Indie Writers Club

James Blatch & Cara Thurlbourn

Cara Clare and James Blatch host a weekly light-hearted chat about all things self publishing.

Join the Word Count Club to be a part of the accountability partnership. We'll support each other in getting the words done :)

Send in your questions, comments and talking points to our discord channel.

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Episodes

010 - How Much do Indie Authors Earn?
5d ago
010 - How Much do Indie Authors Earn?
Useful links:WWM Survey: indiewritersclub.com/survey Publish Drive Offer: indiewritersclub.com/publishdriveJoin the Discord Discussion: indiewritersclub.com/discordIn this episode of the Indie Writers Club, Cara and James discuss their personal updates, including writing progress and the upcoming NaNoWriMo challenge.  The conversation shifts to the Written Word Media Annual Author Survey, where they explore indie authors' motivations for writing, income insights, and genre trends in the self-publishing market. The hosts emphasize the importance of perseverance in writing and the potential for success in the indie publishing world. In this conversation, James and Cara delve into the evolving landscape of self-publishing, focusing on reader behaviour, genre trends, and the correlation between the number of books published and author income.  They discuss the importance of understanding market dynamics, the various formats available for publishing, and the growing trend of direct sales among authors. Additionally, they explore pricing strategies and the effectiveness of different marketing tactics, emphasizing the need for authors to adapt to changing reader preferences and market conditions.  Cara and James explore various marketing tactics in the publishing industry, discussing both overrated and underrated strategies. They emphasize the importance of mailing lists for authors and the sense of community among indie authors, while also addressing the challenges of marketing fatigue and the evolving landscape of author engagement. The discussion highlights the need for effective tools and support systems for authors navigating the complexities of book marketing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates02:58 Writing Progress and NaNoWriMo Discussion05:55 Dog News and Family Decisions09:55 Exploring the Author Survey12:00 Motivations for Writing and Income Insights18:02 Genre Trends and Market Insights24:54 Understanding Reader Behavior and Genre Trends30:07 The Correlation Between Book Quantity and Author Income35:46 Formats and Trends in Book Publishing42:03 Direct Sales: A Growing Trend for Authors47:02 Pricing Strategies and Their Impact on Author Earnings51:52 Marketing Tactics and Effectiveness for Authors54:08 Overrated Marketing Tactics56:09 Underrated Marketing Strategies01:01:15 The Importance of Mailing Lists01:04:39 Community and Sentiment Among Authors01:11:01 Final Thoughts and Future Directions Takeaways Podcasting lifts spirits and provides a creative outlet.NaNoWriMo offers a structured writing challenge for authors.The importance of accountability in writing goals.Indie authors often have diverse motivations for writing.Financial success in writing is achievable with persistence.Genre selection can impact income potential for authors.Community support is vital for indie authors' success.Writing is a long-term commitment that requires resilience.Understanding market trends can guide writing decisions.Personal experiences shape authors' writing journeys. Readers are increasingly binge-reading series, impacting author strategies.Understanding genre trends is crucial for authors to succeed.There is a strong correlation between the number of books published and income.Ebooks are the most popular format among indie authors.High-quality cover design is linked to higher sales.Many authors do not invest in professional ediSupport the show
009 - How to Get Reviews (and deal with bad ones)
25-10-2024
009 - How to Get Reviews (and deal with bad ones)
James and Cara discuss the importance of book reviews in building an author's reputation. The conversation delves into strategies for obtaining reviews, the significance of targeting the right audience, and how to handle negative feedback with resilience and perspective. Links:Publish Drive offer: indiewritersclub.com/publishdriveDiscord Server: indiewritersclub.com/discordMailing List: indiewritersclub.comTakeawaysPlanning is essential for writers to stay focused on their goals.Understanding your personality can help in strategic planning.Dog stories can inspire and connect with readers emotionally.Reviews are crucial for an author's success and visibility.Targeting the right audience is key to receiving positive reviews.Negative reviews can provide valuable insights for marketing.Building a mailing list before publication can help gather reviews.Using platforms like Book Sprout can facilitate obtaining reviews.It's important to maintain a positive relationship with your readers.Handling bad reviews with perspective can help authors grow. Don't let bad reviews discourage you; they can be useful.Use negative reviews for marketing; they can attract readers.Mixed reviews can enhance the legitimacy of your book.Celebrate your good reviews to boost morale.Learn from criticism but don't take it personally.Engage with your audience to understand their preferences.Set realistic writing goals to maintain motivation.Community support can significantly improve writing productivity.Consider feedback for future projects, but stay true to your vision.Creating a review jar can help maintain a positive mindset.Chapters00:00 Planning for the Future: Strategic Writing Goals03:04 Dog Tales: A Journey of Compassion and Joy06:03 The Importance of Reviews: Building Your Author Reputation10:01 Navigating the World of Book Reviews15:58 Handling Bad Reviews: A Writer's Perspective31:45 The Chaos of Reviews36:38 Learning from Criticism41:04 The Importance of Mixed Reviews44:55 Celebrating Positivity in Writing46:34 Writing Progress and GoalsSupport the show
007 - Why Your Books Don't Sell - Part 1
11-10-2024
007 - Why Your Books Don't Sell - Part 1
In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, hosts James and Cara discuss the importance of having a well-prepared book package for successful advertising, the impact of AI on the publishing industry, and the significance of understanding genre expectations. They also share personal updates, insights on social media dynamics for authors, and the necessity of research in crafting effective book titles. The episode concludes with a recap of the Word Count Club, celebrating the writing progress of community members. Key Takeaways1. Align all elements of your book package (title, cover, blurb, author name) with genre expectations to maximize sales potential.2. Choose book titles that use keywords evoking your genre and create the right emotional response in potential readers.3. Research bestsellers in your genre to understand current trends and reader expectations.4. Implement the "Swiss cheese model" - ensure all elements of your book's package align for maximum effectiveness.5. Be cautious with AI in publishing. Many authors distrust AI rights licensing, but consider its potential benefits as a writing tool.6. When using AI-generated content for promotion, be aware of potential controversies and reader perceptions.7. Use AI as a tool to enhance your writing process, but don't let it replace your human creativity.8. Set regular writing goals and track your progress. Consider joining a writing group or challenge for motivation.9. Prioritize self-care. Don't push too hard when life events or illness interfere with your writing goals.10. Consider attending or organizing writing retreats for networking and focused writing time.11. Remember that book marketing is a numbers game. Small improvements in your book's presentation can significantly impact sales.12. Focus on creating a frictionless journey for potential readers from first glance to purchase.13. Avoid being too clever or obscure with your book packaging. Clarity and genre fit are key.14. Understand that as an indie author, you need to think like both a writer and a marketer. 15. Stay informed about industry trends and debates, but focus on what works best for your books and career.  Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates03:04 The Importance of Book Presentation05:55 AI in Publishing: Mistrust and Opportunities08:49 Navigating the AI Debate11:58 The Role of AI in Writing and Creativity14:50 Understanding Genre Expectations17:59 Researching for Success in Indie Publishing21:01 Delivering on the Promise of Your Book Package37:23 Crafting the Perfect Book Package42:06 The Importance of Titles in Genre Reinforcement45:54 Subtitles and Emotional Resonance49:18 Navigating Author Names and Their Impact51:28 The Writer's Journey: Word Count ClubSupport the show
005 - Can TikTok Still Sell Books?
27-09-2024
005 - Can TikTok Still Sell Books?
James & Cara discuss TikTok and it's impact on the book market and whether it's still a place where authors can find new readers.  Useful links:  Our TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indie.writers.clu The Discord Server: indiewritersclub.com/discord PublishDrive: publishdrive.comSummaryIn this episode of the Indie Writers Club, hosts Cara Clare and James Blatch discuss the significant impact of TikTok on the book world, sharing personal experiences and insights on how the platform has transformed book marketing for indie authors. They explore the dynamics of their Word Count Club, the challenges and strategies of using TikTok for book promotion, and the evolution of social media in the writing community. The conversation also touches on the importance of SEO, the commercialization of TikTok, and the various ways authors can engage with their audience without necessarily appearing on camera. TakeawaysTikTok has revolutionized book marketing for indie authors.Setting achievable writing goals can boost motivation.Engaging with readers on platforms like TikTok can lead to significant book sales.SEO is crucial for visibility on TikTok.The platform has become more commercialized, affecting organic reach.Authors can succeed on TikTok without showing their faces.Community support is vital for maintaining motivation in writing.Analyzing successful content can help tailor your own strategy.TikTok serves as a powerful recommendation engine for books.Virality on TikTok can attract both positive and negative attention. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:15 The Impact of TikTok on the Book World07:01 Word Count Club Updates18:37 Exploring Reem Stories and Author Platforms22:16 The Evolution of TikTok and Its Commercialization40:11 Strategies for Success on TikTokSupport the show
004 - Author Scams
20-09-2024
004 - Author Scams
Cara & James discuss the many scams awaiting the unwary indie author.Sign up for alerts and never miss an episode: indiewritersclub.comJoin the discussion: indiewritersclub.com/discordShownotes for 004Links:https://www.alamy.com/ - Huge library of archive photographs, including publicity and news. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rubyroe/nsfw-lesbian-vampire-romance-special-editions - Sacha Black's successful Kickstarter (writing as Ruby Roe).SummaryIn this episode of the Indie Writers Club, James and Cara discuss their writing progress, community engagement, and the importance of setting realistic word count goals. They share insights on the challenges of self-publishing, including scams targeting new authors and the significance of using reliable resources. The conversation also highlights the recent success of a Kickstarter campaign and praises a stock photography service that has improved for indie authors. The hosts emphasize the need for indie authors to be cautious and informed in their publishing journey.TakeawaysWriting every day can lead to significant progress.Setting realistic goals helps maintain motivation.Community support is crucial for indie authors.Stock photography can enhance book covers significantly.Be cautious of marketing companies that promise too much.ISBNs and formatting are manageable tasks for authors.Joining writing communities can provide valuable insights.Scams targeting new authors are prevalent and should be avoided.Money should flow to authors, not the other way around.Indie authors can do much of the work themselves with the right resources.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene02:57 Word Count Goals and Accountability05:59 Community Engagement and Support09:10 Praise for Alamy and Stock Photography11:56 Mailing List Challenges15:00 Kickstarter Success and Shoutouts18:01 Scams Targeting New Authors24:11 Golden Rules for Indie Authors27:04 Closing Thoughts and Future GoalsSupport the show
003 - To Plot Or Pants
13-09-2024
003 - To Plot Or Pants
SummaryIn this episode, Cara Clare and James Blatch discuss their writing progress and strategies. They talk about their word count goals and the challenges of writing during the summer holidays. They also discuss the benefits of accountability and writing sprints. The conversation then shifts to the topic of plotting and pantsing. Cara shares her experience with ghostwriting and using detailed outlines, while James talks about his discovery writing process and the influence of his personal experiences on his stories. In this conversation, James and Cara discuss the creative process of writing and the importance of giving oneself time and space to think. They also touch on the topic of editing and the balance between perfectionism and getting the book finished. They mention the use of sound and music while writing and share their preferences for white noise and instrumental tracks. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the tolerance for typos in indie and traditional publishing. KeywordsIndie Writers Club, word count, writing progress, accountability, writing sprints, plotting, pantsing, ghostwriting, outlines, discovery writing, writing process, creativity, thinking time, editing, perfectionism, sound and music, typos, indie publishing, traditional publishing. TakeawaysSetting word count goals and having accountability can help writers stay motivated and focused.Writing sprints and body doubling can be effective strategies for overcoming writing challenges.There are different approaches to plotting and pantsing, and what works for one writer may not work for another.Detailed outlines can provide structure and guidance for writing, while discovery writing allows for more creativity and spontaneity.Personal experiences and emotions can influence and shape the stories that writers tell. Give yourself time and space to think and let ideas mature before starting to write.The creative process requires rumination and time for the brain to work.Sound and music can be helpful for setting the mood while writing, but it's important to find what works best for you.Typos and minor errors in published books are common and often matter less to readers than the overall story.Finding the balance between perfectionism and getting the book finished is crucial for indie authors. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Word Count Goals02:00 Writing Sprints and Accountability06:37 The Benefits of Writing Sprints and Body Doubling10:38 Exploring Plotting and Pantsing13:33 Ghostwriting and Detailed Outlines18:39 Discovery Writing and Personal Influences21:11 The Importance of Thinking Time26:45 Finding the Right Sound and Music30:20 Balancing Perfectionism and Getting the Book Finished34:24 The Tolerance for Typos Support the show
002 - Character vs Plot.
06-09-2024
002 - Character vs Plot.
SummaryIn this episode, James and Cara discuss the balance between character and plot in writing. They share their own writing projects and word count goals, and explore how different genres prioritize character development and plot progression. They also discuss the importance of finding the right balance between character and plot to create a satisfying reading experience. The conversation explores the importance of character and plot in storytelling. It discusses the idea that characters are what draw readers into a story and keep them engaged, while plot is the reason why readers pick up a book in the first place. The hosts share examples from different genres, such as police procedurals and thrillers, to illustrate how character-driven stories can be just as compelling as plot-driven ones. They also discuss the interplay between character and plot, emphasizing the importance of seamlessly weaving them together to create a captivating narrative.Keywordswriting, character, plot, genre, balance, word count, development, progression, character, plot, storytelling, engagement, police procedurals, thrillers, interplay TakeawaysThe balance between character and plot varies across different genres.Character-driven stories focus on the development and growth of the characters, while plot-driven stories prioritize the progression of events.Both character and plot are important for a successful book, but the emphasis may differ depending on the genre and reader expectations.Finding the right balance between character and plot is crucial to create a satisfying reading experience.Word count goals can vary for different writers, and it's important to find a pace that works best for individual writing styles and preferences. Characters are what draw readers into a story and keep them engaged.Plot is the reason why readers pick up a book in the first place.Character-driven stories can be just as compelling as plot-driven ones.Seamlessly weaving character and plot together creates a captivating narrative.TitlesSetting Personal Word Count Goals and Writing PacesThe Varying Emphasis on Character and Plot Across Genres The Role of Plot in Engaging ReadersThe Power of Characters in Storytelling Sound Bites"Character-driven stories focus on the development and growth of the characters.""Plot-driven stories prioritize the progression of events.""The balance between character and plot varies across different genres.""I'm fantasizing about rewriting that book... instead of him being underconfident, he's cocky and arrogant.""Plot is the reason somebody reads a book, characters are the reason they stay and like it.""It's likely to be the small conversations and interactions between characters that stay with people."Chapters 00:00 Introduction and the Challenges of Talking About Writing02:55 Character vs. Plot: Exploring the Balance10:51 James and Cara's Writing Projects and Word Count Goals16:50 The Emphasis on Character and Plot in Different Genres22:57 The Importance of Finding the Right Balance24:23 The Power of Characters26:32 The Role of Plot29:53 Character vs. Plot33:51 The Interplay Between Character and PlotSupport the show
001 - What is the Indie Writers Club?
06-09-2024
001 - What is the Indie Writers Club?
SummaryIn this episode, hosts Cara Clare and James Blatch introduce themselves and the purpose of the podcast. They discuss their backgrounds as authors and their experiences in the publishing industry. They also explain how listeners can get involved in the podcast through the Discord server and Facebook group. The hosts emphasize that the podcast will cover a wide range of topics related to writing, including craft, marketing, and mental wellbeing. KeywordsIndie authors, podcast, introduction, publishing industry, writing craft, marketing, mental wellbeing.TakeawaysThe Indie Writers Club podcast is a platform for indie authors and anyone interested in writing.The hosts, Cara Clare and James Blatch, have backgrounds in writing and publishing.Listeners can get involved in the podcast through the Discord server and Facebook group.The podcast will cover various topics related to writing, including craft, marketing, and mental wellbeing. TitlesIntroducing the Indie Writers Club PodcastCovering a Wide Range of Writing Topics on the Podcast Sound Bites"Hello, welcome to the Indie Writers Club.""I had this one novel, which I'd done a NaNoWriMo to get it going and had, I think I had something like 106,000 words a bit, but it was a complete mess.""Writing a novel is a strange thing. It's a complicated thing, writing novels." Chapters00:00Introducing the Indie Writers Club Podcast01:41Writing Journeys: From NaNoWriMo to Published Novels03:03The Complicated Process of Writing Novels08:06Cara Clare's Journey into Writing and Self-Publishing09:47The Democratization of Publishing and Indie Authors13:52Exploring Various Writing Topics on the PodcastSupport the show