Issue #58 - Building Your Author Business Your Own Way

For many indie authors, the joy of publishing comes from paving their own path.

Paranormal Cozy author Annabel Chase has published more than 150 books, has around 313,000 Goodreads reviews across all her titles, and has even seen one of her books displayed on a billboard in Times Square. And she’s managed it all without ever putting her face on camera.

In the middle of the 2020 lockdown, Theresa Goodrich received a gut-punch diagnosis—but that was just the start of her story. Today, she’s chasing her dream of publishing fiction while sharing her positivity, kindness, and encouragement with others.

After years of writing scripts for others, author Deborah Wilde built her book business for herself, with witty heroines that reflect her personality, stories like those she wants to see on the shelf, and a direct sales website that connects her to her readers.

Read their stories and more in the summer 2026 issue of Indie Author Magazine.

In This Issue:

The Power of Community

• Three anthology organizers and Lulu Product Relations Manager Sarah Franklin offer a closer look at the many ways collaborative anthology projects come together, plus how they connect authors at the same time.
• Kickstarter’s Head of Publishing Oriana Leckert discusses the latest trends, strategies, and success stories from the platform, plus what authors should know before their first crowdfunding campaign.
• Learn about eight publishing podcasts worth a listen, and learn directly from indie authors and publishers sharing their insights, tricks, and advice with other authors.

Tools & Resources

• Explore ten in-depth tips for setting up a direct sales storefront on your own website, including the tools that make it possible and sustainable strategies for launching your store.
• Nearly four years after ChatGPT emerged, a series of court rulings, Copyright Office reports, and billion-dollar settlements have reshaped the legal landscape. IAM publisher Chelle Honiker explores the protections that exist for authors’ work in the age of AI.
• Indie Author Training webinars teach authors how to automate TikTok creation and posting, and how publishing nonfiction can help you grow your business. Plus, the Indie Author Magazine Podcast takes a look at cost-effective translation options.

A Better Author Mindset

• As she continues her journey to launch a pen name in a year, columnist Susan Odev reminds authors that publishing successfully starts with writing sustainably—whatever that looks like for them.
• Book coach Rona Gofstein looks at how authors and their characters learn from failure to eventually find success.
• Studies show rest is a vital part of the creative process. Learn how to reset your sleep schedule to stay productive and protect your mental health.

This issue brings together insights and inspiration from the publishing world, plus tools, strategies, and resources to help you build your author business the way you want.

The Quiet Empire: How Annabel Chase Made Her Brand, Not Herself, the Face of Her Business

While the industry screamed “be louder,” Annabel Chase built 150-plus books, a dozen series, and an international readership without ever putting her face on camera.

Indie Author MagazineChelle Honiker

Writing the Next Chapter: Theresa Goodrich on the ‘Gut-Punch’ Diagnosis that Gave Her Permission to Stop Waiting

How the travel writer’s cancer diagnosis inspired her to pursue her passion for storytelling—and how she’s inspired others along her journey

Indie Author MagazineNicole Schroeder

From Screenplays to Storefronts: How Deborah Wilde Turned Snark into a Sustainable Author Brand

After years of writing scripts for others, Wilde has built her book business for herself, with witty heroines that reflect her personality, stories like those she wants to see on the shelf, and a direct sales website that connects her to her readers.

Indie Author MagazineJenn Lessmann

Audio Sorceress Transforms Stories into Sound

The bespoke audiobook production company works with professional voice actors to bring authors’ books to life. The company’s discovery portal brings those books to readers.

Indie Author MagazineNicole Schroeder

Author Inklings: The Art of Showing up

In the second quarter of the year, columnist Susan Odev reminds authors that publishing successfully starts with writing sustainably—whatever that looks like for them.

Indie Author MagazineSusan Odev

Press Play on Eight Author Podcasts from Leaders Across the Industry

Want to hear industry news and advice directly from the publishing leaders themselves? Listen up—these industry-focused podcasts are worth adding to your playlist.

Indie Author MagazineNicole Schroeder

Plotdrive Built to Keep Words Flowing at the Moment Writers Usually Stop

The AI writing system helps authors build story outlines, maintain voice, and keep momentum through the drafting stage.

Indie Author MagazineJenn Lessmann

Note: In an email Wednesday, Plotdrive’s founders announced that the tool will be shutting down permanently on September 13. Built-in Plotdrive models no longer work, though users can continue writing, editing, and using external API keys until the site closes. Current users should download their files before the September 13 deadline; however, anyone who misses the September 13 deadline can email Plotdrive at support@plotdrive.com to have their files exported and emailed to them before all user data is permanently deleted September 27.

Ten Tips for Setting up a Direct Sales Storefront

Thirty percent of indie authors are selling direct. Another 30 percent plan to start this year. Here’s how to join them without overcomplicating it.

Indie Author MagazineChelle Honiker

How Authors Are Succeeding on Kickstarter in 2026

Kickstarter’s Head of Publishing Oriana Leckert discusses the latest trends, strategies, and success stories from the platform, plus what authors should know before their first crowdfunding campaign.

Indie Author MagazineNicole Schroeder

Many Voices, One Book: How Indie Authors Build Anthologies

Anthologies have become a common form of collaboration among indie authors, but creating them comes with unique challenges and triumphs. Three organizers share the varying ways their first anthologies came to life—and the advice they’d give to others wanting to step into their shoes.

Indie Author MagazineWendy Van Camp

AI Copyright for Indie Authors: Where We Stand Now

Three years after IAM’s first article on the legality of copyrighting AI, a series of court rulings, Copyright Office reports, and billion-dollar settlements have reshaped the landscape.

Indie Author MagazineChelle Honiker

Ask a Book Coach: Viewing Mistakes as Part of the Magic

Your character’s mistakes make for a stronger story; yours can make you a stronger writer. Book coach Rona Gofstein reminds authors that learning from failure leads to success, in fiction and in life.

Indie Author MagazineRona Gofstein

The Sleep Reset: How Better Sleep Health Affects Your Creativity

Some authors love to sacrifice sleep for their stories. But studies show rest is a vital part of the creative process, and setting your work aside at night may actually make you more productive.

Indie Author MagazineWendy Van Camp