Traditionally Self-Published with Mica Merrill Rice – Details, episodes & analysis

You have your author website, but how can you make it work harder?

Last episode, I talked with Elina Haverinen about why writers need websites. In this episode, I’m taking it a step further and focus on what you can actually do with your website once it’s built. Your website can be more than just a landing page; it can also support your writing career, help readers discover your work, and create opportunities behind the scenes. 

In this episode, I cover three practical ways to elevate your website without overcomplicating it:

• how blogging can improve discoverability through SEO
• why every author should have a simple press kit
• how to design your site with your reader’s journey in mind

I also share a few of my favorite technical tips for authors—from optimizing SEO descriptions to using alt text and linking strategies—to help your site work for you long-term.

These small practical steps can help make your website stand out and get discovered over time. 

Websites Referenced in this Episode: 

• Reedsy: How to Build a Rocking Author Media Kit: a 7-Step Template
• Kindleprenuer: How to Write a Book Press Release (the Right Way)
• Mica Merrill Rice’s Media Page: https://www.micamerrillrice.com/media

Have a publishing question? Email me at mica@micamerrillrice.com 

Subscribe to The Night Writer Newsletter

Website: micamerrillrice.com 

Instagram: @micamriceauthor

Facebook: @micamriceauthor

TikTok: @micamriceauthor

"Traditionally Self-Published" theme music is written by Landon Bailey and performed and produced by LNDÖ

Do writers really need a website anymore?

With social platforms constantly changing, many authors wonder whether building a site is even worth it. In this episode, website designer and brand strategist Elina Haverinen joins me to talk about why websites still matter—and how writers can approach branding and marketing in a way that feels sustainable instead of overwhelming.

Elina has spent more than eight years helping creatives and small business owners build websites, brands, and marketing strategies that actually support their work.

Together we unpack what writers really need online (and what they don’t), why branding is often misunderstood, and how authors can create a digital presence that grows alongside their writing career.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Whether writers actually need a website in today’s social media landscape
• Why websites are still the most stable home for your writing
• The essential pages every author website should include
• The difference between SEO and AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and why it matters for discoverability
• What branding actually means for writers (hint: it’s not just colors and logos)
• How clarity can make marketing easier and more authentic
• Balancing writing, creative work, and real life

Elina also shares her five best tips for writers building their online presence and how authors can start small without getting overwhelmed.

Elina Haverinen is a writer and designer who works with creatives and small, thoughtful businesses. In her studio, she builds brands, websites, and marketing expressions that remember what they're made from – speaking in their own voice, from spirit to structure, from message to form. 
She lives and works between her boreal forest farm and Finland’s southwest coast, and her work sits at the meeting point of craft, story, and presence.
Elina writes about creativity, identity, and the art of being human in her newsletter and Substack publication All That You Are.

You can find her at: 

Website: elinah.studio 

Substack:  allthatyouare.substack.com

Have a publishing question? Email me at mica@micamerrillrice.com 

Subscribe to The Night Writer Newsletter

Website: micamerrillrice.com 

Instagram: @micamriceauthor

Facebook: @micamriceauthor

TikTok: @micamriceauthor

"Traditionally Self-Published" theme music is written by Landon Bailey and performed and produced by LNDÖ

"Do your research." - Artem Sahaidak

In this episode, we sit down with marketing lead Artem Sahaidak at Miblart/Get Covers to talk about all things cover art and what to look for when you’re ready to get one.

We discussed: 

• Who Miblart and Get Covers are and what they offer
• Tips on how to work with a cover designer and get the best result
• Advice for authors
• And then we concluded with the INK STARTER LIGHTNING ROUND and Miblart’s 5 best tips for indie authors!

About Miblart

Miblart is a creative design agency specializing in custom book covers for indie authors. Known for its artistic quality and market-focused approach, Miblart helps writers stand out on platforms like Amazon and beyond with covers that captivate readers and boost sales. With thousands of projects completed, their work combines creativity, professionalism, and a deep understanding of book marketing.

You can find them here:

• https://miblart.com/portfolio/
• https://www.trustpilot.com/review/miblart.com

Have a publishing question? Email me at mica@micamerrillrice.com 

Subscribe to The Night Writer Newsletter

Website: micamerrillrice.com 

Instagram: @micamriceauthor

Facebook: @micamriceauthor

TikTok: @micamriceauthor

"Traditionally Self-Published" theme music is written by Landon Bailey and performed and produced by LNDÖ

“Treat marketing like storytelling instead of advertising…” - Saleema Ishq

In this episode, thriller author and TikTok book marketing influencer Saleema Ishq joins me to talk about the craft of writing page-turning stories and how to grow your readership through BookTok.

In this conversation, we dive into:

• Her latest release, Sisters Arcana, an edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller
• How she crafts a story that keep readers hooked
• What actually works when marketing books on social media (and what doesn’t)
• Her best tips for authors on writing and social media marketing

About Saleema:

Saleema Ishq is a former copywriter turned award-winning thriller author who accidentally fell in love with book marketing while launching her debut novel. Since then, she’s sold thousands of books, built a TikTok community of 16k+ readers, and picked up a few awards and media shoutouts along the way (all without burning out or selling out). Now she helps other authors do the same, making marketing feel authentic, sustainable, and even fun.

Free Social Media Kit for TSP listeners from Salmeema: 

• https://stan.store/saleemaishq/p/traditionally-self-published-listener-bonus

Resources mentioned in our podcast:

• Quill and Cup (women’s writing group): https://www.quillandcup.com
• Editor Nicole Meier: https://nicolemeier.com

Connect with Saleema on: 

• TikTok: saleemaishq 
• Instagram: saleemaishq
• Website: www.fearlessphrases.com

Have a publishing question? Email me at mica@micamerrillrice.com 

Subscribe to The Night Writer Newsletter

Website: micamerrillrice.com 

Instagram: @micamriceauthor

Facebook: @micamriceauthor

TikTok: @micamriceauthor

"Traditionally Self-Published" theme music is written by Landon Bailey and performed and produced by LNDÖ

“As long as we are making progress everyday toward that goal, we will get through the imposter syndrome…” - Edy Hackett

In this episode, I sit down with Edy Hackett, an author and seasoned writing coach, to talk about what it really takes to keep going and build a solid habit that you can commit to for the long term.

We discussed:

• The essentials of the writing craft every author should master
• How to stay motivated and build sustainable writing habits
• The benefits of working with a writing coach
• And we wrap up with Edy's 5 Best Tips for Authors: actionable tips you can use to help elevate your manuscript today.

Whether you’re staring down a blank page or dreaming of finally writing the book, this episode is packed with encouragement, strategies, and insight to help you build sustainable habits so you can show up for your writing and honor your gift.

If you are interested in learning more about Edy Hackett's coaching, please follow her links below:

• https://www.lastpagepress.com
• https://linktr.ee/thestorykeeperbookcoach

Have a publishing question? Email me at mica@micamerrillrice.com 

Subscribe to The Night Writer Newsletter

Website: micamerrillrice.com 

Instagram: @micamriceauthor

Facebook: @micamriceauthor

TikTok: @micamriceauthor

"Traditionally Self-Published" theme music is written by Landon Bailey and performed and produced by LNDÖ

“When the characters take over, let ‘em.” - Maria Glymph

In this episode, we sit down with author and indie press owner, Maria Glymph, to talk about her newest release Biography of Deception, her self-publishing journey, and the road to founding Modern Odyssey Books. 

She shares with us: 

- A look behind Biography of Deception, a literary mystery, and what inspired it

- Why she chose the self-publishing route

- What inspired her to go from self-published author to founder of her own indie press: Modern Odyssey Books.

- Advice for authors who are considering options for their publishing journey

About Maria: 

Maria Glymph is a writer who explores poetry, fiction, essays, and hybrid forms, guided by the belief that each story finds the shape most fitting for its tale. An avid reader and art lover, she draws inspiration from diverse voices and creative expressions. 

Alongside her own work, Maria is the founder and publisher of Modern Odyssey Books, where she champions global authors and innovative narratives. She divides her time between her writing and building Modern Odyssey into a respected independent press. Learn more at mariaglymph.com and modernodysseybooks.com.

Have a publishing question? Email me at mica@micamerrillrice.com 

Subscribe to The Night Writer Newsletter

Website: micamerrillrice.com 

Instagram: @micamriceauthor

Facebook: @micamriceauthor

TikTok: @micamriceauthor

"Traditionally Self-Published" theme music is written by Landon Bailey and performed and produced by LNDÖ

"Don't let your plot happen to your character." 

In this episode, we are sitting down with a developmental editor to talk through developmental editing. By the end of this episode, you will understand who they are and  their critical role in your self-publishing journey. We covered story structure, plot, pacing and character arc and ways for an indie author to get the various parts of editing done on a budget. At the end, Nicole leaves us with five actionable tips that you can do right now to help elevate your writing.

Nicole Meier is a certified book coach, developmental editor, and author of four novels. Her books have been recognized by Booklist, Refinery29, BookBub, and Popsugar. She is the host of The Whole Writer podcast for emerging authors and co-founder of bookworks.co. Nicole lives and works in the Pacific Northwest and can be found at:

• Website: nicolemeier.com
• Substack: https://nicolemeierwrites.substack.com

Have a publishing question? Email me at mica@micamerrillrice.com 

Subscribe to The Night Writer Newsletter

Website: micamerrillrice.com 

Instagram: @micamriceauthor

Facebook: @micamriceauthor

TikTok: @micamriceauthor

"Traditionally Self-Published" theme music is written by Landon Bailey and performed and produced by LNDÖ

Today, we delve into the world of copyediting and how it applies to your self-publishing journey. In this episode, you will get a better understanding of the difference between the developmental editor and the copyeditor, when you might want to bring one onboard, common misunderstandings, preserving the author’s tone and so much more. By the end of this episode, you will have a solid grasp of what a copyeditor is and Jayne’s five best tips that you can put into play to give your manuscript a grade up.

Jayne Marshall is an author and a developmental editor at Modern Odyssey Books. Her latest book, A Line Drawn or Printed: Six Routes Through Madrid, can be found at all fine retailers. She currently resides in Spain.

You can also follow her by visiting one of her sites below:

• Website: jaynemarshall.com
• Subscribe to her Substack here: whoiaminspanish.substack.com

Have a publishing question? Email me at mica@micamerrillrice.com 

Subscribe to The Night Writer Newsletter

Website: micamerrillrice.com 

Instagram: @micamriceauthor

Facebook: @micamriceauthor

TikTok: @micamriceauthor

"Traditionally Self-Published" theme music is written by Landon Bailey and performed and produced by LNDÖ

"Self-Publishing is not a fallback plan. It is a tool in your toolbox."

Hi! I'm Mica Merrill Rice, your podcast captain speaking, and I'm here to guide us through thoughtful discussions with authors and industry professionals so that you can confidently and professionally self-publish your book like a trad-author. 

In this episode, I share with you 

- a little bit about me

- my journey to becoming a writer

- the wins and woes of publishing my first book

- and the why behind starting this podcast. 

So let's be bold. Write Smart. And Keep Turning the Pages. 

Have a publishing question? Email me at mica@micamerrillrice.com 

Subscribe to The Night Writer Newsletter

Website: micamerrillrice.com 

Instagram: @micamriceauthor

Facebook: @micamriceauthor

TikTok: @micamriceauthor

"Traditionally Self-Published" theme music is written by Landon Bailey and performed and produced by LNDÖ

Let's Be Bold. Write Smart. And Keep Readers Turing The Pages.

Traditionally Self-Published is the podcast for authors who want to learn how to self-publish with the polish of traditional publishing but without giving up their creative freedom. 

Whether you are just starting your very first book or you are ready to hit publish on your tenth, this show gives you the all-access backstage pass to the strategies, tools, and plenty of inspiration to help you publish like the pros. 

Join host Mica Merrill Rice--author, indie publishing advocate, self-proclaimed "Plot Twister," and lifelong learner--as she talks with industry editors, coaches, marketers and authors...both indie and traditional. You will leave each episode with actionable advice, professional insights, and real stories from writers who are building thriving careers or just releasing their first pages.

So join her and write bold, publish smart, and keep those readers turning the pages. 

The first season kicks off on September 7th, 2025. 

Have a publishing question? Email me at mica@micamerrillrice.com 

Subscribe to The Night Writer Newsletter

Website: micamerrillrice.com 

Instagram: @micamriceauthor

Facebook: @micamriceauthor

TikTok: @micamriceauthor

"Traditionally Self-Published" theme music is written by Landon Bailey and performed and produced by LNDÖ