Designing Book Covers that sell – the 7 Must-Haves: Derek Murphy

The Alliance of Independent Authors hosts a discussion on the decision-making process behind whether to pivot or quit on a project. Eight indie authors share strategies for recognizing when a project may not be working and provide guidance on pivoting to optimize both profit and creative potential. This session offers practical advice to help authors navigate indie publishing challenges and turn creative setbacks into financial success.

Like many other commentators on such things, I often criticize publishing figures who proudly claim they provide a full picture of the state of the industry while not including statistics for self-published titles. So, of course, I welcome the publication of figures that double down on self-published titles.

On this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway reflects on the passing of publishing influencer Mike Shatzkin and his impact on the industry. He also discusses Amazon’s decision to close its Kindle Vella serial fiction program and what it means for authors, and examines the tech industry’s stance on AI and creativity as shared at TechCrunch's Disrupt Conference. With tech startups promoting AI as a democratizing force, Dan explores the tension between creative freedom and the potential impact on traditional creative livelihoods.