The Self Publishing Show

They unpack two publishing controversies: an author dropped amid AI-writing accusations and a literary agent telling writers to avoid the London Book Fair. They explore AI-detection problems, gatekeeping in publishing, and how public accusations affect writers. Conversations also touch on burnout, writing routines, and balancing creativity with the business side of being an author.

Recorded from the Irish Publishing Show, they tackle how indie publishing has matured and what that means for author careers. They dig into the flood of low-quality AI-generated books and why detection may not fix discoverability. They share stories about the books that turn kids into lifelong readers. They explore practical, reader-focused uses of AI like personalised recommendation quizzes.

New marketing tactics for indie authors, including experiments with BookBub ads and combining paid campaigns for long-tail sales. Talk of improving AI-assisted translations and the boost higher-quality translations can bring for international reach. Exploration of why some romance adaptations suddenly break out in popularity. A creative direct-to-reader strategy: sending postcards and physical mail to deepen reader relationships. A simple daily "Three Things" mindset practice to stay motivated.

They tackle the discoverability crisis as AI floods self-publishing platforms with low-quality titles. They explore metadata tactics, Google Books previews, and consistent blurbs to help books surface. They discuss widening audiobook distribution and using YouTube shorts for discovery. They debate a refundable KDP upload fee to deter content farms and protect readers.

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

Robin Bennett Freebairn, nonfiction author behind the 'What a Year to be Born' gift books and Etsy seller, explains how selling direct transformed his family publishing business. He talks about using Etsy for organic growth, managing stock and fulfilment, offering personalisation and gift-wrap, and why human retailing can outcompete larger platforms.

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.