The Real Truth About Author Nation — and What It Could Mean for Your Career cover art

The Real Truth About Author Nation — and What It Could Mean for Your Career

The Real Truth About Author Nation — and What It Could Mean for Your Career

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 Welcome to part two of my no-holds-barred chat with Joe Solari.If you’d rather watch a video, HERE IT IS. This podcast is dropping a day late—on a Monday instead of Sunday—because I spent the weekend at the Toronto Indie Author Conference at the Toronto Public Library, and I’ve got to tell you, I’m so glad I went.(I learned the difference between an em dash and an n dash during my free edit of the upcoming Roxie Vega novella. That was worth the price of admission alone, lol.)I met some remarkable people, learned a ton, came away with new strategies, and got that free edit. (Hi Sylvie! And of course, my conference bud, Mark Leslie Lefebvre)Paid subscribers can read all about what I learned and where I’m taking my career because of it in an exclusive post tomorrow.One thing writers absolutely need to do is keep learning. And that’s what this weekend was about for me. AND why I’m going to Author Nation.We need to hear how other authors are running their businesses, what’s working, what isn’t, and where the opportunities are.Because, as Joe said in our chat last week, there is no magic bean that grows a successful author career.The right person has to read the right story at the right time. But you can absolutely improve your odds of being discovered.If there’s one truth I keep coming back to in my years-long search for how to make real money with writing, it’s this: the more books you have out, the more chances you have to succeed.So whatever’s been holding you back—and I’m saying this to myself too—fear, imposter syndrome, perfectionism—it’s time to shove that aside in 2026.This is the year I give this thing a real go.Attending conferences like the Toronto Indie Author Conference and going to Author Nation this November are a big part of my strategy. It’s the networking. It’s the learning. It’s the headspace you put yourself in when you’re around people who are serious about this business.So I hope you enjoy part two of my chat with Joe, where he gives me a real blueprint for what to expect at Author Nation this November.Enjoy! (Ps. Most of the “stuff” is in the podcast and video. The bit below is just a summary.)— Here are the links mentioned in the chat;https://www.spoken.presshttps://www.curios.comhttps://www.kickstarter.com/https://www.authornation.livehttps://www.royalroad.com/homeAF: For authors who are wondering whether Author Nation is worth attending, what’s the biggest value?JS: Access. At a large event like Author Nation, authors can connect with major service providers, new technology companies, and other serious authors all in one place. It’s not just about inspiration. It’s about relationships, information, and opportunities that can save years of trial and error.AF: So it’s partly about networking, but also about learning what tools and strategies are actually working now?JS: Our job is to bring the industry to the community. That means established players, new platforms, and emerging technologies. We want authors to see what’s changing, think critically about it, and decide what fits their business.AF: You also talked about helping authors before they even get to the event.JS: One example is the free Kickstarter cohort. Authors can join, learn by listening, get feedback, simplify their campaigns, and improve their odds of funding. We’ve seen people use Kickstarter not just as a fundraising tool, but as a smart first launch for a book.AF: That was one of the most interesting things you said—that Kickstarter can help authors make money earlier instead of pouring money into a launch and hoping it works.JS: If authors can break even or better on a first launch, that solves a real business problem. It helps them fund production, build confidence, and grow without digging into savings.AF: And Author Nation is also creating projects that give authors opportunities beyond just attending panels.JS: Absolutely. We’ve run anthologies, launched them on Kickstarter, and created ways for authors to earn money and gain exposure. We’re also developing projects like comic adaptations, where writers from the community can see their work turned into something new. That kind of hands-on opportunity matters.AF: So this isn’t just a conference where people sit in rooms and take notes.JS: Everything we’re building has a purpose. We want authors to leave with clearer direction, better tools, stronger connections, and real ways to grow their business.AF: You also made an important point that authors need to think like business owners.JS: Nobody will care about your career as much as you do. Whether you pursue direct sales, Kickstarter, wide distribution, Kindle Unlimited, audio, serial fiction, or live events, you need to understand the model you’re choosing and build intentionally.AF: And that’s one of the real benefits of Author Nation—you’re giving authors a place to figure out which path makes sense for them.JS: There isn’t one ...
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