podcast

Latest podcast episode: Big, but Not Romance Big: Looking Back at Cancer Treatments, Creativity, and All the Weird Stuff In Between.

Choose your favorite platform here…or read the article inspired by this podcast here.

Intro: This isn’t your typical how-to guide, because let’s be real—it’s more about the messy art of balancing (or not balancing) self-publishing, creativity, and cancer treatments. I’m publishing this episode on my fifth second birthday (my second birthday was the day I received my stem cells back during my autologous stem cell transplant). And I’ve been in remission for now five years after three years of treatment for refractory Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and while I won’t shy away from the tough stuff (we’ve all cried in the shower, right?), I’m hoping to fill this series with humor, hope, and maybe a bit of awkward laughter.

Join me on the first Monday of every month for Big, but Not Romance Big: Looking Back at Cancer Treatments, Creativity, and All the Weird Stuff In Between.

And if spicy paranormal or fantasy romance is your thing, check out Elizabeth Briggs’ books to support a fellow author going through treatments for stage IV colon cancer: ⁠https://elizabethbriggs.com⁠.

Questions about writing, self-publishing or those weird stuff in-between? Shoot me an email at ⁠authorelodienowodazkij@gmail.com⁠.

<3

Elodie

My EU VAT Saga As A Self-Published Author: What I Learned (and Got Wrong Info About) from Amazon KDP Support A self-published author's diary: The Ups and Downs of Self-Publishing (and everything in-between)

If you're an indie author self-publishing wide, or specifically on Amazon KDP, and you're based in the EU, this episode is for you (or at least, it's for you to commiserate with me). I walk through my ongoing, unresolved, and occasionally maddening experience trying to figure out EU VAT reporting for my Amazon royalties as a Belgian-registered sole proprietor and US citizen self-employed author.Topics covered in this episode:Amazon KDP's EU VAT Invoices requirement and the self-billing agreement, and why that option isn't showing up in my accountWhat actually happened during a two-hour Amazon KDP support chat, including an agent who left mid-conversation and wrong information about my tax formsWhy a US citizen living abroad still has to file a W-9, not a W-8BEN, no matter where they liveWhat I found digging through KDP's own (and partly outdated) VAT help pagesThe next step I've identified but haven't tackled yet: submitting VAT invoices to Amazon manuallyA Patreon update: three new paid tiers now live (Emotional Support Crew, Spicy Pickles, and Raccoon Author), and what free members and newsletter subscribers can still expectAn early audiobook release for # Sweets For Love, going out chapter by chapter on PatreonA Barnes & Noble payment update and a quick note on my ongoing TikTok experimentDisclaimer: This episode is not tax, VAT, or legal advice. It's a personal account of one indie author's experience. Please consult a qualified tax advisor, VAT specialist, or your local tax authority for guidance specific to your situation.Stick around for the blooper reel. I still cannot say "EU VAT" cleanly.Links mentioned:Patreon (with the Raccoon Author tier): https://www.patreon.com/c/elodieswritingnook/membershipFAQ VAT (old document I think): https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GZJMEVQJPYBGJ8Z7FAQ VAT (newer FAQ): https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GZU8XMCDUGR6PM7FContact: elodie AT elodienow.com
  1. My EU VAT Saga As A Self-Published Author: What I Learned (and Got Wrong Info About) from Amazon KDP Support
  2. Numbers: A TikTok Experiment As an Indie Author (the yay, the nay, and what it costs), pre-order numbers and more
  3. Writing and revising, Author Taxes & the Emergency Room: 3 Days in My Self-Published Life
  4. Numbers: Amazon blocked one of my e-books (one that had been live for ten years)
  5. ROMO Or My Reality (Realities) Of Missing Out In the Self-Publishing World…
podcast

Latest podcast episode: My writing and self-publishing love list…

Choose your favorite platform here…

My writing and self-publishing love list (for those days, you know). Also an update on Kindle Vella, a local event and Claire Taylor’s kickstarter…

<3

Elodie

My EU VAT Saga As A Self-Published Author: What I Learned (and Got Wrong Info About) from Amazon KDP Support A self-published author's diary: The Ups and Downs of Self-Publishing (and everything in-between)

If you're an indie author self-publishing wide, or specifically on Amazon KDP, and you're based in the EU, this episode is for you (or at least, it's for you to commiserate with me). I walk through my ongoing, unresolved, and occasionally maddening experience trying to figure out EU VAT reporting for my Amazon royalties as a Belgian-registered sole proprietor and US citizen self-employed author.Topics covered in this episode:Amazon KDP's EU VAT Invoices requirement and the self-billing agreement, and why that option isn't showing up in my accountWhat actually happened during a two-hour Amazon KDP support chat, including an agent who left mid-conversation and wrong information about my tax formsWhy a US citizen living abroad still has to file a W-9, not a W-8BEN, no matter where they liveWhat I found digging through KDP's own (and partly outdated) VAT help pagesThe next step I've identified but haven't tackled yet: submitting VAT invoices to Amazon manuallyA Patreon update: three new paid tiers now live (Emotional Support Crew, Spicy Pickles, and Raccoon Author), and what free members and newsletter subscribers can still expectAn early audiobook release for # Sweets For Love, going out chapter by chapter on PatreonA Barnes & Noble payment update and a quick note on my ongoing TikTok experimentDisclaimer: This episode is not tax, VAT, or legal advice. It's a personal account of one indie author's experience. Please consult a qualified tax advisor, VAT specialist, or your local tax authority for guidance specific to your situation.Stick around for the blooper reel. I still cannot say "EU VAT" cleanly.Links mentioned:Patreon (with the Raccoon Author tier): https://www.patreon.com/c/elodieswritingnook/membershipFAQ VAT (old document I think): https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GZJMEVQJPYBGJ8Z7FAQ VAT (newer FAQ): https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GZU8XMCDUGR6PM7FContact: elodie AT elodienow.com
  1. My EU VAT Saga As A Self-Published Author: What I Learned (and Got Wrong Info About) from Amazon KDP Support
  2. Numbers: A TikTok Experiment As an Indie Author (the yay, the nay, and what it costs), pre-order numbers and more
  3. Writing and revising, Author Taxes & the Emergency Room: 3 Days in My Self-Published Life
  4. Numbers: Amazon blocked one of my e-books (one that had been live for ten years)
  5. ROMO Or My Reality (Realities) Of Missing Out In the Self-Publishing World…
A self-published author's diary, podcast

Navigating an Author Event: Conversations, Connections, and Cultivating Contacts (Oh, and the Paperback Almost Crisis)

Listen to the full episode now…Choose you favorite platform here or listen on SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle Podcasts, StitcherAmazon MusicAudible, OvercastBreaker and more…

Listen to this episode on Spotify…

Today’s episode is about my latest author event at Park Books (in Severna Park – Maryland, click here to help them with an amazing endeavor: Speak Easy Community Project).

I’m sharing with you how a poster helped me gain more than 20 subscribers, the importance of communicating and connecting with both readers and authors, managing expectations and more…

As always feel free to leave me a message or to ask me a question, I’ll try my very best to answer: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elodie-nowodazkij/message⁠
And if you’d like to read Once Upon A Christmas Eve: ⁠https://books2read.com/u/mdqLxX ⁠

Do you have any questions about self-publishing/writing?

Ways to help Ukraine

Thank you so much for listening!

Follow me on Instagram – Bookbub – Facebook – Twitter – Goodreads – TikTok

A self-published author's diary, podcast

Real-Time Self-Publishing: The Launch Day Chronicles of a New Pen Name…

Listen to the full episode now…Choose you favorite platform here or listen on SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle Podcasts, StitcherAmazon MusicAudible, OvercastBreaker and more…

Listen to this episode on Spotify…

Episode 77 explores the highs and lows of a new book launch under a pen name, adapted from a Kindle Vella story. This episode features several updates I recorded throughout the launch day, providing a real-time peek into the journey. We also revisit the launch two weeks later, examining key metrics such as rankings and pages read in the Kindle Unlimited environment. I’m also talking about TikTok videos and Facebook ads on launch day…

Do you have any questions about self-publishing/writing?

How to support this podcast?

Ways to help Ukraine

Thank you so much for listening!

Follow me on Instagram – Bookbub – Facebook – Twitter – Goodreads – TikTok

Real-Time Self-Publishing: The Launch Day Chronicles of a New Pen Name A self-published author's diary: The Ups and Downs of Self-Publishing (and everything in-between)

Episode 77 explores the highs and lows of a new book launch under a pen name, adapted from a Kindle Vella story. This episode features several updates I recorded throughout the launch day, providing a real-time peek into the journey. We also revisit the launch two weeks later, examining key metrics such as rankings and pages read in the Kindle Unlimited environment. I'm also talking about TikTok videos and Facebook ads on launch day…
A self-published author's diary, podcast

Author Newsletter: How I added 84 subscribers in one week via TikTok and Instagram, Welcome Sequence and More…

Listen to the full episode now…Choose you favorite platform here or listen on SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle Podcasts, StitcherAmazon MusicAudible, OvercastBreaker and more…

Listen to this episode on Spotify…

Today is about my author newsletter and how I added 84 subscribers in one week via TikTok and Instagram, Welcome Sequence and More…

Also mentioned in this episode:

  • Video cards as example:
  1. When you’ve been crushing on your brother’s best friend ever since you slammed into him at the rink…
  2. Everyone’s booming and cruel jokes resonated in your mind like a nightmare.
  3. He didn’t laugh. Instead…
  4. His powerful athlete-of-the-year arms around your waist, he murmured…
  5. “Are you okay there, Jellybean?” And…
  6. When you nodded (not trusting your voice not to break), he added,
  7. “You got this.” And his rugged hand found yours… Your breath caught as he taught you how to skate *in front of everyone*
  8. You finally understood the flutters described in your mother’s harlequin novels…
  9. Except they weren’t snow flurries dancing in your chest.
  10. Oh no. They were a teenage-love-Taylor-Swift song blizzard.
  11. And for the past fourteen years, your heart’s been beaten, bruised, burned…
  12. by an unrequited crush on your brother’s way-off-limits best friend.
  13. Fourteen years. This should come with a trophy. Or some sort of support group.
  14. Especially as he’s now standing in your kitchen…

Do you have any questions about self-publishing/writing?

How to support this podcast?

Ways to help Ukraine

Thank you so much for listening!

Follow me on Instagram – Bookbub – Facebook – Twitter – Goodreads – TikTok

Author Newsletter: How I added 84 subscribers in one week via TikTok and Instagram, Welcome Sequence and More… A self-published author's diary: The Ups and Downs of Self-Publishing (and everything in-between)

Today is about my author newsletter and how I added 84 subscribers in one week via TikTok and Instagram, Welcome Sequence and More… Also mentioned in this article: MRW June meeting (1pm to 3pm): 7 Figure Fiction Master Class with T. Taylor: 7 Figure Fiction—how to use Universal Fantasy to SELL your books to ANYONE. Why does T. Taylor call Universal Fantasies butter? What are Universal Fantasies anyway? And how can they make your romance novel unputdownable? Join Maryland Romance Writers in conversation with bestselling author T. Taylor on her book, the concept that’s taken authors to the next level, and all the delicious book butter. Info here: https://marylandromancewriters.com/event/june-24/ Holly Darling – Welcome Sequence In A Weekend with 10% Off (affiliate link in the sense that I get 10% off too for another course): https://launch-pad.teachable.com?referral_code=P93AGU Newsletter Ninja: https://newsletterninja.net/ Podcast Wish I'd known Then For Writers Episode with Holly Darling on the Power of an Email Welcome Sequence. Romance Your Brand by Zoe York: https://romanceyourbrand.com/books/ TikTok Video About The Reader Magnet: https://www.tiktok.com/@elodienowodazkij/video/7240392549251304747 Video cards as example: When you've been crushing on your brother's best friend ever since you slammed into him at the rink… Everyone’s booming and cruel jokes resonated in your mind like a nightmare. He didn't laugh. Instead… His powerful athlete-of-the-year arms around your waist, he murmured… "Are you okay there, Jellybean?" And… When you nodded (not trusting your voice not to break), he added, "You got this." And his rugged hand found yours… Your breath caught as he taught you how to skate *in front of everyone* You finally understood the flutters described in your mother's harlequin novels… Except they weren't snow flurries dancing in your chest. Oh no. They were a teenage-love-Taylor-Swift song blizzard. And for the past fourteen years, your heart's been beaten, bruised, burned… by an unrequited crush on your brother's way-off-limits best friend. Fourteen years. This should come with a trophy. Or some sort of support group. Especially as he’s now standing in your kitchen… How to support this podcast? If you like romance, purchase one of my books or audiobooks… Rate, review and subscribe and share A Self-Published Author's Diary with your friends. Buy me a coffee on Ko-Fi
A self-published author's diary, podcast

A self-publishing update: Vella, a day without earnings, and business decisions…

Listen to the full episode now…Choose you favorite platform here or listen on SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle Podcasts, StitcherAmazon MusicAudible, OvercastBreaker and more…

Listen to this episode on Spotify…

Because sharing the downs of self-publishing is also important: a day without earning. Still: Vella is helping me earn a part-time income and making business decisions and writing progress.

Mentioned in the episode:

Do you have any questions about self-publishing/writing?

How to support this podcast?

Ways to help Ukraine

Thank you so much for listening!

Follow me on Instagram – Bookbub – Facebook – Twitter – Goodreads – TikTok

A self-publishing update: Vella, a day without earnings, and business decisions… A self-published author's diary: The Ups and Downs of Self-Publishing (and everything in-between)

Because sharing the downs of self-publishing is also important: a day without earning. Still: Vella is helping me earn a part-time income and making business decisions and writing progress.
A self-published author's diary, podcast

Let’s talk Kindle Vella: metrics, bonus, and why I enjoy writing serialized fiction, too.

Listen to the full episode now…Choose you favorite platform here or listen on SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle Podcasts, StitcherAmazon MusicAudible, OvercastBreaker and more…

Today is another episode about Kindle Vella. Now that I’ve been on the platform for more than nine months, I thought I’d do a recap.

Mentioned in the episode:

Do you have any questions about self-publishing/writing?

How to support this podcast?

Ways to help Ukraine

Thank you so much for listening!

Follow me on Instagram – Bookbub – Facebook – Twitter – Goodreads – TikTok

Let's talk Kindle Vella: metrics, bonus, and why I enjoy writing serialized fiction, too. A self-published author's diary: The Ups and Downs of Self-Publishing (and everything in-between)

Today is another episode about Kindle Vella. Now that I've been on the platform for more than nine months, I thought I'd do a recap. Mentioned in the episode: HB90 with Sarra Cannon: 90 day planning for authors – https://heartbreathings.teachable.com/p/hb90-bootcamp Becca Syme: https://betterfasteracademy.com/ My books: https://elodienowodazkij.com/my-books/ My direct store for personalized signed paperback copies: https://payhip.com/Elodiesbooks/collection/signed-paperback-copies As always: Ask me a question (per email: authorelodienowodazkij AT gmail.com or by leaving me a voicemail: https://anchor.fm/elodie-nowodazkij/message) Follow A Self-Published Author's Diary on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/aselfpublishedauthorsdiary Visit my website: http://www.elodienowodazkij.com I'm on TikTok: @elodienowodazkij and the podcast too: @aselfpubbedauthorsdiary Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/aselfpublishedauthorsdiary Become a monthly a podcast supporter (starting at $0.99 per month): anchor.fm/elodie-nowodazkij/support
A self-published author's diary, podcast

Defining “success” as a self-published author …

Listen to the full episode now…Choose you favorite platform here or listen on SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle Podcasts, StitcherAmazon MusicAudible, OvercastBreaker and more…

Today is all about business plans and building blocks and defining success as a self-published author.

Mentioned in the episode:

  1. Zoe York’s Romance Your Brand series: https://romanceyourbrand.com/books/ 
  2. MRW November meeting: Building Blocks for Success w/ Zoe York
  3. Wish I’d Known Then … For Writers podcast with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright: Tammi Labrecque on What to Email to Newsletter Subscribers: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/tammi-labrecque-on-what-to-email-to-newsletter-subscribers/
  4. Self-Published Authors Defining Success: https://www.tiktok.com/@aselfpubbedauthorsdiary/video/7165127597616074027

Do you have any questions about self-publishing/writing?

How to support this podcast?

Ways to help Ukraine

Thank you so much for listening!

Follow me on Instagram – Bookbub – Facebook – Twitter – Goodreads – TikTok

Today is all about business plans and building blocks and defining success as an author. Mentioned in the episode: Zoe York's Romance Your Brand series: https://romanceyourbrand.com/books/  MRW November meeting: Building Blocks for Success w/ Zoe York Wish I'd Known Then … For Writers podcast with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright: Tammi Labrecque on What to Email to Newsletter Subscribers Self-Published Authors Defining Success: https://www.tiktok.com/@aselfpubbedauthorsdiary/video/7165127597616074027  As always: Ask me a question (per email: authorelodienowodazkij AT gmail.com or by leaving me a voicemail: https://anchor.fm/elodie-nowodazkij/message)   Follow A Self-Published Author's Diary on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/aselfpublishedauthorsdiary   Visit my website: http://www.elodienowodazkij.com  I'm on TikTok: @elodienowodazkij and the podcast too: @aselfpubbedauthorsdiary   Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/aselfpublishedauthorsdiary   Become a monthly a podcast supporter (starting at $0.99 per month): anchor.fm/elodie-nowodazkij/support
A self-published author's diary, podcast

Kickstarter for Authors: What To Do When Your Kickstarter Does Not Get Funded … (and what I would do differently)

Listen to the full episode now…Choose you favorite platform here or listen on SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle Podcasts, StitcherAmazon MusicAudible, OvercastBreaker and more…

Today is all about my Kickstarter not getting funded for #TheLeftoverBride audiobook: what I would do differently, what I learned and what I did after it didn’t get funded …

Mentioned in the episode:

  1. The Creative Penn Podcast: Kickstarter for Authors With Monica Leonelle: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2022/03/28/kickstarter-for-authors/
  2. How Brandon Sanderson’s Kickstarter Project Broke the Bookish Internet: https://www.kickstarter.com/articles/how-brandon-sanderson-s-kickstarter-project-broke-the-bookish-internet
  3. Why I used Kickstarter to fund my audiobook production: https://blog.findawayvoices.com/why-i-used-kickstarter-to-fund-my-audiobook-promotion/
  4. #TheLeftoverBride audiobook Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/theleftoverbride/the-leftover-bride-audiobook-production
  5. Get your #TheLeftoverBride audiobook copy today on the eretailer of your choice…https://books2read.com/u/m2RQ26

Do you have any questions about self-publishing/writing?

How to support this podcast?

Ways to help Ukraine

Thank you so much for listening!

Follow me on Instagram – Bookbub – Facebook – Twitter – Goodreads – TikTok

Kickstarter for Authors: What To Do When Your Kickstarter Does Not Get Funded … (and what I would do differently) A self-published author's diary: The Ups and Downs of Self-Publishing (and everything in-between)

Today is all about my Kickstarter not getting funded for #TheLeftoverBride audiobook: what I would do differently, what I learned and what I did after it didn't get funded … Mentioned in the episode: The Creative Penn Podcast: Kickstarter for Authors With Monica Leonelle: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2022/03/28/kickstarter-for-authors/ Why I used Kickstarter to fund my audiobook production: https://blog.findawayvoices.com/why-i-used-kickstarter-to-fund-my-audiobook-promotion/ #TheLeftoverBride audiobook Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/theleftoverbride/the-leftover-bride-audiobook-production Get your #TheLeftoverBride audiobook copy today on the eretailer of your choice…https://books2read.com/u/m2RQ26 As always: Ask me a question (per email: authorelodienowodazkij AT gmail.com or by leaving me a voicemail: https://anchor.fm/elodie-nowodazkij/message)  Follow A Self-Published Author's Diary on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/aselfpublishedauthorsdiary  Visit my website: http://www.elodienowodazkij.com  I'm on TikTok: @elodienowodazkij and the podcast too: @aselfpubbedauthorsdiary  Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/aselfpublishedauthorsdiary  Become a monthly a podcast supporter (starting at $0.99 per month): anchor.fm/elodie-nowodazkij/support
Uncategorized

Three reasons to pre-order #TheLeftoverBride audiobook today…

I mean there are definitely more than three reasons to pre-order #TheLeftoverBride audiobook but … let’s start with three.

You may have seen that the Kickstarter for #TheLeftoverBride audiobook was not funded. Which yep. Sad. But because I always try to have a backup plan and because I do believe in this project, I have set-up a pre-order for #TheLeftoverBride audiobook in my store.

And here are three reasons to pre-order #TheLeftoverBride audiobook today from my store:

  1. If you pre-order the audiobook, you will receive additional narrated bonus scenes!
  2. If you pre-order #TheLeftoverBride audiobook before August 2nd, you can get 25% off. Yes, you read that right: for a very limited time, you can get 25% on the pre-order of #TheLeftoverBride audiobook. Just use the coupon: TLB25 at checkout. The coupon is only valid for that item and will expire on August 2nd: so make sure you click pre-order today!
  1. You’ll be able to listen to the audiobook before anyone else… The audiobook will be sent to you via BookFunnel. You can listen to it on your phone or on your computer. You can use the BookFunnel app (very easy) or via a browser (also very easy). And BookFunnel is there to help you if you’re having issues.

Plus: when you pre-order #TheLeftoverBride audiobook directly from my store, I receive more royalties and I don’t have to wait sixty days, so you basically support a small business 🙂

Don’t forget there are also limited items in my store: name a character in #SweetsForLove, get your name in #TheLeftoverBride credits, chat with me about self-publishing and more …

Follow me on Instagram – Bookbub – Facebook – Twitter – Goodreads – TikTok

Ep. 62 – The ups and downs of self-publishing (including the words every romance author wants to hear…) A self-published author's diary: The Ups and Downs of Self-Publishing (and everything in-between)

Within a few days, I had a few self-publishing ups and downs, including: hearing the words every romance wants to hear (during a pretty stressful day), losing a crown on one of my Vella stories, fangirling over Eloisa James and regaining a crown on said Vella story. Today I also talk about my dream of having Fear Me, Fear Me Not adapated for Lifetime or Netflix… And I have my first voicemail!!!!  Mentioned in this episode: Los Angeles Times – Meet 8 industry players behind Hollywood’s book adaptation boom: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/books/story/2021-02-11/meet-8-players-connecting-amanda-gorman-other-writers-to-hollywood Lifetime submitting script: https://support.mylifetime.com/hc/en-us/articles/216240478-Where-can-I-send-a-script-or-story-idea-that-I-would-like-to-submit- Happy Self-Publishing Moments on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aselfpubbedauthorsdiary/video/7093148769214172462?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&lang=en Leave me a voicemail: https://anchor.fm/elodie-nowodazkij/message Ways to help Ukraine: A few ways to help Ukrainians:  https://snyder.substack.com/p/a-few-ways-to-help-ukrainians?utm_source=url&fbclid=IwAR1tRHYwpS0z9XOtaMafpVuequlTEuRKcs74bEEpeCUAXHtPOardfnQe15k  List of charities to support Ukraine by subject: https://www.reddit.com/r/ukraine/comments/s6g5un/want_to_support_ukraine_heres_a_list_of_charities/  If you're in Germany: https://zez.am/act.now.by.klitschko  If you're in France: https://parrainage.refugies.info/  Ukraine Media Crisis Center How To Help: https://uacrisis.org/en/help-ukraine As always: Ask me a question (per email: authorelodienowodazkij AT gmail.com or by leaving me a voicemail: https://anchor.fm/elodie-nowodazkij/message)  Follow A Self-Published Author's Diary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aselfpublishedauthorsdiary  Visit my website: http://www.elodienowodazkij.com  I'm on TikTok: @elodienowodazkij and the podcast too: @aselfpubbedauthorsdiary