Joshua Dalzelle and Indie Publishing Success
In episode 265 of Gratitude Geek, I sit down with bestselling indie sci-fi author Joshua Dalzelle, who built a thriving sci-fi empire without the backing of a traditional publisher. Joshua shares how he leveraged self-publishing to connect with fans, expand his reach, and turn his passion for storytelling into a full-time career.
Whether you’re a new author looking to break into self-publishing or a seasoned writer seeking to grow your audience, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate the world of independent publishing.
Meet Joshua Dalzelle
Joshua Dalzelle is a bestselling indie author best known for his gripping sci-fi series: Omega Force, Terran Scout Fleet, and Black Fleet. With millions of copies sold, Joshua has built a sci-fi empire through self-publishing, earning both critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. His ability to craft compelling characters and immersive universes has made him a favorite among sci-fi enthusiasts.
What You’ll Learn
- How Joshua navigated self-publishing success
- Tips for building a loyal, engaged fanbase
- The importance of protecting your intellectual property
- Insights on expanding into audiobooks and foreign rights
- Practical advice for authors looking to diversify income streams
Key Points
Self-Publishing Success: Joshua shares how he bypassed traditional publishing and built a thriving indie empire by leveraging Amazon and other platforms.
Building a Loyal Fanbase: Engaging with his readers through Facebook and delivering consistent, high-quality stories helped Joshua cultivate a dedicated following.
Diversifying Revenue Streams: Joshua discusses how expanding into audiobooks, foreign rights, and other formats allowed him to increase income and grow his reach.
Protecting Intellectual Property: He emphasizes the importance of understanding intellectual property rights to safeguard your work and future earnings.
Crafting Complex Characters: Joshua explores how he creates relatable, multi-dimensional characters that resonate with readers, even in a futuristic sci-fi setting.
Future of AI in Writing: We dive into how AI could impact the writing industry and Joshua’s thoughts on maintaining creativity in an evolving landscape.
Episode Breakdown
00:00 Introduction to Joshua Dalzell
02:25 The Journey of Independent Publishing
04:47 Influences and Inspirations in Writing
05:53 Character Complexity and Development
07:37 Crafting Political Intrigue
08:38 Exploring AI Characters
10:20 The Future of AI and Writing
11:46 Cage: The Unpopular Character
15:31 The Business of Being an Author
18:30 Collaborations and Relationships in Writing
19:30 Reflections on Early Writing Decisions
21:11 Potential for Adaptation into Film or TV
22:52 Life as a Full-Time Author
26:35 The Writer’s Journey: Crafting Your Voice
28:16 The Importance of Consistent Writing
30:00 Building a Portfolio: The Long Game
32:39 Military Influence in Writing
34:35 Understanding Intellectual Property Rights
37:00 Engaging with Readers and Building Community
46:12 Future Projects and Character Development
53:00 BONUS CONTENT
Mentions
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you.
- Jaina Solo, the Disney Princess we were looking for
- Timothy Zahn, Star Wars novelist
- Farscape TV Show
- Firefly TV Show
- Paul Heitsch, voice actor
- ACX
- Kindle Direct Publishing
- Killjoys TV Series
- Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
- Larry Niven
- Brandon Sanderson
- Susanne White Interview
- What a Submarine Taught Me About Marketing
- Podium Publishing
- Kevin Thompson Interview
- Larry Correira
- Michael R. Hicks
- Follow Gratitude Geek on Bluesky
Connect with Joshua Dalzelle
Books by Joshua Dalzelle
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