ALLi Editorial, Author at The Self-Publishing Advice Center

Audio Interview: Vellum Co-Creator Brad Andalman on Formatting, Efficiency, and What’s Next for the Popular Indie Author Tool

In this episode of the Production and Distribution stream of the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, ALLi nonfiction adviser Anna Featherstone speaks with Brad Andalman, co-founder of Vellum, the popular book formatting software used by thousands of indie authors. They discuss Vellum’s origins, its evolution, and how it fits into the book production process—especially for authors looking to maintain control, streamline workflow, and update files efficiently. Brad also shares insights on how authors use Vellum in unexpected ways, recent feature updates, and how the team prioritizes new tools based on author feedback and publishing trends.

The Ultimate Guide to Author Collaboration in Writing and Publishing

Indie authors are generous in sharing information and paying knowledge forward which has given us real competitive advantages. The Alliance of Independent Authors is built on such author collaboration. Others are entering formal collaboration partnerships in writing and publishing. Here is your Ultimate Guide to Author Collaboration in Writing and Publishing

June 30, 2025
ALLi Editorial
Business & Planning, Process 5 & 6: Marketing & Promotion, Top 100
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Podcast: What the First AI Copyright Ruling Means for Authors

ALLi Director Orna Ross unpacks the first court ruling on AI’s use of copyrighted books and why it matters to indie authors. She explains how the judge balanced “fair use” with pirate copying, then walks through ALLi’s Four Cs—consent, compensation, clarity, and curiosity—to show authors where the real battles lie. Along the way, Ross offers clear steps for safeguarding your work, engaging readers, and keeping your creativity alive while tech giants and courts hammer out the details.

From Manuscript to Mic — Preparing Your Book for Audiobook Production: Self-Publishing with ALLi Featuring Matty Dalrymple

In this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with MaryCatherine Jones of The Audiobook Experience about how authors can set themselves up for audiobook production success during the editing phase. They discuss the growing popularity of audiobooks, the importance of writing with the ear in mind, and how to avoid pitfalls like confusing names or unclear pronunciations. They also offer practical tips on working with narrators and directing listeners to bonus content, all with an eye toward meeting the expectations of today’s “ear readers.”

The Audiobook Boom: Growth, New Awards, and the Rise of AI Narration

The audiobook boom continues to be a bright spot in publishing, as recent reporting by Dan Holloway highlights a resurgence in listener numbers, the rise of new awards, and ongoing shifts in production tools.

June 23, 2025
ALLi Editorial
Process 3 & 4: Production & Distribution
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Can Older Books Still Win Awards? Absolutely!

In this Alliance of Independent Authors post, Book Award Adviser Hannah Jacobson dispels the myth that awards are only for new releases, showing how older books can remain strong contenders for recognition.

When and How to Hire a Virtual Assistant: Self-Publishing Advice Conference Highlight

In this Self-Publishing Advice Conference highlight, virtual assistant Kayleigh Brindley draws on over 10 years of experience to help authors decide when it’s time to hire support. The session covers how outsourcing tasks like marketing and admin can ease the workload, improve productivity, and free up time to focus on writing. It includes case studies and practical advice on finding and working with the right virtual assistant.

Live Events: What Authors Gain by Showing Up

With so much expert content now available online—through webinars, courses, and virtual conferences—many authors wonder if it's still worth attending live events. The answer, as you'll see below, is yes. But not just for the educational sessions. The real value often lies in the connections you make, the energy in the room, and the unexpected conversations that can shape your career.

Should You Try to Turn Your Book into a Film or TV Series? The Self-Publishing with ALLi Member Q&A Podcast Featuring Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black

In this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Member Q&A podcast, host Michael La Ronn discusses whether it's worth an author’s time to pursue turning a book into a film or TV series—and why it might be more effective to let the industry come to you.

Romantic Comedy Award, Interactive Middle Grade Bestseller, and More: ALLi Member Milestones June 2025

This regular post from the Alliance of Independent Authors celebrates ALLi member successes to inspire our indie author community. Our ALLi Member Milestones, June 2025, celebrate the successes of author members Cliff Lovette, Suzanne Lissaman, Linda Browne, Matty Dalrymple, Michael La Ronn, Kathryn Holme, Mark Leslie Lefebvre, Judy L. Mohr, Brock Stephen Henning, and Debbie Carroll. Congratulations to all those featured in this month’s roundup and to everyone in our community who has hit a milestone!

The Truth About Book Promotions (and Why Authors Get It Wrong): Self-Publishing with ALLi Featuring Dale L. Roberts

Is your book marketing strategy helping you grow—or wasting your budget? In this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast, Dale L. Roberts talks with Emma Boyer, VP of Digital Operations at Written Word Media, about what truly drives successful book promotions. They explore why branding matters, how genre impacts performance, and why waiting to market your book might be the biggest mistake you make. Emma shares actionable strategies around email list building, pricing expectations, and leveraging promotions to boost visibility and connect with readers—whether you have one book or a full backlist.

Going Local: Authors on the Payoffs and Pitfalls of Hometown Promotion

Going local often provides the surest path to meaningful publicity. Standing in front of a library audience, chatting at a farmers’ market stall, or fielding questions on community radio transforms a distant byline into a neighbor readers can root for. That face‑to‑face connection sparks genuine word of mouth—the signed copy passed to a friend, the snapshot shared on local social media, the casual mention that “the author lives just down the road.”’