The Self Publishing Show

Hosted ByMark Dawson & James Blatch

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.


All Episodes

SPS-403: Fairytale Endings From Ads for Authors – with Laura Burton

Laura Burton almost gave up on writing after getting a bad review from someone she knew. Then she found the Ads for Authors course, and is now a full-time author.

SPS-402: How to Use A.I. in Your Marketing – with Mark Dawson & James Blatch

A.I. is a fast-developing field, and it’s important for authors to use it both effectively and ethically.

SPS-401: Breathe Life Into Old Books with TikTok – with Lloyd & Marguerite Richards

Lloyd Richards’ novel flopped 11 years ago. A single TikTok video sent it to the top of the US Amazon charts.

SPS-400: 400 Episodes of the Self Publishing Show – with Mark Dawson & James Blatch

As the Self Publishing Show hits its 400th episode, Mark and James take a look at how the industry has changed and what lies in the podcast’s future.

SPS-399: The Dialogue Doctor Will See You Now – with Jeff Elkins

Dialogue expert Jeff Elkins explains how the way our characters talk influences the way our readers view their personalities.

SPS-398: Sell Audiobooks Direct with BookFunnel – with Damon Courtney

Damon Courtney’s BookFunnel is the perfect way to distribute your audiobooks outside of traditional store systems.

SPS-397: The Self Publishing Show Live! 2023 (Show Recap) – with Mark Dawson & James Blatch

SPS Live 2023 was our biggest conference yet – Mark and James take a look at the highlights.

SPS-396: Become a Book Rockstar – with Aryn Van Dyke

It’s important to connect with your audience in a way that’s meaningful to them – Book Rockstar can show you how.

SPS-395: Dominating the Dark Romance Charts with TikTok – with Rosa Lee

Rosa Lee only started writing two years ago, but a surprise viral video on Tiktok means she’s now a full time Dark Romance author.

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