The Self Publishing Show

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Cissy Mecca argue that as AI makes it easier than ever to produce competent books, craft is becoming an author's greatest competitive advantage. They explore why developing a distinctive voice, creating emotionally resonant stories, and continually refining your writing matter more than ever. Alongside the discussion on craft, they also cover the latest AI developments, compare tools like Claude, ChatGPT and Fable, and share practical advice on using technology without losing the human qualities that make readers fall in love with books.

Key Talking Points

• Why craft is making a comeback in the age of AI
• How a distinctive author voice sets your books apart from AI-generated content
• What "voice" really means—and practical ways to develop your own
• Why emotionally resonant writing creates the word-of-mouth every author wants
• The difference between writing quickly, writing slowly, and writing well
• How editors and writing coaches should strengthen your unique style, not standardise it
• Understanding that improving craft looks different for every writer
• The influence of TikTok and shareable reading moments on modern storytelling
• The latest updates from Fable, Claude and other AI tools
• Choosing the right AI subscription and building an effective workflow

Links & Resources Mentioned

• ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com
• Claude AI: https://claude.ai
• ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com
• Google Gemini: https://gemini.google.com
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com
• Anthropic: https://www.anthropic.com

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Cissy Mecca dive into the next wave of AI tools for authors, focusing on Fable and the rise of agentic AI. They explore how these new tools can ingest an author's entire backlist, create series bibles, analyse metadata, support developmental editing, and become long-term business assistants rather than simple chatbots. Along the way, they share updates on their own writing projects, discuss practical AI workflows, and look at how tools like ChatGPT's new Sites feature are rapidly changing what authors can build without coding.

Key Talking Points

• What is Fable and how does it differ from traditional AI chatbots?
• Agentic AI and why it's a game-changer for author businesses
• Building a series bible from an entire backlist
• Using AI for developmental editing and metadata optimisation
• Why authors should ingest their content while pricing remains low
• James shares how AI is helping him plot Book 5 without writing it for him
• Practical examples of AI organising story structure and chapter planning
• The real costs of AI-powered publishing workflows
• Creating AI "decision filters" to avoid shiny object syndrome and stay focused

Links & Resources Mentioned

• ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com
• Claude Fable 5: claude.ai - just open claude.ai (or the desktop/mobile app) and pick it from the model dropdown.
• Patreon: learnselfpublishing.com/support — where listeners can sign up for the Indie Writers Club Patreon (tiers: Quirky Friend $5/mo, Reliable Narrator $10/mo, Main Character $15/mo).
• https://youtu.be/Dd7FixvoKBw?si=dGSQ65NIC9Y7EkEK
• https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/fable-download

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Cissy Mecca welcome author and former music industry executive Jack Williamson to discuss what authors can learn from the entertainment industry. Jack shares how a career spanning 17 years in music, followed by psychotherapy, inspired his transition into writing fiction, and why storytelling, branding, and understanding genre expectations are essential for building an author career. The conversation explores lessons from the music business, creating immersive reader experiences, writing authentic romance, and how authors can think more like entertainers when launching books.

• Jack Williamson's journey from the music industry to indie publishing
• What authors can learn from the music business about building an audience
• Why storytelling is at the heart of every successful creative career
• Writing authentic romance inspired by real-life experiences
• The importance of understanding genre expectations and reader promise
• Building a book launch that extends beyond the novel itself
• Using original music and multimedia to enhance the reader experience
• Branding lessons authors can borrow from musicians and performers
• The value of treating your author career as a long-term creative business
• SPS banter covering football, conferences, and the indie author community

• ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Cissy Mecca dive into the latest AI developments, including changes to Claude's subscription tiers and what they mean for authors using AI in their daily workflows. They also discuss TikTok marketing, the risks of AI-generated recommendations being manipulated, and why authors need to think critically about discoverability in an AI-driven world. Cissy shares an update on her upcoming fantasy romance launch, including cover design, budgeting, and building a comprehensive launch strategy, while James reflects on book formatting mishaps, marketing lessons, and England's World Cup campaign.

Key Talking Points

• Claude's new subscription limits and what they mean for authors
• Comparing Claude, Gemini, and other AI tools for writing and business tasks
• How AI-generated recommendations can potentially be manipulated
• Why authors should stay informed as AI changes search and discoverability
• TikTok marketing tips and understanding how the algorithm works
• Cissy's upcoming Black Sails of the Border fantasy romance series
• Cover design investment and the cost of illustrated covers
• Building a launch strategy using AI alongside proven marketing methods
• Launch planning, advertising, newsletter swaps, and budgeting
• James shares a formatting mishap that surprisingly didn't affect book sales
• Why readers often notice story over formatting imperfections

Links & Resources Mentioned

• ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com
• Cissy Mecca: https://meccaromance.com

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Cissy Mecca reflect on The Self Publishing Show Live 2026 and discuss what happens after the excitement of a conference ends. They explore the importance of reviewing progress at the halfway point of the year, assessing business goals, and deciding what to focus on for the remainder of 2026. The conversation covers productivity, TikTok marketing, author accountability, using data to make better decisions, and feedback from SPS Live attendees. James also shares plans being considered for future SPS Live events, including more hands-on workshops and potentially expanding the conference format.

Key Talking Points

• Why a mid-year business review is essential for authors
• Assessing goals, progress, and priorities for the second half of the year
• Using data and metrics to make smarter publishing decisions
• TikTok marketing and deciding where to focus your time
• The challenge of balancing creativity with business planning
• SPS Live attendee feedback and highlights from the event
• The possibility of adding a third day to SPS Live
• Ideas for future hands-on workshop and implementation sessions
• The value of accountability and sharing plans with other authors
• Avoiding overwhelm by focusing on a small number of key objectives
• Homework: James & Cissy's Mid-Year Author Check-In Questions:
• What number are you proudest of from the first half of 2026?
• What did you stop doing, and was it the right decision?
• What is your Q3 pivot — what are you going to do differently?

Links & Resources Mentioned

• ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com
• SPS Live Digital Ticket & Replay Access: https://learnselfpublishing.com/digital
• Cissy Mecca Romance: https://meccaromance.com
• Two Authors' Podcast: https://youtu.be/QhYcucRQeBw?si=yPfqRHW_P4INK1RI

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Cissy Mecca reflect on SPS Live 2026 and the Cambridge Retreat, sharing their biggest takeaways from the event and the sessions that made the biggest impact. From direct sales and BookVault strategies to AI workflows, reader engagement, advertising, TikTok marketing, and writing for commercial success, the pair discuss the practical lessons authors can apply immediately to their own publishing businesses. The episode serves as a post-conference debrief, highlighting the trends, tools, and mindset shifts that are shaping the future of indie publishing.

Key Talking Points

• Key lessons and standout moments from SPS Live 2026 & The Cambridge Retreat
• Direct sales opportunities and simplifying fulfilment with BookVault
• Using AI to streamline author businesses and administrative workflows
• Building AI projects and systems rather than relying on individual chat prompts
• Advertising strategies and improving marketing effectiveness
• Why consistency beats chasing viral success on TikTok
• Reader engagement, newsletter performance, and audience growth
• Writing for commercial success and understanding reading-age expectations
• The importance of clear, accessible writing ("Saxon over Latin")
• Practical actions authors can take immediately after attending a conference
• How successful authors focus on implementing ideas rather than collecting them

Links & Resources Mentioned

• ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com
• SPS Live 2026 Digital: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive-digital
• BookVault: https://bookvault.app
• Tammi Labrecque: https://newsletterninja.net
• Gunning Fog Index — estimates how hard a piece of writing is to read. The formula is: Fog Index=0.4×(wordssentences+100×complex wordswords)\text{Fog Index} = 0.4 \times \left( \frac{\text{words}}{\text{sentences}} + 100 \times \frac{\text{complex words}}{\text{words}} \right)Fog Index=0.4×(sentenceswords​+100×wordscomplex words​)Where: Words per sentence = total words ÷ total sentences Complex words = words with three or more syllables, usually excluding proper nouns, familiar compound words, and common suffix forms. So in plain English: Fog Index=0.4×(average sentence length+percentage of complex words)\text{Fog Index} = 0.4 \times (\text{average sentence length} + \text{percentage of complex words})Fog Index=0.4×(average sentence length+percentage of complex words)Example: If a passage has:
  • 120 words
  • 6 sentences
  • 12 complex words
  Then: Average sentence length = 120 ÷ 6 = 20 Percentage of complex words = 12 ÷ 120 × 100 = 10 0.4×(20+10)=120.4 \times (20 + 10) = 120.4×(20+10)=12 So the Fog Index is 12, meaning the writing is roughly suited to someone with a 12th-grade / late secondary-school reading level.

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Sissy Mecca record live from SPS Live in London, surrounded by more than 500 authors from around the world. They share the atmosphere from the conference floor, discuss some of the standout sessions, and chat with special guests including volunteer coordinator Adrian Wills, Draft2Digital's Dan Wood, and Doug Pratt and Nick Harvey from the Two Indie Authors podcast. Topics include fandom building, direct sales, the future impact of AI on publishing, conference networking, and the power of community within the indie author world.

Key Talking Points

• Behind-the-scenes insights into running SPS Live
• The vital role volunteers play in creating a successful conference experience
• Building author fandom and reader loyalty beyond the ebook
• Lessons from Damon Courtney's "Taylor Swift Method" presentation
• Why direct sales and special editions continue to grow in importance
• The value of author conferences for networking and learning
• How the indie publishing landscape is changing through AI
• Why authors need to understand AI, even if they choose not to use it
• The increasing importance of reader relationships and community building
• Dan Wood's perspective on industry trends and adapting to change
• A conversation with Nick Harvey and Doug Pratt about podcasting and the indie author community
• The unique atmosphere and energy of SPS Live compared to other industry events

Links & Resources Mentioned

• ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com
• Draft2Digital: https://www.draft2digital.com
• BookFunnel: https://bookfunnel.com
• The Two Indie Authors Podcast
• Vellum: https://vellum.pub
• SPS Live: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Cissy Mecca share practical advice on how to work a conference rather than simply attend one, ahead of SPS Live in London. They discuss how authors can prepare in advance, choose the right sessions, network confidently, ask useful questions, and turn conference inspiration into real action afterwards. The episode also covers author scams, AI discoverability, changing AI tools, and how writers can use conferences to build meaningful connections and long-term career momentum.

Key Talking Points

• How to prepare before arriving at a conference
• Why authors should treat conferences as an investment
• Choosing sessions based on your current goals
• Making the most of panels, Q&As and speaker access
• Networking naturally without feeling awkward
• Why generosity and genuine curiosity help build stronger connections
• How to take useful notes and turn ideas into action
• Avoiding post-conference overwhelm
• Staying alert to scams targeting authors
• AI discoverability and why metadata, niche positioning and FAQs matter

Links & Resources Mentioned

• ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com
• SPS Live 2026 schedule: https://learnselfpublishing.com/schedule
• SPS Live digital ticket: https://learnselfpublishing.com/spslive-digital
• Meta's subscriptions: https://www.meta.com/en-gb/help/subscriptions/960854640235758

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Cissy Mecca discuss the major changes coming to Audible and ACX, including the new royalty model and updated enrolment requirements for audiobook authors. They explore what these changes could mean for indie publishers, the growing opportunities in wide audio distribution, and why authors may want to think beyond Audible. Alongside the industry discussion, there's plenty of SPS banter covering podcast microphones, pop filters, romance conferences, and the ever-changing publishing landscape.

Key Talking Points

• Audible's new royalty model and ACX enrolment changes
• What indie authors need to know about audiobook distribution updates
• Exclusive versus wide audio strategies
• Direct audiobook sales using platforms like BookFunnel
• Spotify's increasing presence in the audiobook market
• Concerns around royalty transparency and reporting
• Why authors need to remain flexible as publishing evolves
• SPS banter about podcasting, microphones, and author life

Links & Resources Mentioned

• ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com Use code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions.
• ACX: https://www.acx.com
• BookFunnel: https://bookfunnel.com
• Self-Publishing Show Live: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive
• The New Rules of Book Discovery PDF

Episode Summary

James and Cissy tackle a "bits and bobs" episode covering the changing indie publishing landscape, with a focus on Amazon's evolving AI-driven algorithms and what authors need to do to stay discoverable. They discuss why clear genre signalling, strong metadata, covers, blurbs, titles, and reader expectation alignment are becoming more important than ever. The conversation also touches on pricing psychology, the value readers place on author access and premium offers and the importance of stepping away from mental work with physical hobbies.

Key Talking Points

• Why Amazon's AI and algorithm changes may reward authors who clearly understand and serve their ideal readers.
• The importance of aligning covers, blurbs, titles, keywords, characters, and genre promise to create a strong reader experience.
• Why authors should audit their books and metadata rather than panic about the flood of new AI-generated content.
• Pricing psychology and why readers or clients may value products more when the price reflects that value.
• The benefit of switching off from mentally demanding creative work by doing something physical and absorbing outside writing.

Links & Resources Mentioned

• ProWritingAid (Sponsor – code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions): https://prowritingaid.com
• Becca Syme: https://betterfasteracademy.com
• https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/barnes-and-noble-james-daunt-ai-books-b2978925.html
• https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNRtQCMNE/
• https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNRtQD3nA/
• Self-Publishing Show Live: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive
• SPS Live 2026 Party: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/party-on-the-boat