Publishing Conferences & Book Fairs – What’s In Them for Self-published Authors?
Self-published authors often wonder whether they can justify paying substantial entry prices to publishing trade and book fairs. Two of…
Build Your Mailing List! 5 Ideas That Really Work by DuoLit
With all of the hats you wear as an indie author, have you ever wondered how in the world you’ll…
News Podcast: ‘Shy Girl’ Controversy Raises AI Editing Questions; Self-Publishing Surge Sparks Debate
On this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Dan Holloway examines the fallout from the “Shy Girl” controversy, where allegations of AI-assisted writing led to a withdrawn book deal and raised new questions about author responsibility and editorial use of AI. He also highlights Jane Friedman’s new AI-in-publishing guide, reports on a surge in self-published titles linked to AI tools, and looks at the growing use of Substack as a platform for fiction.
Indie Author Lab Debuts as London Book Fair Opens Its Doors to Self-Publishers with Orna Ross and Joanna Penn
Orna Ross and Joanna Penn reflect on a landmark year at London Book Fair, where the Alliance of Independent Authors made its biggest mark yet — debuting the Indie Author Lab, a full-day event dedicated to helping indie authors go deep on their own publishing practice, and unveiling the new ALLi Indie Author Bookstore. They discuss why 2026 felt like a genuine turning point for self-publishers at the fair, what indie authors need most in an age of abundance and AI, and why discernment and individualization may matter more now than any single piece of publishing advice.
Advice Podcast: Three Trends for 2026 — Transformation, Trust, and the ‘Agentic’ Shift with Orna Ross and Joanna Penn
Orna Ross and Joanna Penn compare notes from the indie front line, drawing on Jo’s new novel and her renewed focus on business basics for ALLi’s Indie Author Lab at the London Book Fair, alongside Orna’s shift to Substack and a clear-eyed look at what is changing fastest for authors. In this forward-looking conversation, two self-publishing veterans unpack agentic AI, the challenge of staying discoverable in a sea of content, and how permission-based audiences, reader trust, and real-world connection can make authors harder to replace.
Audio Interview: The Editorial Process for Short Fiction Contests with Matty Dalrymple and Polly Campbell
Author and podcaster Polly Campbell joins Matty Dalrymple to explore how writing contests can sharpen a writer’s editorial skills. Polly discusses the fast-paced revision process required for short fiction contests, how to make every word count, and why tight deadlines can lead to more focused, confident writing. She also shares practical strategies for structuring quick edits, choosing impactful details, and balancing creativity with polish—all lessons that can strengthen any writer’s craft.
Audio Interview: Elevating Indie Book Design
ALLi Campaigns Manager Matty Dalrymple talks with book cover designer Rachel Valliere about improving indie book design through a crucial but often overlooked tool: the creative brief. Rachel explains how a well-crafted brief helps authors communicate their vision clearly, including technical details like trim size, binding, and cover text. They discuss how understanding genre conventions, using design elements intentionally, and navigating image and font rights contribute to professional indie book design.
Inspirational Indie Author Interview: Mark David Gerson. Award-Winning Writer Publishes Across Genres, Coaches Others, and Champions the Power of Story
My ALLi author guest this episode is Mark David Gerson, an award-winning author of more than twenty books spanning fantasy, memoir, and writing guides. He once avoided writing, but eventually embraced it—and now helps others do the same through his coaching, workshops, and books. He’s also a screenwriter and visual artist who sees writing as both a creative and spiritual act.