S3 Ep103: The Self-Publishing Show Live 2025: Top Takeaways

Have you ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes of a major indie publishing event — and what non-fiction writers can learn from the world of fiction authors?

In this episode, I’m sharing my top takeaways from the Self Publishing Show Live in London. While the event is primarily aimed at fiction authors, I came away with so many ideas and insights that are just as valuable if you’re writing a business book or self-help title, especially around marketing, mindset, and staying connected to your readers.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Why story is your greatest tool for hooking readers — and how to give people a reason to root for you or your clients
  
  
• The many paths to publishing success, including hybrid deals, translation rights, and exclusive Amazon programmes like KDP Select
  
  
• What to know about Kindle Unlimited, expanded distribution, and direct sales — and why it pays to think carefully about where you want your book to live
  
  
• The importance of showing up where your readers already are (even if that means dusting off your Facebook login)
  
  
• How authors are using AI tools to save time, organise content, and protect their intellectual property
  
  
• Why TikTok has become such a powerful platform for selling books (and how to train the algorithm before you post your first video)
  
  
• The power of boundaries, gratitude and habits when you want to write more and feel happier doing it
  
  
• How one author is using direct sales and merchandise to build a thriving six-figure business

If you’ve been thinking about publishing your own book — or you just love a behind-the-scenes peek at the writing life — I hope these insights will inspire you to explore what feels possible for you.

I hope you enjoy listening.

Further resources:

• Sign up for the FREE Write Stuff newsletter here.

• My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon and on my website.

Connect with Steph:

Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

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