Audiobooks are now the fastest-growing format in publishing, expanding more than 25% each year. Are you in the game?

This week, Joe Solari is joined by Madeline Shue, Head of Author Growth at ElevenLabs, to discuss the launch of ElevenReader, a new publishing model that lets you create and sell audiobooks directly to your readers — with full control, fair royalties, and no unnecessary barriers.

Madeline breaks down how ElevenReader is helping authors earn more with audio through its AI-powered app, all while tracking real-time analytics like drop-off rates and completion percentages. Listen in to learn why this free tool is shaking up the audiobook world, and how authors like you can use it to access brand-new readers.

Episode Resources:

🚀 Check out ElevenReader here.

🌐 Join the Author Nation Community: Connect with like-minded authors and access exclusive resources in our online community here.

💬 Join Our Discord: Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here.

🎟️ Buy Show Tickets: Don’t miss out on the next Author Nation event! Secure your spot here.

Your next big launch doesn’t need to start with Amazon.

This week, Joe Solari is joined by Oriana Leckert, Head of Publishing at Kickstarter, to explore how authors are taking control of their publishing futures—one campaign at a time.

You’ll hear how our Kickstart Together cohort has launched over 30 author-led campaigns and raised more than $179,000 in its first year. Whether you’re a debut author funding your first book or a seasoned pro offering exclusive rewards to your superfans, crowdfunding can help you grow your audience and build a sustainable author business.

Learn what’s working, what to avoid, and how to tap into a platform built for storytelling.

Episode Resources:

🚀 Check out Kickstarter here.

📚 Join the cohort here.

🤝 Support live projects here.

🌐 Join the Author Nation Community: Connect with like-minded authors and access exclusive resources in our online community here.

💬 Join Our Discord: Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here.

🎟️ Buy Show Tickets: Don’t miss out on the next Author Nation event! Secure your spot here.

What if you could make money with your voice while you sleep?

In this week's episode, Joe Solari talks with UK narrator and audio innovator Simon Patrick about how he turned voice licensing into passive income with ElevenLabs—and how it all started by helping his teenage daughter publish her first book. You’ll hear about AI-powered audiobook production, author-narrator collaboration, and how Simon’s family turned publishing into a creative business.

Episode Resources:

🚀 Check out Novel Productions here.

🎤 Check out ElevenLabs here.

🌐 Join the Author Nation Community: Connect with like-minded authors and access exclusive resources in our online community here.

💬 Join Our Discord: Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here.

🎟️ Buy Show Tickets: Don’t miss out on the next Author Nation event! Secure your spot here.