Indie Writers Club

Welcome to the Indie Writers Club, a place to chat about all things self publishing.

In episode 025, James & Cara discuss different ways to get your novels translated into German. It's a fast growing market and it can be the different between profit and loss for some authors.

Grab the final IWC Writing Retreat slots: indiewritersclub.com/retreat

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Join Cara & James as they discuss the latest developments in the ongoing saga of AI and copyright legalities.

Join the waitlist for the inaugural IWC Writers' Retreat: indiewritersclub.com/retreat

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They come for the story but stay for the characters... 

That's how important character development is. In this episode we explore why character is crucial, when it's good, when it's not so good and some practical tips on getting your development to help your plot.

Useful links:

Retreat waitlist: https://www.indiewritersclub.com/retreat

Ireland's Publishing Show: https://www.indiewritersclub.com/ireland

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The 22 rules of storytelling from Emma Coats, a former Pixar writer, have been doing the rounds for years and for good reason. Although Emma herself now describes them as guidelines, rather than rules, they are seen as the foundation on which the best novels are built.

Cara and James go through them one by one.

Useful links:

Retreat waitlist: https://www.indiewritersclub.com/retreat

Ireland's Publishing Show: https://www.indiewritersclub.com/ireland

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We all get One Star reviews. But when should we take them seriously and when can they be safely ignored? In this episode we talk about our own hurtful reviews and talk about coping strategies.

Useful links:

The IWC Retreat: indiewritersclub.com/retreat
Ireland's Publishing Show: indiewritersclub.com/ireland

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In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, Cara Clare and James Blatch discuss various topics including the potential ban of TikTok in the US, the importance of diversifying social media presence, and the planning of an indie writers retreat. They delve into productivity techniques known as 'razors', exploring how these principles can simplify decision-making and enhance productivity for writers. The conversation emphasises the need for authors to adapt to changes in the digital landscape while maintaining a focus on their craft. In this conversation, James and Cara Clare explore various cognitive biases and decision-making frameworks that impact authors and their publishing journeys. They discuss the importance of understanding how perceptions can be influenced, the significance of prioritizing tasks effectively, and the challenges of self-assessment in creative fields. The dialogue also touches on the dynamics of risk management, accountability, and the need for simplicity in complex systems, providing valuable insights for writers and entrepreneurs alike.

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In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, James & Cara discuss their ad spend and book revenue for 2024.

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Happy New Year from the Indie Writers Club.

In the first episode of 2025, Cara and James discuss what's in store for indie authors in the next twelve months.

They also set out their own goals for the year.

Useful Links:

SPS Live London 2025: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive

WWM's Predictions for 2025: https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/the-top-10-publishing-trends-for-2025/

Takeaways

Reflecting on the past year helps shape future goals.
Earnings should be evaluated after considering expenses.
Success is subjective and varies for each author.
Productivity and growth are essential for long-term success.
AI will play a significant role in the writing process.
Indie and traditional publishing are merging in new ways.
Diversifying marketing strategies is crucial for authors.
Creative projects can lead to new opportunities.
Community engagement enhances the writing experience.
Predictions for the future of publishing are evolving.

Chapters

00:00 Reflections on 2024: A Year in Review
05:56 Defining Success: Beyond the Numbers
12:00 Marketing Strategies: The Importance of Focus
17:51 Navigating Challenges: Balancing Work and Life
25:22 Exploring Dual Timelines in Writing
32:52 Predictions for AI in Writing
39:39 The Importance of Human Connection

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James & Cara are down the pub with a couple of author friends to reflect on 2024.

Many thanks to our friends at The Salisbury Arms in Cambridge!

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James returns. Cara chats to Sacha Black about productivity tips.

Our next episode will be a live recording from a pub, released on Christmas Day!

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In this episode James & Cara discuss the latest tips and tricks with Meta Ads (Facebook & Instagram).

Join the discussion: https://indiewritersclub.com/discord

Sign up for episode alerts: https://indiewritersclub.com

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There's so much news about in indie publishing, James & Cara take time to digest and analyse:

A new deal for Audio Books from ACX
A new Publishing Assistant from publishdrive.com
Trad moving in on indie direct selling special editions technique
A misleading headline about 8,000 AI books/year from a publisher
A new way to work with ChatGPT

Check out Publishing Assistant: https://publishdrive.com/publishing-assistant.html
Join the email list for episode alerts and more: https://www.indiewritersclub.com
The John Lewis Christmas advert: https://youtu.be/55ghIHTaRzM?si=ZuMfWydnga_mVt7j
Ben Affleck on AI: https://youtu.be/ypURoMU3P3U?si=QL8KeRm4gKbCzn7_

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James is back from AuthorNation in Las Vegas. During this week's Indie Writers Club episode James discusses the legal presentation from Alicia Wright regarding the law, ethics and AI.

If you want to sign up for AuthorNation 2025 click here: https://claymore.krtra.com/t/YCtI1A27yXCp

And join the Indie Writers Club mailing list to be first to hear about the ticket release for The Self Publishing Show Live! 2025 at indiewritersclub.com.

James & Cara.

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Get episode alerts at indiewritersclub.com
Join the discussion at indiewritersclub.com/discord


Summary

In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, Cara Clare and James Blatch discuss their experiences at a recent writers' conference in Las Vegas. They share insights on the conference's attendance, the quality of sessions, and the importance of networking among indie authors. The conversation also delves into their personal writing processes, including drafting techniques, character development, and the challenges faced in different genres. The hosts emphasize the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the writing journey, while also reflecting on the community aspect of being an indie author. In this engaging conversation, James and Cara explore the nuances of writing, focusing on the importance of character development over intricate plots, the value of trusting one's writing process, and the insights gained from understanding CliftonStrengths. They also discuss productivity techniques like Deep Work and the significance of community support among authors, culminating in a lively segment about their Word Count Club.

Takeaways

The conference is a significant gathering for indie authors.
Networking is as important as the sessions themselves.
Writing every day can lead to substantial progress.
Character motivations can evolve during the writing process.
Different genres present unique writing challenges.
Trusting your instincts is crucial in the writing process.
The importance of a strong first line in a novel.
The writing process can vary greatly among authors.
Attending conferences can reignite FOMO among those who miss out.
The indie author community is supportive and collaborative. Readers prefer familiarity in series books.
Trusting oneself improves the writing process.
Different writers have unique approaches to writing.
Editing can be a daunting task for some authors.
CliftonStrengths can help identify personal writing strengths.
Creative work doesn't always align with traditional work ethics.
Finding productivity methods that suit individual needs is crucial.
Community support enhances the writing journey.
Deep Work emphasizes the power of focused attention.
Engagement in writing communities fosters motivation.

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It's the Indie Writers Club!

Links:

The Self Publishing Show Live! https://learnselfpublishing.com/spslive
Author Nation (Vegas): https://www.authornation.live/
Ireland's Publishing Show (March): https://irelandspublishingshow.com/
NINC (Florida, September): https://ninc.com/

In this episode, James and Cara progress during NaNoWriMo, the importance of consistency in writing, and the value of attending author conferences for networking and learning opportunities.

Join our Discord: https://www.indiewritersclub.com/discord

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Useful links:

WWM Survey: indiewritersclub.com/survey
Publish Drive Offer: indiewritersclub.com/publishdrive
Join the Discord Discussion: indiewritersclub.com/discord

In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, Cara and James discuss their personal updates, including writing progress and the upcoming NaNoWriMo challenge. 

The conversation shifts to the Written Word Media Annual Author Survey, where they explore indie authors' motivations for writing, income insights, and genre trends in the self-publishing market. The hosts emphasize the importance of perseverance in writing and the potential for success in the indie publishing world. In this conversation, James and Cara delve into the evolving landscape of self-publishing, focusing on reader behaviour, genre trends, and the correlation between the number of books published and author income. 

They discuss the importance of understanding market dynamics, the various formats available for publishing, and the growing trend of direct sales among authors. Additionally, they explore pricing strategies and the effectiveness of different marketing tactics, emphasizing the need for authors to adapt to changing reader preferences and market conditions. 

Cara and James explore various marketing tactics in the publishing industry, discussing both overrated and underrated strategies. They emphasize the importance of mailing lists for authors and the sense of community among indie authors, while also addressing the challenges of marketing fatigue and the evolving landscape of author engagement. The discussion highlights the need for effective tools and support systems for authors navigating the complexities of book marketing.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

02:58 Writing Progress and NaNoWriMo Discussion

05:55 Dog News and Family Decisions

09:55 Exploring the Author Survey

12:00 Motivations for Writing and Income Insights

18:02 Genre Trends and Market Insights

24:54 Understanding Reader Behavior and Genre Trends

30:07 The Correlation Between Book Quantity and Author Income

35:46 Formats and Trends in Book Publishing

42:03 Direct Sales: A Growing Trend for Authors

47:02 Pricing Strategies and Their Impact on Author Earnings

51:52 Marketing Tactics and Effectiveness for Authors

54:08 Overrated Marketing Tactics

56:09 Underrated Marketing Strategies

01:01:15 The Importance of Mailing Lists

01:04:39 Community and Sentiment Among Authors

01:11:01 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

Takeaways

Podcasting lifts spirits and provides a creative outlet.

NaNoWriMo offers a structured writing challenge for authors.

The importance of accountability in writing goals.

Indie authors often have diverse motivations for writing.

Financial success in writing is achievable with persistence.

Genre selection can impact income potential for authors.

Community support is vital for indie authors' success.

Writing is a long-term commitment that requires resilience.

Understanding market trends can guide writing decisions.

Personal experiences shape authors' writing journeys. Readers are increasingly binge-reading series, impacting author strategies.

Understanding genre trends is crucial for authors to succeed.

There is a strong correlation between the number of books published and income.

Ebooks are the most popular format among indie authors.

High-quality cover design is linked to higher sales.

Many authors do not invest in professional edi

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James and Cara discuss the importance of book reviews in building an author's reputation. The conversation delves into strategies for obtaining reviews, the significance of targeting the right audience, and how to handle negative feedback with resilience and perspective.

Links:

Publish Drive offer: indiewritersclub.com/publishdrive

Discord Server: indiewritersclub.com/discord

Mailing List: indiewritersclub.com

Takeaways

Planning is essential for writers to stay focused on their goals.
Understanding your personality can help in strategic planning.
Dog stories can inspire and connect with readers emotionally.
Reviews are crucial for an author's success and visibility.
Targeting the right audience is key to receiving positive reviews.
Negative reviews can provide valuable insights for marketing.
Building a mailing list before publication can help gather reviews.
Using platforms like Book Sprout can facilitate obtaining reviews.
It's important to maintain a positive relationship with your readers.
Handling bad reviews with perspective can help authors grow. Don't let bad reviews discourage you; they can be useful.
Use negative reviews for marketing; they can attract readers.
Mixed reviews can enhance the legitimacy of your book.
Celebrate your good reviews to boost morale.
Learn from criticism but don't take it personally.
Engage with your audience to understand their preferences.
Set realistic writing goals to maintain motivation.
Community support can significantly improve writing productivity.
Consider feedback for future projects, but stay true to your vision.
Creating a review jar can help maintain a positive mindset.

Chapters

00:00 Planning for the Future: Strategic Writing Goals
03:04 Dog Tales: A Journey of Compassion and Joy
06:03 The Importance of Reviews: Building Your Author Reputation
10:01 Navigating the World of Book Reviews
15:58 Handling Bad Reviews: A Writer's Perspective
31:45 The Chaos of Reviews
36:38 Learning from Criticism
41:04 The Importance of Mixed Reviews
44:55 Celebrating Positivity in Writing
46:34 Writing Progress and Goals

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In episode 008, James & Cara continue to analyse the key ingredients that maybe missing from your book, for your ads to generate sales.

Check out the amazing offer from Publish Drive, 50% off annual subscription plans! https://publishdrive.com/50-off-all-yearly-plans

Learn Self Publishing's Ads for Authors course is open: https://learnselfpublishing.com/adsforauthors

Join our Discord server to carry on the conversation: indiewritersclub.com/discord

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In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, hosts James and Cara discuss the importance of having a well-prepared book package for successful advertising, the impact of AI on the publishing industry, and the significance of understanding genre expectations. 

They also share personal updates, insights on social media dynamics for authors, and the necessity of research in crafting effective book titles. 

The episode concludes with a recap of the Word Count Club, celebrating the writing progress of community members.

Key Takeaways

1. Align all elements of your book package (title, cover, blurb, author name) with genre expectations to maximize sales potential.

2. Choose book titles that use keywords evoking your genre and create the right emotional response in potential readers.

3. Research bestsellers in your genre to understand current trends and reader expectations.

4. Implement the "Swiss cheese model" - ensure all elements of your book's package align for maximum effectiveness.

5. Be cautious with AI in publishing. Many authors distrust AI rights licensing, but consider its potential benefits as a writing tool.

6. When using AI-generated content for promotion, be aware of potential controversies and reader perceptions.

7. Use AI as a tool to enhance your writing process, but don't let it replace your human creativity.

8. Set regular writing goals and track your progress. Consider joining a writing group or challenge for motivation.

9. Prioritize self-care. Don't push too hard when life events or illness interfere with your writing goals.

10. Consider attending or organizing writing retreats for networking and focused writing time.

11. Remember that book marketing is a numbers game. Small improvements in your book's presentation can significantly impact sales.

12. Focus on creating a frictionless journey for potential readers from first glance to purchase.

13. Avoid being too clever or obscure with your book packaging. Clarity and genre fit are key.

14. Understand that as an indie author, you need to think like both a writer and a marketer.

 15. Stay informed about industry trends and debates, but focus on what works best for your books and career.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

03:04 The Importance of Book Presentation

05:55 AI in Publishing: Mistrust and Opportunities

08:49 Navigating the AI Debate

11:58 The Role of AI in Writing and Creativity

14:50 Understanding Genre Expectations

17:59 Researching for Success in Indie Publishing

21:01 Delivering on the Promise of Your Book Package

37:23 Crafting the Perfect Book Package

42:06 The Importance of Titles in Genre Reinforcement

45:54 Subtitles and Emotional Resonance

49:18 Navigating Author Names and Their Impact

51:28 The Writer's Journey: Word Count Club

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Summary

In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, hosts Cara Clare and James Blatch discuss alternative income streams for writers, focusing on ghostwriting and non-fiction opportunities. They explore the benefits of ghostwriting, including collaborative writing processes and reliable income, while also emphasizing the importance of diversifying income sources through teaching and coaching. The conversation highlights the value of community support among independent authors and the various ways to monetize writing skills beyond traditional publishing.

Takeaways

Alternative income streams are essential for independent authors.

Ghostwriting can provide reliable income and valuable writing experience.

Collaboration in writing can enhance creativity and productivity.

Non-fiction writing, such as courses and coaching, can diversify income.

Authors should not underestimate their knowledge and skills.

Community support is crucial for motivation and accountability.

Setting realistic writing goals helps maintain progress.

Exploring different genres can lead to new opportunities.

Understanding market trends can inform writing projects.

Building a brand as a writer can open doors to various income sources.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Indie Writers Club

01:14 Exploring Alternative Income Streams for Writers

17:17 Diving into Ghostwriting

33:26 Non-Fiction Opportunities for Authors

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