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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?

Business, Finance & Strategy

What’s New with AI in 2026 for Indie Authors

AI technology has moved well past chatbots. Most authors have, too—just not in the direction you may think.

Health & Wellness

MyNoise.Net Creates Soundscapes that Set the Mood

The library of ambient sound mixes and background music is fully customizable and curated to help with focus, creativity, and stress relief, including for neurodivergent people and those with hearing loss.

Something changed with AI this year. Here's what it actually means for authors.

AI Went From Answering Questions to Taking Action.

Marketing

Finding Superfans Without Flaming Out: How Authors Can Build a Solid Reader Base And Protect Their Mental Health

A solid reader base ensures your books will always have an audience, but building that fanbase through constant engagement can lead to burnout. Adjust your strategies—and your mindset—to find and feed your superfans without running out of creative fuel for yourself.

Letters from the PublisherBlog

2026 Is Already the Wildest Year Yet (And It’s Only February)

I’m ditching my house, packing my life into a carry-on, and going full digital nomad. That feels like a weird way to open a publisher’s letter, but it’s the honest version of where my head is right now—and it connects to everything else happening at Indie...

Author Inklings

Author Inklings: Author Branding Without the Overwhelm

Columnist Susan Odev examines what an author’s brand promises readers and the elements authors should consider first when launching a new pen name.

Transmedia (Audio, Merch, Special Editions + Alternate Income Streams)

Finding Your Voice: Options for Do-It-Yourself Audiobook Production

Audiobooks are becoming increasingly popular among readers, but hiring professional narrators can be costly. For authors with a tighter budget or a smaller audience, these DIY options can make production more affordable.

Devil in the Details

When Copyright Isn’t Enough: Why Authors Should Consider Registering Their Work with the US Copyright Office

Authors in the US are granted a level of copyright protection automatically under federal law. But that may not be enough to protect your book in court. Learn what you can do to ensure others can’t take advantage of the work that is rightfully yours.

Featured Authors

How Adam Beswick Turned Six Figures into More than a Fantasy

The Fantasy author has used social media marketing and weekly TikTok live streams to boost his direct sales. It’s paid off—in the size of his business, which now publishes and supports other authors, and in profits, with one live stream bringing him £3,500 in a single night.

Author Inklings

Author Inklings: Choosing a Pen Name Without Losing Yourself

As part of her ongoing series on launching a new pen name, columnist Susan Odev spotlights the most pivotal decision in the process: choosing the name itself.

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