The Self Publishing Show

James Blatch
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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. 1 DAY AGO

    SPS-441: AI Can Fix Your Ads James Blatch & Cissy Mecca

    James and Cissy explore one of the most practical uses of AI for authors: analysing advertising, sales, and marketing data to make better business decisions. James shares how he used Claude to review Facebook ads, KDP income, and reader engagement data, while Cissy explains how she used AI to assess years of BookBub performance and identify the best strategy for future promotions. Alongside the data discussion, they touch on the ongoing debate around AI writing, why detection remains unreliable, and how authors can focus on using AI as a powerful backend assistant rather than a creative replacement. The episode also includes a mention of James's upcoming webinar on improving AI translations. Key Talking Points How authors can use AI to analyse Facebook ads, KDP sales, and reader engagement data in seconds instead of spending hours in spreadsheets. Cissy's use of AI to evaluate BookBub results over time and identify which price points, formats, and titles perform best. Why AI can be a game-changer for admin, reporting, and decision-making even for authors who do not use it to write fiction. A continued discussion on AI writing, including why detection tools are unreliable and why the market may ultimately decide what readers want. Details of James's upcoming webinar on AI translations and why first-pass translation tools still fall short for fiction. Links & Resources Mentioned ProWritingAid (Sponsor – code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions): https://prowritingaid.com AI Translations Course: https://learnselfpublishing.com/aitranslations Free AI Translations Webinar: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/webinar

    53 min
  2. SPS-440: Author Under Attack James Blatch & Cissy Mecca

    26 MAR

    SPS-440: Author Under Attack James Blatch & Cissy Mecca

    James and Cissy unpack two major controversies affecting authors this week: a traditionally published author dropped over AI writing accusations, and a literary agent's viral TikTok telling writers to stay away from the London Book Fair. Together, these stories highlight growing tensions around AI, gatekeeping, and who the publishing industry is really for. Alongside the debate, the episode blends in personal reflections on writing routines, burnout, and the realities of balancing creativity with business, offering a grounded look at what it means to be an author in today's rapidly shifting landscape. Key Talking Points The fallout from a publisher cancelling an author over suspected AI use and what this means for trust in the industry. A literary agent's controversial TikTok telling writers not to attend the London Book Fair and the wider issue of gatekeeping. Why authors are increasingly feeling "under attack" from multiple directions, including AI scrutiny and industry attitudes. The ongoing challenge of balancing writing time with business demands, stress, and productivity. Personal insights into author life, including burnout, routine disruption, and staying consistent in a demanding creative career. Links & Resources Mentioned ProWritingAid (Sponsor – code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions): https://prowritingaid.com

    48 min
  3. SPS-439: How Readers Are Made with James Blatch & Cissy Mecca

    19 MAR

    SPS-439: How Readers Are Made with James Blatch & Cissy Mecca

    James is recording from the Irish Publishing Show on St Patrick's Day, James and Cissy reflect on the changing state of indie publishing, the growing pressure of AI-driven discoverability, and the realities of building a sustainable author career in a more mature market. They revisit the ongoing debate around low-quality AI-generated books on Amazon, discuss why AI detection tools are unlikely to solve the problem, and explore how authors are adapting across indie, hybrid, and traditional paths. The episode also takes a more personal turn, with a thoughtful conversation about reading habits, the books that turn children into lifelong readers, and how authors can use AI in practical, reader-focused ways, including personalised book recommendation quizzes. Key Talking Points James shares insights from the Irish Publishing Show and London Book Fair, including how the indie publishing space feels more mature and less boom-driven than in previous years. A deeper look at the AI discoverability problem on Amazon, especially the impact of low-quality AI-generated books flooding categories and search results. Why Amazon is unlikely to separate or reliably detect AI-written books, and what that means for indie authors going forward. A discussion about how readers are made, including the books that first hooked James and Cissy, and why "reading is reading" at every age and level. Cissy explains how she's using Claude and AI tools to build practical reader experiences, including a quiz that helps visitors find the right entry-point book from her catalogue. Links & Resources Mentioned ProWritingAid (Sponsor – code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions): https://prowritingaid.com AI Translations Course: https://learnselfpublishing.com/aitranslations Mecca Romance (reader quiz mentioned): https://meccaromance.com

    40 min

  4. 12 MAR

    SPS-438: Bring Back the Mail! with James Blatch & Cissy Mecca

    James and Cissy discuss new marketing insights and mindset strategies for indie authors navigating an increasingly complex publishing landscape. From experimenting with BookBub ads and improving AI-assisted translations to analysing breakout success in romance adaptations, the conversation explores how authors can stay competitive in a crowded market. Cissy also shares a creative direct-to-reader marketing tactic, sending postcards to readers, as a way to build stronger audience relationships beyond digital platforms. The episode concludes with the hosts' "Three Things" mindset practice, a simple daily habit designed to help authors maintain perspective, gratitude, and motivation in a challenging creative career. Key Talking Points How BookBub ads and promotional pricing strategies can create long-tail sales effects beyond the initial campaign. Lessons learned from improving AI-assisted translations and the impact of higher-quality translations on international book sales. Why certain romance stories and adaptations suddenly explode in popularity — and what authors can learn from those breakout successes. Creative marketing experiments, including sending postcards and physical mail to readers to build stronger audience connections. The "Three Things" daily mindset practice: identifying something that made you happy, something that moved your work forward, and something you're looking forward to. Links & Resources Mentioned ProWritingAid (Sponsor – code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions) https://prowritingaid.com AI Translations Course https://learnselfpublishing.com/aitranslations BookBub Advertising Platform https://bookbub.com/ads James Blatch's donation link: http://jamesblatch.com/marathon  The Self Publishing Show 2026 https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive Heated Rivalry: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35495073/

    57 min

  5. 5 MAR

    SPS-437: Author Events - Discoverability in the Age of AI with James Blatch & Cissy Mecca

    James and Cissy reflect on conversations from a recent indie author mastermind in Savannah, Georgia, where the biggest topic on everyone's mind was discoverability in the age of AI. With thousands of new titles flooding platforms like Amazon KDP every day, the hosts explore how authors can adapt - from optimising metadata for AI search to expanding audiobook distribution and experimenting with platforms like YouTube. The episode culminates in a bold proposal: introducing a publishing fee on KDP uploads to discourage low-quality AI-generated content and improve the reader experience. Key Talking Points The growing discoverability crisis on Amazon as AI enables massive volumes of low-quality books to be uploaded daily. Practical strategies authors can use to improve AI discoverability, including consistent blurbs, Google Books previews, and optimised author websites. Why expanding audiobook distribution beyond exclusivity, including platforms like Spotify and YouTube - may become an important discovery tool. The importance of deep Amazon categories and metadata optimisation to help books surface in searches. James' controversial proposal: a refundable publishing fee for KDP uploads to reduce AI-generated "content farms" and improve reader experience. Links & Resources Mentioned ProWritingAid (Sponsor – code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions): https://prowritingaid.com  Reedsy (research on AI discoverability mentioned): https://reedsy.com Draft2Digital (library distribution discussed): https://draft2digital.com AI Translations Course: https://learnselfpublishing.com/aitranslations  Self-Publishing Show Live: https://learnselfpublishing.com/spslive

    1hr 1min

  6. 27 FEB

    SPS-436: Author Events - Why They're Worth It with James Blatch & Cissy Mecca

    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

    42 min

  7. 20 FEB

    SPS-435: Selling Books On Etsy with Robin Bennett Freebairn

    Episode Summary James and Cissy 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

    53 min
  8. SPS-434: The Big Reveal! with James Blatch & ?

    13 FEB

    SPS-434: The Big Reveal! with James Blatch & ?

    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

    54 min
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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
    440
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Self Publishing Formula Ltd. 2016 - 26
  • Show Website
    The Self Publishing Show

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