

The Indy Author Podcast
Matty Dalrymple, The Indy Author
The Indy Author Podcast is for writers who are serious about both the craft of writing and the business of publishing — whether you're working toward your first book or building on an established career.
Every week, host Matty Dalrymple talks with authors, editors, marketers, and publishing professionals about what's actually working right now. Topics span the full range of the writing life: developing compelling characters and tighter plots, navigating indie and traditional publishing paths, running effective book marketing campaigns, building an author platform, working with AI tools, writing short fiction and memoir, managing the business side of an author career, and much more.
With hundreds of episodes in the catalog featuring guests from across the publishing world — from debut authors to bestsellers, indie publishers to Big Five veterans — there's something here for writers at every stage of their journey.
Named one of the 10 Best Podcasts for Authors by Dale L. Roberts, and recognized five years running by Writer's Digest as one of the 101 Best Websites for Writers.
Hosted by Matty Dalrymple, author, publishing consultant, and founder of The Indy Author platform.
Every week, host Matty Dalrymple talks with authors, editors, marketers, and publishing professionals about what's actually working right now. Topics span the full range of the writing life: developing compelling characters and tighter plots, navigating indie and traditional publishing paths, running effective book marketing campaigns, building an author platform, working with AI tools, writing short fiction and memoir, managing the business side of an author career, and much more.
With hundreds of episodes in the catalog featuring guests from across the publishing world — from debut authors to bestsellers, indie publishers to Big Five veterans — there's something here for writers at every stage of their journey.
Named one of the 10 Best Podcasts for Authors by Dale L. Roberts, and recognized five years running by Writer's Digest as one of the 101 Best Websites for Writers.
Hosted by Matty Dalrymple, author, publishing consultant, and founder of The Indy Author platform.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 15, 2024 • 46min
Four Pillars of Author Success with Emma Dhesi - #260
Matty Dalrymple talks with Emma Dhesi about FOUR PILLARS OF AUTHOR SUCCESS: Awareness, Acceptance, Growth, and Fun. She shares insights into the ups and downs of the writing journey and how to maintain focus and joy throughout the process. We discuss the importance of aligning your plans with your goals and of staying true to your writing style and pace. We also touch on the psychological aspects of writing, marketing, and promotion. And Emma provides advice on maintaining balance and avoiding burnout while pursuing writing as a career or passion. Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/podcast.html If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple Emma Dhesi, bestselling author and certified book coach, educates and inspires first-time authors to fulfil a calling and write their debut novel. Drawing from her own success and training, Emma guides writers to finish their first book through detailed feedback, accountability check-ins, and compassionate support in her year-long 1:1 mentorship. Emma lives in Edinburgh with her husband, three children, three cats, and is passionate about helping authors achieve their dreams through her individualized mentoring. Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Oct 8, 2024 • 58min
Working Harder, Working Smarter with Diane Vallere - #259
Matty Dalrymple talks with Diane Vallere about WORKING HARDER, WORKING SMARTER, including the trap of busywork; the danger of getting caught on autopilot; how small tasks can add up to big chunks of time and the importance of always assigning value to your time; pursuing a minimum viable product; understanding what you're doing for your audience versus what you're doing for yourself (and acknowledging what work is strictly for your own enjoyment); considering the indirect as well as direct value of work; when outsourcing is the smart option; and when doing nothing is sometimes the smart choice. Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/podcast.html If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple National bestselling author Diane Vallere writes funny and fashionable character-based mysteries. After two decades in luxury retailing, she traded fashion accessories for accessories to murder. As past president of the national Sisters in Crime organization, she edited the Agatha-Award-winning essay collection PROMOPHOBIA: Taking the Mystery out of Promoting Crime Fiction. Diane started her own detective agency at age ten and has maintained a passion for shoes, clues, and clothes ever since. Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Oct 1, 2024 • 47min
Getting the Word Out: Media Campaigns for Authors with Marie Whittaker - #258
Matty Dalrymple talks with Marie Whittaker about GETTING THE WORD OUT: MEDIA CAMPAIGNS FOR AUTHORS, including why press releases remain a valuable promotional tool, the five milestones that deserve a press release, how press releases compare with social media posting, media campaigns for crowdfunding, tips for approaching bookstores and libraries, whether authors can apply these tips to their backlists, and how to maximize the value of your website real estate. Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/podcast.html If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple Marie Whittaker enjoys teaching about publishing and project management for writers. She's Associate Publisher at WordFire Press and Executive Director of Superstars Writing. She started her career writing horror. Marie created The Adventures of Lola Hopscotch, is published in Weird Tales, and habitually adopts rescue animals. Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Sep 24, 2024 • 41min
Book Sponsorships with Dale L. Roberts - #257
Matty Dalrymple talks with Dale L. Roberts about BOOK SPONSORSHIPS, based on his experience soliciting sponsors for his series of non-fiction books. We discuss the importance of matching sponsorships with your theme and brand; of reading the fine print in the terms and conditions of the platforms you will use to distribute your book; how he made the decision about where to place the ads and what reader response has been; the information you'll need to pitch a potential sponsor, and the importance of asking "why" if you get a no. We also discuss some ways that fiction authors might pursue sponsorships for their books and whether sponsorships and crowdfunding is an either/or or a both/and proposition. Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/podcast.html If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple Dale L. Roberts is a self-publishing advocate, award-winning author, and renowned video creator. With over 50 publications, he has become an authority in self-publishing, leading him to create his own YouTube channel, Self-Publishing with Dale, regarded as one of the premier information resources in the indie publishing community. Dale lives in Columbus, Ohio, with his wife Kelli and two rescue cats, Auggie and Allie. Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Sep 17, 2024 • 46min
Lessons from the Nomadic Author with Nicholas Harvey - #256
Matty Dalrymple talks with Nicholas Harvey about LESSONS FROM THE NOMADIC AUTHOR, including how Nick became a nomadic author, and how his lifestyle has opened out-of-the-box marketing opportunities for him to connect with his fans (here's a teaser: it's not even on land!). We discuss which came first, the book or the location, how to create a writing-friendly environment, the importance and challenges of building routine, and the vital importance of stepping away from the keyboard. Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/podcast.html If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple A USA Today Bestselling author, Nicholas Harvey's life has been anything but ordinary. Race car driver, adventurer, divemaster, and since 2020, a full-time novelist. Raised in England, Nick has dual US and British citizenship and now lives nomadically wherever he and his amazing wife, Cheryl, choose to land for a few months. He is the author of the AJ Bailey Adventure and Nora Sommer Caribbean Suspense series, as well as multiple collaborations. Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Sep 10, 2024 • 43min
From Page to Platform: How to Succeed as an Author Speaker - Part 2 with Michael La Ronn - #255
Matty Dalrymple talks with Michael La Ronn about moving FROM PAGE TO PLATFORM: HOW TO SUCCEED AS AN AUTHOR SPEAKER. This is the second of a two-part series, and in this part, we discuss how to find opportunities for speaking engagements (and whether placement services like speakers' bureaus are worth pursuing), how to assess the opportunities you find or are offered, how to negotiate the offer, how to make the most of in-person events, and how to capitalize on the connections you'll make. Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/podcast.html If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple Michael La Ronn is the author of over forty science fiction & fantasy novels and self-help books for writers. He runs the popular YouTube channel Author Level Up and serves on the staff of the Alliance of Independent Authors as a US Ambassador, and he also co-hosts the AskALLi Member Q&A Podcast. Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Sep 3, 2024 • 41min
From Page to Platform: How to Succeed as an Author Speaker - Part 1 with Michael La Ronn - #254
Matty Dalrymple talks with Michael La Ronn about moving FROM PAGE TO PLATFORM: HOW TO SUCCEED AS AN AUTHOR SPEAKER. This is a two-part series, and in this first part, we discuss types of talks ... not just the usual suspects. Even if you don't have a goal of making paid speaking engagements part of your repertoire, you are an author speaker if you participate in interviews, including podcasts, panels, or author readings, and we share best practices for those types of events. We discuss the pros and cons of in-person and virtual events. And we discuss defining your goals as a speaker and establishing yourself as a true professional. Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/podcast.html If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple Michael La Ronn is the author of over forty science fiction & fantasy novels and self-help books for writers. He runs the popular YouTube channel Author Level Up and serves on the staff of the Alliance of Independent Authors as a US Ambassador, and he also co-hosts the AskALLi Member Q&A Podcast. Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Aug 27, 2024 • 54min
Navigating the Worlds of Fiction and Film with Rene Gutteridge - #253
Matty Dalrymple talks with Rene Gutteridge about NAVIGATING THE WORLDS OF FICTION AND FILM, including the nuances and intricacies involved in transitioning from writing novels to screenplays, the technical constraints in screenwriting, the necessity of collaboration in film, and the importance of adhering to a rigid structure. Rene also covers how understanding screenplay techniques can benefit novelists, particularly in terms of pacing and scene structure. She offers insights for novelists considering a venture into screenwriting, emphasizing the innate differences in storytelling approaches. Interview video at https://www.youtube.com/c/TheIndyAuthorPodcast Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/podcast.html If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple Rene Gutteridge has been writing professionally for over twenty years in fiction, non-fiction, comedy sketches, novelizations, and screenwriting. She is the multi-genre author of 24 novels plus several non-fiction titles. Her indie film SKID won deadCenter's Best Oklahoma Feature in 2015, and her novel My Life as a Doormat was adapted into the Hallmark movie "Love's Complicated." She is co-writer on the feature film Family Camp, a Movieguide award winner and a Dove Award nominee for 2023. She is also a Screencraft finalist in true crime. Rene is co-director of WriterCon in Oklahoma City, senior contributor at Writing Momentum and is the head writer at Skit Guys Studios. Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Aug 20, 2024 • 58min
Strategic Website Planning for Authors with Pauline Wiles - #252
Matty Dalrymple talks with Pauline Wiles about STRATEGIC WEBSITE PLANNING FOR AUTHORS. This conversation was prompted by Matty's need to migrate her websites—MattyDalrymple.com and TheIndyAuthor.com—off Weebly, since Square, which owns Weebly, is phasing out support for Weebly. Pauline and Matty delve into the critical aspects of planning a website overhaul, such as understanding author goals, target readership, and key marketing tactics. Pauline emphasizes the need to keep sites simple and user-friendly and discusses tools and integrations that are effective for different types of authors. The conversation also covers practical tips for improving website functionality and engaging visitors, including the use of popups for email sign-ups. Interview video at https://www.youtube.com/@TheIndyAuthorPodcast Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/podcast.html If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple Pauline Wiles is an author turned website designer, who helps authors and solopreneurs with books create modern websites for strong business results. Her strategic approach delivers a powerful marketing asset that grows your audience and sells your books and services. British by birth, Pauline is now a contented resident of California, although she admits to an occasional yearning for afternoon tea and historic homes. Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Aug 13, 2024 • 48min
Strategic Self-Doubt and the Indie Mindset with Diane Vallere - #251
Matty Dalrymple talks with Diane Vallere about STRATEGIC SELF-DOUBT AND THE INDIE MINDSET, including overcoming limiting beliefs, handling self-doubt, and recognizing personal roadblocks. Diane emphasizes the importance of understanding the various choices available in the independent and traditional publishing routes, and we discuss myths within the indie community, the impact of constructive criticism, and the significance of aligning personal goals with creative and business objectives. Interview video at https://youtu.be/H8rYdAZsrUg Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/podcast.html If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple National bestselling author Diane Vallere crafts humorous mysteries that are out of this world. After two decades navigating the galaxy of luxury retailing, she swapped designer accessories for accessories to murder, propelling her career into the stratosphere. As past president of the national Sisters in Crime organization, she edited the Agatha-Award-winning essay collection "PROMOPHOBIA: Taking the Mystery out of Promoting Crime Fiction," rocketing the conversation about marketing crime fiction to new heights. Diane launched her own detective agency at the age of ten, and her passion for shoes, clues, and clothes has been in orbit ever since. Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.


