The Self Publishing Show

James and Cissy reflect on conversations from a recent indie author mastermind in Savannah, Georgia, where the biggest topic on everyone's mind was discoverability in the age of AI. With thousands of new titles flooding platforms like Amazon KDP every day, the hosts explore how authors can adapt - from optimising metadata for AI search to expanding audiobook distribution and experimenting with platforms like YouTube. The episode culminates in a bold proposal: introducing a publishing fee on KDP uploads to discourage low-quality AI-generated content and improve the reader experience.

Key Talking Points

• The growing discoverability crisis on Amazon as AI enables massive volumes of low-quality books to be uploaded daily.
• Practical strategies authors can use to improve AI discoverability, including consistent blurbs, Google Books previews, and optimised author websites.
• Why expanding audiobook distribution beyond exclusivity, including platforms like Spotify and YouTube - may become an important discovery tool.
• The importance of deep Amazon categories and metadata optimisation to help books surface in searches.
• James' controversial proposal: a refundable publishing fee for KDP uploads to reduce AI-generated "content farms" and improve reader experience.

Links & Resources Mentioned

• ProWritingAid (Sponsor – code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions): https://prowritingaid.com
• Reedsy (research on AI discoverability mentioned): https://reedsy.com
• Draft2Digital (library distribution discussed): https://draft2digital.com
• AI Translations Course: https://learnselfpublishing.com/aitranslations
• Self-Publishing Show Live: https://learnselfpublishing.com/spslive

James and Cissy dive into the evolving AI conversation, reacting to viral commentary about whether artificial intelligence will truly replace white-collar jobs and what that means for writers. They explore the difference between superficial and deep AI usage, the economics behind tech industry messaging, and how authors can adapt rather than resist. They also discuss the irreplaceable value of in-person author events, relationship building, and why conferences continue to be career accelerators in an increasingly digital industry.

Key Talking Points

• A viral "Stay Human" TikTok challenges the narrative that AI will eliminate white-collar jobs, reframing it as investor-driven hype rather than economic inevitability.
• Why authors won't be replaced by AI but may be replaced by authors who use AI effectively and strategically.
• The difference between shallow AI use and deep, professional integration (including translation workflows and creative production).
• Why in-person events accelerate learning, build trust, create lifelong industry friendships, and often spark the biggest career breakthroughs.

Links & Resources Mentioned

• ProWritingAid (Sponsor – code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions): https://prowritingaid.com
• Social Media Examiner – AI Explored Podcast: https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/ai-explored/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@kelly_boesch_ai_art?_r=1&_t=ZN-94CQZzFmP4g
• Author Nation: https://authornation.live
• Self-Publishing Show Live (London conference): https://learnselfpublishing.com/spslive
• Irelands Publishing Show: https://www.indienetworkevents.com From learnselfpublishing.com

Episode Summary

James and Cissy welcome Robin Bennett Freebairn back to the show to discuss how he's successfully expanded his nonfiction "birth year" book series into the gifting market via Etsy. Robin shares how selling direct through a marketplace platform has rapidly grown into a major revenue stream, now rivalling Amazon income and explains the practical realities of becoming not just an author, but a retailer. From managing stock and print runs to offering gift wrap and personalised editions, this episode dives deep into how indie authors can future-proof their businesses by building human connection, diversifying platforms, and embracing direct sales.

Key Talking Points

• Why Etsy is proving to be a powerful platform for gift-focused books, with largely organic growth and strong margins.
• The mindset shift from author to retailer - managing stock, customer service, fulfilment times, and repeat buyers.
• Profit breakdown: hardback pricing strategy, production costs, Etsy fees (significantly lower than Amazon), and upsells like gift wrapping and personalisation.
• How direct sales create stronger reader relationships and "superfans" through exceptional customer service.
• Diversifying beyond Amazon as protection against AI disruption and platform risk and building a sustainable family-run publishing business.

Links & Resources Mentioned

• ProWritingAid (Sponsor – code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions): https://prowritingaid.com
• Etsy (Marketplace discussed): https://www.etsy.com
• BookVault (Print-on-demand service mentioned): https://bookvault.app
• Short Run Press (UK short-run printer referenced): https://www.shortrunpress.co.uk
• Self-Publishing Show Live (June London conference): https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive

The Self-Publishing Show enters a new era as James Blatch officially introduces his new co-host, romance author Cecilia "Cissy" Mecca. In this wide-ranging conversation, they explore Cissy's indie journey, from mediaeval romance to paranormal and contemporary pivots, her decision to consolidate pen names, and the realities of building a sustainable author career. The episode also dives into the latest AI controversy in the romance world, discussing reader backlash, industry adaptation, and why platform-building may matter more than ever in an AI-powered marketplace.

• Official introduction of Cecilia "Cissy" Mecca as the new co-host and what she brings from the romance genre perspective.
• Cissy's indie origin story: discovering self-publishing through conference connections and following the Learn Self Publishing LaunchPad roadmap to leave her teaching career.
• The pros and cons of genre pivoting, combining pen names, and choosing creative fulfilment over strict niche strategy.
• The New York Times article about Coral Heart and AI-written romance books and the strong reaction from romance readers and authors.
• Why adapting to AI, strengthening reader connection, and building direct platforms (mailing lists, community, in-person events) will be critical for authors moving forward.

• ProWritingAid (sponsor & discount code IWC15): https://prowritingaid.com
• NotebookLM by Google (research & synthesis tool discussed): https://notebooklm.google.com
• Learn Self Publishing - Launchpad course https://www.learnselfpublishing.com
• The New York Times article with Coral Heart https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/08/business/ai-claude-romance-books.html?unlocked_article_code=1.KlA.cf39.OMbDGgPwsUjy

James Blatch returns after an 18-month hiatus to relaunch the Self Publishing Show and outline its new direction. In this solo episode, he reflects on why the show paused, what changed during that time with the Indie Writers Club, and how the podcast will evolve going forward with a new co-host. James also shares his clear, pragmatic stance on AI in publishing, discusses AI translations for authors, and previews upcoming projects, courses, and live events for the indie publishing community.

Key Talking Points

• Why the Self-Publishing Show went on hiatus and what's changing to make it more sustainable and community-focused going forward.
• Lessons learned from the Indie Writers Club podcast, including community-building, industry discussion, and practical craft conversations.
• James' position on AI in publishing: embracing AI as a tool while calling out unethical practices and adapting to industry change.
• A deep look at AI translations for authors, including why first-pass AI translations aren't enough and how a multi-pass workflow improves quality.
• What's coming next: a new co-host reveal, future guests, Self-Publishing Show Live updates, and expanded community offerings.

Links & Resources Mentioned

• ProWritingAid (sponsor & discount code IWC15): https://prowritingaid.com
• Indie Writers Club (podcast archive): https://indiewritersclub.com
• ProWritingAid Novel Beginnings competition: https://prowritingaid.com/novel-beginnings
• AI Translations for Authors waitlist: https://learnselfpublishing.com/aitranslations
• Self-Publishing Show Live (London conference): https://learnselfpublishing.com/spslive

James talks to Joe Solari, the man responsible for the world's largest gathering of indie authors and Darren Hardy, from Amazon KDP, who is the most listened to guest we've ever had on the show.

Nick Thacker VP of Author Success at Draft2Digital joins James to dive into what's new and what D2D can offer the self publishing world.

James talks to Marco Moutinho from Dibbly, a content creation platform, which can help you with freelance services. Dibbly also offers an AI tool 'Kip' that has some fantastic features to offer the indie author.

This week James talks to bestseller Suzy K Quinn and editor Adam Strange from Kevin Anderson & Associates, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience on editing to the show.

Join James and Carlyn Robertson from BookBub talking about what's new at BookBub and what BookBub can offer.