Selling Books Overseas from Your Author Website: Compliance Guidelines
At ALLi, the Alliance of Independent Authors, we recommend that all authors seriously consider direct sales, author to reader, but…
Leveraging Professional Services for Profitability with Reedsy: Self-Publishing Advice Conference Highlight
In this Self-Publishing Advice Conference highlight, Martin Cavannagh of Reedsy moderates a panel with editor Rebecca Heyman, designer Danna Mathias Steele, and marketeer Ricardo Fayet. The session examines the role of professional services in the success of self-published books, focusing on how expert editing, design, and marketing can increase sales and long-term profitability. The discussion also outlines how Reedsy’s marketplace connects authors with established industry professionals and includes case studies of authors who improved their publishing results through professional partnerships.
The Ultimate Guide to Author Collaboration in Writing and Publishing
Indie authors are generous in sharing information and paying knowledge forward which has given us real competitive advantages. The Alliance of Independent Authors is built on such author collaboration. Others are entering formal collaboration partnerships in writing and publishing. Here is your Ultimate Guide to Author Collaboration in Writing and Publishing
What Authors Need to Know About Taxes on KDP Print Books
Some authors using Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform are reporting that Value Added Tax (VAT) is being incorrectly applied to their print books. In several cases, books that should qualify for a reduced or zero VAT rate—such as children’s books or books sold in the UK—are instead subject to the standard rate. The result is higher retail prices for readers and confusion among authors.
Essential Business Principles Every Author Should Know
Authors who sell books are running publishing ventures, whether they realize it or not, and understanding fundamental business principles can mean the difference between long-term sustainability and costly mistakes.
When Platforms Collapse: Authors Move to Diversify
Authors who built their audience on TikTok got a harsh reminder on January 17: any platform can disappear overnight, and it is important to diversify. The brief shutdown sent authors scrambling for alternatives, forcing many to rethink their dependence on a single platform. While TikTok returned after twelve hours and received a temporary reprieve, the scare highlighted a bigger issue—Amazon, Meta, and other platforms have also suspended or restricted authors’ accounts without warning, often with little recourse.
A Fresh Start for the New Year: Creative Planning Tips for Authors by Orna Ross
The start of a new year is like opening a fresh notebook—full of promise, ready for ideas, and waiting for your words. For authors, this is the perfect time to embrace creative planning tips, pause to reflect, and set the stage for success. As we move into the new season, it’s an opportunity to map out your creative intentions and take charge of your writing and publishing goals.
Self-Publishing Business and Planning Advice: Best Blogs 2024
This year has flown by once again! As December unfolds, we’ll take a look back at the top posts from the Alliance of Independent Authors blog over the past year. If you missed any of our weekly insights, advice, or case studies, don’t worry—we’ll be rounding up the highlights throughout the month. To start things off, here’s a selection of the best self-publishing business and planning advice featured on the blog in 2024.
ALLi Members Set Bold Goals for 2025
As 2024 comes to a close, many indie authors are already turning their focus to the opportunities and challenges of 2025. From creative shifts to business strategies, they’re making plans to elevate their careers in the coming year. Members of the Alliance of Independent Authors shared their goals for the year ahead, offering a glimpse into the exciting changes they’re preparing to make.
How to Manage the Stress That Comes with Indie Publishing Success
Indie publishing success can take many forms—whether it's financial stability, creative freedom, or building a loyal audience—but achieving it often brings unexpected challenges and stresses along the way. Three ALLi authors—M.K. Williams, Russell Nohelty, and Tom Evans—have faced these challenges firsthand and offer insights into managing success once it arrives.
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.
Should Indie Authors Comply with Apple’s EU Personal Information Request?
At the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi), we recognize the dilemma Applie's EU request for personal information presents for authors: balancing compliance with emerging regulations while protecting your personal privacy. In this post, we’ll dive into the implications of Apple’s request, explore whether you should comply, and provide practical tips for navigating this situation.