Indie Authors Tell All

In this episode co-host Mike Van Horn turns the spotlight on co-host Judy Baker—author and branding strategist— as she steps into the guest seat. Judy shares her journey from supporting writers as a marketing and branding expert to embracing her own creative voice through nonfiction, memoir, poetry, and magical realism.
Listeners will gain insight into Judy’s client process, including her “book buzz” strategy, her focus on authentic visibility, and how authors can align their personal identity with their platform. She also discusses the powerful connection between nonfiction books and business growth, along with practical advice on productivity, creativity, and choosing the right tools for writing and publishing.
The conversation explores Judy’s work as an anthology editor, her evolving nonfiction projects, and the inspiration behind her company, Buzzworthy Books. She candidly reflects on challenges like maintaining focus and offers actionable strategies for authors navigating marketing, mindset, and creative flow. Judy delivers thoughtful guidance on building your voice, your brand, and your community.
Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA): https://baipa.org
Buzzworthy Books: https://buzzworthybooks.com/
 

Join us on this episode as we delve into the inspiring journey of Becky Parker Geist, President of the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA). From writing her first "book" at age six to leading a thriving organization for indie authors, Becky shares her path through the ever-evolving world of independent publishing.
Discover Becky's early love for writing, her experience in audiobook narration and production, and the pivotal moments that led her to BAIPA. Learn about her entrepreneurial spirit, her diverse writing genres, and the development of AMPlify Audiobooks, a groundbreaking platform designed to connect authors, narrators, and listeners.
Becky offers invaluable advice for new authors, emphasizing the importance of community and continuous learning. She also reflects on her leadership role at BAIPA and her passion for fostering a supportive and empowering environment for indie publishers.
Tune in to hear real stories, real challenges, and real inspiration from a true leader in the indie publishing world.
Key Highlights:
Becky's early experiences with writing and her journey to becoming an author
Her background in audiobook narration and the evolution of the industry
The story of how she got involved with BAIPA and her role as president
Insights into her diverse writing genres and her creative process
The development of AMPlify Audiobooks and its community-focused approach
Advice for new authors and the importance of finding a supportive community
Reflections on leadership and fostering a culture of generosity and collaboration at BAIPA
Resources:
Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA): https://baipa.org
AMPlify Audiobooks: https://amplifyaudiobooks.com/
Subscribe to Indie Authors Tell All and join us as we explore the ever-changing landscape of independent publishing, one story at a time.

In this episode of Indie Authors Tell All, Becky Parker Geist interviews co-host Mike Van Horn about his journey as an indie author in multiple genres. Join us as we delve into the multifaceted world of independent publishing as Mike shares his experiences and challenges in self-publishing, including the strategic use of pen names and maintaining distinct author platforms.
Discover how Mike balances his writing pursuits, from creating practical tools for small business owners to crafting captivating science fiction tales, and even co-authoring a romance novel as a tribute to his late wife.
This episode offers valuable insights for small publishers and indie authors looking to navigate the complexities of the publishing landscape, manage multiple genres, and effectively market their work. Learn from Mike's journey, including his involvement with the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA) and the support he's found within the indie publishing community.
https://baipa.org
 

Welcome to Indie Authors Tell All, where authors take the mic. Every other week, we chat with Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA) members and those who help us publish and sell our books. We dig into the challenges and successes of independent publishing—writing, publishing, and promoting—from the people making it happen. We're a community that can help you along this path, avoiding expensive mistakes, and becoming successful authors.   We’re here to shine a light on the real-world challenges and successes in independent publishing — straight from the people making it happen. We know from our collective decades of experience, that indie publishing may be independent but it requires a team effort. Finding your resources — like this podcast or like Independent Book Publisher Associations, can save you years of time and thousands of dollars.Every other week, we chat with Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (or BAIPA) members and industry professionals who are shaping the future of publishing and redefining what it means to go indie.