Indie Authors Uncovered

About Indie Authors Uncovered

Welcome to the podcast where self-publishing gets real. We're pulling back the covers on indie authorship—the good, the bad, and the autocorrect fails that made it to print. Each episode, we're spilling the tea on everything traditional publishing won't tell you: the messy first drafts, the marketing mishaps, the 3am formatting breakdowns, and yes, those typos that somehow survived five rounds of edits. Whether you're a seasoned indie author, thinking about self-publishing, or just curious about what really happens behind the scenes of those books in your Kindle library, this is your safe space. Grab your coffee (or wine, we don't judge), and join us for honest conversations about the indie author life. Because if we can't laugh about that time we misspelled our own character's name for an entire chapter, what can we laugh about? New episodes drop weekly. No gatekeepers, no pretension—just real authors keeping it real.

Publisher

Sue Mills and Donna R Madden

Category

arts · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

8 Nov 2025

Latest episode

6 Mar 2026

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 Mar 2026

   Let's Talk About Grammar!

   Sue and Donna dive headfirst into the grammar debates that keep indie authors up at night — starting with the most divisive punctuation mark on the internet: the em dash. Is it a stylistic power move or a crutch for writers who can't commit to a period? And why does everyone suddenly have such strong opinions about it? From the Oxford comma wars to the semicolon's identity crisis, this episode unpacks the grammar "rules" that indie authors wrestle with every time they sit down to write. Sue and Donna get honest about their own grammar hang-ups, the mistakes that still slip through even after multiple rounds of editing, and whether perfect grammar actually matters to readers — or just to other authors watching from the sidelines. They also talk about when breaking the rules is a creative choice versus when it's just... a mistake. Because there's a difference, and most of us have been on both sides of that line. Whether you're an em dash enthusiast, a hater, or someone who just learned what an em dash is — this one's for you. What you'll hear in this episode: Why the em dash became the internet's most controversial punctuation mark The grammar rules indie authors argue about the most How to know when "breaking the rules" is working for your writing Real talk about the typos and mistakes that haunt every self-published book Where readers actually draw the line on grammar in indie fiction Spilling the tea, the typos, and the plot twists — one episode at a time.

2. 

   16 Jan 2026

   The hidden costs of indie publishing: What we wish we'd known

   We're pulling back the curtain on the money talk nobody prepared us for when we started this indie author journey. Spoiler alert: it's not just editing and cover design. In this episode, Donna and Sue get real about the financial surprises that caught them off guard as self-published authors. From the "small" expenses that add up faster than plot holes in a first draft, to the investments nobody mentions in those "how I made six figures" posts, we're spilling all the tea on what indie publishing actually costs. What you'll hear: The sneaky recurring costs that drain your budget month after month Marketing expenses we didn't budget for (and some we wish we'd skipped) Where we wasted money as newbies vs. where we should have invested more The difference between necessary expenses and shiny object syndrome How to budget realistically without killing your author dreams The hidden time costs that turned into money costs Whether you're writing your first book or your fiftieth, this honest conversation will help you plan smarter and avoid the financial faceplants we stumbled through. We're sharing our mistakes so you don't have to make them. For readers: Ever wonder why authors are always talking about preorders and reviews? This episode pulls back the business curtain so you can better support your favorite indie authors. Grab your coffee and join us for the money talk we needed five years ago. #IndieAuthorsUncovered #SelfPublishing #IndieAuthor #AuthorLife #WritingCommunity #SelfPublishingTips #IndiePublishing #AuthorBusiness #PublishingCosts #AuthorTips

3. 

   1 Jan 2026

   Indie Authors Uncovered Season 1 Finale!

   It's here – episode 10 and the season 1 finale of Indie Authors Uncovered 🎉 We're wrapping up our first season by spilling the tea on our goals for 2026. What we're dreaming about, what we're planning to change, and what publishing lessons we're carrying forward into the new year. This one's raw, honest, and maybe a little emotional (okay, probably emotional). We're talking about what worked, what flopped, and where we're headed next as indie authors who are still figuring it all out. If you've been with us from episode 1 or just joined the party, we'd love to hear from you. What are YOUR goals for 2026? Drop them in the comments – let's dream big together. Season 2 is already in the works, and we can't wait to bring you more typos, plot twists, and real talk about indie publishing in the new year. www.indieauthorsuncovered.com (http://www.indieauthorsuncovered.com) #IndieAuthorsUncovered #IndieAuthor #SelfPublishing #AuthorGoals #2026Goals #SeasonFinale #AuthorPodcast #WritingCommunity #AuthorLife #PublishingJourney #IndiePublishing

4. 

   25 Dec 2025

   Our 2025 Wins 🎉

   What's working, what's not, and the unexpected victories we didn't see coming. In this episode, Donna and Sue are getting real about their wins for 2025 - the planned ones, the surprise ones, and the "wait, that actually worked?" moments. From marketing strategies that finally clicked to writing goals that didn't implode, we're sharing what's been moving the needle in our author businesses this year. You'll hear about: The strategies that are actually bringing in readers (not just likes) Writing wins that kept us motivated Marketing experiments that paid off The fails that turned into wins What we're doubling down on for the rest of the year Whether you're crushing your goals or just trying to keep your head above water, this episode is a reminder that wins come in all shapes and sizes - and sometimes the best ones are the ones you didn't plan for. Ready to share your own 2025 wins? Drop them in the comments - we'd love to celebrate with you. Want more honest indie author talk? Subscribe so you never miss an episode where we spill the tea, the typos, and the plot twists. Meet your hosts: Sue Mills - suemillsathor.com (http://suemillsathor.com) | Donna R Madden - donnarmadden.com (http://donnarmadden.com) | Indie Authors Uncovered - indieauthorsuncovered.com (https://www.indieauthorsuncovered.com) #IndieAuthors #SelfPublishing #AuthorWins #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthorPodcast #AuthorLife #2025Goals #WritingWins #BookMarketing #AuthorsOfYouTube

5. 

   18 Dec 2025

   Reviewing The Bright Side of Christmas by Morgan Elizabeth

   Donna and Sue are back with their honest take on "The Bright Side of Christmas" by Morgan Elizabeth – because what's the holidays without a little romance and real talk? In this episode, the co-hosts dive into Morgan Elizabeth's holiday romance, discussing what worked, what didn't, and everything in between. From character development to plot choices, they're sharing their unfiltered thoughts on this festive read. What you'll hear: Their honest review of "The Bright Side of Christmas" What they loved (and what made them raise an eyebrow) How this book fits into the holiday romance genre Whether it's worth adding to your TBR pile Whether you're looking for your next cozy read or just want to hear two indie authors dish about the craft, this episode delivers the conversation you'd have with your writing friends over coffee. Join the conversation: Have you read this book? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know what holiday romances you're reading this season. Connect with the hosts: Sue Mills - [links] Donna R Madden - [links] #IndieAuthorsUncovered #BookReview #MorganElizabeth #HolidayRomance #ChristmasRomance #RomanceBooks #BookTok #AuthorCommunity #IndieAuthors #RomanceReaders #BookRecommendations #WhatToRead #TBR #ReadingCommunity #BookDiscussion #AuthorPodcast #WritingCommunity #SelfPublishing

6. 

   11 Dec 2025

   Reviews We Love and The Ones That Made Us Scratch Our Head

   Ever gotten a review so bizarre it made you wonder if the reviewer actually read your book? Join Sue and Donna, as we share our most memorable reader reviews—from the heartwarming ones that kept us writing to the absolutely baffling feedback that left us speechless. Like the time a reviewer told Donna she needed a lobotomy. Yes, really. In this episode: • The reviews that made our day and reminded us why we write • Head-scratching feedback that had us rereading our own books • How to handle criticism (even the lobotomy-level kind) without losing your mind • What bizarre reviews actually reveal about reader expectations • The fine line between constructive criticism and… whatever that was Whether you're an indie author dreading your next one-star review or just curious about the wild world of reader feedback, this conversation will make you feel less alone in the publishing trenches. Connect with us: Sue Mills: suemillsauthor.com (http://suemillsauthor.com) Donna R Madden: donnarmadden.com (http://donnarmadden.com) Got a review story that tops the lobotomy comment? Drop it in the comments—we want to hear it. #IndieAuthorsUncovered #BookReviews #IndieAuthor #SelfPublishing #AuthorLife #RomanceAuthor #WritingCommunity #AuthorPodcast #BadReviews #BookishPodcast #amwriting #suemillsauthor #donnarmaddenauthor

7. 

   4 Dec 2025

   How to Attract New Readers: Finding Your Readers Where They Actually Hang Out

   Amazon might be the 800-pound gorilla in the room, but it's not the only place your readers are shopping for their next great read. In this episode of Indie Authors Uncovered, we're pulling back the curtain on the often-overlooked opportunities to connect with readers beyond the Amazon ecosystem. Sue and Donna dig into the real talk about diversifying your reader discovery strategies. We're sharing our own trial-and-error stories—including the face-palm moments and unexpected wins—when we ventured beyond the familiar blue and orange buttons of Amazon's "Buy Now." We'll explore practical platforms and strategies that actually work for indie authors, from BookBub and other promotional sites to direct sales, Kickstarter campaigns, and building your own author website with a shop. Plus, we're getting honest about the platforms that sound good in theory but might just waste your precious time and marketing budget. Whether you're worried about putting all your eggs in one basket or you've been burned by an algorithm change, this episode gives you actionable steps to start building relationships with readers on your own terms. No fluff, no BS—just two indie authors keeping it real about what it takes to survive and thrive in today's publishing landscape. In This Episode: Direct sales platforms: the pros, cons, and real numbers Email lists and newsletters: your most valuable asset Social media strategies that actually convert readers (and which ones don't) How to balance your time between Amazon and other platforms Join us for an honest conversation about expanding your reader reach without losing your mind in the process.

8. 

   27 Nov 2025

   Goal Setting for Authors

   Is your goal list longer than your TBR pile? 📚 Join Sue Mills and Donna R Madden as they spill the tea on setting writing goals that actually work (not just the ones that look good on Instagram). In this episode, we're getting real about: ✨ Why most author goals fail by February ✨ Setting realistic targets when you're juggling day jobs, families, and life ✨ The difference between "publish 12 books this year" dreams and achievable milestones ✨ How to measure progress when writing success isn't always about word count ✨ Goal-setting strategies from indie authors who've figured it out Whether you're a debut author trying to finish your first manuscript or a seasoned indie looking to level up your publishing game, this episode is packed with practical tips and honest conversation about what actually moves the needle. New episodes drop weekly! Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss the behind-the-scenes scoop on indie publishing. 💬 Let us know in the comments: What's your biggest goal-setting challenge as an author? #IndieAuthorsUncovered #AuthorGoals #IndiePublishing #WritingCommunity #AuthorLife #WritingTips #IndieAuthor #SelfPublishing #AuthorPodcast #WritingGoals #AmWriting #WritersOfYouTube #PublishingIndustry #AuthorTips #BookWriting

9. 

   20 Nov 2025

   Time Management When Writing Isn't Your Only Career

   Balancing the Day Job and the Dream Juggling a full-time career and your writing passion? You're not alone. In this episode of Indie Authors Uncovered, hosts Sue Mills and Donna R Madden dive into the real talk about time management when writing is your side hustle, not your only gig. Sue and Donna get honest about the challenges of carving out writing time between work meetings, family commitments, and everything else life throws at you. They share their own hard-won strategies for protecting your creative time, maintaining momentum on your projects, and avoiding burnout when you're wearing multiple hats. Whether you're writing before dawn, during lunch breaks, or burning the midnight oil, this episode is packed with practical tips for making the most of limited writing windows. From setting realistic goals to knowing when to say no, Sue and Donna explore what actually works for authors who are building their publishing careers one stolen hour at a time. Perfect for indie authors who are still working toward that full-time writer dream—or for those who've chosen to keep their day job and write on the side. Because you don't need endless free time to be a successful author; you just need to work smarter with the time you have. Join the conversation and discover how to make your writing dreams work with your real-world schedule. #IndieAuthors #WritingCommunity #TimeManagement #AuthorLife #WritingTips #SideHustle #IndiePublishing #WritersOfYouTube #AmWriting #AuthorTips #WritingAdvice #DayJobWriter #AuthorCommunity #IndieAuthorsUncovered #WritingMotivation #ProductivityTips #WorkLifeBalance #WritingGoals #SelfPublishing #AuthorPodcast

10. 

    13 Nov 2025

    Pantsers vs. Plotters. What is that??

    Indie Authors Uncovered - Episode 3: Pantsers vs. Plotters: Finding Your Writing Style Are you a meticulous planner or do you write by the seat of your pants? In this episode, Donna and Sue dive deep into the age-old debate between pantsers and plotters! oin us as we explore: ✍️ What it really means to be a pantser or a plotter 📚 The pros and cons of each writing approach 🎯 How to figure out which method works best for YOU 💡 Tips for combining both styles (yes, you can be a "plantser"!) 🚀 Real-life examples from our own writing journeys ✨ How to overcome common challenges with each approach Whether you're a discovery writer who loves the thrill of not knowing what happens next, or a detailed outliner who needs every scene mapped out before typing Chapter One, this episode has something for you! What's your writing style? Drop a comment below and let us know if you're Team Pantser, Team Plotter, or somewhere in between! 🔔 Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more indie author insights and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode! 📱 Connect with us: www.suemillsauthor.com (http://www.suemillsauthor.com) www.donnarmadden.com (http://www.donnarmadden.com) #indieauthors #writingprocess #Pantsers #plotters #writingtips #authorlife #selfpublishing #writingcommunity #IndieAuthorsUncovered

11. 

    8 Nov 2025

    Mistakes We Made: So You Don't Have To

    Consider this episode your indie author cheat sheet—written in our tears and typos. We're getting brutally honest about every facepalm-worthy mistake we've made on our self-publishing journey. From launching a book without an email list (rookie move) to spending $500 on a cover that screamed "2003 clipart," we're confessing it all so you can skip straight to the smart decisions. Think of us as your indie author guinea pigs. We ate the poison berries so you know which ones to avoid. Warning: This episode contains strong regrets and the kind of hard-won wisdom you can only get from doing everything wrong first. Got a mistake you want us to roast? DM us—misery loves company, and we're building a support group.

12. 

    8 Nov 2025

    Get to know the Indie Authors behind Indie Authors Uncovered!

    Welcome to the podcast where self-publishing gets real. We're pulling back the curtain on indie authorship—the good, the bad, and the autocorrect fails that made it to print. Each episode, we're spilling the tea on everything traditional publishing won't tell you: the messy first drafts, the marketing mishaps, the 3am formatting breakdowns, and yes, those typos that somehow survived five rounds of edits. We're talking plot twists in our stories and our author journeys—from surprise bestsellers to algorithm changes that tanked our sales overnight. Whether you're a seasoned indie author, thinking about self-publishing, or just curious about what really happens behind the scenes of those books in your Kindle library, this is your safe space. We're here to celebrate the wins, laugh at the chaos, and remind you that every successful author has a story about accidentally publishing Chapter 3 twice. Grab your coffee (or wine, we don't judge), and join us for honest conversations about the indie author life. Because if we can't laugh about that time we misspelled our own character's name for an entire chapter, what can we laugh about? New episodes drop weekly. No gatekeepers, no pretension—just real authors keeping it real. #indieauthor (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/indieauthor) #bookpublishing (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bookpublishing) #romancebooks (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/romancebooks) #romanceauthor (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/romanceauthor) #indieauthorsuncovered (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/indieauthorsuncovered) #romance (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/romance) #romancechannel (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/romancechannel) #smallfrymarketing (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/smallfrymarketing) #typos (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/typos) #spillingthetea (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/spillingthetea) #plottwist (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/plottwist) #indiepublishing (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/indiepublishing)

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Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

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