Indie Chicks: Recent Episodes
Jeni Chappelle & Melissa Koberlein
We're Jeni Chappelle and Melissa Koberlein. INDIE CHICKS is a place for writers at all stages of the publishing process. So, whether you’re on the traditional route to publication or self-publishing, you’ve come to the right place for advice.
Each week, we invite a guest host to explore a publishing topic and include an author Tip of the Week!
We also answer questions from fellow writers!
(See website for submission guidelines.)
On this episode, Jeni and Melissa talk to Allison Ashley and Denise Williams about critique partners.
On this episode, Jeni and Melissa welcome back author, Erica Lucke Dean to the show to talk about the elusive BookBub ads.
On this episode, Jeni and Melissa talk with author P. Andrew Floyd about writing humor in fiction.
On this episode, Jeni and Melissa talk with narrator, Amy Deuchler about narrating audiobooks.
On this episode, Jeni and Melissa talk with author, Katie Golding about positivity passes.
On this episode, Jeni and Melissa talk with literary agent, Megan Manzano about red flags in publishing.
On this episode, Jeni and Melissa talk with author and artist, Jessica Feinberg about events and Patreon.
On this episode, Jen and I talk with Lara Lillibridge about representation of queer and marginalized characters in children's literature.
On the season 5 premiere episode, Jeni and Melissa talk about soft science fiction. Welcome back!
On this bonus episode, Jeni and Melissa talk about Melissa's newest YA sci-fi release, Raven's Sphere.
On the season four finale of Indie Chicks, Jeni and Melissa talk about the indie author mindset. Thanks to everyone for joining us for season 4.
On this episode, Jeni and Melissa talk with Whitney Davis about the difference between screenwriting and novel writing.
On this episode, Jeni and Melissa talk with Sarah Neville about the writer-artist connection.
On this episode Jeni and Melissa talk with author Amara Royce about writing strong heroines in historical romance.
On this episode, Jeni and Melissa talk with author Angela Ackerman about character development.
On this episode of Indie Chicks, Jeni and Melissa talk with author, Elizabeth Rago about self-care for authors.
On this episode, Jeni and Melissa talk with author, Jessica Lewis about what happens after signing with a literary agent.
In this episode, Jeni and Melissa talk with literary agent, Kaitlyn Johnson about expectations for the agent-author relationship.
On this episode, Jeni and Melissa talk with author Justine Manzano about dusting off an old story idea.
On the season 4 premiere episode of Indie Chicks, Jeni and Melissa talk about their editor-author relationship.
On the season finale of Season 3 of Indie Chicks, Jeni and Melissa talk with Maria Tureaud about research in the writing process.
On this episode, Jeni and Melissa talk with Raquel Miotto about celebrating wins in your writing.
On this episode, Jeni and Melissa talk to literary agent, Kelly Peterson about pitiching at conferences.
On this episode, Jeni and Melissa talk about prologues while testing out a fun, new format.
In this episode, Jeni and Melissa talk to developmental editor, Carly Hayward about creating dynamic characters.
On this episode, Jeni and Melissa talk with K.J. Harrowick about creating a writing community.
In this episode, Jeni and Melissa welcome indie author, Laura Mae, to talk about the importance of social media.
On this episode, Jeni and Melissa welcome Megan Manzano, a literary agent apprentice at Corvisiero Literary Agency to the show.
In episode 12, Melissa welcomes Marisa Corvisiero to the show to talk about author mindset.
This week I’m joined by author, Erica Lucke Dean and we're talking about writing romantic comedy.
In Episode 8, Melissa welcomes Lauren Metelski to the show to talk about keeping a writing schedule.
In episode 7, Melissa welcomes Jeni Chappelle to the show to talk about the editing process.
On this episode, Sarah Neville returns to review The Spider in the Laurel audiobook by Michael Pogach.
Melissa welcomes fellow writer, Laurel Wenson, to the show to talk about National Novel Writing Month.
In episode 3, Melissa welcomes literary agent, Kelly Peterson to the show to talk about the new adult category in books.
In episode 2, Melissa welcomes Elizabeth Rago to the show to talk about her novella, on Tenterhooks.
In the season two opener, Melissa welcomes Sarah Neville, a Publishing 101 student, to the show to dish about the course. The course is available online for the Spring 2019 semester. There is also a publishing Tip of the Week - Editing--Don't be afraid to ask for help.
This episode is dedicated to the indie review of Forever My Girl by Heidi McLaughlin and an indie publishing Tip of the Week - Confidence, confidence, confidence.
First, Lisa and I chatted about our week. Lisa has been dealing with some smoke issues in the Pacific Northwest due to the fires in California. I started teaching my new publishing course and couldn't be more excited about the students. They are AMAZING!
Next, I reviewed Forever My Girl by Heidi McLaughlin. First I talked about Heidi, who I met at a conference last year. She’s a hybrid author and she’s straight hustle. Lisa asked what I meant by hustle. WELL, why not just give the Merriam-Webster definition! Here it is: to sell or promote energetically and aggressively, and that captures Heidi perfectly!
To read more, visit www.indiechicks.net/podcasts!
First, Lisa and I discussed out weeks. Or, rather, Lisa told me about the incredible squirrel adventure she had! She saved an injured baby squirrel that managed to make it to her doorstep! She's such a huge animal lover. She turned the little girl over to some wildlife sanctuary folks who could take better care of her. She's the best! As for me, I sent Lisa an Indie Chicks mug as a surprise! Look at that cute picture of us over there. Am I right? I also spent my week drafting my WIP. I was a machine, I tell you! A machine! I think it might have something to do with college classes starting up. ;)
Next, we dove into the main topic for this episode—Marketing! This is one of Lisa's favorite topics. She started with some important definitions. Direct Response Marketing - “is a type of marketing that elicits a specific, measured response resulting from a consumer's direct response to a marketer. Direct response marketing facilitates the delivery of a call to action and outcome via direct or online interaction for immediate feedback and response.”
To read more, visit www.indiechicks.net/podcasts!
This episode is dedicated to the indie review of Crystal Deception by Doug J. Cooper and an indie publishing Tip of the Week - A word about starred reviews.
First, Lisa and I chatted about our week. Lisa seemed to be in a good mood because of some great client progress because of our Indie Chicks Checklist!
Speaking of the Indie Chicks Checklist, if you're struggling, it really can be a game changer. Just ask him...
I was also in a great mood because my brand new Fireflies Trilogy Special Edition Gift Set will be available for purchase on September 1st! I'm over the moon about it. :)
In other news, Lisa and I are about to wrap up our first season of the Indie Chicks podcast! Only two more episodes left! We can't believe it! The time has flown by. But, don't worry, we will continue to help you guys out, and we'll be back for season two before you know it!
Next, Lisa reviewed Crystal Deception by Doug J. Cooper. Here's the description of Crystal Deception from the book description on Amazon:
To read more, visit www.indiechicks.net/podcasts!
In this episode, Lisa and I discuss publishing platforms for the independent author. Also, Melissa has a new Tip of the week about ISBNs. Listen in… EPISODE 9- PUBLISHING PLATFORMS.
First, Lisa and I discussed out weeks. I told her it seems like I've been thinking about publishing and writing 24/7. That will change soon with the start of the fall semester at my college. I'm really excited to be teaching a course in publishing pathways this semester! Lisa has been writing and working on Indie Chicks stuff too! I can't wait to read her new cyberpunk series, Motherboard!
Next, we dove into the main topic for this episode—Publishing platforms! Here's the skinny on what we covered: What are publishing platforms? What are the different types? Direct to retail options include KDP (Amazon), Apple, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo. Then you have aggregators, who will distribute your ebook to the big ebook retailers. Some options there include Smashwords Draft 2 Digital and Lulu. There are always more options coming available, but for a new author, we advise that you stick with the bigger ones.
We followed that with a discussion about why you need publishing platforms. A big part of your sales will come from e-books. It’s how many people are choosing to read now. Also, you can utilize e-books as gifts, giveaways, etc. BUT keep in mind many reviewers want a physical copy. Then we chatted about the different file types for ebooks:.epub for most online retailers and mobi files for Amazon.
Then we got into the nitty-gritty about the BIG publishing platforms.
To read more, visit www.indiechicks.net/podcasts!
This episode is dedicated to the indie review of Devilish by Tricia Barr and an indie publishing Tip of the Week - Partnering w/Authors in Genre for Events
First, Lisa and I chatted about our week. We are really on a roll with writing! Lisa's working on her Motherboard series (cyberpunk), and I'm working on a young adult romance about an android who falls for a human. Our creative juices are flowing. Must be the heat? Well, maybe for me. I'm writing romance and, last I checked, Lisa was writing something gory. Yikes!
Next, I reviewed Devilish by Tricia Barr.
Here's the description of Devilish from the back cover:
Tired of Hell, the Devil has escaped his prison and come to Earth to revel in the pleasures of the light, eventually becoming somewhat of a feared celebrity.
To read more, visit www.indiechicks.net/podcasts!
In this episode, Lisa and I discuss cover design for the independent author. Also, Lisa has a new Tip of the week on interior layout. Listen in… EPISODE 7- Cover Design
First, Lisa and I chatted about our weeks. I have been working hard on improving our Indie Chicks website. Mark, my husband, also a website design professor, approved of my latest work. I guess I get an 'A'! As far as writing, we are both making good headway on our WIPs. Lisa's got some cool cyberpunk stuff she's working on and I'm full-steam into a fun YA android-human romance.
Next, we dove into the main topic for this episode—Cover design! We first talked about our experiences with cover design. This was my major mistake the first time around. The first two covers of the Fireflies Trilogy were illustrated. I wasn't happy with them. It wasn't necessarily because the covers were bad, but I just didn't think they captured the essence of my books. So, I decided on a complete redo with the release of my third book in the trilogy. Now, they feature gorgeous photographed models and some spiffy photoshopping. Since I have photographs, I chose a glossy finish for my physical books. I couldn't be happier. The moral: You'll make mistakes in self-publishing. It happens. Don't settle, though. Remember that you dove into self-publishing for more control over your book. You have it.
To read more, visit www.indiechicks.net!
In this podcast episode, Lisa reviews a sci-fi satire from indie author, Scott A. Combs.
This episode is dedicated to the indie review of The Kili Wanna Affair: A Galactic Guild Comedy: George & Sali Adventures, Book 1 by Scott A. Combs and an indie publishing Tip of the Week - If you are writing a series or have more than one book, offer the first chapter of the second book at the end of your first/ other books!
First, Lisa and I chatted about our week. Correction! I talked about my week and then spaced out and forgot to ask Lisa about her week! Gah! I feel terrible! My apologies to my Indie Chick partner, Lisa. We reminded the listeners about the format for the podcast--we alternate between an indie book review and general self-publishing talk.
Next, Lisa reviewed The Kili Wanna Affair: A Galactic Guild Comedy by Scott A. Combs. The genre is science fiction satire told in the third person.
Sali Terri & George Shooters—two rookie officers from the Galactic Guild—find themselves in way over their heads with political intrigue, working to ratify a treaty with the cantankerous locals of a small planet called Kili Wanna. Every time an agreement is about to be reached with the current emperor, someone kills him off, nullifying the planet's induction into the Galactic Guild. The madness ramps up when outside influences take the matter into their own hands and flood the Podunk planet with junk food in an attempt to corrupt their simple lifestyle and force them into an alliance.
To read more (and for direct links to this book), visit www.indiechicks.net!
In this episode, Lisa and Melissa discuss goal-setting for the professional editing process. They also share a new Tip of the week- All reviews of your book are valuable!
Listen in… EPISODE 5- Indie Editing: Goal-setting
First, and I chatted about our weeks. It was the 4th of July weekend, so we both viewed some great fireworks. I’m also hard at work drafting my WIP which is YA sci-fi romance. Lisa, on the other hand, had an incredible encounter with one of her fans from the Tucson Festival of Books.
Next, we dove into the main topic for this episode—editing. We discussed the stigma that is sometimes associated with self-publishing in regards to editing. Lisa talked about the beginnings of self-publishing and why the stigma started. I mentioned that independent publishing does not equal amateur publishing.
We then talked about our experiences with working with a professional editor.
To read more, visit www.indiechicks.net!
In this podcast episode, Melissa reviews a paranormal romance from indie author, Elle Jefferson and Lisa discussed indie publishing Tip of the Week - Value your time.
First, Lisa and Melissa chatted about their week. They launched the Indie Chicks website this week, and we're really excited about it!
(Don't forget to check out our products page!)
We also discussed the show, Riverdale on the CW. We write YA, so we love watching YA shows too!
Next, Melissa reviewed At Death It Begins (ADIB) by Elle Jefferson. The genre is paranormal romance told from the dual perspective--first-person past tense for the heroine and third-person for the hero.
To read more, visit www.indiechicks.net!
In this podcast episode, Lisa and I talk about the choices every writer faces after writing a manuscript. Listen in... Episode 3 – You’ve Written Your Manuscript, Now What?
This episode is dedicated to decision-making, planning, and goal-setting for writers with a completed manuscript as well as an indie publishing Tip of the Week – Don’t rush your launch date!
First, Lisa and I chatted about our week. Lisa was in Hawaii of all places! I (Melissa), unfortunately, wasn’t. But, I was hard at work making sure the Indie Chicks website was ready for official launch. Lisa also gave me a crash course in search engine optimization (SEO). We will likely cover SEO in a future podcast, but if you want to read a great article about SEO right now, here you go - SEO for Authors by guest poster and author, David K Roberts.
To read more, visit www.indiechicks.net!
In this podcast episode, Lisa reviews a romantic comedy from an Indie author. Listen in...
This episode is dedicated to our first indie review of All the F*cks I Cannot Give by Michael Carlon and an indie publishing Tip of the Week - beta readers.
First, Lisa and I chatted about our week. We've both been working hard on the Indie Chicks website and our newest novels.
Next, Lisa dove into her review of All the F*cks I Cannot Give by Michael Carlon. As you may have guessed from the title and cover, this novel is classified as humor and romantic comedy. Lisa tiptoed around stating the complete title like a good Indie Chick! In addition to reviewing the story, Lisa also gave a positive assessment of the book from a self-publishing perspective. I had lots of questions for Lisa about the book and the author including point of view and tense. A brief discussion about POV and tense choice ensued.
To read more, visit www.indiechicks.net!
In our first podcast episode, Lisa and I are on location at the Moravian Book Shop in Bethlehem, PA. Listen in...
This episode is dedicated to introducing ourselves, some background on why we started the Indie Chicks podcast, including how we met, the format for upcoming podcasts, and an indie publishing Tip of the Week.
First up, I introduced the Moravian Book Shop, which is the oldest continuously-running bookstore in the world. According to their website and cool sign as seen above, the bookstore was established in 1745. USA Today reported in 2000 that after the longest continuously-running bookstore in the world closed, the Moravian Book Shop now held that title. You can check out their website for more details. While there, we met some cool associates working at the bookstore. They were very accommodating in allowing us to podcast from their store. In fact, you can even here some footfalls during the podcast as someone browses books around us.
To read more, visit www.indiechicks.net!
In this bonus episode, Melissa interviews Lisa about her book, The Farmed. Listen in...
Lisa and I are still getting our podcast legs, but we sure are excited about our show! In this episode, we introduce ourselves and summarize what we have in store for you. There will be two seasons of the Indie Chicks podcast each year during the summer and winter. During our shows, we will highlight important independent publishing issues and dilemmas that either our listeners or we have faced, reviews of independent authors including some interviews, and end each show with a Publishing Tip of the Week.
I had lots of interesting questions for Lisa during our interview, including her main character, Winnie, setting (particularly the area of San Francisco called The Loin), her writing process, and her journey to publication. Lisa talked about some of her trials and tribulations in self-publishing as well as what she enjoyed the most about writing The Farmed. I also talked about my thoughts about her dystopian YA novel.
To read more, visit www.indiechicks.net!
n this bonus episode, Lisa interviews Melissa about her book, Fireflies. Listen in...
Lisa and I are still getting our podcast legs, but we sure are excited about our show! In this bonus episode, we once again introduce ourselves and summarize what we have in store for you. There will be two seasons of the Indie Chicks podcast each year during the summer and winter. During our shows, we will highlight important independent publishing issues and dilemmas that either our listeners or we have faced, reviews of independent authors including some interviews, and end each show with a Publishing Tip of the Week.
Lisa had some great questions for me during our interview for my YA, sci-fi, romance novel, Fireflies. I'm a hopeless romantic, especially when it comes to books, so I was thrilled that Lisa had taken a shine to it. Some of the questions she asked me were about how I conceptualized the idea for Fireflies, my love of dialogue, the setting, my writing process, and my journey to publication. There was also an uncomfortable question about whether or not I was prom queen in high school. Um...no. Lastly, Lisa reviewed my book, and here it is!
To read more, visit www.indiechicks.net!