A self-published author's diary: The Ups and Downs of Self-Publishing (and everything in-between)

Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Facebook Ads, Lucy Score & All the Ideas 15.09.2026 11мин

A few days in this Raccoon Author’s self-publishing life. 🦝On September 8, I’m once again trying to figure out what the heck is happening with my Facebook Ads account (the saga continues…), while also revising, answering tax questions, working on BookSprout and replying to readers.Then on September 12, my brain goes from AuthorScale to listening to Lucy Score on the SPA Girls Podcast, to Gallup Strengths, writing through emotions, feeling seen by another author’s process… and, obviously, coming up with even more ideas for future podcast episodes.Because apparently I needed more ideas. Links mentioned in this episode:Skye MacKinnon talking about her AuthorScale / trial reel results on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3EIiGsEcIgSPA Girls Podcast — EP546: Interview with Lucy Score: Breaking Out / Advice For New Authors🦝 More behind-the-scenes Raccoon Author content on Patreon / Elodie’s Writing Nookhttps://www.patreon.com/c/elodieswritingnook⁠The Raccoon Authorhttps://elodienowodazkij.com/the-raccoon-author/You can also email me at [email protected] writing, and happy, happy reading. 🦝

Numbers Episode - 87 Books Sold, Less Than $100 in Royalties (and I'm Not Panicking) 09.09.2026 29мин

87 books sold. Less than $100 in royalties. And… I’m actually not panicking about it? 🦝In today’s Raccoon Author's Self-Publishing Diary, I’m getting into the numbers behind My Christmas Wish List, my Christmas rom-com that came out at the end of July — including its veryyyyy long road to publication, the pre-order I canceled, why I eventually put it back up at $0.99, and what that meant for my royalties.Because selling MORE books does not necessarily mean making more money. I’m also looking at the bigger picture: how the other books in my Love in Swans Cove series have performed during the holiday season, why I’m keeping My Christmas Wish List at $4.99 now, why I’m not t running ads right now, and why I don't think a book's first month tells us its entire story.Especially when it’s a Christmas book. In September.I also talk about something I took away from an SPA Girls interview with Elana Johnson about working on a primary AND secondary writing project at the same time — which may or may not have given my raccoon brain permission to think more seriously about the next Love in Swans Cove book. And yes: I’m coming back after the holiday season with updated numbers so we can see what actually happened.Coming soon, too: the 80/20 rule. Does 20% of my catalog really generate 80% of my publishing income? I have started crunching the numbers…🦝 JOIN ME ON PATREON / ELODIE’S WRITING NOOKhttps://www.patreon.com/c/elodieswritingnook🎄 MY CHRISTMAS WISH LISThttps://books2read.com/MyChristmasWish📊 PUBLISHER CHAMPhttps://www.publisherchamp.com/🎧 SPA GIRLS — Inside a Prolific Author’s Daily Routine ft. Elana Johnson& From Zero to $100K per Month – A Prolific Author’s Business Strategy ft. Elana Johnson 🦝 THE RACCOON AUTHORhttps://elodienowodazkij.com/the-raccoon-author/Happy writing, and happy, happy reading. ❤️

Dear Raccoon Author Diary: Some Publishing Days Are Harder Than Others 08.09.2026 9мин

I’m trying something new! Alongside the deeper-dive episodes, I’ll also be sharing shorter Dear Raccoon Author Diary episodes—honest little snapshots from the messier, more emotional side of the self-publishing life.Today’s entry was recorded on one of those publishing days that felt a bit harder. I talk about disappointing royalty numbers, Substack, the comparison game, and how quickly one difficult day can make it feel as though everyone else is doing better than you.More Dear Raccoon Author Diary entries will be available to members of the Raccoon Tier over on Elodie’s Writing Nook on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/elodieswritingnook/membership

Author Branding, Self-Publishing & Why I’m the Raccoon Author 03.09.2026 24мин

What exactly is a Raccoon Author, and what does that have to do with author branding?In this episode of The Raccoon Author’s Self-Publishing Diary, I’m reintroducing myself, talking about how I think about branding as an indie author, and why the raccoon has somehow become part of mine.I’m also sharing where the raccoon idea came from, how it connects to the way I write and work, and why branding doesn’t have to mean squeezing yourself into one tiny, perfectly polished box.Plus: my Gallup Strengths, Achiever energy, multiple pen names, too many projects, manuscript bloopers, dictation, an Instagram Reel that got 145 views and no love, and ten dictated chapters in one weekend.Basically: author branding, creative chaos, self-publishing, and a lot of raccoon energy.Links & things I mentionedSupport The Raccoon Author on Patreon — including the Raccoon Author tier and the Emotional Support Crew.Preorder Cancer Is Not My Brand — the nonfiction book I’m currently revising and, appropriately enough, the book that got me thinking even more about branding, identity, and what we choose to be known for.I’ve learned a LOT from Becca Syme and the Better-Faster Academy. You can find Becca Syme’s Patreon here.I also backed Claire Taylor’s Writing Iconic Relationships Kickstarter — because apparently the Learner/Input part of my raccoon brain still wants more things to learn and I really liked her writing iconic characters book. Plus I write romance and that iconic relationships bit speaks to me...The Raccoon Author⁠ — the home for my slightly chaotic, very curious self-publishing diary.

My EU VAT Saga As A Self-Published Author: What I Learned (and Got Wrong Info About) from Amazon KDP Support 02.07.2026 26мин

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

Numbers: A TikTok Experiment As an Indie Author (the yay, the nay, and what it costs), pre-order numbers and more 18.06.2026 29мин

This one's a numbers-and-behind-the-scenes episode. I share a full preorder update across all five of my current books, platform by platform, the good and the zero, and where I'm at ten days into a thirty-day TikTok experiment in 2026 (I know, I know).The BookTok part is genuinely interesting to me: one video crossed 2,000 views and somehow racked up more than eight hours of total watch time, while its near-identical twin stalled at 94 and I have no idea why. That's kind of the whole lesson. I get into what's working, where in the world people are actually watching from (hello, UK), how many of them clicked through (spoiler: two), and yes, what it's costing me in focus, because I opened the app nineteen times in one afternoon and that felt worth admitting out loud.Plus: the Belgian VAT answer that arrived in eleven pages, the Barnes & Noble payment I'm still chasing, a trip to the ER that cancelled a posting day, and trying to use my phone less.And I'm going to interview the chemical engineer about how to write a believable one. If you've got a question for him, send it to [email protected]. He refuses to see them in advance. So. :-)If you've tried TikTok and it worked for you, or really didn't, come tell me. We can commiserate, or you can show me your data.BeccaCon + Becca Syme's Write Better-Faster Patreon — the author-business conference and the experiments-homework that started all this: https://betterfasteracademy.com (Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beccasyme/posts)Wide for the Win Circle (where I posted about the Barnes & Noble delay): https://wideforthewin.com/L. Penelope — "The Fire That Forges You" (My Imaginary Friends), on documenting your process while you're in it: https://myimaginaryfriends.substack.com/p/the-fire-that-forges-youJami Albright — The Summer That Changed Us — the book that wrecked me (Steel Magnolias meets Schitt's Creek with the heart of This Is Us): https://books2read.com/b/mdZvPW — jamialbright.comMy Christmas Wish-List (preorder, now July 31st): https://books2read.com/MyChristmasWishCancer Is Not My Brand (preorder): https://books2read.com/cancerisnotmybrand/Nice Guys Don't Kiss Like That at Christmas: https://books2read.com/NiceGuysDontKissLikeThatA New Year's Eve Like No Other (third in the Nick & Em series): https://books2read.com/ANewYearsEveLikeNoOtherFrench editions — Ma Liste de Noël and Un Réveillon Pas Comme Les AutresIf the episode was useful, a rate-and-review would make this self-published author's day. Happy writing, and happy, happy reading.www.elodienowodazkij.comwww.elodienow.com

Writing and revising, Author Taxes & the Emergency Room: 3 Days in My Self-Published Life 11.06.2026 29мин

I had different plans for this episode. And then I ended up in a Belgian ER at 6:45 in the morning with hives and a lip that decided to start swelling. So... change of plans.This week, I'm taking you behind the scenes of three days in my life as a self-published author: the writing, the taxes, and yes, the ER.I talk about:My ER stories as a writer (and former cancer patient) in three countries (the US, France, and Belgium) and how those experiences end up in my books, including the nurses who made everything easier (hi to the one who called me Bebe)Finding the small good moments even in crappy situations, and why sometimes that's easier said than doneWhy I moved the preorder date for # My Christmas Wish-List to the end of July (spoiler: there was just no way)Bringing Plato (our beagle who we said goodbye to in 2025 ) into My Christmas Wish List, and how writing him helped me get back into the storyRevision talk: digging deeper into character voice, the "worst and best" to make characters more three-dimensional, a scene more alive and why knowing where the dog is in every scene actually mattersThe Belgian VAT saga continues (I called the FinMin help line, I sent an email, I wait)And Cancer Is Not My Brand is now up for preorder! What a wonderful way to announce it. Such a nice segue.Links mentioned in this episode:Preorder Cancer Is Not My Brand: https://books2read.com/cancerisnotmybrand/Preorder My Christmas Wish-List (now coming end of July): https://books2read.com/MyChristmasWishNice Guys Don't Kiss Like That at Christmas: https://books2read.com/NiceGuysDontKissLikeThatBecca Syme's QuitCast for Writers — "Why We Want You to Prioritize Your Health This Year as Authors" (also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ1Lm5o3IcI)The Creative Penn — "Writing Through Grief and Rebooting an Indie Author Business" with Jami Albright: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2026/06/01/writing-through-grief-and-rebooting-an-indie-author-business-with-jami-albright/Jami Albright's website (and her book The Summer That Changed Us): Steel Magnolias meets Schitt’s Creek with the heart of This is Us.https://jamialbright.com Choose your favorite e-retailer https://books2read.com/b/mdZvPWSusan Dennard on writing more than one book at once "Finishing what You Start": https://stdennard.substack.com/p/finishing-what-you-startTell me where you're listening from! Email me at [email protected] websites: https://www.elodienowodazkij.com and https://www.elodienow.comMy Substack: https://elodienowodazkij.substack.com/My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@authorelodienowodazkijMy Patreon: Elodie's Writing Nook https://www.patreon.com/c/elodieswritingnookThank you so much for listening from the US to Nigeria, Hong Kong to Lithuania, Belgium and France and Germany (and hi Alex, hi Maman, hi Gisela). I hope your socks are fluffy, and if you're writing, that the words are flowing. Happy writing, and happy, happy reading.

Numbers: Amazon blocked one of my e-books (one that had been live for ten years) 04.06.2026 18мин

This One is About Amazon Blocking One of my e-books - one that had been up for ten years.In today's episode, I share how many returns that book got over years, the sales number, the reviews, what I decided to do.I also talk about moving a pre-order, and a little bit about craft - thinking about how to improve my books.Mentioned in this episode:- How to get your Amazon account back: https://bit.ly/TBCYA- Alliance of Independent Authors: https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/- Becca Syme: The #1 Thing Authors Can Do To Increase Demand For Their Books (The Quitcast 8.13)- Ines Johnson: Page Turner Take off - I don't think it's available outside of her Kickstarter yet.- Margie Lawson: A Deep Editing Guide to Make Your Openings Pop!

ROMO Or My Reality (Realities) Of Missing Out In the Self-Publishing World... 13.05.2026 25мин

This episode is brought to you by: a shower, a hoarse voice from dictating, having grand and great plans I had to adjust due to fatigue. All of that got me thinking about ROMO. The Reality of Missing Out. Not FOMO. Not JOMO. The third thing.I thought I'd made up the term. Yes, really. I was really proud of myself. I Googled it. I had not.I talk about many things in this episode, including:dealing with declining profits from one year to another in my self-publishing business;the Kickstarter I'd love to do for Cancer Is Not My Brand (my upcoming nonfiction book) and why I'm not doing one right now, knowing my latest one for # The Leftover Bride audiobook Kickstarter didn't get fulfilled, but this isn't the only reason. I; about not going to InkersCon or the Write Better, Faster Academy digital conference this year, even though I really recommend both. about Ines Johnson's Romance Write Club Kickstarter, which I just backed, and how I'm learning that it's possible to look up to other authors and also not chase what they're doing (still learning that one).about how the reality of missing out, for me, is twofold...sometimes it's I cannot physically or emotionally do this right now, and sometimes it's I cannot financially or time-wise do this right now because it's not the best for my author business, and those are different. And then there's a third thing, which I figured out while recording (as one does, right?), which is realizing you're not actually missing out at all, because it may not be what you need at that moment.If you're going through a hard time, I hope you feel a little less alone. That's the whole thing, really.Links and resources mentioned:InkersCon — www.inkerscon.com (I think Golden Angel has a $50 discount code)Write Better, Faster Academy — https://betterfasteracademy.com/Becca Syme on author business phases:- Phases for Author Business: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGX7gDqtvCM - Deep dives on each phase: https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme/shopInes Johnson's Romance Write Club Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/romancewriteclub/page-turner-craft-a-complete-page-turning-story-blueprint/descriptionCleveland Clinic on FOMO, JOMO, and ROMO : https://health.clevelandclinic.org/understanding-fomoPsychology Today on the reality of missing out: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/a-deeper-wellness/202506/understanding-and-managing-fomoQamber Designs (cover designer) : https://www.qamberdesignsmedia.com/If you want to tell me what you're missing out on or if you're currently more in a FOMO, JOMO, ROMO phase or all of the above, don't hesitate to send me an email: [email protected] writing. Happy reading.My website:www.elodienowodazkij.com

Numbers: The Book That Had 23 Preorders and...became my most read book. 07.05.2026 43мин

This is a numbers episode. I'm going back to the archives a little bit (back to the future, kind of) to talk about a book I released in 2015 that had 23 preorders and became one of my most read books.A Summer Like No Other launched at 99 cents. I had a whole plan — cover reveal with Xpresso Book Tours, NetGalley, YouTube videos, a blog series called The Making Of, emails to readers who had reviewed my first book. I got 23 preorders. In the first three months I made about $200.That same book has now been downloaded 66,550 times in English: 40,279 audiobooks, 24,414 ebooks, and 1,360 paperbacks. Best month was May 2024, with 7,930 downloads.The French version, Un Été Pas Comme Les Autres, had 20 preorders. It's now perma free, has been downloaded 48,368 times, has 1,843 ratings on Amazon France, and the translation got picked up by a publisher that was part of Hachette — which is how I became a hybrid author.So preorders really don't make or break a book.I also talk about:Dictation finally working for me — two days this week with more than 6,000 words, which hasn't happened in foreverA very funny dictation fail from my walkLast week's newsletter (Elodie Now): 205 subscribers, 48.19% open rate, 0.49% click rate, one unsubscribeFun fact: more than 50 subscribers across Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and I didn't know that until this week. Thank youThe two YouTube videos that helped me with dictation:Real Time Dictation Session: Dictate and Edit a Scene With Me — Alyssa in the Books https://youtu.be/I7rpvAGPgv4?si=4Oju1Ob5MjjukVNcBook Dictation for Beginners — The Courtney Project https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUVQ2vd_w1MThe Margie Lawson Deep Edits packets: Deep Editing, Rhetorical Devices, and More: https://www.margielawson.com/product/deep-editing-rhetorical-devices-and-more/Make Endings POP! Deep Editing Style: https://www.margielawson.com/product/make-endings-pop-deep-editing-style/PublisherChamp: https://www.publisherchamp.com/If you'd like to tell me you're listening and where from, I would love to hear from you: authorelodienowodazkij AT gmail.com

This isn't a grand gesture ... 02.05.2026 12мин

This post is about grief. An update. Going back to write. An excerpt of my next rom-com. And a donkey.

My Self-Pub Weekly Diary: Some Wins, Some Wobbles, and Absolutely Zero Words (on My Manuscripts) 14.11.2025 18мин

My Self-Pub Weekly Diary: Some Wins, Some Wobbles, and Absolutely Zero Words (on My Manuscripts)This episode is a daily mashup of behind-the-scenes of my self-publishing life including: libraries buying my ebooks, regaining my B&N vendor account, releasing a book (YAY!), but no words on my manuscripts (I did write bonus scenes).Also: trying to invigorate my Goodreads profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/55359987.Elodie_NowAs always if you enjoy this podcast make sure to subscribe and leave a review.Thank you so much for listening!www.elodienowodazkij.com

My F***-It Book: She Had Cancer and Still Gets a Holiday Steamy Rom-Com 07.11.2025 17мин

Writers talk a lot about the “Book of My Heart”: the story that feels deeply personal, the one you carry close.But there’s another book, too.The F***-It Book.The book where you stop worrying about what’s expected, or tidy, or “on-brand.”The book where you choose joy anyway.Or choose whatever you need to write because you’re ready to.Sometimes the F***-It Book and the Book of My Heart are the same book.Sometimes they overlap.Sometimes they’re cousins who share snacks and chaos energy.I don’t know the exact category here.But I know Nice Guys Don't Kiss Like That At Christmas is my F***-It Book.The one where I say:Yes, she had cancer.Yes, she gets the holiday steamy rom-com.Yes, this is still allowed to be fun and tender and ridiculous and warm.Nice Guys Don’t Kiss Like That at Christmas is that book for me.And today, I want to tell you why.Visit my website: www.elodienowodazkij.comWant a copy? Email me at: [email protected], this book: https://books2read.com/NiceGuysDontKissLikeThat

New Release Hiccups, Metadata, Pen Names, and Mild Panic 31.10.2025 19мин

I'm releasing my next book on November 7th... Goodreads doesn't remember my name. Oh, and B&N decided to reject my vendor account?Everything is good. Everything is good.Behind-the-scenes and the ups and downs of self-publishing... Mentioned in this episode:- Nice Guys Don't Kiss Like That At Christmas- Anne Victory - NetGalley co-op- Wide for the Win Facebook Group: https://victoryediting.com/services/netgalley-co-op/

Hi, it's me...a self-published author now in Belgium 05.09.2025 9мин

A quick update. I'm now in Belgium and thinking about thinking...No, thinking about my to-do list and whether to start a Patreon about my self-publishing... oh and I reached 1000 subscribers on my Patreon. And I have an Italian translation coming up and...and... and...

Splitting Pen Names & Newsletters (Plus My Cat Might Make an Appearance) 23.05.2025 18мин

Welcome to my first audio AND video episode - yes, you can finally see my face (and probably my cat)! I'm diving into the messy reality of splitting my books into two pen names and why updating newsletter automations is a lot of work. I'll share how I create those bonus scenes readers love (epilogues, wedding scenes, even deleted diary entries), why I'm thinking about making Sweets for Love free, and give you a behind-the-scenes look at my current Sophie and Liam story where I just left them in a very interesting situation involving a surprise daughter. Plus, I'm sharing details about InkersCon 2025 - use code Golden25 for a discount! Check it out at inkerscon.com. Grab your coffee, water or whatever and stretch - let's chat about the ups and downs of self-publishing!Visit my website: www.elodienowodazkij.com

To KU or Not KU My Gavert City series in English? 20.05.2025 13мин

Have a coffee with me, this short self-publishing podcast episode is taking you my thought process on whether to put my Gavert City series in English in Kindle Unlimited or not...Also mentioned in this episode:Golden Angel's Presentation: Money Matters for Authors with Golden AngelYou can sign up and watch it live online or for 90 days after here: https://marylandromancewriters.com/mrw-events/may-meeting/Find my books online: www.elodienowodazkij.com or www.elodienow.com ...

Dear Meta, It's Not Me, It's You Or My Facebook Ads Account For My Books Has Been Disabled 25.04.2025 23мин

This episode is NOT a how-to on how to get your Facebook Ads Account back as a self-published author... it's a lot of me venting and explaining what happened. Visit my website: www.elodienowodazkij.com (www.dasdog.net) or www.elodienow.com

Ugh. My Facebook Ads Account Has Been Restricted... 30.01.2025 24мин

My Facebook Ads Account has been restricted and, well, this hasn't been fun. As an author, I had been using Facebook ads to reach both KU readers in the US, Australia and UK and French-speaking readers who read on Kobo, Apple, Google Play and more... I don't know why my account has been restricted. Also mentioned on this episode: My YouTube channel (if you love audiobooks :-)): subscribe here https://www.youtube.com/@authorelodienowodazkij Kickstarter Pageturner Pacing writing craft ebook, workbook & course: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/romancewriteclub/pageturner-pacing-writing-craft-ebook-workbook-and-course-0 The Author Ecosystems: Your Unique Path to Writing Success https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/writermba/ae?ref=user_menu Becca Syme's Patreon and Archetypes Posts: https://www.patreon.com/c/beccasyme/posts Claire Taylor's What if For Authors Podcast: What if my ads stop working episode - https://www.ffs.media/episode-list/fwsbd8mpjr7fmfj-82hpx-katcm-mjej5-8sc76 Feature Friday on the podcast: Talking with Ines Johnson about her success in self-publishing, how writing screenplays has influenced her writing, pen names, going “wide” and advertising…https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/elodie-nowodazkij/episodes/Ep--17---Feature-Friday-Talking-with-Ines-Johnson-about-her-success-in-self-publishing--how-writing-screenplays-has-influenced-her-writing--pen-names-going-wide-and-advertising-e11nu0g/a-a554li4

Cancer and Creativity: Finding Hope in Therapy, Romance Novels and Second Opinions 02.12.2024 26мин

In this episode, I open up and look back about navigating life with cancer back in 2017—receiving tough PET news, seeking second opinions, and finding support in unexpected places. I talk about how therapy really helped, how romance novels reminded me to escape into stories, and how creativity (not necessarily mine) brought moments of light during some of the hardest times. This episode explores the small yet powerful ways hope can appear, even when it feels out of reach. www.elodienowodazkij.com or www.dasdog.net authorelodienowodazkij AT gmail.com