Indie Author Roadmap Podcast

Ep 58: Goal Psychology

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.

Ep 57: 2026 Strategy

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.

Ep 56: 2026 Goals

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.

Ep 55: Subscribing To The Shadow

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.

Ep 54: The End Is Coming...

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.
 

Ep 53: Going Live!

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.

Ep 52: Debunking AI Myths

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.

Ep 51: Myth Busters

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.

Ep 50: Terminated!

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.

Ep 49: Rachel's "Topics"

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.