ALLi Blog

New AI Tools for Advertising on Amazon: Self-Publishing News with Dan Holloway

As I have reported many times, when it comes to using AI tools, the author community is divided—both within itself and, individually, when it comes to what kind of AI we are talking about. Assistive tools are consistently seen as more acceptable and are more readily used than generative ones.

October 17, 2024
Dan Holloway
News
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Creating a Compelling Author Website with Pauline Wiles: The Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast

On the Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast’s Branding, Marketing, and Promotion stream, Dale L. Roberts speaks with Pauline Wiles, an indie author and website designer, about the importance of branding and creating a compelling author website. They discuss the evolution of web design, common mistakes authors make, and the significance of building an email list. Pauline shares insights on budgeting for a website, SEO best practices, and the role of an author’s website in their overall marketing strategy.

Bookshops Are Cool Again, But No One Reads Books: Self-Publishing News with Dan Holloway

It is perhaps not a surprise that a survey by the Booksellers Association has found that people think bookshops are cool. It is, however, cool that people seem to think so, albeit a little surprising that this latest finding is considered a new development. I just checked an article I wrote for The Guardian about the coolest bookshop of all, the Albion Beatnik, and was flashed a warning informing me that my article was more than eleven years old.

October 15, 2024
Dan Holloway
News
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Self-Publishing Advice Conference 2024: What’s Coming up at #SelfPubCon24

The Self-Publishing Advice Conference (#SelfPubCon24) is just around the corner! Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 19th to Sunday, October 20th, starting at 10am (ET)/3pm (UK). With a stellar lineup of expert speakers and sessions, you won’t want to miss out. The event runs for a full 24 hours, and access is free for three days.

Enhancing Creativity with AI Tools: A Guide to Ethical Use for Authors

Creativity with AI is stirring up a lot of opinions in the writing world, especially about whether it has a place in the creative process. But here, we’re not debating if you should use AI—rather, if you do, we’ll look at how to use it effectively and ethically. AI can assist with brainstorming, help organize research, or generate fresh ideas, but it doesn’t replace the need for human creativity and insight.

Inspirational Indie Author Interview: Sally Clarke. She Brings Martial Arts Stories to Life and Builds Singapore’s Indie Author Scene

My ALLi author guest this episode is Sally Clarke, an author and ALLi ambassador based in Singapore. Sally’s passion for Muay Thai—Thailand’s traditional martial art—inspired her latest book, which tells the story of a young fighter’s journey to overcome the odds. She’s now working to grow the indie author community in her region and support other writers in their publishing journeys.

October 13, 2024
Howard Lovy
Podcast
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Is There a ‘Best Season’ for Book Award Submissions?

In this Alliance of Independent Authors post, Book Award Adviser Hannah Jacobson explores whether there's an ideal season for submitting books to literary awards. She offers insights on year-round strategies to help indie authors make the most of award opportunities and align submissions with their marketing goals.

Han Kang Wins Nobel Prize, AI and Tech Giants Face Landmark Changes: Self-Publishing News with Dan Holloway

We end the week with a quick tour of mostly technology-related stories, but we have to start in Sweden. Huge congratulations to Han Kang on winning the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature.

October 12, 2024
Dan Holloway
News
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Are Your E-Books Ready for the European Accessibility Act? The Self-Publishing News Podcast with Dan Holloway

On this episode of The Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway breaks down what indie authors need to know about the European Accessibility Act and its 2025 deadline. He also explores Canada’s controversial copyright exemption for educational use and its implications, along with the recent MacArthur “Genius” Awards for writers.

MacArthur Genius Awards Spotlight Writers, Copyright Dispute Over Canada’s Fair Use Law Continues: Self-Publishing News with Dan Holloway

Writers are geniuses. We, of course, would happily assert that. But this year’s MacArthur Genius Awards have firmly placed literary talent at the forefront.

October 10, 2024
Dan Holloway
News
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Hybrid Publishing: Hype, Hope, Harm, or Handy? The Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast with Anna Featherstone

Some publishers claim to be in the hybrid publishing space when they’re, in fact, service providers or little more than vanity publishers. So, what is hybrid publishing really, and what are the potential upsides and downsides for authors bringing books out under this model? Listen to Anna Featherstone, ALLi’s nonfiction adviser, and Christopher Locke, director of Membership and Member Services for the Independent Book Publishers Association, as they explain what authors need to be aware of when dealing with operators in this space.

AI for Authors: Ethical & Practical Guidelines

When you hear the words "artificial intelligence" it usually evokes one of two responses, either excitement and curiosity at the prospect of new technologies, bringing more books and products to the world, or fear because the only experience of you have of AI are movies like I, Robot, the Matrix and the Terminator. But the Alliance of Independent Authors is here to show you the plethora of opportunities AI brings authors and how to work with AI ethically. This article is brought to you by Orna Ross. With thanks to Joanna Penn, Laurence O'Bryan of BooksGoSocial, Amit Gupta of Sudowrite, JD Lasica of Authors AI.