The Self Publishing Show

Episode Summary
The Self-Publishing Show enters a new era as James Blatch officially introduces his new co-host, romance author Cecilia "Cissy" Mecca. In this wide-ranging conversation, they explore Cissy's indie journey, from mediaeval romance to paranormal and contemporary pivots, her decision to consolidate pen names, and the realities of building a sustainable author career. The episode also dives into the latest AI controversy in the romance world, discussing reader backlash, industry adaptation, and why platform-building may matter more than ever in an AI-powered marketplace.
Key Talking Points
Official introduction of Cecilia "Cissy" Mecca as the new co-host and what she brings from the romance genre perspective.
Cissy's indie origin story: discovering self-publishing through conference connections and following the Learn Self Publishing LaunchPad roadmap to leave her teaching career.
The pros and cons of genre pivoting, combining pen names, and choosing creative fulfilment over strict niche strategy.
The New York Times article about Coral Heart and AI-written romance books and the strong reaction from romance readers and authors.
Why adapting to AI, strengthening reader connection, and building direct platforms (mailing lists, community, in-person events) will be critical for authors moving forward.
Links & Resources Mentioned
ProWritingAid (sponsor & discount code IWC15): https://prowritingaid.com
NotebookLM by Google (research & synthesis tool discussed): https://notebooklm.google.com
Learn Self Publishing - Launchpad course https://www.learnselfpublishing.com
The New York Times article with Coral Heart https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/08/business/ai-claude-romance-books.html?unlocked_article_code=1.KlA.cf39.OMbDGgPwsUjy

James Blatch returns after an 18-month hiatus to relaunch the Self Publishing Show and outline its new direction. In this solo episode, he reflects on why the show paused, what changed during that time with the Indie Writers Club, and how the podcast will evolve going forward with a new co-host. James also shares his clear, pragmatic stance on AI in publishing, discusses AI translations for authors, and previews upcoming projects, courses, and live events for the indie publishing community.
Key Talking Points
Why the Self-Publishing Show went on hiatus and what's changing to make it more sustainable and community-focused going forward.
Lessons learned from the Indie Writers Club podcast, including community-building, industry discussion, and practical craft conversations.
James' position on AI in publishing: embracing AI as a tool while calling out unethical practices and adapting to industry change.
A deep look at AI translations for authors, including why first-pass AI translations aren't enough and how a multi-pass workflow improves quality.
What's coming next: a new co-host reveal, future guests, Self-Publishing Show Live updates, and expanded community offerings.
Links & Resources Mentioned
ProWritingAid (sponsor & discount code IWC15): https://prowritingaid.com
Indie Writers Club (podcast archive): https://indiewritersclub.com
ProWritingAid Novel Beginnings competition: https://prowritingaid.com/novel-beginnings
AI Translations for Authors waitlist: https://learnselfpublishing.com/aitranslations
Self-Publishing Show Live (London conference): https://learnselfpublishing.com/spslive

James talks to Joe Solari, the man responsible for the world's largest gathering of indie authors and Darren Hardy, from Amazon KDP, who is the most listened to guest we've ever had on the show.

Nick Thacker VP of Author Success at Draft2Digital joins James to dive into what's new and what D2D can offer the self publishing world.

James talks to Marco Moutinho from Dibbly, a content creation platform, which can help you with freelance services. Dibbly also offers an AI tool 'Kip' that has some fantastic features to offer the indie author.