The Self Publishing Show

Episode Summary James and Sissy 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   

Episode Summary 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. Key Talking Points 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. Links & Resources Mentioned 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.

A fast emerging aspect of indie marketing is direct selling. Bookvault have risen quickly to the top of many authors go-to suppliers for print-on-demand, especially for those special editions that can be extremely good for your bottom line. This week's show features a chat with Bookvault's Alex Smith.

Vellum is the gold standard for editing your book ready for publication. Listen as James Blatch talks to Brad West about tips for preparing your book

Listen as James talks to Mike Hourigan who is the Vice President of Marketing at Written Word Media, where he brings more than 15 years of digital marketing expertise to the table.    

Join James and the numbers man, Alex Newton from K-lytics who digs beneath the Romantasy data and explains current trends

Join James Blatch and Stuart Grant from Digital Authors Toolkit and also the highest rated web designer on Reedsy, as they discuss the future of Author websites, direct selling, and how you can make your website stand out.

Join James and Victoria Gerken from Podium Audio as they discuss how audio is exploding the world of publishing and providing authors with another income stream

Join James Blatch and Chris Banks as James reveals the speakers and sponsors attending the Self Publishing Show Live in London 2024 and Chris talks about what's new at ProWritingAid and AI, but making sure you add the human touch.

Join James Blatch as he takes on a hot topic of the moment, AI, and how it impacts authors and creators. Should you be afraid or accepting of this new wave of technology? 

Tune into this week's episode of the Self Publishing Show to hear more from Michael, including whether selling direct would be preferrable to selling on Amazon, why he chooses to publish his audiobooks exclusively on ACX, and why consistency in magic and worldbuilding rules is key for any kind of Fantasy story.

Marc Reklau went from struggling writer to earning seven-figures, all by applying the same self-help advice he writes about in his books.

Tired of tweaking your Amazon Ad keywords? Let Merch Jar automate the process for you.

From novelist to tabletop game creator, Paddy Finn explains how he created a seven-figure company in an industry where the players come up with the stories.