ALLi Editorial, Author at The Self-Publishing Advice Center

The Hidden World of Global Book Awards: Opportunities for Every Author, Everywhere

In this Alliance of Independent Authors post, Book Award Adviser Hannah Jacobson explores the wide world of global book awards and how independent authors everywhere can find recognition, no matter where or how they publish.

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.

Member Q&A Podcast: How to Find the Right Developmental Editor for a Specialized Nonfiction Book

In this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Member Q&A podcast, hosts Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black discuss how to find a developmental editor for a nonfiction book that covers complex, controversial, or specialized subject matter.

Audio Interview: Building Your Author Platform in 2025

What does it really take to build a lasting author platform in 2025? In this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast, host Dale L. Roberts chats with indie author Kerrie Flanagan about what it means to grow and sustain an author brand in today’s crowded publishing world. From mastering the tools that matter to balancing multiple genres under different pen names, this conversation offers practical insights for authors looking to deepen their reader connections and expand their reach.

One Author, Many Faces: Managing Multiple Identities

As indie authors expand their careers, many discover that one name doesn't always fit all. A romance author might pivot to horror. A nonfiction writer might decide to finally publish that novel. Or someone who writes across genres may wonder whether each audience needs a different kind of branding. The result? Writers are managing multiple identities—some under different pen names, some through distinct imprints, and others just by shifting tone and voice depending on the context.

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.