When Writing Means Business

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Technology

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.

Mindset

Stepping into Your Story: How a Writer's Travel Research Impacts a Reader’s Journey

The setting of your story doesn’t have to be confined to the page. Traveling as an author offers a chance to fill your creative well and research the real-world details that will make your readers feel even more immersed in your books’ adventures.

News

Publishing Platforms Announce Updates to Support Indie Authors’ Reputation with Retailers

Last week, Draft2Digital and Barnes & Noble Press announced changes to their policies aimed at protecting the integrity of indie publishing. The updates sparked questions among authors and deeper conversations about whether similar changes could be in store for the industry.

Author Inklings

Author Inklings: Drafting Through the Messy Middle

Nearly every author encounters a roadblock partway through their first draft. This week, Author Inklings columnist Susan Odev offers encouragement and advice for getting past what some authors have dubbed the “messy middle."

Indie Author Magazine

Issues

Issue #57 - Finding Your Voice as an Indie Author—Expanding Your Business to Reach New Audiences

Explore DIY options for creating audiobooks on a budget. Learn how author Adam Beswick and author-publisher duo Jeanette Strode and James Hunter found success. Plus: an inside look at StorytellerOS, what to know about registering for copyright, and ten tips for newsletter swaps in 2026.

Business, Finance & Strategy

US, UK Author Societies Join Forces to Help Identify Human-Authored Works

The ‘Human Authored’ certification allows authors and publishers to label works as written by a human and distinguish it from AI-generated content.

Featured Authors

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.

Author Inklings

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.

Health & Wellness

Third Spaces Help You Get the Words in from Out in the World

Finding third spaces—community spaces outside of your work and home—can increase your focus, productivity, and progress. They also can improve your mental health.

Mindset

Q&A: Three Neurodivergent Authors Discuss Building a Writing Life that Fits the Brain

Three authors share how their neurodivergence has affected their businesses, how they’ve adapted systems and strategies to reflect their needs, and what they’ve learned while managing their diagnoses alongside their writing careers.

Author Inklings

Author Inklings: Finding a Drafting Structure that Serves You

Whether planner or pants-er, columnist Susan Odev shares how outlining can provide structure and support for a new project, plus ways it can be adapted to fit your writing style.

Technology

StorytellerOS Brings Writing, Marketing, Sales Tracking, Publishing Workflows into One Workspace

IAM publisher Chelle Honiker’s latest project is designed to be the indie author’s operating system, integrating top publishing tools for every stage of the business into one platform.

Rona Gofstein

Craft

Ask a Book Coach: Sharing a Character’s Past Without Interrupting the Present

How do you include character backstory without stopping the flow of the story? Book coach Rona Gofstein offers her advice on keeping the balance between a character’s past and their present on the page.

Ten Tips

Ten Tips for Newsletter Swaps in 2026

Newsletter swaps are one of the most effective, low‑cost ways to reach new readers. Here’s how to find partners, present compelling recommendations, and build long‑term relationships that benefit you and your readers.

Author Inklings

Author Inklings: Does Your Book Have Series Potential?

In this installment of her yearlong series, columnist Susan Odev examines how to turn any book into a series without locking yourself, or your readers, into a complex saga. But when should you keep the story going, and when should you let it stand alone?