James and Cissy dive into the evolving AI conversation, reacting to viral commentary about whether artificial intelligence will truly replace white-collar jobs and what that means for writers. They explore the difference between superficial and deep AI usage, the economics behind tech industry messaging, and how authors can adapt rather than resist. They also discuss the irreplaceable value of in-person author events, relationship building, and why conferences continue to be career accelerators in an increasingly digital industry.

Key Talking Points

• A viral "Stay Human" TikTok challenges the narrative that AI will eliminate white-collar jobs, reframing it as investor-driven hype rather than economic inevitability.
• Why authors won't be replaced by AI but may be replaced by authors who use AI effectively and strategically.
• The difference between shallow AI use and deep, professional integration (including translation workflows and creative production).
• Why in-person events accelerate learning, build trust, create lifelong industry friendships, and often spark the biggest career breakthroughs.

Links & Resources Mentioned

• ProWritingAid (Sponsor – code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions): https://prowritingaid.com
• Social Media Examiner – AI Explored Podcast: https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/ai-explored/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@kelly_boesch_ai_art?_r=1&_t=ZN-94CQZzFmP4g
• Author Nation: https://authornation.live
• Self-Publishing Show Live (London conference): https://learnselfpublishing.com/spslive
• Irelands Publishing Show: https://www.indienetworkevents.com From learnselfpublishing.com

Episode Summary

James and Cissy welcome Robin Bennett Freebairn back to the show to discuss how he's successfully expanded his nonfiction "birth year" book series into the gifting market via Etsy. Robin shares how selling direct through a marketplace platform has rapidly grown into a major revenue stream, now rivalling Amazon income and explains the practical realities of becoming not just an author, but a retailer. From managing stock and print runs to offering gift wrap and personalised editions, this episode dives deep into how indie authors can future-proof their businesses by building human connection, diversifying platforms, and embracing direct sales.

Key Talking Points

• Why Etsy is proving to be a powerful platform for gift-focused books, with largely organic growth and strong margins.
• The mindset shift from author to retailer - managing stock, customer service, fulfilment times, and repeat buyers.
• Profit breakdown: hardback pricing strategy, production costs, Etsy fees (significantly lower than Amazon), and upsells like gift wrapping and personalisation.
• How direct sales create stronger reader relationships and "superfans" through exceptional customer service.
• Diversifying beyond Amazon as protection against AI disruption and platform risk and building a sustainable family-run publishing business.

Links & Resources Mentioned

• ProWritingAid (Sponsor – code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions): https://prowritingaid.com
• Etsy (Marketplace discussed): https://www.etsy.com
• BookVault (Print-on-demand service mentioned): https://bookvault.app
• Short Run Press (UK short-run printer referenced): https://www.shortrunpress.co.uk
• Self-Publishing Show Live (June London conference): https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive

The Self-Publishing Show enters a new era as James Blatch officially introduces his new co-host, romance author Cecilia "Cissy" Mecca. In this wide-ranging conversation, they explore Cissy's indie journey, from mediaeval romance to paranormal and contemporary pivots, her decision to consolidate pen names, and the realities of building a sustainable author career. The episode also dives into the latest AI controversy in the romance world, discussing reader backlash, industry adaptation, and why platform-building may matter more than ever in an AI-powered marketplace.

• Official introduction of Cecilia "Cissy" Mecca as the new co-host and what she brings from the romance genre perspective.
• Cissy's indie origin story: discovering self-publishing through conference connections and following the Learn Self Publishing LaunchPad roadmap to leave her teaching career.
• The pros and cons of genre pivoting, combining pen names, and choosing creative fulfilment over strict niche strategy.
• The New York Times article about Coral Heart and AI-written romance books and the strong reaction from romance readers and authors.
• Why adapting to AI, strengthening reader connection, and building direct platforms (mailing lists, community, in-person events) will be critical for authors moving forward.

• ProWritingAid (sponsor & discount code IWC15): https://prowritingaid.com
• NotebookLM by Google (research & synthesis tool discussed): https://notebooklm.google.com
• Learn Self Publishing - Launchpad course https://www.learnselfpublishing.com
• The New York Times article with Coral Heart https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/08/business/ai-claude-romance-books.html?unlocked_article_code=1.KlA.cf39.OMbDGgPwsUjy