Shows
Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 52: Debunking AI MythsThis week Rachel and Rob explore the ethical implications of AI training on creative works, particularly focusing on authors' perspectives. It discusses the feelings of violation among creators whose works are used without consent, while also highlighting the potential benefits that AI can bring to authors. The dialogue touches on the piracy argument, suggesting that unauthorized use of creative works may not necessarily harm the original creators financially.
2025-11-271h 04Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 51: Myth BustersEntering the world of writing can be both exciting and intimidating for new authors. In the latest episode of Indie Author Roadmap, hosts Rob and Rachel tackle common myths that can mislead aspiring writers. This discussion not only sheds light on these misconceptions but also offers valuable insights for anyone looking to navigate their writing journey.
2025-11-1949 minIndie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 50: Terminated!This week Rachel and Rob discuss their weekly writing experiences, the challenges of managing Amazon accounts, and the implications of account suspensions and terminations. They explore the importance of diversifying sales channels, particularly through TikTok, and the need for consistency in marketing efforts. The discussion also touches on language learning and translation experiences, as well as compliance issues that authors face in the publishing industry. In this conversation, the hosts delve into various aspects of writing and publishing, including the challenges of copyright and music usage, the ethics of page stuffing, and the differences between account suspension and termination...
2025-11-121h 01Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 49: Rachel's "Topics"In this episode, the hosts discuss various aspects of being an indie author, including the challenges of audiobook production, the importance of transparency in earnings, and the impact of reviews on authors. They share personal experiences with writing, navigating negativity, and the significance of constructive criticism. The conversation highlights the community aspect of indie publishing and the shared struggles and triumphs of authors.
2025-11-0555 minIndie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 48: Starting OutIn this episode of the Indie Author Roadmap, hosts Rachel and Rob discuss the intricacies of writing, marketing, and engaging with readers as indie authors. They share personal experiences, challenges faced in the writing process, and the importance of community support. The conversation also delves into effective marketing strategies, particularly through social media platforms like TikTok, and the significance of setting writing goals to track progress. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the excitement of writing and the value of sharing experiences with fellow authors. In this episode, the hosts reflect on their writing goals, discussing their progress and...
2025-10-291h 05Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 47: Warning - Trigger - WarningThis week, on Rachel's Birthday, Rachel and Rob discuss Trigger Warnings and swear a little bit about them (there is your trigger warning right there). A lively chat and debate on a topic which has author's divided.
2025-10-221h 13Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 46: No Theme, Just ChatSummary
In this episode, Rachel and Rob discuss the ups and downs of being indie authors, including the joys of full-time writing, the challenges of managing TikTok shops, and the intricacies of branding with pen names. They delve into the importance of cover design in representing genres, the tedious process of formatting and publishing, and effective marketing strategies for new releases. The conversation also touches on the use of TikTok for engagement, the role of AI tools in book promotion, and the hurdles faced in audio book production. In this engaging conversation, Rachel and her co-host discuss...
2025-10-1559 minIndie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 45: The Catch UpSummary
In this episode of Indie Author Roadmap, hosts Rob Radcliffe and Rachel discuss various aspects of the writing and publishing process, including the importance of editing and proofreading, the role of developmental editing, and the challenges of self-publishing. They also delve into marketing strategies such as book trailers, the significance of cover design, and the impact of AI on the publishing industry. The conversation touches on personal updates, holiday preparations, and the community aspect of writing challenges like NaNoWriMo. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the evolving role of AI in writing and publishing, exploring its...
2025-10-081h 06Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 44: Going FulltimeIn this episode of the Indie Author Roadmap, hosts Rachel and Rob discuss the journey of going full-time as an indie author. They share their personal experiences, the challenges they faced, and the importance of community and networking in the indie publishing world. The conversation covers financial considerations, marketing strategies, and the realities of maintaining productivity while working from home. They also touch on the significance of participating in author events and the evolving nature of the indie author career.
2025-10-0157 minIndie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 43: New Author MarketingIn this episode Rachel and Rob chat about how they'd market if they had to start out again, as well as the usual off topic chit chat.
2025-09-2456 minIndie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 042: Translations & WitchesIn this week's episode Rachel and Rob chat briefly about translations into German before welcoming Indie Author Steven P Aitchison onto the show for a candid chat about publishing, marketing, and Steve's rebranding his books into his hugely popular Witches Of Scotland series.
As detailed in the show, Steve happily supplied the contact details of his fantastic cover artist if you looking to take your book's cover to the next level:
Shezaad Sudar https://99designs.co.uk/profiles/shezaadsudar
2025-09-171h 12Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 041: Question TimeThis week's show sees Rachel and Rob sitting down and answering a few questions from listeners. Lots of insight, a little sarcasm...and a few giggles along the way.
2025-09-1052 minIndie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 040: Reconnecting AuthorsIn this weeks's show Rachel and Rob literally reconnect half a dozen times (due to technical difficulties) and chat about their week. Lots of banter, a few missed half conversations expertly edited by Rob. What's not to love?
2025-09-0337 minIndie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 039: Starting Paid AdsIn this week's episode Rachel and Rob tackle paid ads, when to start running them, alternatives for the new author who isn't ready, and also chatting about their own experiences with ads as well as the usual banter.
2025-08-2759 minIndie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 038: Software For Indie AuthorsThis week on Indie Author Roadmap Rob and Rachel chat about the software they use to create their books and businesses. A bumper jam packed episode not to be missed.
2025-08-231h 10Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 037: First DraftingIn this week's episode, Rachel and Rob chat through a few questions from budding authors which then leads on to a discussion about first drafts, and as always, anything and everything which crosses their minds. Lots of insightful tips as well as the usual chatting about life as an indie author.
2025-08-131h 03Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 036: Writing In SeriesThis week's show sees Rachel hosting a rather impromptu interview with Rob which is all about writing in series. Rachel and Rob also chat about audio narration and Rachel's new pet project with Scribe shadow, translations.
2025-08-0659 minIndie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 035: Repurposing Your IPIn this week’s show Rachel and Rob chat about how they are repurposing their own IPs, as well as complaining about the kids now it’s the school holidays, and also chatting about the Indie Author Roadmap Christmas Party which you are all invited to (check out the form below) as well as the usual off topic chit-chat.
Indie Author Roadmap Xmas Do Form
2025-07-301h 07Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 34: Writing Through AdversityIn this week’s episode Rachel and Rob chat, or at least attempt to chat (due to a lagging issue with the connection), about writing thorough adversity. What happens when things just don’t seem to be going right with either your creativity or your sales?
2025-07-2330 minIndie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 33: Anti-brandingIn this week’s show Rachel and Rob are off to their usual start but the plans for the show quickly take a side step when Rachel mentions how her 21 book series is not branded correctly. What follows is a tiny bit of swearing from Rob, and a whole lot of laughter from Rachel. An off the cuff lesson in Branding your series correctly…or rather how not to do it.
2025-07-161h 04Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 032: Traveling Through TimeIn today's show, Rachel and Rob chat to time travel author Jason Ayres about all the mistakes he's made along his indie publishing road, and how he overcame the bumps all authors inevitably have along the way.
Another hugely inspiring interview and a lovely interviewee.
2025-07-0956 minIndie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 31: Indie Author Conference (pt 2)In today’s episode Rachel and Rob chat about their take homes from SPS live, in London. Writing is a solitary affair, but when attending author conferences it reminds you that you are not alone.
2025-07-0247 minIndie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 30: Author Conferences (Pt 1)In this two part episode, this week Rachel and Rob chat about their personal experiences at author conferences, the benefits of going, what one might expect, and how to navigate the day. An episode full of actionable advice and pre-recorded just before the IAR hosts head down to London for Europe’s biggest indie author conference.
2025-06-2455 minIndie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 029: Talking TikTokIn this week's episode Rachel and Rob sit down for a chat with author A.P Beswick. A.P (Adam) dives deep into his own story and how he used video marketing on social media to find new readers and sell books to them. From there he has gone from strength to strength building his author business through organic marketing on social media. If you're interested in reaching your readers through social media channels this is the guy to listen to.
Below is Adam's Facebook community which is all about organic marketing on social media. Full of gr...
2025-06-181h 07Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 028: Cops & ScribblersThis week Rachel and Rob bizarrely talk condoms and beach towels, and are then joined by new thriller author James Felix as he dives into the inspiration behind his books having just retired after thirty years in the police service.
2025-06-111h 08Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 027: The Halfway MarkTo celebrate six months on air, Rachel and Rob reflect on the past six months of their author careers as well as chatting about plans for the next six months, and of course skewing completely off topic as per usual. Lots of fun as usual with the IAR crew.
2025-06-041h 02Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 026: Author ExpectationsThis week's show sees Rachel and Rob talking about the expectations of new authors and the realities of life as a storyteller.
2025-05-2845 minIndie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 025: Interviewing AuthorsFor the first, but by no means the last, time in IAR history, Rachel and Rob are joined by another author. In their interviewing debuts, the chief wafflers invite lit-RPG and fantasy author Mike Hibbert onto the show to chat about his writing, publishing, and plans for the future. Expect a jam packed episode!
2025-05-221h 26Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 024: Works In ProgressWorks In Progress, or WIPS, are your delightful current projects, but what happens when they multiply like little Gremlins taking a shower? In this week's episode Rachel and Rob chat about their own works in progress and how they plan to tackle the little gremlins.
2025-05-141h 02Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 023: Rob In The HotseatIn this week's episode, Rachel decides to put Rob in the Hotseat, going through a host of terminologies you will pick up as an indie author.
An entertaining and informative episode as always focusing on all things indie.
2025-05-071h 03Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEP 022: AI-ingLove it or loath it, view it as a helpful friend or a wicked enemy, AI is here and here to stay. In this week's episode, Rachel and Rob discuss AI and how it can help you in your author journey.
2025-04-3047 minIndie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 021: Pivoting & HummusIn this week's episode Rachel and Rob talk about how and when to pivot in your author business, plus an unexpected amount of cha about vegan food, because, why not?
2025-04-231h 13Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 020: Not Talking DialogueThis week's episode sees rachel and Rob give tips for creating dialogue for your books, with the usual off topic ramblings. Join them for another episode of their light hearted banter about all things Indie.
2025-04-161h 02Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 019: Burnout & OverwhelmThis week's episode sees Rachel and Rob talking about their own personal experiences with burnout and overwhelm, and how they overcame it.
2025-04-091h 02Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 017: First ChaptersIn today's episode Rachel and Rob chat about what makes a compelling first chapter and what not to do at the beginning of your book.
2025-04-041h 01Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 018: 2 Disagreeing AuthorsToday's episode begins with Rob chatting about tips for new authors starting out, but soon turns into chaos with Rachel disagreeing at every turn. A fun and lively debate surrounding the first steps of marketing as a new indie author.
2025-04-041h 03Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 016: Doing AudioThis week Rachel and Rob chat about Audiobooks, with Rob picking Rachel's brain as he embarks upon narrating his upcoming novel.
Asking the questions any newbie might have, this is a great episode which dives into the other side of book production.
2025-03-191h 03Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 015: Question TimeIn this week's episode Rachel and Rob answer (or attempt to answer) a few questions sent in by listeners. As always an entertaining listen which dives deeper into the trials of being an Indie Author.
2025-03-1248 minIndie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 014 - Character CreationRachel and Rob are talking character creation this week. Great characters make great stories, but how do you actually create them? In this episode, we break down our process for crafting characters that feel real, drive the plot, and keep readers hooked. From backstory and motivation to personality quirks and flaws, we cover what makes characters unforgettable.
2025-03-041h 05Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 013: First PromosRachel and Rob dive into how they'd do things if they were first starting out right now. Chatting about setting up first promos, ways of finding readers for their mailing lists, as well as getting those first few sales.
2025-02-2558 minIndie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 012: Mailing Listsin this week's episode Rachel and Rob talk about mailing lists, how to set them up, what they achieve, and why you need one even if you are marketing your books other ways.
The email marketing platforms Indie Author Roadmap love are:
https://www.mailerlite.com
With its very user friendly interface and 1000 free subscribers starting out and:
https://kit.com/pricing
with 10,000 free subs starting out on the Newsletter tier.
Also for domain name set up we have www.wix.com and www.ionos.com
2025-02-1956 minIndie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 011: Writing RoutinesEpisode 11 sees Rachel and Rob revisitng the writing routines they touched on in the very first episode. They also talk about Patreon, tik-tok, and as always fill the spaces with general chit-chat about writing and publishing.
2025-02-121h 042025-02-051h 02Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 009: Income DiversificationIn this week's episode Rachel and Rob explore other ways to gain income from your books and the platforms available to achieve this.
2025-01-291h 01Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 008: Writing ConfidenceRachel and Rob chat about having confidence in your writing when starting out, as well as talking about keeping that impostor syndrome at bay amoungst the usual of topic waffle they always manage to bring to the table.
2025-01-2239 minIndie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 007: The Vs EpisodeIn this week’s episode Rachel and Rob chat about the differences between Traditional Publishing, Indie Publishing and Vanity Publishing, as well as casting a light on being Wide or Exclusive with your ebooks.
There may be a little swearing when Rob goes off on a rant about Vanity publishers. Be warned…
2025-01-151h 04Indie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 006: 2025 Goals!Rachel and Rob sit down to discuss their writing, publishing and marketing goals for 2025.
These include Rob joining the Novel Gains 30 Day video marketing challenge hosted by fantasy author A.P Beswick, and Rachel talking about Matt J Holmes's Facebook Jumpstart course.
Novel Gains FB Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/870314997912256
Matt J Holmes FB Ads Course for authors: https://www.matthewjholmes.com/a/2147523688/PwoDPtdE
2025-01-0849 minIndie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 005: BookstrappingRachel and Rob see in the New Year by talking about Bookstrapping, covering book covers, editing, formatting, and uploading, the four key elements of publishing you must have in place to enable you to publish your book.
2025-01-0147 minIndie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 004: ReviewsAfter receiving a dreaded 1 star review for one of his books, Rob and Rachel chat about the review eco-system, the different kinds of reviews authors can receive, and the mindset to overcome bad reviews. Also Thrive in 25 updates and as always a few laughs along the way.
2024-12-2848 minIndie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 003: Social MediaRachel and Rob chat about the social media channels they use, when to start your author social media, and how they think social media helps sell books.
2024-12-2755 minIndie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 002: Thrive in 25Rachel and Rob chat about thrive in 25, their accountability drive to get people writing in 2025
2024-12-2747 minIndie Author Roadmap PodcastEp 001: IntroductionsIn the first ever episode of Indie Author Roadmap, Rachel and Rob introduce themselves and their plans for the podcast as well as frequently talking over each other and getting to grips with actually recording their first chat.
2024-12-2749 min