self publishing

Episode 145: 7 things that didn’t work for my author business

by Connie B. Dowell
June 17, 2022June 17, 2022

I’m so pleased to be editing, writing, and podcasting from an actual writing desk this week. It’s not in its final position, but behold! Sooo much better than the wobbly folding table where I’ve done most of my work for… Read More »

Episode 97: Know what’s selling

by Connie B. Dowell
April 7, 2021April 7, 2021

It’s another listener wish episode today! This listener’s wish was for an app or service for agents to evaluate ideas before the books were written. The listener wanted to avoid the heartache of spending months or years writing a book… Read More »

Writing a Book with A JOurnaling Element with Rinda Beach

by Connie B. Dowell
June 24, 2020June 24, 2020

Hello from the road! The Dowell family is taking a very careful, socially distanced trip to see my parents…and basically not leave their house the whole time we are there. Wish us luck! We have packed so, so, so many… Read More »

Episode 42: Being a resilient author with Eileen Schnabel

by Connie B. Dowell
March 4, 2020

Being an author comes with a lot of rejection: rejections from agents and editors. Even if you self publish, you still have to deal with criticism. Can’t please everyone. Luckily, I’ve got middle-grade author Eileen Schnabel on the show today… Read More »

Episode 41: Printing and Distribution Basics

by Connie B. Dowell
February 26, 2020

So, some of the last few interview episodes have gotten into the weeds on printing, distribution, and ISBNs for self publishers. I thought it was about time I addressed these issues to establish some of the basics for those new… Read More »

Episode 40: Strategy in self-publishing business setup with Darcy Pattison

by Connie B. Dowell
February 19, 2020March 10, 2020

How do you sell more books? First you have to reach the buyers. And who are they? Sometimes, answering that question means understanding the demographics and interests of your audience. Sometimes, it’s more complicated. In children’s books, the readers aren’t… Read More »

Episode 39: Bouncing back from setbacks

by Connie B. Dowell
February 12, 2020

We all want to be superhuman writers, right? I know I do. But we’ve been dealing with some unexpected stuff in my family, and I had to make a tough decision this week. I had to push back a preorder.… Read More »

Episode 38: Board books, tie-in products, and ISBN warnings with Treena Wetsel

by Connie B. Dowell
February 5, 2020February 4, 2020

Hi, folks. Busy times here. T-minus 20 days until The Body in the Bookmobile releases! Today, I’ve got a fun (and a little technical) interview with children’s author Treena Wetsel. She’s taken a page from traditional publishers in producing and… Read More »

Episode 37: Tips to revamp a backlist book

by Connie B. Dowell
January 29, 2020January 28, 2020

Got an older book that’s not selling as well as you like? Today’s episode is all about some tactics self publishers can use to breathe life into an older book and get readers interested. I’ve also got a question for… Read More »

Episode 36: Self publishing picture books with Misty Barron

by Connie B. Dowell
January 22, 2020January 21, 2020

Hi, folks. This week on the show, I chat with Misty Barron about her picture books inspired by Laughter Yoga. She talks about the process of constructing picture books as a self-publisher, including the need for templates and sourcing images.… Read More »