In this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Member Q&A podcast, hosts Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black discuss how an author can find a reliable publishing mentor, when to seek paid help, and low-cost community options to avoid overspending.
Other questions include:
- Does ALLi maintain a vetted list of book contests, and where can members find it?
- Can you change your Amazon list price without matching the printed barcode price?
- Which review routes are worth it—editorial reviews vs. reader-review services?
- How should authors handle translations and run ads in languages they don’t speak?
- Can you include color photo inserts with print on demand and still distribute on Amazon?
- How much lead time should ARC readers get, and do launch-day reviews matter?
And more!
Listen to the Podcast: Finding the Right Publishing Mentor
Have a Question?
If you're a member of ALLi and have a question for the Member Q&A Podcast, you can sign in and ask here!
Thoughts or further questions on this post or any self-publishing issue?
If you’re an ALLi member, head over to the SelfPubConnect forum for support from our experienced community of indie authors, advisors, and team. Simply create an account (if you haven’t already) to request to join the forum and get going.
Non-members looking for more information can search our extensive archive of blog posts and podcast episodes packed with tips and advice at ALLi's Self-Publishing Advice Center.
And if you haven’t already, we invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally.
About the Hosts
Michael La Ronn is ALLi’s Outreach Manager. He is the author of over 80 science fiction & fantasy books and self-help books for writers. He writes from the great plains of Iowa and has managed to write while raising a family, working a full-time job, and even attending law school classes in the evenings (now graduated!). You can find his fiction at www.michaellaronn.com and his videos and books for writers at www.authorlevelup.com.
Sacha Black is a bestselling and competition winning author, rebel podcaster, speaker and casual rule breaker. She writes fiction under a secret pen name and other books about the art of writing. She lives in England, with her wife and genius, giant of a son. You can find her on her website, her podcast, and on Instagram.




