Today I’m answering some of your questions from The Creative Penn survey – talking about self doubt, what defines a good book, discipline and habits, ideal genres, editing and time spent on marketing.

In the intro, I mention the changes with Amazon Kindle Unlimited payments move to page reads (https://kdp.amazon.com/help?topicId=A156OS90J7RDN) as well as machine learning for reviews (http://www.cnet.com/news/amazon-updates-customer-reviews-with-new-machine-learning-platform/); Apple's change to pre-orders allowing up to a year in advance without metadata (http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2015/06/new-pre-orders-on-apple-ibooks-without-assets/). I also mention the Facebook Ads for Authors course and Self Publishing Podcast #62 show on autoresponders (http://selfpublishingpodcast.com/162-selling-more-books-with-autoresponders-list-segments-and-email/).

This podcast is sponsored by Kobo Writing Life (http://kobowritinglife.com/), which helps authors self-publish and reach readers in global markets (http://www.thecreativepenn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/WritingLife_Kobo.jpg)through the Kobo eco-system. You can also subscribe to the Kobo Writing Life podcast (http://kobowritinglife.com/category/kwl-podcast/) for interviews with successful indie authors.

Kobo’s financial support pays for the hosting and transcription, and if you enjoy the show, you can now support my time on Patreon (http://www.patreon.com/thecreativepenn). Thank you for your support!

(http://www.thecreativepenn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Screen-Shot-2014-04-19-at-2.06.38-pm-300x231.jpg)It's just me today! I'm assuming you know who I am - if not, check out the About Me page (http://www.thecreativepenn.com/about/):)

* On self-doubt about our writing, how it continues to affect even well-established authors. Strategies for tackling that doubt, including working with editors, and getting on and publishing despite self-doubt.

* On why books sell and what defines a 'good' book. The importance of emotional resonance in books, and the impact indie authors have had on traditional publishers around what readers want to read.

* Having the discipline to write and questioning if you need to write every day. Habits and their importance, your personal definition of success and why enjoying the act of writing matters so much.

* On ideal genres for books, including paying attention to what you read, to your Creative Muse and respecting your readers.

* On juggling work, life and writing. Can we have it all? And the importance of focusing on learning at the beginning of a writing career.

* The process for editing fiction and knowing when to draw a line in the sand and stop working on a book, including figuring out what you want for the book, cost vs. return and investing money in your author business. Also what to do when the first book is finished.

* On answering the question, "Who is your publisher?" and strategies for the reply, including comparisons to indie music and film.

* On how much time authors should spend on marketing, including examining where your writing career is now, (http://www.thecreativepenn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Business-for-Authors-3D1-265x300.jpg)what end game you have in mind for your books and your career, and balancing marketing vs. creation.

* Return on Investment for writers, examining the income return for the time you spend and how much being creative matters to you.

* And finally, on business training for authors. Is there a way to learn how to run the business of being a writer? (I didn't plant this question!) I've actually written a book on this. Business for Authors: How to be an Author Entrepreneur. Available in ebook, print and audiobook (http://www.thecreativepenn.com/businessbook/).

OK, I'd love to know if you enjoy the Q&A format. Just leave a comment below or tweet me @thecreativepenn

Transcript of the Q&A section
Okay. So today,