Indie Writers Club
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.
Episodes
35 episodes
034 - Selling Your Backlist
James reports from an author mastermind event in Aruba (not in Mexico, it turns out). They discuss various tips and ideas especially around selling your existing titles.Also - try out the Google Animation tool on your covers:
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Season 2
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Episode 34
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33:05
033 - Self Publishing News & Trends
In this episode James & Cara discuss the week's developments in the indie world and James starts an experiment to see if AI translation service Scribeshadow can do a good enough job on his novels to launch them in France with no human inter...
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Season 2
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Episode 33
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51:10
032 - Writing in a Series for Optimal Sales
In this episode James & Cara discuss the latest developments in the world of publishing and they discuss how to write in a series or serial to maximise book sales.Support the Show and get exclusive benefits by joining our Patreon:
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44:06
031 - Patreon Launch
It's your chance to become a part of the IWC and help us stay on air. Head to indiewritersclub.com/support to sign up.
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Season 2
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Episode 31
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46:31
030 - Did Meta Steal Your Book?
We discuss the use by Meta of pirated versions of books to build their AI. And we talk about our own action points from the fabulous Ireland's Publishing Show.Useful links:Check if your book has been pirated on LibGen:
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56:26
029 - Does AI Hate Your Novel?
In this episode Cara and James road test a new AI manuscript analysis tool from seasoned experts, ProWritingAid. The results were...unexpected.Try out the tool yourself: indiewritersclub.com...
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Season 2
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Episode 92
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35:50
028 - Self Publishing's Public Image
In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, James & Cara discuss Bill Bryson's reported attack on self publishing and the wider perception of our industry.Links:One place left in the IWC Cambridge Writers Retreat:
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Season 2
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Episode 28
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52:26
027 - Book Launch Strategies
In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, Cara and James discuss the tips and tricks for gaining maximum visibility for your book launch.Resources: Self Publishing Launchpad online course:
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Season 2
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Episode 27
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45:24
026 - Do Facebook Ads Still Work?
Indie authors have used Facebook (Meta) ads since day one, but we need to be honest with ourselves - are they still performing?Cara and James discuss the changes that have happened, particularly since the privacy scandals.
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Season 2
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Episode 26
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33:28
025 - Translate Your Novel into German
Welcome to the Indie Writers Club, a place to chat about all things self publishing. In episode 025, James & Cara discuss different ways to get your novels translated into German. It's a fast growing market and it can be the differe...
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Season 2
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Episode 25
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38:21
024 - Can You Copyright An AI Novel?
Join Cara & James as they discuss the latest developments in the ongoing saga of AI and copyright legalities.Join the waitlist for the inaugural IWC Writers' Retreat: indiewriterscl...
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Season 2
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Episode 24
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1:00:16
023 How to Develop Your Main Character
They come for the story but stay for the characters... That's how important character development is. In this episode we explore why character is crucial, when it's good, when it's not so good and some practical tips on getting your...
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Season 2
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Episode 23
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1:12:34
022 - The 22 Rules of Storytelling
The 22 rules of storytelling from Emma Coats, a former Pixar writer, have been doing the rounds for years and for good reason. Although Emma herself now describes them as guidelines, rather than rules, they are seen as the foundation on which t...
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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48:55
021 - How to Deal with Bad Reviews
We all get One Star reviews. But when should we take them seriously and when can they be safely ignored? In this episode we talk about our own hurtful reviews and talk about coping strategies.Useful links:The IWC Retreat:
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48:55
020 - Everyday Wisdom to Guide Your Decisions
In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, Cara Clare and James Blatch discuss various topics including the potential ban of TikTok in the US, the importance of diversifying social media presence, and the planning of an indie writers retreat. T...
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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51:20
019 - How Much Did We Earn in 2024?
In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, James & Cara discuss their ad spend and book revenue for 2024.
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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50:10
018 - Self Publishing in 2025
Happy New Year from the Indie Writers Club.In the first episode of 2025, Cara and James discuss what's in store for indie authors in the next twelve months. They also set out their own goals for the year.Useful Links:
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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50:05
017 - Christmas Special from the Pub
James & Cara are down the pub with a couple of author friends to reflect on 2024.Many thanks to our friends at The Salisbury Arms in Cambridge!
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Episode 17
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18:33
016 - Get Your Writing Done!
James returns. Cara chats to Sacha Black about productivity tips.Our next episode will be a live recording from a pub, released on Christmas Day!
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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49:42
015 - What's Up With Facebook Ads?
In this episode James & Cara discuss the latest tips and tricks with Meta Ads (Facebook & Instagram).Join the discussion: https://indiewritersclub.com/discordSign up for...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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54:36
014 Big News Episode
There's so much news about in indie publishing, James & Cara take time to digest and analyse:A new deal for Audio Books from ACXA new Publishing Assistant from publishdrive.comTrad moving in on indie direct selling special e...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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48:20
013 - Is it legal for AI to learn from our books?
James is back from AuthorNation in Las Vegas. During this week's Indie Writers Club episode James discusses the legal presentation from Alicia Wright regarding the law, ethics and AI.If you want to sign up for AuthorNation 2025 click he...
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1:02:46
012 - That First Draft Mountain
Get episode alerts at indiewritersclub.comJoin the discussion at indiewritersclub.com/discordSummaryIn this epi...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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34:51
