Four indie authors discuss the how and why of audiobook production - including accessibility, distribution, funding, surprises, pitfalls, and the joys of collaborating with human narrators. Plus, the true cost of paperbacks.

Noah Hawthorne (he/they), also writing as Aelina Isaacs, is the author of Phantom and Rook, narrated by Kirt Graves.

Sarah Wallace (they/she) is the author of Letters to Half Moon Street, narrated by Gregory Maupin and Abigail Bailey Maupin, and co-author of Breeze Spells & Bridegrooms, narrated by Matt Simpson.

S. O. Callahan (she/her) is the co-author of Breeze Spells & Bridegrooms, narrated by Matt Simpson.

Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King, narrated by Gary Furlong.

Do indie authors gain anything from giving books away for free? The answer may surprise you. With bonus digressions into BookBub, Vellum, and Kobo Plus.

Sarah Wallace (they/she) is a queer historical romantasy author of such titles as Letters to Half Moon Street (now permafree!) and Breeze Spells & Bridegrooms. You can connect with them and their books at their website: sarahwallacewriter.com

Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is a queer historical romantasy author of such titles as Oak King Holly King and Fiorenzo. You can learn more about him and his books at his website: sebastiannothwell.com

Six authors attempt to define the genre. Featuring an extremely scientific hurt/comfort formula, manual labor, found family, connecting to nature, and an unforgivable betrayal.

Our panel:
RK Ashwick (she/her), author of A Rival Most Vial and The Stray Spirit.
Noah Hawthorne (he/they), author of Phantom & Rook and Madsdottir & Adrastus.
Sarah Wallace (they/she), author of Letters to Half Moon Street and co-author of Breeze Spells & Bridegrooms.
S.O. Callahan (she/her), author of Fella Enchanted and co-author of Breeze Spells & Bridegrooms.
Tess Carletta (she/her), author of Kit & Basie and Patchwork.
Sebastian Nothwell (he/him), author of Oak King Holly King and Fiorenzo.

Tess Carletta (she/her) and Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) talk about body autonomy, escaping into queernormative worlds, and the parallels between English country house life and the isolation aboard ship in the age of sail.

You can learn more about Sebastian and his books at his website: sebastiannothwell.com

Cozy historical fantasy author S. O. Callahan (she/her) and Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) discuss co-writing, connection through character creation, and the inspiration in a happily-ever-after.

You can find S. O. Callahan's books and more on Instagram: @s.o.callahan

Cozy fantasy author RK Ashwick (she/her) and Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) discuss catharsis through character development, building stories around your passions, and cozy inspiration.

You can find RK's books and more at her website: rkashwick.com

Contemporary ace romance author Sarah Whalen (she/her) and Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) discuss the value of feeling seen in fiction and the paradoxical universality of very specific stories.

You can learn more about Sarah and her books on instagram: @authorsarahwhalen

Carolina Cruz (they/them) and Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) talk inspirational fantasy, redemption arcs, gothic horror, and the queerly comforting quality of otherworldly characters.

You can find Cruz on twitter and instagram @Ninawolverina