Best James Blatch Podcasts (2025)

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056 - Get Your Books Ready for GEO! 41:17

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7h ago41:17

41:17

The era of keywords and Google searches is coming to an end. Searching through a longer form conversation with an AI is already taking over. That means we need to get our blurbs and book packages ready for the new era. James & Cara discuss the take-aways from NINC including Ricardo Fayet's talk on GEO. USEFUL LINKS: Ricardo's Blog: indiewritersclub…

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055 - Are Facebook Ads Back? 37:19

5d ago37:19

37:19

In episode 55, James reports from the Floridian beach where he's attending the annual NINC conference. He and Cara also report some encouraging signs from their Facebook Ads campaigns. USEFUL LINKS: Join our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with James & Cara and your chance to discuss your writing career. https://www.indiewritersclu…

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054 - Becoming a Full Time Author 50:21

12d ago50:21

50:21

Making the switch from hobbyist to full-time author is a dream for many. But it comes with its own challenges. From two of us who have become full time self-employed, we go through some of the pitfalls and areas to think about. USEFUL LINKS: Self Publishing Launchpad is open for enrolment: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/launchpad Join our Patr…

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053 - Audio Books for Authors - Part 2 47:52

20d ago47:52

47:52

It's part 2 of our discussion about generating income from audio versions of your books. We talk about the AI options among other things, and James has a mini rant about the opposition many authors still face, because they use the latest technology which is available to all. USEFUL LINKS: ElevenLabs: https://www.indiewritersclub.com/elevenlabs Join…

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052 - Audio Books for Authors - Part 1 34:12

27d ago34:12

34:12

We take a two episode dive into audio books. In the first part we discuss the options facing indies, such as wide or exclusive, self produce or collaborate etc. USEFUL LINKS: Join our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with James & Cara and your chance to discuss your writing career. https://www.indiewritersclub.com/support Self Publi…

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051 - How to Plot Your Next Novel 44:32

1M ago44:32

44:32

There's no correct way to plot, but here are our suggestions. Mentioned in the pod were my 5 points to note during plotting - see below the links. USEFUL LINKS: Join our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with James & Cara and your chance to discuss your writing career. https://www.indiewritersclub.com/support Novel November - a new w…

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050 - News Round Up 47:44

1M ago47:44

47:44

Episode 50 is a good time to take stock of the industry and discuss the latest developments that can affect our indie world. Useful links: LSP Launchpad Course waitlist: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/launchpad Get your ticket for SPS Live: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive Join our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As wi…

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049 - Your First Two Years as an Indie Author 47:10

2M ago47:10

47:10

Let's talk about the author platform you need to build. This episode covers those crucial foundation months as you start out. USEFUL LINKS: Join our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with James & Cara and your chance to discuss your writing career. https://www.indiewritersclub.com/support…

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048 - Are Facebook Ads Still Number One for Authors? 40:44

2M ago40:44

40:44

Welcome to episode 48 of the Indie Writers Club. This week Cara (spicy romance, romance) and James Blatch (thrillers) discuss Facebook (Meta) Ads. For years they have reigned supreme as the goto resource to drive readers to Amazon. But are they still working for writers? USEFUL LINKS: Join our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with J…

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047 - How to Translate Your Books and Sell in Foreign Markets 59:43

2M ago59:43

59:43

In this episode we deep dive into the process and strategy for launching your English language books into global markets. We recommend scribeshadow.com (they are not a sponsor, this is a genuine recommendation). You can use our referral code IWC50 for 50% off your first month. You download a free PDF that contains the key points from the discussion…

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046 - The Dark Side of AI 35:24

2M ago35:24

35:24

I'll confess, I love using AI for various parts of my marketing and editing, but even as an advocate of what AI can do for us writers, even I know there is a dark side. I experienced that recently with an email and in this episode we talk about how scammers are always one-step ahead. USEFUL LINKS: Join our Patreon for exclusive access including Liv…

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045 - How to Use an AI Manuscript Critique 48:04

3M ago48:04

48:04

In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, James and Cara discuss various aspects of writing, the use of AI in manuscript critiques, and the impact of translations on indie publishing. They explore the benefits of using tools like ProWritingAid, the importance of character development, and the themes that resonate within their stories. The conversa…

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044 - Writers Retreat and Conference Report 39:11

3M ago39:11

39:11

In this episode, Cara and James reflect on their recent experiences at the first IWC Writers' Retreat and the SPS Live conference. They discuss the networking opportunities, feedback from workshop sessions, and the sense of community among indie writers. Useful links: Join our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with James & Cara and y…

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043 - How to Survive the Editing Process 48:54

3M ago48:54

48:54

It's the Indie Writers Club with Cara & James! This week we talk editing/revising/rewriting, whatever you call it. Some of us love it (me) some hate it (Cara) but we all have to do it! Big thanks to our sponsors prowritingaid.com, who make the entire process SO much easier (use code IWC15 for 15% off annual plans). _________________________________…

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042 - Create the Perfect Writing Environment 50:46

3M ago50:46

50:46

Do you listen to music? Work on a sofa? Write at 5am or midnight? In this episode we discuss the various ways we can create an atmosphere conducive to creativity and productivity. ___________________________________________ Join our Patreon: https://www.indiewritersclub.com/supportBy James Blatch & Cara Clare

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041 - It's time to work less to achieve more... 51:19

3M ago51:19

51:19

It might sound counter intuitive, but in this episode we'll use Cal Newport's guide to productivity to show that working less and working better is the future. It will take a mindset change to shake off the notion that we 'need to be busy' in order to be productive. _______________________________________ Join our Patreon to get closer to the Show:…

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040 - The Amazon Algorithm Change You NEED to Know About 44:02

4M ago44:02

44:02

Episode 040 of The Indie Writers Club! In this episode James & Cara discuss the significant implications for indie authors of Amazons algorithm upgrade from A9 and A10. Support the podcast by becoming a Patreon supporter and joining our lively community of self published authors. https://www.indiewritersclub.com/support…

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039 - How Many Authors Now Use AI? 48:15

4M ago48:15

48:15

In this week's episode James & Cara review BookBub's author survey on attitudes to AI. You can read the survey using the link below. We also discuss our current work-in-progress and reflect on last week's Patreon Live Q&A! Links: Patreon: https://www.indiewritersclub.com/support BookBub Author AI Survey: https://insights.bookbub.com/how-authors-are…

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038 - GLADIATOR II: What a Mess! 53:37

4M ago53:37

53:37

In this episode we review and dissect Ridley's Scott's sequel to the incredible film Gladiator. Spoiler alert, we did not use the expression 'incredible' to describe it... LINKS: Support us via our Patreon and take part in a live monthly Q&A among other great perks: patreon.com/indiewritersclub Head to prowritingaid.com and use code IWC15 for 15% o…

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037 - How to Get Your Book Made into a Hollywood Film! 56:29

4M ago56:29

56:29

In this special episode, James is joined by Hollywood scriptwriter Tom Donnelly. They discuss the chances of getting your book optioned and how to create a story that will grip your reader.By James Blatch & Cara Clare

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036 - Indie News Round Up 42:18

5M ago42:18

42:18

In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, James reports back from the Global Publishing Summit in Seville, they discuss the launch of a men only publishing house and they discuss James' venture into AI translations. Links: Join our Patreon: https://www.indiewritersclub.com/supportBy James Blatch & Cara Clare

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035 - Character First Writing 38:10

5M ago38:10

38:10

In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, James & Cara revisit the topic of Character. Story versus character is a debate we had in an earlier episode and we decided that the perfect outcome is when your characters lead the story and when the story changes your characters. As Sharon Horgan says...people remember the characters long after they've f…

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034 - Selling Your Backlist 33:05

5M ago33:05

33:05

James reports from an author mastermind event in Aruba (not in Mexico, it turns out). They discuss various tips and ideas especially around selling your existing titles. Also - try out the Google Animation tool on your covers: https://aistudio.google.com/generate-videoBy James Blatch & Cara Clare

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033 - Self Publishing News & Trends 51:10

5M ago51:10

51:10

In this episode James & Cara discuss the week's developments in the indie world and James starts an experiment to see if AI translation service Scribeshadow can do a good enough job on his novels to launch them in France with no human intervention.By James Blatch & Cara Clare

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032 - Writing in a Series for Optimal Sales 44:06

6M ago44:06

44:06

In this episode James & Cara discuss the latest developments in the world of publishing and they discuss how to write in a series or serial to maximise book sales. Support the Show and get exclusive benefits by joining our Patreon: https://www.indiewritersclub.com/supportBy James Blatch & Cara Clare

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031 - Patreon Launch 46:31

6M ago46:31

46:31

It's your chance to become a part of the IWC and help us stay on air. Head to indiewritersclub.com/support to sign up.By James Blatch & Cara Clare

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030 - Did Meta Steal Your Book? 56:26

6M ago56:26

56:26

We discuss the use by Meta of pirated versions of books to build their AI. And we talk about our own action points from the fabulous Ireland's Publishing Show. Useful links: Check if your book has been pirated on LibGen: https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/03/search-libgen-data-set/682094/ Free PDF - Five Immediate Actions Indie Aut…

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029 - Does AI Hate Your Novel? 35:50

6M ago35:50

35:50

In this episode Cara and James road test a new AI manuscript analysis tool from seasoned experts, ProWritingAid. The results were...unexpected. Try out the tool yourself: indiewritersclub.com/pwaBy James Blatch & Cara Clare

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028 - Self Publishing's Public Image 52:26

7M ago52:26

52:26

In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, James & Cara discuss Bill Bryson's reported attack on self publishing and the wider perception of our industry. Links: One place left in the IWC Cambridge Writers Retreat: indiewritersclub.com/retreatBy James Blatch & Cara Clare

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027 - Book Launch Strategies 45:24

7M ago45:24

45:24

In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, Cara and James discuss the tips and tricks for gaining maximum visibility for your book launch. Resources: Self Publishing Launchpad online course: learnselfpublishing.com/launchpad Five Must Do Actions for New Authors (free PDF): indiewritersclub.com/fiveactions…

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026 - Do Facebook Ads Still Work? 33:28

7M ago33:28

33:28

Indie authors have used Facebook (Meta) ads since day one, but we need to be honest with ourselves - are they still performing? Cara and James discuss the changes that have happened, particularly since the privacy scandals.By James Blatch & Cara Clare

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025 - Translate Your Novel into German 38:21

7M ago38:21

38:21

Welcome to the Indie Writers Club, a place to chat about all things self publishing. In episode 025, James & Cara discuss different ways to get your novels translated into German. It's a fast growing market and it can be the different between profit and loss for some authors. Grab the final IWC Writing Retreat slots: indiewritersclub.com/retreat…

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024 - Can You Copyright An AI Novel? 1:00:16

7M ago1:00:16

1:00:16

Join Cara & James as they discuss the latest developments in the ongoing saga of AI and copyright legalities. Join the waitlist for the inaugural IWC Writers' Retreat: indiewritersclub.com/retreatBy James Blatch & Cara Clare

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023 How to Develop Your Main Character 1:12:34

8M ago1:12:34

1:12:34

They come for the story but stay for the characters... That's how important character development is. In this episode we explore why character is crucial, when it's good, when it's not so good and some practical tips on getting your development to help your plot. Useful links: Retreat waitlist: https://www.indiewritersclub.com/retreat Ireland's Pub…

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022 - The 22 Rules of Storytelling 48:55

8M ago48:55

48:55

The 22 rules of storytelling from Emma Coats, a former Pixar writer, have been doing the rounds for years and for good reason. Although Emma herself now describes them as guidelines, rather than rules, they are seen as the foundation on which the best novels are built. Cara and James go through them one by one. Useful links: Retreat waitlist: https…

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021 - How to Deal with Bad Reviews 48:55

8M ago48:55

48:55

We all get One Star reviews. But when should we take them seriously and when can they be safely ignored? In this episode we talk about our own hurtful reviews and talk about coping strategies. Useful links: The IWC Retreat: indiewritersclub.com/retreat Ireland's Publishing Show: indiewritersclub.com/ireland…

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020 - Everyday Wisdom to Guide Your Decisions 51:20

8M ago51:20

51:20

In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, Cara Clare and James Blatch discuss various topics including the potential ban of TikTok in the US, the importance of diversifying social media presence, and the planning of an indie writers retreat. They delve into productivity techniques known as 'razors', exploring how these principles can simplify deci…

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019 - How Much Did We Earn in 2024? 50:10

9M ago50:10

50:10

In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, James & Cara discuss their ad spend and book revenue for 2024.By James Blatch & Cara Clare

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018 - Self Publishing in 2025 50:05

9M ago50:05

50:05

Happy New Year from the Indie Writers Club. In the first episode of 2025, Cara and James discuss what's in store for indie authors in the next twelve months. They also set out their own goals for the year. Useful Links: SPS Live London 2025: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive WWM's Predictions for 2025: https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/the…

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017 - Christmas Special from the Pub 18:33

9M ago18:33

18:33

James & Cara are down the pub with a couple of author friends to reflect on 2024. Many thanks to our friends at The Salisbury Arms in Cambridge!By James Blatch & Cara Clare

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016 - Get Your Writing Done! 49:42

9M ago49:42

49:42

James returns. Cara chats to Sacha Black about productivity tips. Our next episode will be a live recording from a pub, released on Christmas Day!By James Blatch & Cara Clare

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015 - What's Up With Facebook Ads? 54:36

10M ago54:36

54:36

In this episode James & Cara discuss the latest tips and tricks with Meta Ads (Facebook & Instagram). Join the discussion: https://indiewritersclub.com/discord Sign up for episode alerts: https://indiewritersclub.comBy James Blatch & Cara Clare

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014 Big News Episode 48:20

10M ago48:20

48:20

There's so much news about in indie publishing, James & Cara take time to digest and analyse: A new deal for Audio Books from ACX A new Publishing Assistant from publishdrive.com Trad moving in on indie direct selling special editions technique A misleading headline about 8,000 AI books/year from a publisher A new way to work with ChatGPT Check out…

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013 - Is it legal for AI to learn from our books? 1:02:46

10M ago1:02:46

1:02:46

James is back from AuthorNation in Las Vegas. During this week's Indie Writers Club episode James discusses the legal presentation from Alicia Wright regarding the law, ethics and AI. If you want to sign up for AuthorNation 2025 click here: https://claymore.krtra.com/t/YCtI1A27yXCp And join the Indie Writers Club mailing list to be first to hear ab…

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012 - That First Draft Mountain 34:51

11M ago34:51

34:51

Get episode alerts at indiewritersclub.com Join the discussion at indiewritersclub.com/discord Summary In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, Cara Clare and James Blatch discuss their experiences at a recent writers' conference in Las Vegas. They share insights on the conference's attendance, the quality of sessions, and the importance of netwo…

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011 - Which Author Show Should I Go To? 52:27

11M ago52:27

52:27

It's the Indie Writers Club! Links: The Self Publishing Show Live! https://learnselfpublishing.com/spslive Author Nation (Vegas): https://www.authornation.live/ Ireland's Publishing Show (March): https://irelandspublishingshow.com/ NINC (Florida, September): https://ninc.com/ In this episode, James and Cara progress during NaNoWriMo, the importance…

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010 - How Much do Indie Authors Earn? 1:21:09

11M ago1:21:09

1:21:09

Useful links: WWM Survey: indiewritersclub.com/survey Publish Drive Offer: indiewritersclub.com/publishdrive Join the Discord Discussion: indiewritersclub.com/discord In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, Cara and James discuss their personal updates, including writing progress and the upcoming NaNoWriMo challenge. The conversation shifts to t…

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009 - How to Get Reviews (and deal with bad ones) 1:02:58

11M ago1:02:58

1:02:58

James and Cara discuss the importance of book reviews in building an author's reputation. The conversation delves into strategies for obtaining reviews, the significance of targeting the right audience, and how to handle negative feedback with resilience and perspective. Links: Publish Drive offer: indiewritersclub.com/publishdrive Discord Server: …

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008 - Why Your Books Don't Sell - Part 2 1:06:22

11M ago1:06:22

1:06:22

In episode 008, James & Cara continue to analyse the key ingredients that maybe missing from your book, for your ads to generate sales. Check out the amazing offer from Publish Drive, 50% off annual subscription plans! https://publishdrive.com/50-off-all-yearly-plans Learn Self Publishing's Ads for Authors course is open: https://learnselfpublishin…

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007 - Why Your Books Don't Sell - Part 1 1:08:59

12M ago1:08:59

1:08:59

In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, hosts James and Cara discuss the importance of having a well-prepared book package for successful advertising, the impact of AI on the publishing industry, and the significance of understanding genre expectations. They also share personal updates, insights on social media dynamics for authors, and the nece…