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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.

Author Inklings

Author Inklings: Taking the Next Step on Your Path to Publishing

As you reach the end of the editing process, where do you go next? Author Inklings columnist Susan Odes compares publishing paths authors may explore as she debates which one is right for her novel.

Health & Wellness

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.

Featured Authors

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.

Author Inklings

Author Inklings: How Your Beta Reader Feedback Becomes a Revision Plan

Your beta readers have read your draft and shared their thoughts. But not all feedback is equal—and sometimes it contradicts. Here’s how you can decide which suggestions will make your story stronger.

Events

Bookstore in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Hosts Hidden Gem of an Author Conference

The first conference hosted by Trident Booksellers and Cafe in the Canadian province drew two hundred authors, readers, and aspiring writers and served as a reminder that some of the most impactful author events you could attend may be in your backyard.

Ten Tips

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.

Author Inklings

Author Inklings: Finding the Right Beta Readers

Beta readers are some of the first people to read your story, and the first to offer their feedback. Columnist Susan Odev shares her advice on finding the ones who will make your book better.

Devil in the Details

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.

Production & Workflow

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.

Author Inklings

Author Inklings: The Secret to Seeing Your Work Clearly while Self-Editing

Once you’ve finished your first draft, the first set of eyes to review it will probably be your own. Columnist Susan Odev shares her tips for seeing your work in a new light.

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."