ALLi Editorial, Author at The Self-Publishing Advice Center

ISBNs Made Easy: A Guide for Indie Authors

We always have questions from our members on "ISBNs made easy," so this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. ISBNs may seem like minor details in the publishing process, but they’re crucial for indie authors looking to build credibility and control over their work. An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique identifier for every edition and format of a book, enabling bookstores, libraries, and online platforms to find, catalog, and distribute books efficiently. It serves as a key to reaching readers and making a book discoverable across retail and library channels worldwide.

October 21, 2024
ALLi Editorial
Process 3 & 4: Production & Distribution
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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.

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.

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.

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.

Planning for Retirement: Financial Strategies for Indie Authors

When you're an indie author, planning for retirement isn’t usually top of mind. Between writing, marketing, and managing everything that comes with self-publishing, thinking about long-term security often gets pushed aside. But as self-employed creatives, indie authors face unique challenges. Unlike traditional jobs with pensions and automatic retirement savings, authors have to take control of their financial future.

Are Blog Tours Still Effective, Navigating ISBN Updates, Pre-Orders, and More: The Member Q&A Podcast with Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black

In this episode of the AskALLi Member Q&A podcast, hosts Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black discuss whether blog tours are still an effective marketing tool for authors and how they compare to other promotional strategies.

TV Appearance, Publishing Debuts, Faith-Based Books, and More: ALLi Member Milestones October 2024

This regular post from the Alliance of Independent Authors celebrates ALLi member successes to inspire our indie author community. Our Member Milestones for August 2024 celebrates the successes of author members Russell Phillips, Donna Galanti, Shamim Yusuf Kalarikkal, Fay A. Klingler, L. S. Westhoff, S. G. Fessel, Sara Sartagne, Rose O'Keefe, and J. A. Cox. Congratulations to all those featured in this month’s roundup and to everyone in our community who has hit a milestone this month!

How to Use Tropes to Sell Your Story Without Losing Creativity: The Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast

In this episode of the Advice on Editing & Design stream of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast, Campaigns Manager Matty Dalrymple talks with Jennifer Hilt, USA Today bestselling author of the “Trope the Sorrows” series, about how indie authors can effectively use tropes to sell their stories without sacrificing creativity. They explore the difference between tropes and clichés, how to leverage tropes for marketing, and the role they play in meeting reader expectations across genres.

Seven Red Flags in Serialized Fiction Contracts

Learn the seven red flags to watch for in serialized fiction contracts, including waiving moral rights and unfair payment structures, to protect your rights as an indie author.

Announcing the Best Book Blurb Competition – Entry Now Open

We’re thrilled to announce that entry to the Best Book Blurb Competition is officially OPEN! Showcase your marketing skills and compete for fantastic publishing prizes, all leading up to our Publishing for Profit Self-Publishing Advice Conference (#SelfPubCon24).