_2Ym" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://youtu.be/frjsqfhKruI?si=cKvwPiYc-yk9_2Ym</a> For the FB messages: Log into business page Go to: <a href= "https://business.facebook.com/latest/inbox/automated_responses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://business.facebook.com/latest/inbox/automated_responses</a> Select "custom keywords" automation

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, it's launch day for Cissy Mecca's latest medieval romance, while James Blatch is getting serious about his own writing again, with a preorder underway and book two already taking shape. The main discussion focuses on two significant developments at Amazon KDP. James and Cissy look at the new limits on the number of titles authors can upload each week and reports that Amazon may no longer be honouring permafree price matching. They discuss why these changes may be happening, how they could affect different types of indie authors, and why adapting to changes outside your control is simply part of running an author business. There's also news from SPS Live London 2027, with Isabelle Knight and A.P. Beswick announced as the latest speakers, plus details of ProWritingAid's Novel November, the Orlando writing retreat and a very big SPS announcement coming next week. Key Talking Points Cissy's launch day and the next book already on preorder Amazon KDP's new weekly publishing limits What the KDP changes could mean for rapid-release authors and translations Reports of changes to Amazon's permafree price matching Adapting your author business when platforms change the rules ProWritingAid's Novel November writing challenge Isabelle Knight and A.P. Beswick announced for SPS Live London 2027 Writing routines, deadlines, editors and accountability The Orlando writing retreat and the value of author communities A major SPS announcement coming next week Links & Resources Mentioned ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com Discount code: IWC15 Orlando retreat waitlist - indiewritersclub.com/orlando Cissy's New Series: https://www.amazon.com/Ruthless-But-Her-Captive-Medieval-ebook/dp/B0HDN38GS6 James' new A+: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spider-espionage-thriller-Espionage-Thrillers-ebook/dp/B0HJQBSTGD/ PWA's Nov-Nov: https://prowritingaid.com/novel-november Meta Link Workaround: https://youtu.be/frjsqfhKruI?si=cKvwPiYc-yk9_2Ym For the FB messages: Log into business page Go to: https://business.facebook.com/latest/inbox/automated_responses Select "custom keywords" automation

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, it's launch day for Cissy Mecca's latest medieval romance, while James Blatch is getting serious about his own writing again, with a preorder underway and book two already taking shape. The main discussion focuses on two significant developments at Amazon KDP. James and Cissy look at the new limits on the number of titles authors can upload each week and reports that Amazon may no longer be honouring permafree price matching. They discuss why these changes may be happening, how they could affect different types of indie authors, and why adapting to changes outside your control is simply part of running an author business. There's also news from SPS Live London 2027, with Isabelle Knight and A.P. Beswick announced as the latest speakers, plus details of ProWritingAid's Novel November, the Orlando writing retreat and a very big SPS announcement coming next week. Key Talking Points <ul> <li>Cissy's launch day and the next book already on preorder</li> <li>Amazon KDP's new weekly publishing limits</li> <li>What the KDP changes could mean for rapid-release authors and translations</li> <li>Reports of changes to Amazon's permafree price matching</li> <li>Adapting your author business when platforms change the rules</li> <li>ProWritingAid's Novel November writing challenge</li> <li>Isabelle Knight and A.P. Beswick announced for SPS Live London 2027</li> <li>Writing routines, deadlines, editors and accountability</li> <li>The Orlando writing retreat and the value of author communities</li> <li>A major SPS announcement coming next week</li> </ul> Links &amp; Resources Mentioned ProWritingAid: <a href="https://prowritingaid.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://prowritingaid.com</a> Discount code: IWC15 Orlando retreat waitlist - <a href="http://indiewritersclub.com/orlando" rel="noopener noreferrer">indiewritersclub.com/orlando</a> Cissy's New Series: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ruthless-But-Her-Captive-Medieval-ebook/dp/B0HDN38GS6" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.amazon.com/Ruthless-But-Her-Captive-Medieval-ebook/dp/B0HDN38GS6</a> James' new A+: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spider-espionage-thriller-Espionage-Thrillers-ebook/dp/B0HJQBSTGD/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spider-espionage-thriller-Espionage-Thrillers-ebook/dp/B0HJQBSTGD/</a> PWA's Nov-Nov: <a href="https://prowritingaid.com/novel-november" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://prowritingaid.com/novel-november</a> Meta Link Workaround: <a href="https://youtu.be/frjsqfhKruI?si=cKvwPiYc-yk9_2Ym" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://youtu.be/frjsqfhKruI?si=cKvwPiYc-yk9_2Ym</a> For the FB messages: Log into business page Go to: <a href="https://business.facebook.com/latest/inbox/automated_responses" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://business.facebook.com/latest/inbox/automated_responses</a> Select "custom keywords" automation

SPS-467: Amazon KDP Is Changing – Are You Ready?

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch is joined by author Skye McKinnon to dig into the numbers behind BookBub Featured Deals and ask whether they still offer authors the same value they once did. Skye shares data from 28 BookBub deals, showing how the additional sales generated by her 99-cent promotions have fallen significantly over the years. They discuss whether the cost still stacks up, the results from free promotions, and whether combining several smaller newsletter promotions could offer better value. The conversation also turns to Skye's recent success with Instagram and Facebook Reels. After experimenting with short-form content using Author Scale, she saw older books that had barely been selling suddenly take off, with some reels reaching hundreds of thousands of views. James also shares a few thoughts on using AI, including where tools such as Claude can be useful for analysing author business data – and where authors should be more cautious about relying on their answers. Key Talking Points <ul data-spread="false"> <li>Skye McKinnon's findings from 28 BookBub Featured Deals</li> <li>Whether BookBub promotions still offer good value for authors</li> <li>Free versus 99-cent promotions and the importance of sell-through</li> <li>Stacking smaller newsletter promotions as an alternative to BookBub</li> <li>Skye's success using Instagram and Facebook Reels to revive older books</li> <li>Using Author Scale to create short-form book content</li> <li>Repurposing successful organic content for paid advertising</li> <li>Using AI to analyse author business and advertising data</li> </ul> Links & Resources Mentioned ProWritingAid: <a href= "https://prowritingaid.com/" data-rich-text-autolink= "">https://prowritingaid.com</a> Discount code: IWC15 SPS Patreon / Support: <a href= "https://learnselfpublishing.com/support" data-rich-text-autolink= "">https://learnselfpublishing.com/support</a> BookBub: <a href= "https://www.bookbub.com/" data-rich-text-autolink= "">https://www.bookbub.com</a> SPS LIVE 2027 tickets are now available: <a href= "https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive" data-rich-text-autolink= "">https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive</a>

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch is joined by author Skye McKinnon to dig into the numbers behind BookBub Featured Deals and ask whether they still offer authors the same value they once did. Skye shares data from 28 BookBub deals, showing how the additional sales generated by her 99-cent promotions have fallen significantly over the years. They discuss whether the cost still stacks up, the results from free promotions, and whether combining several smaller newsletter promotions could offer better value. The conversation also turns to Skye's recent success with Instagram and Facebook Reels. After experimenting with short-form content using Author Scale, she saw older books that had barely been selling suddenly take off, with some reels reaching hundreds of thousands of views. James also shares a few thoughts on using AI, including where tools such as Claude can be useful for analysing author business data – and where authors should be more cautious about relying on their answers. Key Talking Points Skye McKinnon's findings from 28 BookBub Featured Deals Whether BookBub promotions still offer good value for authors Free versus 99-cent promotions and the importance of sell-through Stacking smaller newsletter promotions as an alternative to BookBub Skye's success using Instagram and Facebook Reels to revive older books Using Author Scale to create short-form book content Repurposing successful organic content for paid advertising Using AI to analyse author business and advertising data Links & Resources Mentioned ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com Discount code: IWC15 SPS Patreon / Support: https://learnselfpublishing.com/support BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com SPS LIVE 2027 tickets are now available: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch is joined by author Skye McKinnon to dig into the numbers behind BookBub Featured Deals and ask whether they still offer authors the same value they once did. Skye shares data from 28 BookBub deals, showing how the additional sales generated by her 99-cent promotions have fallen significantly over the years. They discuss whether the cost still stacks up, the results from free promotions, and whether combining several smaller newsletter promotions could offer better value. The conversation also turns to Skye's recent success with Instagram and Facebook Reels. After experimenting with short-form content using Author Scale, she saw older books that had barely been selling suddenly take off, with some reels reaching hundreds of thousands of views. James also shares a few thoughts on using AI, including where tools such as Claude can be useful for analysing author business data – and where authors should be more cautious about relying on their answers. Key Talking Points <ul> <li>Skye McKinnon's findings from 28 BookBub Featured Deals</li> <li>Whether BookBub promotions still offer good value for authors</li> <li>Free versus 99-cent promotions and the importance of sell-through</li> <li>Stacking smaller newsletter promotions as an alternative to BookBub</li> <li>Skye's success using Instagram and Facebook Reels to revive older books</li> <li>Using Author Scale to create short-form book content</li> <li>Repurposing successful organic content for paid advertising</li> <li>Using AI to analyse author business and advertising data</li> </ul> Links &amp; Resources Mentioned ProWritingAid: <a href="https://prowritingaid.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://prowritingaid.com</a> Discount code: IWC15 SPS Patreon / Support: <a href="https://learnselfpublishing.com/support" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://learnselfpublishing.com/support</a> BookBub: <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bookbub.com</a> SPS LIVE 2027 tickets are now available: <a href="https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive</a>

SPS-465: Does BookBub Still Work?

Lilian Sue is a PR coach and publicist helping authors develop healthy mindsets and strategies.

Lilian Sue is a PR coach and publicist helping authors develop healthy mindsets and strategies.

SPS-337: PR Services for Authors - with Lilian Sue

Kobo's Tara Cremin explains why you're leaving millions of readers on the table.

Kobo's Tara Cremin explains why you're leaving millions of readers on the table.

Kobo's Tara Cremin explains why you're leaving millions of readers on the table.

SPS-336: Kobo Writing Life: Reach New Readers - with Tara Cremin

Currently teaching a writing course at Cambridge University, Sophie Hannah discusses the publishing routes available to new authors.

Currently teaching a writing course at Cambridge University, Sophie Hannah discusses the publishing routes available to new authors.

Currently teaching a writing course at Cambridge University, Sophie Hannah discusses the publishing routes available to new authors.

SPS-335: Publishing the New Poirot - with Sophie Hannah

SPS-334: Flying into Fiction: Video Games & NFTs - with Nicholas Narbutovskih

Chrissy Metge isn't just an author of children's books – she also works on the special effects for some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters.

Chrissy Metge isn't just an author of children's books – she also works on the special effects for some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters.

Chrissy Metge isn't just an author of children's books – she also works on the special effects for some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters.

SPS-333: Building Better Worlds: Special Effects & Writing - with Chrissy Metge

Julia had to flee Ukraine due to the war, yet MiblArt's work as a book cover design company continues.

Julia had to flee Ukraine due to the war, yet MiblArt's work as a book cover design company continues.

Julia had to flee Ukraine due to the war, yet MiblArt's work as a book cover design company continues.

SPS-332: MiblArt: Cover Design During the War - with Julia Rozdobudko

Ace author website designer, Stuart Grant, explains why every author needs a site and how to go about securing one that's going to help you sell more books.

Ace author website designer, Stuart Grant, explains why every author needs a site and how to go about securing one that's going to help you sell more books.

Ace author website designer, Stuart Grant, explains why every author needs a site and how to go about securing one that's going to help you sell more books.

SPS-331: Websites for Writers - with Stuart Grant

Two years on and it's back! Mark and James talk you through the exciting schedule for this year's upcoming two-day SPS event in London.

Two years on and it's back! Mark and James talk you through the exciting schedule for this year's upcoming two-day SPS event in London.

Two years on and it's back! Mark and James talk you through the exciting schedule for this year's upcoming two-day SPS event in London.

SPS-330: Getting Ready for The Self Publishing Show Live! - with Mark Dawson & James Blatch

So how do you get started as an indie author? Let multi-million selling indie superstar Mark Dawson and newbie author James Blatch be your guides!

So how do you get started as an indie author? Let multi-million selling indie superstar Mark Dawson and newbie author James Blatch be your guides!

So how do you get started as an indie author? Let multi-million selling indie superstar Mark Dawson and newbie author James Blatch be your guides!

SPS-329: Self-Publishing Fundamentals - with Mark Dawson & James Blatch

Indie author superstar, Marie Force, on what it takes to keep your readers coming back for more.

Indie author superstar, Marie Force, on what it takes to keep your readers coming back for more.

Indie author superstar, Marie Force, on what it takes to keep your readers coming back for more.

SPS-328: Marie Force Be With You! 10 Million Copies Sold and Counting...

Join James Blatch has he navigates the fast changing world of indie publishing. With the biggest guests in the industry and tips on how to stay ahead of the crowd.

Share The Self Publishing Show

Sign up to save your podcasts

The Self Publishing Show

The Self Publishing Show episodes

About The Self Publishing Show

Best of The Self Publishing Show

More shows like The Self Publishing Show

Writing Excuses

Story Grid Writing Podcast

The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers

Pod Save America

The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast

Fiction Writing Made Easy with Savannah Gilbo | How to Write a Novel & Writing Advice

Huberman Lab

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel

QuitCast for Writers with Becca Syme

The Millionaire Real Estate Agent | The MREA Podcast

Indie Writers Club