Indie Author Blueprint

Michelle Rayburn
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Get your book from your brain to publication—with YOU directing the process. Are you ready to put in the energy, work, and focus to fulfill your dream of publishing your own books and managing your writing business as a professional? You don’t need gimmicks or high pressure to overspend. Here, you’ll find practical topics tailored for writers with a base knowledge of the writing craft, the curiosity to explore publishing, and the ambition to get it done. Walk through all the phases of the complicated indie publishing process. Author, editor, and book designer Michelle Rayburn shares valuable tips that she uses as she coaches indie authors through their projects. Topics: Industry News, Writing Business Tips, Publishing How-To and Tutorials, Design Principles, The Art of Editing. indieauthorblueprint.substack.com

  1. Why Proofs Matter and What to Check Beyond Typos

    1일 전

    Why Proofs Matter and What to Check Beyond Typos

    In this episode, Michelle shares why ordering a printed proof is one of the smartest steps you can take before publishing your book. She tells the story of a proof copy that revealed more than a few surprises—misaligned headers, tight margins, and a font that felt too small—and explains what every indie author should look for beyond typos. Learn what to check in your print proof, how to fix common layout mistakes, and why this stage is about craftsmanship, not perfection. Listen in to learn: –Why digital previews aren’t enough –What to check in your printed proof (inside and out) –The most common print mistakes indie authors miss –How to know when your book is truly ready to publish https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit indieauthorblueprint.substack.com/subscribe

    21분
  2. Amazon Prime Changes and KDP: What Indie Authors Need to Know

    10월 7일

    Amazon Prime Changes and KDP: What Indie Authors Need to Know

    Amazon just tightened Prime sharing (Amazon Family plus required wallet sharing). What does that mean for indie authors? In this episode, I break down what changed, what didn’t, and how to protect your business payments. We’ll also cover KDP’s identity-verification prompts, why they matter, and the one-account rule so you don’t create headaches. Quick checkup reminder included—tune in and keep your publishing admin clean. https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit indieauthorblueprint.substack.com/subscribe

    17분
  3. Building a Long-Range Publishing Strategy

    9월 30일

    Building a Long-Range Publishing Strategy

    Going wide with your book isn’t just about uploading to multiple platforms — it’s about creating a publishing plan that lasts. In this episode, we look at the long game: setting realistic expectations, serving bookstores and readers well, and protecting your profit margin so you can keep publishing for years to come. You’ll learn: Why wide distribution is about planting seeds, not instant results; How to make your book bookstore-friendly without losing your shirt; Why serving readers well builds long-term loyalty; How to calculate your break-even point and protect your margins. If you’re serious about treating indie publishing like a business, this episode will help you map out a strategy that’s sustainable for the long haul. https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit indieauthorblueprint.substack.com/subscribe

    26분
  4. Adding IngramSpark to Expand Your Reach

    9월 23일

    Adding IngramSpark to Expand Your Reach

    Want your book in bookstores and libraries — without giving up your KDP setup? In this episode, Michelle Rayburn walks you through how to add IngramSpark to expand your reach beyond Amazon. Learn how to use your own ISBNs, match your retail price to avoid problems, and set wholesale discounts and returnability so bookstores will actually order your book. Michelle also breaks down a real profit-per-book example, showing you exactly how to calculate your earnings after discounts and printing costs. https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit indieauthorblueprint.substack.com/subscribe

    19분
  5. How to Know if You're Ready for IngramSpark

    9월 16일

    How to Know if You're Ready for IngramSpark

    Thinking about making your book available beyond Amazon? In this episode, Michelle Rayburn breaks down what it really means to “go wide” and how to know if your book — and you — are ready for the next step. She explores the key signs that it might be time to expand your reach, from consistent Amazon sales and reader demand to having a marketing plan in place. Michelle also explains why staying exclusive to KDP can be a smart move for first-time authors and why IngramSpark is the industry standard when you’re ready for bookstores and libraries to carry your book. This episode will help you make a confident, strategic decision about whether now is the right time to go wide. https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit indieauthorblueprint.substack.com/subscribe

    24분
  6. “Buy My Book” Isn’t Enough for a Call to Action

    9월 9일

    “Buy My Book” Isn’t Enough for a Call to Action

    Tired of listening to podcasts where the only call to action is "Buy my book"? Perhaps you've been taught that "Buy my book" ought to be your main CTA, and now you're wondering why you're losing followers and sales. In this episode of Indie Author Blueprint, Michelle Rayburn explains why that common advice falls flat and how it can actually damage reader trust. Discover practical, community-building alternatives that help you connect with listeners and readers as people—not just potential buyers. Learn how shifting from transactions to relationships will grow trust, loyalty, and eventually, book sales. https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit indieauthorblueprint.substack.com/subscribe

    15분
  7. Why Your Ebook Images Need Alt Text

    9월 2일

    Why Your Ebook Images Need Alt Text

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit indieauthorblueprint.substack.com Alt text may sound technical, but it’s really just storytelling for readers who can’t see your images. In this episode, Michelle Rayburn explains what alt text is, why Kindle Direct Publishing now requires it for eBooks in Europe (as of June 28, 2025), and how to write simple descriptions that make your book accessible to more readers. https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com

    11분
  8. Escape the Vanity Trap and Avoid Predatory Publishers

    8월 26일

    Escape the Vanity Trap and Avoid Predatory Publishers

    In this episode of Indie Author Blueprint, host Michelle Rayburn unpacks the key differences between vanity presses, legitimate hybrid publishers, and true indie publishing. She explains the red flags to watch for, what makes a hybrid partnership credible, and how authors can maintain full control by setting up their own imprint. Listeners will come away with clear guidance on how to avoid costly mistakes and choose the publishing path that best fits their goals. https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit indieauthorblueprint.substack.com/subscribe

    21분
모두 보기(52개)

소개

Get your book from your brain to publication—with YOU directing the process. Are you ready to put in the energy, work, and focus to fulfill your dream of publishing your own books and managing your writing business as a professional? You don’t need gimmicks or high pressure to overspend. Here, you’ll find practical topics tailored for writers with a base knowledge of the writing craft, the curiosity to explore publishing, and the ambition to get it done. Walk through all the phases of the complicated indie publishing process. Author, editor, and book designer Michelle Rayburn shares valuable tips that she uses as she coaches indie authors through their projects. Topics: Industry News, Writing Business Tips, Publishing How-To and Tutorials, Design Principles, The Art of Editing. indieauthorblueprint.substack.com

정보

  • 제작진
    Michelle Rayburn
  • 방송 연도
    2024년 - 2025년
  • 에피소드
    52
  • 등급
    전체 연령 사용가
  • 저작권
    © Michelle Rayburn
  • 웹사이트 보기
    Indie Author Blueprint