The Self Publishing Show

James Blatch
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated weekly

Join James Blatch has he navigates the fast changing world of indie publishing. With the biggest guests in the industry and tips on how to stay ahead of the crowd.

  1. SPS-452: Lessons from London

    4 days ago

    SPS-452: Lessons from London

    This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Cissy Mecca reflect on SPS Live 2026 and the Cambridge Retreat, sharing their biggest takeaways from the event and the sessions that made the biggest impact. From direct sales and BookVault strategies to AI workflows, reader engagement, advertising, TikTok marketing, and writing for commercial success, the pair discuss the practical lessons authors can apply immediately to their own publishing businesses. The episode serves as a post-conference debrief, highlighting the trends, tools, and mindset shifts that are shaping the future of indie publishing.  Key Talking Points Key lessons and standout moments from SPS Live 2026 & The Cambridge Retreat Direct sales opportunities and simplifying fulfilment with BookVault Using AI to streamline author businesses and administrative workflows Building AI projects and systems rather than relying on individual chat prompts Advertising strategies and improving marketing effectiveness Why consistency beats chasing viral success on TikTok Reader engagement, newsletter performance, and audience growth Writing for commercial success and understanding reading-age expectations The importance of clear, accessible writing ("Saxon over Latin") Practical actions authors can take immediately after attending a conference How successful authors focus on implementing ideas rather than collecting them  Links & Resources Mentioned ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com SPS Live 2026 Digital: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive-digital  BookVault: https://bookvault.app Tammi Labrecque: https://newsletterninja.net Gunning Fog Index — estimates how hard a piece of writing is to read. The formula is: Fog Index=0.4×(wordssentences+100×complex wordswords)\text{Fog Index} = 0.4 \times \left( \frac{\text{words}}{\text{sentences}} + 100 \times \frac{\text{complex words}}{\text{words}} \right)Fog Index=0.4×(sentenceswords​+100×wordscomplex words​)Where: Words per sentence = total words ÷ total sentences Complex words = words with three or more syllables, usually excluding proper nouns, familiar compound words, and common suffix forms. So in plain English: Fog Index=0.4×(average sentence length+percentage of complex words)\text{Fog Index} = 0.4 \times (\text{average sentence length} + \text{percentage of complex words})Fog Index=0.4×(average sentence length+percentage of complex words)Example: If a passage has: 120 words 6 sentences 12 complex words Then: Average sentence length = 120 ÷ 6 = 20  Percentage of complex words = 12 ÷ 120 × 100 = 10 0.4×(20+10)=120.4 \times (20 + 10) = 120.4×(20+10)=12 So the Fog Index is 12, meaning the writing is roughly suited to someone with a 12th-grade / late secondary-school reading level.

    39 min
  2. SPS-451: Live at The Self Publishing Show

    12 Jun

    SPS-451: Live at The Self Publishing Show

    This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Sissy Mecca record live from SPS Live in London, surrounded by more than 500 authors from around the world. They share the atmosphere from the conference floor, discuss some of the standout sessions, and chat with special guests including volunteer coordinator Adrian Wills, Draft2Digital's Dan Wood, and Doug Pratt and Nick Harvey from the Two Indie Authors podcast. Topics include fandom building, direct sales, the future impact of AI on publishing, conference networking, and the power of community within the indie author world. Key Talking Points Behind-the-scenes insights into running SPS Live The vital role volunteers play in creating a successful conference experience Building author fandom and reader loyalty beyond the ebook Lessons from Damon Courtney's "Taylor Swift Method" presentation Why direct sales and special editions continue to grow in importance The value of author conferences for networking and learning How the indie publishing landscape is changing through AI Why authors need to understand AI, even if they choose not to use it The increasing importance of reader relationships and community building Dan Wood's perspective on industry trends and adapting to change A conversation with Nick Harvey and Doug Pratt about podcasting and the indie author community The unique atmosphere and energy of SPS Live compared to other industry events Links & Resources Mentioned ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com Draft2Digital: https://www.draft2digital.com BookFunnel: https://bookfunnel.com The Two Indie Authors Podcast Vellum: https://vellum.pub SPS Live: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive

    27 min

  3. 4 Jun

    SPS-450: How to Work a Conference (Not Just Attend One) with James Blatch & Cissy Mecca

    This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Cissy Mecca share practical advice on how to work a conference rather than simply attend one, ahead of SPS Live in London. They discuss how authors can prepare in advance, choose the right sessions, network confidently, ask useful questions, and turn conference inspiration into real action afterwards. The episode also covers author scams, AI discoverability, changing AI tools, and how writers can use conferences to build meaningful connections and long-term career momentum. Key Talking Points How to prepare before arriving at a conference Why authors should treat conferences as an investment Choosing sessions based on your current goals Making the most of panels, Q&As and speaker access Networking naturally without feeling awkward Why generosity and genuine curiosity help build stronger connections How to take useful notes and turn ideas into action Avoiding post-conference overwhelm Staying alert to scams targeting authors AI discoverability and why metadata, niche positioning and FAQs matter Links & Resources Mentioned ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com SPS Live 2026 schedule: https://learnselfpublishing.com/schedule  SPS Live digital ticket: https://learnselfpublishing.com/spslive-digital  Meta's subscriptions: https://www.meta.com/en-gb/help/subscriptions/960854640235758

    57 min
  4. SPS-449: The New Rules of Book Discovery with James Blatch & Cissy Mecca

    28 May

    SPS-449: The New Rules of Book Discovery with James Blatch & Cissy Mecca

    This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Cissy Mecca discuss the major changes coming to Audible and ACX, including the new royalty model and updated enrolment requirements for audiobook authors. They explore what these changes could mean for indie publishers, the growing opportunities in wide audio distribution, and why authors may want to think beyond Audible. Alongside the industry discussion, there's plenty of SPS banter covering podcast microphones, pop filters, romance conferences, and the ever-changing publishing landscape. Key Talking Points Audible's new royalty model and ACX enrolment changes What indie authors need to know about audiobook distribution updates Exclusive versus wide audio strategies Direct audiobook sales using platforms like BookFunnel Spotify's increasing presence in the audiobook market Concerns around royalty transparency and reporting Why authors need to remain flexible as publishing evolves SPS banter about podcasting, microphones, and author life Links & Resources Mentioned ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com Use code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions. ACX: https://www.acx.com BookFunnel: https://bookfunnel.com Self-Publishing Show Live: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive The New Rules of Book Discovery PDF

    1hr 3min
  5. SPS-448: A Glimmer of Hope in the Age of AI with James Blatch & Cissy Mecca

    21 May

    SPS-448: A Glimmer of Hope in the Age of AI with James Blatch & Cissy Mecca

    Episode Summary James and Cissy tackle a "bits and bobs" episode covering the changing indie publishing landscape, with a focus on Amazon's evolving AI-driven algorithms and what authors need to do to stay discoverable. They discuss why clear genre signalling, strong metadata, covers, blurbs, titles, and reader expectation alignment are becoming more important than ever. The conversation also touches on pricing psychology, the value readers place on author access and premium offers and the importance of stepping away from mental work with physical hobbies. Key Talking Points Why Amazon's AI and algorithm changes may reward authors who clearly understand and serve their ideal readers. The importance of aligning covers, blurbs, titles, keywords, characters, and genre promise to create a strong reader experience. Why authors should audit their books and metadata rather than panic about the flood of new AI-generated content. Pricing psychology and why readers or clients may value products more when the price reflects that value. The benefit of switching off from mentally demanding creative work by doing something physical and absorbing outside writing. Links & Resources Mentioned ProWritingAid (Sponsor – code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions): https://prowritingaid.com Becca Syme: https://betterfasteracademy.com https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/barnes-and-noble-james-daunt-ai-books-b2978925.html https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNRtQCMNE/ https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNRtQD3nA/ Self-Publishing Show Live: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive   SPS Live 2026 Party:  https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/party-on-the-boat

    39 min
  6. SPS-447: You Are Your Brand with Isabelle Knight, James Blatch & Cissy Mecca

    14 May

    SPS-447: You Are Your Brand with Isabelle Knight, James Blatch & Cissy Mecca

    James and Cissy are joined by PR expert Isabelle Knight to discuss why authors are not just selling books, they are also building a brand readers can connect with. Isabelle explains how indie authors can identify their own author story, understand what sets them apart, and use that foundation across websites, newsletters, social media, events, and publicity opportunities. The episode also touches on Amazon's AI categorisation issues, Meta ad frustrations, upcoming romance conferences, and why professional author presentation matters more than ever. Key Talking Points Why author branding starts with understanding your own story and what readers associate with you. How to identify what makes your books distinct from others in the same genre. Why readers connect with the emotional truth behind your books, not just the plot or trope. How indie authors can use their author story across bios, websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, festivals, and events. Why marketing should align with both your ideal readers and what you genuinely enjoy doing as an author. Links & Resources Mentioned ProWritingAid (Sponsor – code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions): https://prowritingaid.com Build Your Author Brand / Isabelle Knight: https://buildyourauthorbrand.com Romance Writers of Australia Conference: https://romanceaustralia.com/pages/events Romance Writers of New Zealand: https://www.romancewriters.co.nz/event/2026-rwnz-conference-registration/ Self-Publishing Show Live: https://selfpublishingshowlive.com

    50 min

  7. 7 May

    SPS-446: The Boxset Experiment with James Blatch & Cissy Mecca

    James and Cissy dive into the growing world of direct sales, Etsy stores, and special edition books, exploring how indie authors are expanding beyond Amazon and turning their books into premium gift products. They also discuss the importance of professional branding photography, why readers increasingly connect with authors personally, and the latest Meta AI lawsuit involving pirated books used for training AI models. The episode features a detailed behind-the-scenes look at James's new Cold War-themed Etsy shop experiment, complete with slipcase box sets, MI6-style packaging, collectible golf balls, and premium gifting ideas inspired by the "gifting economy." Meanwhile, Cissy shares her experience with duplex paperback covers, sprayed edges, Etsy merchandise, and building collectible reader products around her romance worlds. Key Talking points: Why professional author photography matters more than ever Building an author brand in the AI era Readers buying into the author as much as the books The Meta AI copyright lawsuit involving pirated books and LLaMA training Direct sales and Etsy as a growing opportunity for indie authors Turning books into collectible gift products BookVault duplex covers and special editions Creating reader merchandise tied to fictional worlds Using Etsy as a discovery platform for new readers SPS Live updates and upcoming sessions on direct selling Resources mentioned:  ProWritingAid – use code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions: https://prowritingaid.com/ SPS Live 2026: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive SPS Party 2026: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/party-on-the-boat

    42 min

  8. 30 Apr

    SPS-445: Real Cops, Real Stories, Better Fiction with James Blatch & Cissy Mecca

    James and Cissy welcome former Milwaukee police sergeant and author Patrick O'Donnell to discuss his new book, Police Stories: The Rookie Years, and the real-life experiences behind his writing. Patrick shares gripping stories from his early days on patrol, including a near-shooting, a fatal stabbing case, and the realities of policing that often get misrepresented in fiction. The episode also covers indie authors being excluded from a new publishing prize, questions around Amazon's algorithm and Kindle Unlimited, and how writers can use expert communities to make their crime and police procedural details more authentic. Key Talking Points The New Adult Book Prize and why excluding indie authors feels especially frustrating given indie publishing's role in building the genre. Ongoing questions around Amazon rankings, Kindle Unlimited borrows, page reads, and whether indie titles are being pushed down in the charts. Patrick O'Donnell's police career, from rookie officer to sergeant, and how those experiences shaped his nonfiction and fiction writing. A powerful real-life story from Patrick's rookie years involving a knife suspect, a fatal stabbing, and the emotional reality of first responder work. How the Cops and Writers community helps authors get police procedure, crime scenes, law enforcement culture, and investigation details right. Links & Resources Mentioned ProWritingAid (Sponsor – code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions): https://prowritingaid.com Cops and Writers Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/copsandwriters Patrick O'Donnell – Police Stories: The Rookie Years: Available on Amazon Indie Writers Club / support page: https://learnselfpublishing.com/support LaunchPad course is open for enrolment: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/launchpad

    54 min
See All (451)

Trailer

About

Join James Blatch has he navigates the fast changing world of indie publishing. With the biggest guests in the industry and tips on how to stay ahead of the crowd.

Information

  • Creator
    James Blatch
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    451
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Self Publishing Formula Ltd.
  • Show Website
    The Self Publishing Show

You Might Also Like