What are the challenges of writing a first novel — even when you think you know what you're doing? How do you define success when you are just starting out on the author journey? James Blatch talks about these questions and more. In the intro, thoughts from attending the Audio Publishers Association conference, and audiobooks being delivered by podcast apps [The Verge]; Music industry creator trends for the next decade [Creative Industries]; a tribute to Joel Friedlander and thoughts on estate planning; The Relaxed Author; The Premonition by Michael Lewis; and last chance to get the Writing Storybundle. Today's show is sponsored by ProWritingAid, writing and editing software that goes way beyond just grammar and typo checking. With its detailed reports on how to improve your writing and integration with Scrivener, ProWritingAid will help you improve your book before you send it to an editor, agent or publisher. Check it out for free or get 25% off the premium edition at www.ProWritingAid.com/joanna James Blatch is the co-founder of Self-Publishing Formula, Fuse Books, Hello Books, and the co-host of The Self-Publishing Show. He's also now a fiction author with historical military thriller, The Final Flight.  You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. Show Notes * Learning how to write a novel over 11 years* Lessons learned when publishing a first book, including the importance of proofreading* Marketing strategies when you’ve only got one book* Balancing work and other areas of life* New avenues of book business including HelloBooks and Fuse Books You can find James Blatch at JamesBlatch.com and on Twitter @JamesBlatch Transcript of interview with James Blatch Joanna: James Blatch is the co-founder of Self-Publishing Formula, Fuse Books, Hello Books, and the co-host of ‘The Self-Publishing Show.' He's also now a fiction author with historical military thriller, The Final Flight. Welcome to the show, James. James: Hey, Jo. I was just saying, this is like self-publishing royalty. I've made it. I can look you in the eye now. When we meet,