Episode Description:

In this focused deep dive, our hosts guide indie authors through the rapidly evolving world of audiobook production, inspired by a featured article in Indie Author Magazine. As the demand for audio content surges—driven especially by Gen Z—authors face new opportunities and challenges: should you hire a pro narrator, trust cutting-edge AI, or record your book yourself?

Join them as they break down:

• The skyrocketing growth of audiobooks and what it means for indies (01:44)

• What makes professional narration the "gold standard," including real costs and royalty share options (04:07)

• How AI narration tools are changing the field—with lower costs, “ethical AI,” and where the tech still falls short (06:35)

• Tips and real talk on the DIY path: gear, prep, and why imperfect narration can be an asset (09:53)

• Smart strategies for distributing your audiobook, from major retailers to building your own audience on YouTube and BookFunnel (13:29)

• The bigger-picture question: how does each path shape your connection with readers—and what does "the author's voice" truly mean in the AI age? (15:21)

Whether you're budget-conscious, tech-curious, or craving creative control, this discussion will help you navigate your next steps. Tune in and discover which audiobook path matches your goals, resources, and the story you want your readers to hear.

Referenced Article: Indie Author Magazine, February 2026 issue.

In this eye-opening deep dive, our hosts unpack the real reasons why so many indie authors missed out on the historic $1.5 billion AI copyright settlement—and how you can avoid their fate. Drawing from Des Smith Doughty’s article, "When Copyright Isn’t Enough," in Indie Author Magazine, they break down exactly how a simple piece of administrative homework—copyright registration—became the dividing line between thousands of writers who got paid and those who got nothing.

Join them as they demystify the fundamentals of copyright registration, bust persistent myths (the "poor man’s copyright" doesn’t cut it!), and share pro tips for protecting your writing against the ever-evolving threats posed by AI and future technologies. Whether you’re publishing your first novel or managing a backlist, this episode arms you with the practical knowledge to future-proof your creative assets.

Key Segments to Guide Your Listen:

• 01:45

  : The staggering AI settlement—and its hidden pitfalls

• 02:58

  : Ownership vs. enforceability: Why U.S. registration is essential

• 05:25

  : Statutory damages explained: What eligible authors gained

• 08:38

  : Affordable strategies for serial and prolific authors

• 10:03

  : Debunking the “poor man’s copyright”

• 11:20

  : Why international authors should consider U.S. registration

• 14:04

  : Urgent next steps for authors with unregistered works

Protect your stories, secure your future earnings, and never leave money on the table again—tune in, take notes, and get ready to handle your business.

In this engaging deep dive, our hosts unravel the inspiring journey of fantasy author Adam Beswick, as profiled in Indie Author Magazine. Together, they explore how Beswick broke free from the "gilded cage" of Amazon and built a six-figure publishing empire—without relying on traditional retailers or paid ads.

Listeners get an inside look at Beswick's innovative "reader-first" model, which replaces algorithmic reliance with personal connection and live selling via platforms like TikTok. We walk through Adam's transformation from bedtime storyteller to warehouse-running publisher, sharing actionable insights about organic marketing, authenticity in content, and the evolving landscape of indie publishing.

Whether you're an author hoping to reclaim your audience or simply curious about the future of book sales, this episode offers both practical strategies and food for thought.