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.

What does it look like to build a writing career before you can even vote? In this inspiring episode, Author Nation's Joe Solari sits down with 22-year-old indie author Abby Patrick to explore her journey from homeschooled teen with a story idea to multi-published author, Instagram bookfluencer, and playwright.

Whether you’re an emerging author, a parent of a creative teen, or a veteran writer curious about the next generation, this episode is a must-listen.

Episode Resources:

🚀 Check out Abby Patrick's work 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.

Marketing as an author isn’t just about selling books—it’s about building lasting reader connections. This week, indie author and marketing expert Bonnie Paulson joins Author Nation's Joe Solari to explore community-driven marketing and how indie authors can foster long-term engagement. Learn how to scale your efforts, automate smartly, and create a marketing strategy that grows with your career.
Episode Resources:
🚀 Check out Bonidi 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.

The future of book sales is evolving, and direct-to-reader strategies are at the forefront. This week on State of the Nation, Joe Solari is joined by Curios Founder Grant Powell and SVP of Customer Success Greg Keogh to discuss how their platform is revolutionizing direct sales for authors. Learn how indie authors can use Curios to sell books, offer exclusive content, and build stronger reader relationships—all without relying on traditional retailers.

Episode Resources:
🚀 Check out Curios 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.

How do you turn casual readers into lifelong fans? This week, Joe Solari sits down with bestselling horror author David Viergutz to explore how indie authors can go beyond books to create immersive reader experiences. From building direct sales funnels and leveraging ScareMail to crafting high-engagement content, David shares how he’s transformed his brand into a thriving, reader-focused business. Whether you write horror or any other genre, this episode is packed with insights on audience engagement, marketing, and authorpreneurship you won’t want to miss.
Episode Resources:
🚀 Check out David Viergutz's ⁠work 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.

How can indie authors build sustainable careers in today’s ever-changing market? This week onState of the Nation,Joe Solariis joined bySean Platt, founder of Sterling & Stone and co-author of Write. Publish. Repeat. They discuss the evolution of indie publishing, the rise and fall of algorithm-driven strategies, and why direct sales are becoming more critical than ever. From Kindle Unlimited to Hollywood adaptation deals, this episode breaks down what’s next for self-published authors.

Episode Resources:
🚀 Check out Sean Platt'swork here.
🌐 Join the Author Nation Community: Connect with like-minded authors and access exclusive resources in ouronline community here.
💬Join Our Discord: Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in ourDiscord group here.
🎟️Buy Show Tickets: Don’t miss out on the next Author Nation event! Secure your spothere.