Indie Author Blueprint – Details, episodes & analysis

Confident writers often underestimate how much editing their book really needs. In this episode, Michelle Rayburn explores why indie authors skip or minimize editing, what publishing standards actually require, and how to evaluate what level of editing your manuscript needs. A practical and gentle guide to making wise editorial decisions.

https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com

Is December a good time to publish your book or the worst time of the year to launch? In this episode, Michelle breaks down KDP delays, holiday-shopping behavior, discoverability challenges, and when a December release can actually work. Learn how to decide whether to publish now or wait for a clean January runway.

https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com

Tired of listening to podcasts where the only call to action is "Buy my book"? Perhaps you've been taught that "Buy my book" ought to be your main CTA, and now you're wondering why you're losing followers and sales.

In this episode of Indie Author Blueprint, Michelle Rayburn explains why that common advice falls flat and how it can actually damage reader trust. Discover practical, community-building alternatives that help you connect with listeners and readers as people—not just potential buyers. Learn how shifting from transactions to relationships will grow trust, loyalty, and eventually, book sales.

https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com

Alt text may sound technical, but it’s really just storytelling for readers who can’t see your images. In this episode, Michelle Rayburn explains what alt text is, why Kindle Direct Publishing now requires it for eBooks in Europe (as of June 28, 2025), and how to write simple descriptions that make your book accessible to more readers.

https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com

In this episode of Indie Author Blueprint, host Michelle Rayburn unpacks the key differences between vanity presses, legitimate hybrid publishers, and true indie publishing. She explains the red flags to watch for, what makes a hybrid partnership credible, and how authors can maintain full control by setting up their own imprint. Listeners will come away with clear guidance on how to avoid costly mistakes and choose the publishing path that best fits their goals.

https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com

Pen names sound mysterious and freeing—but for indie authors, they can raise tough questions about visibility, privacy, and marketing. In this episode of Indie Author Blueprint, Michelle Rayburn explores the real pros and cons of using a pen name, including the emotional reasons behind the choice and the challenges of staying anonymous while trying to grow a platform. A must-listen for anyone considering a pseudonym in publishing.

https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com

In this episode of Indie Author Blueprint, host Michelle Rayburn dives deep into the art and craft of publishing. Writing your book is just the beginning. Publishing is where your story truly comes to life. Whether you’re treating it as a hobby or a career, this episode encourages you to shift your mindset and see publishing as an extension of your creativity. Learn why publishing is more than just hitting "publish" and how treating it like an art form can elevate your work. Plus, Michelle shares actionable questions and tasks to help you reflect on your own publishing process and take the next steps toward mastering the craft of indie publishing.

https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com

In this episode, we dive into the often-surprising reality of indie publishing: after your book is published, the work is far from over! You might have a few friends and family buy your book, but then what? How do you get the word out and reach your readers?

While this episode focuses on the publishing process, we all know marketing is an inevitable part of the indie author journey. So, we’ll touch on that too, but with the understanding that I’m just like you—an indie author figuring out how to find my readers.

https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com

Highlights:

Understanding how Amazon’s algorithm affects your book visibility

The two main ways your book shows up on Amazon search results: featured listings and sponsored product ads

How to leverage Amazon Ads to target books similar to yours, with tips on automatic vs. manual targeting

Evaluating the ROI of ads by looking at overall royalties, not just ad sales

Resources to help you navigate Amazon Ads: Bryan Cohen, Amazon Ads Academy, and more

Note to Paid Subscribers: I’ll share some real numbers and deeper insights into my ad strategy below the paywall.

Links & Resources:

Bryan Cohen: bryancohen.com

Amazon Ads Academy: Amazon Advertising Academy

Kindlepreneur's Free Amazon Ads Course: Kindlepreneur

Remember, ads won’t fix a low-quality book. Ensure your book is polished and ready before diving into marketing.

Starting June 10, 2025, KDP reduced the royalty rate from 6 percent to 50 percent for paperback and hardcover books priced below $9.99 in the U.S. If you’ve been pricing your books low to stay competitive, you might be losing money without even realizing it. In this episode, I explain what changed, how to check if your books are affected, and what steps to take to stay profitable in the new royalty landscape.

Struggling to stay productive as an indie author when life gets chaotic? In this episode, Michelle Rayburn shares practical, sustainable productivity hacks, essential writing tools, and simple review routines to keep your projects moving forward—no matter what life throws your way. Build a workflow that truly fits you!

Plus there's a bonus for paid Substack subscribers.

https://indieauthorblueprint.substack.com