✨ In this fumbled (tech-issue) session, the Fiction Cartel asks about publishing…those questions so many authors ask inside, but rarely ask aloud.
Whether you write mystery, fantasy, romance, or speculative fiction, you’ll want to listen to this conversation. We started with 12 key topics with a specific question for each…and were only able to discuss a single topic in our time frame. I’ve listed the questions on this page, in the hope that you’ll think about and consider these, and perhaps have discussions of your own among peers or writer groups.
The Fiction Cartel members:
With panelists Ann Kimbrough, Shannon Haynes and Jaime Buckley, traditional publishing was not on the table. The panel shares definitions, techniques, and personal examples from their own works, or works-in-progress.
Make sure to follow them on their substacks!
Subscribe to Tell Me A Mystery
Subscribe to Shannon Haynes
Subscribe to Life of Fiction
SESSION NOTES: The Process of Publishing
Fiction Cartel: Sept 8, 2025
1. Creative vs. Market Demands
Question: “As indie writers, how do you balance telling the story you’re burning to tell with writing something that actually sells in today’s market?”
Why this matters (examples):
An epic, experimental novel might win awards but sell 20 copies, while a cozy romance might pay your mortgage.
Many writers burn out chasing trends, only to discover the market has shifted by the time their book is ready.
Some authors find hybrid approaches—writing to market while still protecting their voice—create sustainability.
2. Gatekeepers Reimagined
Question: “Traditional publishing had gatekeepers—agents and editors. Now we face new ones: algorithms and platforms. Is this freedom, or just a different kind of control?”
Why this matters (examples):
Amazon’s algorithm can bury a book overnight, regardless of its quality.
A TikTok trend can make a book explode—but only if the algorithm favors you.
Unlike traditional publishing, these new gatekeepers are invisible and unpredictable.
3. Sustainability
Question: “Publishing one book is hard. Building a career is harder. What have you learned about keeping momentum over years, not just launches?”
Why this matters (examples):
Some authors sell well on book one, then vanish when they can’t replicate the success.
Consistent releases—even modest ones—build trust with readers.
Treating writing like a marathon instead of a sprint changes everything.
4. The Value of Professional Services
Question: “How do you decide when to hire an editor, designer, or formatter versus trying to do it all yourself?”
Why this matters (examples):
A great cover can double or triple sales compared to a DIY attempt.
A professional editor may save you from bad reviews that kill future books.
But over-investing too soon can bankrupt a new author before their career starts.
5. Platform Dependency
Question: “What’s your strategy for protecting your business if Amazon, Draft2Digital, or Substack suddenly change their rules?”
Why this matters (examples):
One policy shift at Amazon can erase 80% of your income overnight.
Email lists are still the only “owned” connection to readers.
Some authors diversify across multiple platforms to avoid being held hostage.
6. Discoverability
Question: “In a world where millions of books launch every year, how are you actually getting seen by readers—and what’s just wasted effort?”
Why this matters (examples):
Paid ads work for some, but bleed others dry.
Social media trends (TikTok, Instagram) can create short bursts of visibility, but rarely long-term stability.
Consistent branding and reader trust often outperform gimmicks.
7. The Myth of Overnight Success
Question: “What do you think new indie writers misunderstand most about ‘making it,’ and how do you set realistic expectations?”
Why this matters (examples):
Overnight successes are often 10 years in the making.
Many “big breaks” come from a backlist, not a debut.
Without realistic expectations, writers quit just before the momentum builds.
8. Financial Realities
Question: “How honest should we be—both with each other and our readers—about the financial realities of indie publishing?”
Why this matters (examples):
Some writers make six figures, but most make far less. Transparency prevents disillusionment.
Readers sometimes assume authors are wealthy—when in fact, most reinvest everything into the next book.
Honesty within the community helps new writers budget realistically.
9. Community vs. Competition
Question: “The indie world is both supportive and competitive. How do you build friendships while still competing for the same readers?”
Why this matters (examples):
Networking with other authors can double your audience through cross-promotion.
But envy and rivalry can poison opportunities for collaboration.
A cooperative mindset often builds careers faster than a competitive one.
10. Evolving Reader Expectations
Question: “Readers now expect rapid releases, bingeable series, and bonus content. How do you decide what’s realistic for you while still keeping readers engaged?”
Why this matters (examples):
Some authors publish every 60 days to keep momentum—but that pace isn’t sustainable for everyone.
Single-standalone authors must work harder at branding to keep readers returning.
Managing expectations avoids disappointing fans and burning yourself out.
11. Control vs. Burnout
Question: “Indie publishing gives us full control—but that means marketing, cover design, finances, and more. How do you handle that weight without burning out?”
Why this matters (examples):
Total control sounds empowering, until you’re drowning in spreadsheets instead of writing.
Many authors quit—not because of lack of talent, but because they couldn’t handle the business side.
Building systems and delegating can extend a career by years.
12. The Future of Publishing
Question: “Looking 10 years ahead, where do you see indie publishing—and how do you think indie authors will shape the industry’s future?”
Why this matters (examples):
Indie authors are now outselling some traditional houses in specific genres.
AI, direct-to-reader platforms, and global markets could shift the entire landscape.
The choices indies make today—pricing, ethics, transparency—will set tomorrow’s norms.
What Do YOU Want To Know?
Do you have questions you’d like us to answer?
Do you have something else you want to know that The Fiction Cartel can discuss next time?
🧭 About The Fiction Cartel
A bold new idea where writers come together live to talk craft, challenge conventions, and grow as creators. No scripts. No filters. Just raw, real writing minds sharing insights.
➡️ Want to join live next time? The link is ALWAYS THE SAME =)
Pull up a virtual chair at: https://gobrunch.com/fictioncartel
Hope you enjoyed the video. Drop a comment below and let me know!
Have a great day. Have a great week!
Remember:
You are MORE than you THINK you are!
Until Next Time,
Jaime *the-creative-addict* Buckley
Check Out GoBrunch…It May Work For YOU!
