Indie Author Roadmap Podcast

Episode 81 - Thinking Like A Publisher - In this episode, Rob and Rachel explore the intersection of AI, publishing strategies, and creative processes, sharing insights on how to treat writing as a business and leverage new technologies for success.  Having now introduced a Swear Jar to the show, Rob also struggles with this new addition to proceedings, but it is for a good cause. The Indie Author Roadmap Xmas party which will take place in the evening of The Northern Indie Author Summit.  If you haven’t got your ticket yet, now is the time as they are moving fast. Go to www.iamanchester.com and we’ll see you there in November!

In this episode, Rachel Morton and The Reluctant Writer share their latest strategies and insights on book marketing, Facebook ads, TikTok, and building a sustainable author career. They discuss practical tips, tools, and real-world results to help authors grow their readership and sales. If you would like to book your ticket for Northern Indie Author Summit on 21st November 2026 check out www.iamanchester.com and use code FOUNDER10 for £10 off face price.  

Join us as we delve into the insights and experiences from the recent self-publishing conference in London, exploring marketing strategies, author stories, and industry tips to boost your writing career.   Join us in Manchester in November for the northern indie author summit! check out www.iamanchester.com    

In this episode, authors Rachel Morton and Rob Brackliffe share their insights on book formatting, marketing strategies, and building a loyal reader community. They discuss practical tips for self-publishing success, including ad campaigns, series management, and engaging with ARC readers.

In this episode, hosts Rob and Rachel share their recent experiences, goals, and insights into writing, marketing, AI tools, and upcoming events. They discuss their progress on book releases, the impact of AI on publishing, and plans for conferences and retreats, offering valuable tips for authors looking to boost their productivity and adapt to industry changes.

This week's episode is about Launching that book, and how these things have changed and continue to change in the indie publishing sphere. Touching on their own experiences, Rachel and Rob dive into pricing strategies, reader magnets, and the use of AI in your day to day writing and publishing life. 

Join Rob and Rachel as they explore the evolving landscape of AI in publishing, authoring, and creative industries. They discuss AI's impact on storytelling, book production, marketing, and chat about the AI haters, and how this is dividing the publishing industry.   As discussed in this week's episode, here are Rachel's mood boards she discusses in the show: https://hidrive.ionos.com/share/wnzfi7-9m1  

How can you sell your book to readers before you launch it into the world? In this week's episode Rachel and Rob discuss just that, talking about the likes of Kickstarters, in person author events, and much more. A great episode for anyone looking to branch out from the traditional online stores as well as those not quite ready to take their book to the retailers.

In this episode, Rob Radcliffe and Rachel discuss their recent projects, marketing strategies, AI tools, and upcoming events, providing valuable insights for authors and creators.

Why Choose a Faceless Pen Name? Choosing to write under a pen name can be a strategic decision for many authors. For some, it stems from a desire for privacy. In this week's show Rachel and Rob discuss faceless pen names, the pros and con, as well as the usual banter.

In this week's show, Rachel shares her recent experiences at a reader event, insights on book marketing, and tips for authors on engaging with readers and managing their author business effectively. Don't forget we'll soon be coming live and in person to Manchester for Northern Indie Author Summit.  If you'd like to register your interest, check out www.iamanchester.com and sign up.

In this episode, Rachel and Rob discuss the transformative power of dictation technology, sharing practical tips, software tools, and personal experiences to help writers boost productivity and overcome creative blocks. They also chat about severed fingers, Alexia wanting to become a guest on the show, and their upcoming Manchester Conference.   Rachel's Dictation for author's youtube post: https://youtu.be/nOUMyJ1XA8E?si=O_XIJ7JCCvcaASR8 Northern Indie Author Summit Sign Up: https://www.indieauthorlaunchlab.com/iamanchester  

This episode features a deep dive into the world of indie publishing, covering topics like book ordering, marketing strategies, and the upcoming Manchester conference. The hosts share practical tips on dictation, translation, and building an author platform, making it a must-listen for aspiring authors. Don't forget to sign up for more information about the Northern Indie Author Summit HERE!

This episode captures the vibrant energy of the Ireland Publishing Show, featuring author insights, conference highlights, future plans and a special guest with a special announcment. Discover key takeaways on writing, marketing, and community building from passionate authors and industry experts.

 summary In this episode, Rob and Rachel discuss optimizing your Amazon author and book pages to boost visibility and sales. They cover strategies for effective blurbs, series pages, reviews, and A+ content, providing actionable tips for authors looking to improve their Amazon presence.  

This episode explores the integration of AI into writing and career management, featuring Rachel's innovative tools and strategies for authors. We discuss AI's role in productivity, task management, and creative processes, offering practical insights for writers looking to leverage technology effectively.

Join Rob and Rachel this week as they discuss AI in writing, conference experiences, marketing strategies, and the realities of indie publishing. Gain insights into leveraging AI tools, navigating author conferences, and boosting your writing career.

In this lively episode, Rachel and Rob share insights on author branding, email marketing, and leveraging AI tools to streamline author careers. They discuss practical strategies for building mailing lists, creating engaging content, and using automation to grow readership effectively.

In this episode, the Rachel and Rob discuss the integration of AI in writing and marketing strategies for authors. They explore time management techniques to help writers balance their commitments, the importance of engaging with readers, and how platforms like TikTok can enhance author visibility. Additionally, they provide insights into cost-effective marketing for new authors and the potential of Kickstarter as a funding source for writing projects. In this engaging conversation, Mike Hibbert shares his extensive experience with Kickstarter as a platform for indie authors. He discusses the importance of simplicity in campaigns, the significance of community building, and the logistics of fulfillment and payment. Mike also highlights the long-term nature of crowdfunding success and offers insights into his upcoming projects, including a new time travel spy thriller. The discussion is rich with practical advice for new authors looking to navigate the world of crowdfunding and book marketing.

In this episode, hosts Rachel and Rob discuss their recent writing progress, marketing strategies, and the importance of engaging with readers. They delve into the challenges of crafting effective blurbs and the role of generative engine optimization in enhancing book visibility. The conversation highlights the significance of community support among indie authors and the value of reader feedback in shaping writing direction. The hosts also share their future goals and plans for upcoming projects, emphasizing the need to focus on what truly matters in their writing journeys. Check Out Steve Aitchison's brand new Indie Author newsletter to help you build your author career. https://stevenaitchisonauthor.substack.com/p/episode-1-the-rules-of-this-room   Please follow Rachel's publishing tiktok so she has no more excuses not to jump on lives.  https://www.tiktok.com/@dark.wolf.books  

In today's episode Rachel and Rob explore the different avenues you can take to get your books into reader's hands. Expect plenty of banter. Don't forget to follow https://www.tiktok.com/@dark.wolf.books so that Rachel has no more excuses not to do her first tiktok lives.

In this episode of the Indie Author Roadmap, hosts Rob and Rachel dive into their recent experiences as indie authors, discussing the challenges and successes of selling books through live streams and social media. Rob shares his journey of going live on different channels, highlighting the importance of engaging with followers and the impact of consistent marketing efforts. Rachel, on the other hand, talks about her plans to go live and the hurdles she faces in building her online presence, including the need to reach a certain follower count on TikTok before she can start streaming. The conversation flows into their strategies for managing book stock, marketing, and the creative process, with both authors sharing insights on how to maintain a balance between writing and promoting their work. As they navigate through various topics, they also touch on the importance of community building among readers and fellow authors, emphasizing how personal connections can lead to increased sales and support. The episode is filled with light-hearted banter, practical advice, and a glimpse into the realities of being an indie author in today's digital landscape, making it a must-listen for aspiring writers and seasoned authors alike.

In this episode, Rachel and Rob discuss their weekly writing progress, the importance of mindset in achieving goals, and the impact of social media marketing, particularly through TikTok. They delve into the Novel Gains Challenge, emphasizing accountability and community support among indie authors. The conversation covers various strategies for content creation, scheduling, and cross-promotion, highlighting the need for adaptability in sales strategies. The hosts share personal experiences and insights, encouraging listeners to engage with their audience and experiment with different marketing techniques. JOIN THE NOVEL GAINS CHALLENGE NOW! https://www.facebook.com/groups/870314997912256  

In this episode, the hosts discuss various aspects of the writing journey, including reflections on the New Year, the importance of setting realistic goals, and the challenges of book formatting and publishing. They introduce their guest, Dr. Jo Lukins, who shares insights on the psychology of writing, the significance of audience awareness, and effective marketing strategies for authors. The conversation emphasizes the need for planning, celebrating small wins, and learning from both successes and failures in the writing process. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Jo Lukins shares her insights on author promotion, the importance of personal storytelling, and innovative writing projects. She emphasizes leveraging media to connect with audiences and discusses the potential of translation and audiobooks in reaching wider markets. The discussion also touches on the significance of authenticity in building a reader community and the creative ways authors can engage with their audience.

In this week's show, Rachel and Rob reflect on their Christmas experiences and discuss their writing goals for the upcoming year. They explore various strategies for achieving these goals, including setting realistic word counts and balancing freelance work with personal writing projects. The duo also delves into the challenges of audiobook production, formatting, and translation, while sharing insights on reader expectations. Additionally, they discuss the potential of Kickstarter for funding new projects and the importance of effective marketing strategies, particularly on TikTok. As they prepare for upcoming author conferences, they emphasize the significance of planning travel and managing time effectively. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various aspects of self-publishing, including the costs associated with printing books, strategies for selling on TikTok, and the importance of building a presence on social media. They also delve into pricing strategies for book bundles and the management of newsletters and Patreon engagement to maintain reader interest and support.

In this episode, Rachel and Rob reflect on their writing and publishing goals from the past year, discussing their successes and challenges. They explore their word count achievements, marketing strategies, and the impact of social media on their author careers. As they look ahead to 2026, they share their aspirations for writing and publishing, emphasizing the importance of consistency and adapting to new opportunities. In this engaging conversation, Rob and The Amazing Christmas Rachel discuss their writing journeys, focusing on their goals for the upcoming year. They explore the challenges and strategies involved in reaching a million words, completing book series, and expanding their reach through translations and marketing efforts. The discussion highlights the importance of community, collaboration, and adapting to new platforms like TikTok for authors.

In this episode of Indie Author Roadmap, hosts Rob and Rachel discuss the challenges and opportunities in book translation, focusing on AI tools like Scribe Shadow and Globe Scribe. They explore the costs associated with translation, the importance of selecting the right languages, and the workflow for translating books. Cultural considerations and market opportunities in various countries are also highlighted, providing valuable insights for indie authors looking to expand their reach through translation. In this conversation, the hosts delve into the intricacies of translating books for international markets, discussing the challenges of maintaining tone and style, the importance of quality consistency across series, and the cost-benefit analysis of translation services. They explore the best markets for translated genres, the innovations in author marketing, and the future goals for indie authors in the evolving landscape of publishing.

In this episode, Rachel and Rob discuss various aspects of the indie author journey, including health impacts on productivity, publishing mistakes, social media engagement, print on demand options, and reflections on their achievements over the year. They also touch on the rise of audio books, challenges in translations, and planning for the new year, emphasising the importance of setting goals and collaborating with fellow authors.  

In this episode of Indie Author Roadmap, hosts Rob and Rachel discuss their writing progress, holiday traditions, and the challenges of marketing their books. They welcome guest Lee Mountford, a horror author who shares his journey into indie publishing, his experiences with marketing, and the impact of TikTok on his sales. The conversation covers various strategies for promoting books, including the use of TikTok Live and merchandise, as well as the importance of consistency in marketing efforts. In this engaging conversation, Lee Mountford shares insights on the indie author journey, emphasizing the importance of cross-genre appeal, building a consistent writing routine, and leveraging TikTok lives for reader engagement. He discusses the significance of presentation in book sales and outlines his future plans, including special editions and translations of his work. The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of indie publishing and the need for authors to connect authentically with their readers.

This week Rachel and Rob explore the ethical implications of AI training on creative works, particularly focusing on authors' perspectives. It discusses the feelings of violation among creators whose works are used without consent, while also highlighting the potential benefits that AI can bring to authors. The dialogue touches on the piracy argument, suggesting that unauthorized use of creative works may not necessarily harm the original creators financially.

Entering the world of writing can be both exciting and intimidating for new authors. In the latest episode of Indie Author Roadmap, hosts Rob and Rachel tackle common myths that can mislead aspiring writers. This discussion not only sheds light on these misconceptions but also offers valuable insights for anyone looking to navigate their writing journey.

This week Rachel and Rob discuss their weekly writing experiences, the challenges of managing Amazon accounts, and the implications of account suspensions and terminations. They explore the importance of diversifying sales channels, particularly through TikTok, and the need for consistency in marketing efforts. The discussion also touches on language learning and translation experiences, as well as compliance issues that authors face in the publishing industry. In this conversation, the hosts delve into various aspects of writing and publishing, including the challenges of copyright and music usage, the ethics of page stuffing, and the differences between account suspension and termination on platforms like Amazon. They discuss the implications of AI-generated content, the importance of context in content guidelines, and the necessity of regular audits to comply with Amazon's policies. The conversation also touches on the balance between writing and business responsibilities, the significance of community support, and the process of engaging with readers. Finally, they explore future plans and strategies for their writing careers.

In this episode, the hosts discuss various aspects of being an indie author, including the challenges of audiobook production, the importance of transparency in earnings, and the impact of reviews on authors. They share personal experiences with writing, navigating negativity, and the significance of constructive criticism. The conversation highlights the community aspect of indie publishing and the shared struggles and triumphs of authors.

In this episode of the Indie Author Roadmap, hosts Rachel and Rob discuss the intricacies of writing, marketing, and engaging with readers as indie authors. They share personal experiences, challenges faced in the writing process, and the importance of community support. The conversation also delves into effective marketing strategies, particularly through social media platforms like TikTok, and the significance of setting writing goals to track progress. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the excitement of writing and the value of sharing experiences with fellow authors. In this episode, the hosts reflect on their writing goals, discussing their progress and challenges in publishing. They explore marketing strategies, social media presence, and the importance of setting realistic writing targets. The conversation also touches on organizing author events and planning for future releases, emphasizing the chaotic yet rewarding nature of being an indie author.

This week, on Rachel's Birthday, Rachel and Rob discuss Trigger Warnings and swear a little bit about them (there is your trigger warning right there). A lively chat and debate on a topic which has author's divided. 

Summary In this episode, Rachel and Rob discuss the ups and downs of being indie authors, including the joys of full-time writing, the challenges of managing TikTok shops, and the intricacies of branding with pen names. They delve into the importance of cover design in representing genres, the tedious process of formatting and publishing, and effective marketing strategies for new releases. The conversation also touches on the use of TikTok for engagement, the role of AI tools in book promotion, and the hurdles faced in audio book production. In this engaging conversation, Rachel and her co-host discuss various aspects of the indie author experience, including the intricacies of audiobook narration, the challenges of publishing, and the importance of cover design in representing genre. They also delve into planning author events, managing finances as writers, and the significance of community support in the writing journey. The dialogue is filled with humor and personal anecdotes, making it relatable for aspiring and established authors alike.  

Summary In this episode of Indie Author Roadmap, hosts Rob Radcliffe and Rachel discuss various aspects of the writing and publishing process, including the importance of editing and proofreading, the role of developmental editing, and the challenges of self-publishing. They also delve into marketing strategies such as book trailers, the significance of cover design, and the impact of AI on the publishing industry. The conversation touches on personal updates, holiday preparations, and the community aspect of writing challenges like NaNoWriMo. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the evolving role of AI in writing and publishing, exploring its ethical implications, its impact on creativity, and how it can serve as a valuable tool for authors. They also delve into the balance between human editors and AI, marketing strategies in the digital age, and the art of storytelling. The discussion highlights the importance of adapting to new technologies while maintaining a focus on creativity and reader engagement.  

In this episode of the Indie Author Roadmap, hosts Rachel and Rob discuss the journey of going full-time as an indie author. They share their personal experiences, the challenges they faced, and the importance of community and networking in the indie publishing world. The conversation covers financial considerations, marketing strategies, and the realities of maintaining productivity while working from home. They also touch on the significance of participating in author events and the evolving nature of the indie author career.  

In this episode Rachel and Rob chat about how they'd market if they had to start out again, as well as the usual off topic chit chat.

In this week's episode Rachel and Rob chat briefly about translations into German before welcoming Indie Author Steven P Aitchison onto the show for a candid chat about publishing, marketing, and Steve's rebranding his books into his hugely popular Witches Of Scotland series. As detailed in the show, Steve happily supplied the contact details of his fantastic cover artist if you looking to take your book's cover to the next level:  Shezaad Sudar ⁦https://99designs.co.uk/profiles/shezaadsudar⁩  

This week's show sees Rachel and Rob sitting down and answering a few questions from listeners. Lots of insight, a little sarcasm...and a few giggles along the way.

In this weeks's show Rachel and Rob literally reconnect half a dozen times (due to technical difficulties) and chat about their week. Lots of banter, a few missed half conversations expertly edited by Rob.  What's not to love?

In this week's episode Rachel and Rob tackle paid ads, when to start running them, alternatives for the new author who isn't ready, and also chatting about their own experiences with ads as well as the usual banter.

This week on Indie Author Roadmap Rob and Rachel chat about the software they use to create their books and businesses. A bumper jam packed episode not to be missed. 

In this week's episode, Rachel and Rob chat through a few questions from budding authors which then leads on to a discussion about first drafts, and as always, anything and everything which crosses their minds.  Lots of insightful tips as well as the usual chatting about life as an indie author.

This week's show sees Rachel hosting a rather impromptu interview with Rob which is all about writing in series.  Rachel and Rob also chat about audio narration and Rachel's new pet project with Scribe shadow, translations. 

In this week’s show Rachel and Rob chat about how they are repurposing their own IPs, as well as complaining about the kids now it’s the school holidays, and also chatting about the Indie Author Roadmap Christmas Party which you are all invited to (check out the form below) as well as the usual off topic chit-chat.   ⁦Indie Author Roadmap Xmas Do Form

In this week’s episode Rachel and Rob chat, or at least attempt to chat (due to a lagging issue with the connection), about writing thorough adversity.  What happens when things just don’t seem to be going right with either your creativity or your sales? 

In this week’s show Rachel and Rob are off to their usual start but the plans for the show quickly take a side step when Rachel mentions how her 21 book series is not branded correctly.  What follows is a tiny bit of swearing from Rob, and a whole lot of laughter from Rachel. An off the cuff lesson in Branding your series correctly…or rather how not to do it.

In today's show, Rachel and Rob chat to time travel author Jason Ayres about all the mistakes he's made along his indie publishing road, and how he overcame the bumps all authors inevitably have along the way. Another hugely inspiring interview and a lovely interviewee.