Best Reader Essentials Podcasts (2025)

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161. Interview with Kathryn Nelson, Fantasy Novelist 12:58

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9h ago12:58

12:58

“So you see that the main characters’ relationship develop. You see how their country's changing, their themes of mental health and women's rights, social justice, there's magical gems. There's Ice Giants, elves, yeah, all of the good things.“ - Kathryn Nelson From Ice-giants, fantasy worlds, to the power of fantasy in addressing real-life issues. …

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Finish Your Book with Clarity: The Transformative Impact of Book Coaching 12:37

2d ago12:37

12:37

In this deep dive episode, our hosts break down the myths of the lonely writer and explore how personalized support can transform your writing journey. Inspired by Rhona Goffstein’s insightful article in Indie Author Magazine (June 2025), Paige and Reed discuss what a book coach really does, why the right guidance is so much more than editing, and …

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Boost Your Author Brand with Short-Form Video, Trends, and Collaboration Secrets 16:54

6d ago16:54

16:54

In this Deep Dive from Indie Author Magazine, our hosts explore how short-form video is transforming the way authors connect with readers and build their brands online. Drawing actionable insights from top digital strategists, they break down everything from leveraging social media trends to maximizing the value of your content through repurposing—…

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160. What is Creative Entrepreneurship? 12:32

7d ago12:32

12:32

“First principles are really: know how to be creative and know how to get into your creativity.” - Beth Barany In this How To Write the Future episode, called “What is Creative Entrepreneurship?,” host Beth Barany gets interviewed about defining creative entrepreneurship and explains the importance of prioritizing creativity over business and why s…

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Sales Clarity for Indie Authors: Book Report App Features, Benefits, and Comparisons 19:42

9d ago19:42

19:42

Join our hosts as they unpack the latest article from Indie Author Magazine, diving into the ins and outs of the Book Report app—a game changer for indie authors looking to wrangle their sales data without the headache. In this focused episode, we explore how Book Report simplifies the business side of writing, from aggregating royalties across pla…

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Boost Your Creativity: Essential Beach Writing Tools and Self-Care for Indie Authors 11:47

13d ago11:47

11:47

Episode Description: Beach Writing Essentials for Authors – Deep Dive Ready to leave your desk behind and discover a new source of creative energy? In this episode of Indie Author Magazine, our hosts unpack Wendy Van Camp’s "Beach Writing Tools for Indie Authors," diving into why seaside environments are about much more than just a pretty view. Joi…

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159. Quick Tips for Writing Your Character’s Identity 6:29

14d ago6:29

6:29

“Get to know the people, read the history, talk to the people as people. But not as subjects. You're not a scientist, you're a novelist. And being a novelist means getting into the heart and mind of your character and their body too.” - Beth Barany In this How To Write the Future episode, titled “Quick Tips for Writing Your Character’s Identity,” h…

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Transform Your Book Launch with Strategic Virtual Events and Collaborations 16:07

20d ago16:07

16:07

In this episode of Indie Author Magazine’s Deep Dive, our hosts break down the essential strategies from Gil Fernley’s standout article on virtual book launches. Whether you’re an indie author preparing for your first release or a seasoned pro looking to level up your launch tactics, this conversation is packed with actionable insights, creative id…

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158. Writing Science Fiction for Social Impact 12:59

21d ago12:59

12:59

“What would it look like if we did take care of everyone?” - Beth Barany In this episode of "How To Write the Future" podcast, authors and writing teachers, Beth Barany and her husband Ezra Barany, explore how speculative fiction can highlight social issues. They discuss strategies for crafting compelling stories that inspire social change without …

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Clarify Your Creative Brand: Using Taglines to Attract the Right Readers 12:03

23d ago12:03

12:03

Are you ready to sharpen your author brand and connect with your perfect readers? In this insightful Deep Dive episode, our hosts unpack Megan Haskell’s Indie Author Magazine article, "Your Author Tagline: Four Steps to Clarify Your Brand and Connect with Readers." Together, they break down the four essential steps every indie author—or creative en…

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Editors vs Beta Readers: Which Feedback Method Is Right for Your Indie Book? 15:37

27d ago15:37

15:37

What’s the real difference between a developmental editor and a beta reader—and which does your manuscript actually need? In this insightful episode, hosts Paige Turner and Reed Moore break down the article topic with clarity, warmth, and practical advice. Whether you’re polishing a draft or preparing to hit “publish,” this focused discussion will …

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157. How to Craft AI and Robot Characters in Your Fiction 10:05

28d ago10:05

10:05

“ So I haven't yet pulled in any ethical or moral dilemmas that would be interesting, maybe in a future story.” - Beth Barany In “How to Craft AI and Robot Characters in Your Fiction” ****Beth Barany discusses how to create compelling AI and robot characters with unique traits to engage readers. She is joined by her husband, Ezra Barany, also an au…

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Beyond Amazon: The Direct-to-Reader Platform for Authors and Readers 19:27

1M ago19:27

19:27

What does it really take for indie authors to connect directly with their readers—and keep more of their hard-earned royalties? In this episode, our hosts unpack Jen Lessman’s article from Indie Author Magazine, exploring the rise of the “Direct to Readers” platform. We break down the practical benefits and real-world challenges indie authors face …

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From Overwhelm to Organized - Content Batching Secrets for Indie Writers 24:28

1M ago24:28

24:28

Episode Description: Efficient Content Batching for Indie Writers Are you an indie author tired of losing precious writing hours to social media? In this deep-dive episode, our hosts explore a game-changing approach from Indie Author Magazine: content batching for efficient, stress-free social media. Drawing insights from Jen B. Green’s article, we…

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156. Essential Tips for Writing Space Opera 8:31

1M ago8:31

8:31

“ Of course, you want to think of what they want, the goal, why they want it, the motivation; what's in their way, the conflict, but also their strengths and also their secrets.” - Beth Barany In this episode of How To Write The Future, “Essential Tips for Writing Space Opera,” podcast host Beth Barany gets interviewed by her husband and fellow aut…

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Google Play Books: A Hidden Gem for Indie Author Visibility and Sales 18:38

1M ago18:38

18:38

Ready to expand your reach beyond the usual online bookstores? In this focused episode, our hosts dive into how indie authors can boost their book sales and discoverability using Google Play Books, based on a practical guide from Indie Author Magazine. Drawing from Chelle Honiker’s article, we break down why Google Play Books is more than just anot…

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From Unknown to Authority - Strategic Nonfiction Marketing for Indie Writers 34:10

1M ago34:10

34:10

Are you an indie nonfiction author trying to break through the noise? In this focused deep dive, our hosts unpack "Nonfiction Book Marketing Strategies for Indie Authors" from Indie Author Magazine. Drawing on the article by Grace Snoke, they explore actionable tactics for building your authority, reaching ideal readers, and transforming your exper…

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155. Tips to Transform Your Novel Into Trilogy 26:18

1M ago26:18

26:18

“Be here, be now. Be with your project as it exists right now.” — Beth Barany In this episode of How To Write the Future podcast, host Beth Barany answers a readers question on “Turning one novel into a trilogy.” She shares advice on how to start the process all the way how to enjoy your finalized, polished book. Beth also dives into topics such as…

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Readers Over Retailers: The Shift Toward Direct Connections for Indie Authors 11:07

1M ago11:07

11:07

Join our hosts as they navigate the evolving landscape of indie publishing in this focused deep dive inspired by Samantha Margo’s Indie Author Magazine article, "Clashing Desires in the Indie Author Ecosystem." With insights from prominent voices like Jane Friedman and Joanna Penn, they explore the tension indie authors face between harnessing the …

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How Book Report Simplifies Sales Tracking for Wide Authors Everywhere 10:53

2M ago10:53

10:53

In this insightful deep dive, our hosts unpack the latest article from Indie Author Magazine, spotlighting the transformative changes at Book Report—a popular sales analytics tool for indie authors. Originally a must-have browser extension for tracking Amazon KDP sales, Book Report is now expanding, integrating a growing list of new platforms. We e…

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154. World Building with Women Warriors, Interview with Pamela D. Toler 20:36

2M ago20:36

20:36

“There's been a long tradition of saying that women that women who ruled were exceptions, that women who fought were exceptions. That, you know, it's Joan of Arc, it's not GI Joan.,And that trap gets us over and over again, not just with women warriors.” — Pamela D. Toler In this episode of How To Write the Future podcast, host Beth Barany intervie…

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Creative Control, Speed, and Support: Deciding Between Indie and Traditional Publishing 10:58

2M ago10:58

10:58

Join our hosts for a smart, myth-busting exploration of the choices facing modern authors. In this episode, they dive into Tanya Nelestein’s feature from Indie Author Magazine, “Indie vs. Traditional: Navigating the Publishing Choices,” using real-world author stories to go far beyond the basic pros and cons. You’ll discover: What traditional publi…

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Pigeonhole for Indie Authors: Maximizing Early Reviews, Engagement, and Reader Insights 12:12

2M ago12:12

12:12

Join our hosts as they unpack the latest Indie Author Magazine article on The Pigeonhole—a unique platform helping indie authors gain early reviews and build community buzz around new releases. In this focused deep dive, they demystify the serialized reading experience, the platform’s strengths for driving reviews, and the hands-on engagement oppor…

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153. Science Fiction Brainstorming: Two Essential Tips 6:11

2M ago6:11

6:11

“Just really let your creativity flow. No censorship, no stopping to, is this right? Is this wrong? It doesn't matter.” — Beth Barany In this How To Write the Future podcast episode, host Beth Barany answers a question from a listener and shares her advice for those in the brainstorming stages of their novel. In “Science Fiction Brainstorming: Two …

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Fighting Writing Distractions: How StimuWrite Energizes Neurodivergent Authors 10:19

2M ago10:19

10:19

StimuWrite for Neurodivergent Authors – A Deep Dive into Focus-Friendly Tools Ready to rethink your writing environment? In this episode, our hosts explore the latest article from Indie Author Magazine about StimuWrite—a unique writing tool designed especially with neurodivergent authors in mind. Whether you struggle with distraction or just want a…

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From Guesswork to Insights: Practical AB Testing Strategies for Indie Authors 14:48

2M ago14:48

14:48

Join our hosts for a focused, actionable deep dive into the art and science of AB testing as explored in Indie Author Magazine. If connecting with readers sometimes feels like a guessing game, this episode is your starting point for making smarter, data-driven marketing decisions—without needing a tech degree. Break down: What AB testing is—and how…

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152. Create An Original Religion for Your Story 10:55

2M ago10:55

10:55

“A well crafted religion can really add depth to your world building and create some incredible conflicts and tensions that can move your story forward.” In this How To Write the Future podcast episode, host Beth Barany discusses creating original religions in fiction, emphasizing the importance of core beliefs, rituals, and the impact of religion …

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Level Up Reader Loyalty: How Authors Harness SMS Marketing for Direct, Personal Engagement 14:32

2M ago14:32

14:32

Want to cut through the digital noise and truly reach your readers? In this deep dive, our hosts break down how SMS marketing can give authors a direct, immediate channel to engage their audience—without overwhelming your to-do list. Drawing insights from an Indie Author Magazine article, they demystify the essentials, walk through practical use ca…

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Stand Out in the Inbox: Email Design Tips for Indie Authors 13:56

2M ago13:56

13:56

Ready to move your author newsletter beyond the ordinary? In this focused deep dive, our hosts explore the latest article from Indie Author Magazine, unpacking how standalone email builders can give indie authors total creative control over their email designs. From distinguishing your brand in crowded inboxes to hands-on advice for seamlessly impo…

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151. Writing Inclusive Fantasy for Modern Readers with Sci-Fi Fantasy Author, Aspry Jones 23:33

2M ago23:33

23:33

“If I could go back in time and tell 22-year-old me not to go into TV, but instead to center on what your heart was, the writing, and the creating stories, and creating characters and people. Do that instead.” — Aspry Jones In this episode of the How To Write the Future podcast, host Beth Barany talks to sci-fi fantasy author Aspry Jones, about his…

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Top Indie Author Tools: The IAM Exec Team’s Picks for Streamlining Your Publishing Workflow 9:21

2M ago9:21

9:21

Ready to level up your indie author toolkit? In this deep dive, our hosts unpack Indie Author Magazine’s executive team’s top picks for publishing tools. You’ll get an inside look at which platforms and apps the IAM team actually uses to stay organized, boost productivity, streamline design, tackle formatting, and automate tedious administrative wo…

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Editorial Reviews vs. Reader Reviews: What Indie Authors Need to Know 11:44

3M ago11:44

11:44

In this focused deep dive, our hosts unpack an insightful article from Indie Author Magazine, shining a light on editorial book reviews—what they are, why they matter, and how indie authors can leverage them for success. If you’ve ever wondered how to boost your book’s credibility, visibility, and marketing power, this episode is your must-listen g…

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150. Creating Authentic Science Fiction Universes with Devin Blair’s Chemical Rocketeers Show 9:13

3M ago9:13

9:13

“Even if I didn't have this entire podcast structure, which thank God I actually do, so I can actually focus on something during my travels.“ — Devin Blair In this episode of How To Write the Future, host Beth Barany talks to Devin Blair, the creator of the sci-fi podcast Chemical Rocketeers. Together they discuss Devin’s current adventures in Afgh…

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Simplify Your Author Business: Tracking Sales and Ads with ScribeCount 12:33

3M ago12:33

12:33

Join our hosts for a focused deep dive into one of indie publishing’s biggest headaches—tracking book sales across multiple platforms. In this episode, they break down David Vierguts’ article from Indie Author Magazine, shining a spotlight on ScribeCount, the tool designed to centralize and simplify your sales, ad, and review data as an independent…

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Writing with Publishing in Mind: The Traditional Publishing Pathway Explained | Episode 34 25:44

3M ago25:44

25:44

So many writers dream of getting a traditional book deal—but the process to get there can feel confusing, overwhelming, and totally out of reach. In this episode, I’m giving you a bird’s-eye view of the entire traditional publishing journey—from that first spark of a novel idea to the moment you finally see your book on the shelf. We’ll talk about …

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Maximizing Book Sales: How Organic and Paid Traffic Work Together 10:14

3M ago10:14

10:14

Join our hosts as they explore the powerful interplay between organic and paid traffic strategies, inspired by insights from David Verguz's article in Indie Author Magazine. In this episode, you'll discover how these two seemingly separate pathways can work together to boost your book sales and reach more readers authentically and effectively. They…

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149. Balancing World Building Elements for the Reader Experience with Jasper Ezekiel 5:48

3M ago5:48

5:48

“I'm always really fascinated by what gets trimmed off the edges. And because there's gold in there sometimes. And why would a creative professional choose to include this, but not that?” -- Jasper Ezekiel In this How To Write the Future episode, host Beth Barany chats with speculative fiction writer Jasper Ezekiel, and talks about what parts of ou…

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Business Planning the Author Way: Using Story Outlines for Year-Round Success 10:45

3M ago10:45

10:45

Description: Join our hosts in this engaging episode of Indie Author Magazine as they delve into the fascinating world of story outlining techniques and how these can revolutionize your author business planning. Discover how you can apply familiar methods like the Snowflake Method, Save the Cat, and more, to map out a successful year. This deep div…

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Unlocking Notion: Streamline Your Author Workflow and Reclaim Writing Time 12:21

3M ago12:21

12:21

Episode Description: Notion for Authors - Streamlining Your Writing Process Join our hosts as they dive deep into the exciting world of Notion for authors, bringing insights from a featured article in Indie Author Magazine. In this episode, we explore how Notion is revolutionizing the way authors manage their workflows, from organizing notes to tra…

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148. Fantasy Character Groups Made Simple with Ezra Barany 9:13

3M ago9:13

9:13

“The really cool thing about character groups is if you're making worlds, let's talk about the situations where worlds are in demand in genre, and that would be fantasy. If you're making a world like that, it's good to get a whole bunch of different character groups.” — Ezra Barany In this episode of How To Write the Future podcast, titled “Fantasy…

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Budget-Friendly Writing and Formatting Software for Indie Authors 25:38

3M ago25:38

25:38

Join our hosts for an engaging deep dive into the world of alternative publishing software in this episode of Indie Author Magazine's podcast. Drawing inspiration from a compelling article featured in the magazine, we explore a variety of publishing tools that offer promising alternatives to the usual big names. Discover user-friendly writing softw…

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Get the Most Out of Your Backlist: A Practical Guide 14:56

3M ago14:56

14:56

Join our hosts for an insightful exploration into the world of backlist marketing with their latest episode, delving into Michael LaRon's article, "Backlist Marketing for Indie Authors: Maximize Profits," they unravel strategic tips for indie authors looking to breathe new life into their previously published works. Discover how to assess and refre…

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147. How to Ask Powerful Questions to Unlock Your Creativity (and Your Life) 10:09

3M ago10:09

10:09

“As a storyteller, WHAT IF is fabulous. What if it was like this? What if it was like that? What if I did this? What if I put it this way?“ In “How to Ask Powerful Questions to Unlock Your Creativity (and Your Life)” podcast host Beth Barany, explains the power of asking questions that include effective questions for creativity and how they can hel…

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Unlocking Potential: The Growth of Direct Sales in Indie Publishing 12:37

3M ago12:37

12:37

Join our hosts in this engaging episode of Indie Author Magazine, where they embark on a deep dive into the evolving landscape of direct sales for indie authors. Drawing insights from an insightful article by Nicole Schroeder, the hosts unpack the paradigm shift driven by direct sales and its potential to empower authors. From the groundbreaking su…

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The Art of Safe Sharing: Protecting Your Creative Work 12:13

3M ago12:13

12:13

Join our hosts for an insightful discussion on how indie authors can safeguard their unpublished manuscripts against unauthorized sharing and piracy. In this episode, they dive into Tiffany Robinson's article, "Secure ARC Distribution: Piracy Tips for Indie Authors," from Indie Author Magazine. We cover a range of preventative measures, including e…

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146. How Ancient Female Warriors Shape Our Future 14:30

4M ago14:30

14:30

“Women have had an impact in world history throughout the ages. We just haven't been told those stories. So one of my missions in life is to bring these stories to life, both through fiction and through nonfiction.” Dive into “How Ancient Female Warriors Shape Our Future”, an episode for How To Write The Future podcast, where host Beth Barany share…

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Master Your Indie Author Finances: Understanding Financial Dashboards and Patterns 15:58

4M ago15:58

15:58

In this insightful episode of Indie Author Magazine's deep dive series, our hosts explore the intricate world of indie author finances with a captivating discussion inspired by Laurel Detcher's article, "Financial Strategies for Indie Authors." Through an engaging analogy comparing author finances to the dashboard of an X-Wing fighter, delve into t…

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Bringing Up Girls 42:01

4M ago42:01

42:01

Ever wondered why your approach to parenting daughters might need to be different than raising sons? Join Delise as she welcomes longtime homeschooling veteran Shelly Stockton who shares her wisdom from raising five daughters. After 25 years of homeschooling and now enjoying her role as a grandmother to six, Shelly offers invaluable insights on nur…

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Discover How K-lytics Data Reports Can Elevate Your Amazon Book Sales 13:57

4M ago13:57

13:57

Join our hosts for an insightful episode of Indie Author Magazine's deep dive series, where they explore the potential of K_Lytics data to revolutionize your book marketing strategy. In this episode they delve into the fascinating world of Amazon sales data and uncover how indie authors can leverage this information to enhance their selling power. …

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Rich Dad Poor Dad: The Money Mindset That Creates Wealth 15:19

4M ago15:19

15:19

In this eye-opening episode of The Golden Chapter, we unpack Robert Kiyosaki's revolutionary financial philosophy from "Rich Dad Poor Dad." Discover the crucial differences between how the rich and poor think about money, and learn why traditional education might be holding you back from true financial freedom…