In early November 2025, I attended and spoke at Author Nation in Las Vegas. It was a fantastic conference for authors at all levels, and in this episode, I share my lessons learned and tips from reflecting on the event.
In the intro, scam emails and what to watch out for;
Spotify launches Recaps, and how I currently self-publish audiobooks;
Successful Self-Publishing 4th Edition free audiobook;
My audiobooks on YouTube The Creative Penn /
Fiction/memoir audiobooks on JFPennAuthor;
22 ways to grow your author email list [BookBub];
Author Nation with the Wish I’d Known Then Podcast; and
Your Author Business Plan on special.
Bookfunnel, the essential tool for your author business, sponsors today's show. Whether it’s delivering your reader magnet, sending out advanced copies of your book, handing out ebooks at a conference, or fulfilling your digital sales to readers, BookFunnel does it all. Check it out at
bookfunnel.com/thecreativepenn
Joanna Penn writes non-fiction for authors and is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers, dark fantasy, and memoir as
J.F. Penn. She’s also an award-winning podcaster, creative entrepreneur, and international
professional speaker.
* Double down on being human and the importance of connection in person (if possible)
* Constraints breed creativity
* What do you need for a long-term sustainable career as an author?
* How do you want your author business to run?
* What are your contingency plans for when things don’t go as planned?
* Money management tips —
books and resources here
* How do you know when to work with a company as part of your author business? How to assess vendors and services.
* Thoughts from others
You can find Author Nation at
AuthorNation.live. You can find my books on writing craft and author business in all formats at
CreativePennBooks.com, or on your favourite online store,
