The Self Publishing Show

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Mark Dawson is a best selling self-published author on multiple platforms including Amazon and Kobo. He is the author of the John Milton thriller series and its spin-off Beatrix Rose. In addition, he’s written several ‘Soho Noir' novels. Mark’s breakthrough came when he developed a marketing strategy for promoting and selling his books. His swift success enabled him to quit his 9 to 5 job and he has generated gross revenues of more than a million dollars in less than five years.

Mark has become a leading voice in the self publishing industry and he advocates and teaches a strategy based around offering books for free, mailing list development and social media advertising. In 2015, he published the first version of what is now his acclaimed online course ‘Advertising for Authors’. He has also developed a course for writers at the start of their careers – Self Publishing 101.

James Blatch co-hosts the podcast and he represents the first time, wannabe author. James is a former BBC News journalist who is currently writing his first novel.

Between them James and Mark explore the world of self publishing with a focus on actionable tips for new and experienced indie authors.

Recent Episodes

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Recent Reviews

Crown Yourself

Phenomenal advice!

Mark has such great tools and experts on to support self-published authors with getting their work out to the world! A must listen for anyone looking to self-publish and put their books into the world.
Pat O.D.

400 shows!!!!!

Congratulations Mark and James on 400 episodes. Thanks for the information and laughs. Here’s to at least 400 more!!
BlackBear2015

Thank You

I have only listened to a few episodes so far and have already gained tips. Thank you for doing this. I love this Podcast. I get so excited listening when I am driving my speed increases. I have to make sure cruise control is set so I don’t get a ticket. I hope to increase my indie presence and increase sales. I am sure your knowledge will help expand my knowledge. I am a fairly new author and have so much to learn.
Adjobology

There’s never been a better time to listen to a podcast for writers.

Mark and James are great hosts and interviewers passionate about writing and self-publishing. From the first episode I listened to, I was hooked. If you want to believe you can be a writer and learn the skills and insight to do so, this is a great podcast. But wait, isn't this a self-publishing podcast? Icing on the cake. It does the same for that part of the process as well. If you want the encouragement and courage to fulfill your writing dream, listen to The Self-Publishing Show.
likethatbutbetter

Great content but …

Love the guests and info but wish there was less banter from James and Mark at the beginning and end of the show. Would also like to see Mark work on not interrupting his guests, particularly women; I was cringing listening to the Marie Force interview.
CatrinBlair

This is a Must Listen

Great interviews , great commentary, super helpful! I like Fridays anyway but enjoy them even more because of this knowledgeable podcast. Mark Dawson is incredbly generous with his knowledge James Blatch is a great interviewing and listening to his progress as an Indy author is hugely inspiring.
Vern Buzarde

Author

Wow, guys great job on the conference! So professional and informative. You're really raising the bar for the Indy movement. Well done!
mdandy1968

Banter is boring

Once the episodes get rolling they are fine. Sadly, the first 10 minutes is just back and forth chit about mind numbing nothingness. Circular talk about what the episode will be about. I get it. Sometimes I also have nothing to say…but why not skip that part?
kjreusser

Informative show worth a listen

I’ve been listening for a year and have learned much about self-pubbing. I’ve got several books done and am using their bits of wisdom to promote. Thanks!
Jodi Burnett

Educational and Entertaining!

I’ve listened to the Self Publishing Show podcast for years and Mark, James and their guests continue to provide hugely valuable content. I listen while I drive, and frequently have to leave myself audio messages of great tips to return to later. The SPF podcast has informed my fiction writing almost from the beginning. I am a student in both the Self Publishing 101 and the Ads for Authors courses, as well. I know I’m gushing, but I can’t recommend these courses and podcast high enough! Thanks to all involved! 😁
amyks94

#297: Give readers what they want

Loved this show!! (And so many others!) I recently found your show and appreciate your applicable tips and proven techniques. Question: does Melanie have a list of the questions she asked her readers? (Or did I space that part?) Would love to know what she surveyed so I can tweak for my own novels and readers. Thanks again for a great show for writers!
Ben Connelly

A Must-Listen for Every Up-And-Coming Writer

I have learned so much listening to this show. Mark and James really know what they are talking about and they are completely honest. The guests are usually top-notch and I even learn from those who write in genres I will never read. There’s something to learn from every episode. It has been fun to follow James through the publication of his first novel. Satisfying to see him finally succeed. Came to the podcast late and now I’m in the process of going back and listening to the archive. A real gold mine for anyone interested in indie publishing.
Alexstrath1

Everything you need to know

Mark and his team don’t work in the shadows. They are honest and provide you a real view into what’s working and what’s not
Storyteller Sarah

This one episode

I’m in the middle of my own memoir manuscript and the episode about 2 editors has been so helpful. It truly helped unlock my brain and I’m going back through it the second time with a pen and notebook. Thank you!
Shana Gorian

A must

Every indie author, regardless of genre, should be listening to this podcast. So much information here, as well as a peek into the global indie author community. Love the interviews and the banter. James is ‘the man’ and Mark is the king!
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If You Want to Self Publish, This is a Great Place to Start

I’ve been listening to this show for almost three years and credit James and Mark for getting me well on the way on my self-publishing career. Haven’t hit the “full-time money” yet, but that’s ok, because by following their advice, I’ve been able to connect a lot of readers to my stories - more than I ever would have otherwise. Mark i s a straight shooter that doesn’t have time for people who buzzkills and James is one of the most conscientious hosts I’ve ever heard. Great interviewer and genuinely interested in his guests. Plan on listening for as long as they keep the show going.
Julie Carroll from Florida

Thanks for the Publishing Children’s BooksEpisode

This was such a helpful episode. I have not heard Karen in awhile and she had a lot of new content. BTW, since you were counting James Blatch(s), one recently joined ALLi. Was that the SPF James Blatch, the Australian, or maybe a Third one running around? Love the show!
Steven the Steven Steve

The best resource for self-publishing

This podcast, in my opinion, is the single best resource for learning how to self-publishing. I have to laugh at the review that complained that the podcast is nothing but an infomercial for Dawson's self-publishing courses. Yes, Dawsom promotes the courses on the podcast - but that is a tiny, tiny fraction of the show's airtime; the rest is stuffed with helpful interviews, tried-and-tested advice, and reviews of indispensible resources ... all for free. If you're interested in self-publishing, you'll learn a ton from listening to this podcast.
J. Todd H.

Infomercial podcast

The goal of this podcast is to convince you to enroll in Mark Dawson’s self-publishing course (which cost $500-$1000 per course). I
Barovitroy

Relatable & Doable

This podcast has such a friendly feel that makes the task of selling books seem so doable. I just started listening last week and am half a dozen episodes in. There’s a great mix of genres represented and tips covering the range of everything we need to know.
Wanda88

Incredibly Helpful

Incredibly helpful and insightful podcast. I personally enjoy the banter before each interview but if you don’t and want to get straight to the interviews just skip ahead!
Tactical Thomas R.

Love this podcast!

The amount of things I’ve learned from this podcast has been invaluable!
Ryanbudds

Fantastic Tips and Motivation

I love this show! Great banter, interviews, tips, and tons of motivation to start writing. The show has also reinvigorated my love of reading which was on hiatus for years. Looking forward to taking some courses and putting it all to use in the next few years!
Jeanette R.

Tons of Information, Great Show

I love listening to the SPF podcast. As hosts, James and Mark are at turns hilarious and entertaining. They share their wins and struggles and make listening a joy. Add a great guest list and a show full of great tips and loads of information and you've got a winning podcast. I hope this goes for decades! (No pressure or anything...)
John R. Aberle

Fascinating Interviews on Self-Publishing

I love the interviews James Blatch does and the chats Mark Dawson has with James. I've learned a lot of how to do self-publishing better. They are the reason I have any awareness of GDPR, so I'm very grateful to them. I also enjoy the case study interviews with Advertising for Authors course graduates. 11/20/19 I love this show and all of its podcasts that I've listened to so far, a lot. Today I listened to SPS-199: Stop Worrying and Start Writing - with Sarah Painter. Sarah has marvelous advice for those of us who tend to be our own worst critics and who worry about being good enough.
J. Barshop

Insightful, entertaining and actionable

I feel completely at home here - bowled over by brilliant advice and nourishing conversations. Mark, James and their incredible guests give listeners an unfair advantage when it comes to successfully self-publishing your work in an increasingly competitive market. Can’t recommend listening (and subscribing) to The Self Publishing Show enough. 🙌
ProJoe$

A nugget in every episode!

My subject line says it all, and it’s true. I garner a little knowledge (well, a lot of knowledge) out of each and every episode. I am about to publish my first, and although still nervous and intimidated by the industry and the fear of failure, this podcast has given me the tools to go in making at the very least informed decisions. Keep it up, and thank you!
ChrisEverheart

Self-pub, shared success

I’ve been published for years and have ached for a resource like the Self-Publishing Show that could help me dive deeper into self-publishing and gain a better, more satisfying foothold on the entrepreneurial aspects of the biz. SPS has come along at the perfect time as I’m getting ready to re-launch my writing career. It’s motivational, informative, and eye-opening. I feel connected to a bigger world and encouraged by the selfless sharing of the hosts and their guests. Thanks, guys. Keep up the great work.
Logo17

Incredible show

For that listener that is ADDICTED to creating their future. For the listener who KNOWS they are destine for greatness but didn’t believe they could actually make money in it. This podcast is for you. Mark asks very candid and heart opening questions. It would be a crime not to listen to this podcast and take notes.
Suzanne Stanmeyer

A must have for authors

This is a must have for authors. It doesn’t matter if you’re indie or traditionally published. This show is one you can’t afford to miss. Mark Dawson KNOWS publishing. He knows how to navigate today’s new digital marketplace. Mark and James have a delightfully smart banter. Informative AND entertaining. Seriously, this is one of the best of the best postcasts for authors.
Rawkker10

Always Helpful for Indie Writers

Up-to-date, practical information and advice for indie writers. The Bookabs are particularly interesting. Please keep up the great work!
Lucas Lee-Tyson

Fantastic podcast!

I only discovered Mark within the past month but have already binged through a dozen or so episodes. There's invaluable insights to be gained in every episode that I don't think any other self-publishing show can compare to. Keep up the great work Mark!
THE JERK6789654323578

Lots of Actionable Tips

This is the best indie-pub podcast I've come across by a very wide margin. Many of the podcasts feature actionable ideas and give-away PDFs that give you step-by-step instructions to solve problems or add capabilities. I haven't bought the course yet, but these guys give a LOT of expertise away for free. Would recommend to any writer who is serious about improving their career.
Tracey Devlyn

Rich and entertaining

Ending the week with James and Mark is always a highlight. I’m really loving the BookLabs. James does a fabulous job of walking the experts through the process of delivering valuable feedback in a manner that’s engaging and constructive. Thanks for all you do for indies—even us more seasoned authors.
fantasyfanz

Love the bookLab

Love the Book Lab show and the podcast in general. Really helpful and inspiring. Thank you!
writerkea

Great Content, Great Production

Informative, useful content & well-produced. Hosts clearly intent on providing listeners a valuable experience. And they do.
Craftnomad

Great story

I love how the wife was the one who first thought he was publishable. Same with Stephen King. Story goes his wife retrieved "Carrie" from the trash.
Brandy W Henry

Thank you for episode 136

Thank you for the objective overview of the SquareSpace, Wix, and WordPress. I want to write and connect with others, not learn code. Great episode!
mariannehr

Great Detailed Information

This podcast has helped me through publishing my first book and to keep up to date on what I need to know,
Beth W Cotter

An Indie Author's Best Friend

Since I started listening to the podcast several months ago, I've been blown away by the continuously high caliber of content Mark and James provide each week. Listening to the show is like having an indie author toolbox, full of practical how-tos and inspirational interviews. Mark and James remind me that a lucrative career as an indie author is absolutely possible, provided I'm willing to work for what I want. Bravo, gentlemen!
drjrpye

Episode #117: GDPR

The episode content was helpful. I appreciated hearing from Gemma, the lawyer, on the technical points, and hearing from Mark & James on the practical points. The give and take between Mark & James was thought provoking. My one negative comment relates to production quality: Gemma should have had better facial lighting. Her face was almost always in shadow, which provided some distraction. I like to see a person’s face. Mark & James had good facial lighting. Thanks for your work for the indie community! Always enjoy the podcast.
Esly Carvalho

Very enlightening

Everyone has to deal with bad reviews and this podcast was very helpful in explaining the different kinds of bad reviews that turn up. I appreciated the differentiations. BTW I especially appreciate that you give us a transcription of the audio.
Daq104

Please stop recording in loud ambient spaces

The last few episodes I had to delete right away. Recording in loud spaces with lots of ambient noises is distracting and an awful audio experience. I don’t care if you’re “recording live! from some convention!” It’s a horrid experience as a listener
@elsakendall

Top Notch Podcast For Authorpreneurs

I've been listening since the inception of Mark and James's brilliant collaboration with their SPF podcast. This is an excellent resource for writer entrepreneurs, packed with useful and actionable information from accomplished author Mark Dawson, and up-and-coming author James Blatch (who artfully interviews), as well as their accomplished guests from the writing and self-publishing communities. Very professionally produced, full of wisdom, wit, insights and inspiration. I continue to learn A LOT, and look forward to each weekly episode in my feed. Thank you, chaps!
HolidayRomanceLover

Love Blatch, Ducker not so much

James Blatch is a genuinely good guy with an excellent sense of humor. Consequently, I enjoy what he has to say and what he has to say inevitably turns out to be helpful because he goes out of his way to make sure it is. On the other hand, in this episode, guest Chris Ducker was a comparative snake oil salesman and had not one constructive take-away and said things like "It is what it is" instead of trying to give a nugget of information. Whether this was due to lack of preparation or maybe it's his usual style, I don't know, but it was very disappointing. I'm afraid I expect more than the fairy dust of enthusiasm from a guest on this show.
cpolkenword

A Truly Great Resource for Any Writer at Any Level of His or Her Career

I stumbled upon this podcast the week after their first episode went up. When I discovered what a gifted author Mark Dawson is, it stunned me that he would take the time to mentor fledgling writers with such generosity and heart. James Blatch is a splendid interviewer. Both are absolutely genuine, and their guests have provided a wealth of information and immeasurable encouragement. I never miss an episode, and typically re-listen.
ETruth

Always an education

I learn something new every time I listen. Thanks for taking the time to record and share with the world.
T Sullivant

The SPF podcast

The SPF podcast is the benchmark of self publishing for indie authors. I look forward to every episode, some of them twice.
DavannaC

Hugh Howey an inspiraation

Very informative and inspirational interview with Hugh Howey. Watched it on YouTube. New to self-publishing. You all put out fantastic helpful information regularly; I really appreciate it as I am sure so many indie authors do.
Yvonne Carder

Self publishing? This is a must listen!

I love the interviews that are in each podcast episode. I also really appreciate the mentorship from Mark and listening to James as he navigates his way through learning how to be a successful author. I learn new information in each episode and I genuinely appreciate it. This is one of my must listen to podcasts each week.