Traditionally Self-Published with Mica Merrill Rice

Do writers really need a website anymore?

With social platforms constantly changing, many authors wonder whether building a site is even worth it. In this episode, website designer and brand strategist Elina Haverinen joins me to talk about why websites still matter—and how writers can approach branding and marketing in a way that feels sustainable instead of overwhelming.

Elina has spent more than eight years helping creatives and s...

How do you elevate your prose without rewriting your entire story?

In this craft-focused discussion, I’m joined by editors, AJ Volante and Margie Libling from The Wednesday Refinery to talk about sentence-level revision, literary voice, and the difference between commercial and literary fiction. If you’re revising a manuscript, preparing a query package, or trying to refine your prose, this episode breaks down what actually strength...

In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend and thriller author Nicole Annbury to talk about what it really takes to write a psychological thriller that kills. (all puns intended!) We take a deep dive into the craft behind her newest novel, The Signature Line, and explore why the psychology is the story.

This is a must-listen for writers interested in psychological thriller writing, and character-driven storytelling, as well as re...

In this episode of Traditionally Self-Published, we sit down with professional audiobook narrator Robb Moreira to talk about what it really takes to bring stories to life in audio—and what authors and aspiring narrators need to know before stepping behind the mic. Robb has recorded for authors like Rebecca Yarros, James Patterson, Megan Lally, Frieda McFadden, Mica Merrill Rice, and so many more!

Robb shares how he got started in au...

In this episode of Traditionally Self-Published, we discuss Creating the Rules, a women's fiction novel by Ania Ray, and explore why women writers thrive when they choose community over isolation.

Ania shares the inspiration behind the book, her journey as an indie author, and how building intentional writing spaces changes the creative process.

We Discuss:

• • Her latest release, Creating the Rules, the 3rd and final book in...

In this episode of Traditionally Self-Published, I sit down with historical fiction author and English Literature teacher Catherine Astl to talk about her novel Christmas Serenades—a deeply rooted Smoky Mountain Christmas story filled with truth, tradition, and meticulously researched history.

Catherine shares how her lifelong connection to the Great Smoky Mountains shaped her storytelling, why she stays fiercely committed to histor...

In this episode of Traditionally Self-Published, I sit down with memoirist and journalist Mallary Tenore Tarpley to talk about her new book, SLIP: Life in the Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery, and the craft of writing memoir with honesty and care.

We discussed:

• What inspired SLIP and what it means to write from the “middle place” of recovery
• How to tell the truth with empathy — especially when writing about loved ones
• Why contrad...

“Independent bookstores are the heart of the industry. We move books through real conversations, not algorithms. That grassroots passion is irreplaceable.” - Alsace Walentine

In this episode, I chat with Alsace Walentine, co-owner of Tombolo Books, about how indie bookstores choose what goes on their shelves and what makes an author stand out. Alsace shares what really sells, the production mistakes that get books rejected, how to a...

“Every single word has to earn its place.” - Jayne Marshall

In this episode, literary fiction author and developmental editor Jayne Marshall joins me again to talk about crafting literary fiction and how to blend fact with fiction in an engaging way. 

In this conversation, we dive into:

• Her latest release, A Line Drawn or Printed: Six Routes Through Madrid, a literary fiction.
• How she crafts a story blending fact and fiction withou...

"Do your research." - Artem Sahaidak

In this episode, we sit down with marketing lead Artem Sahaidak at Miblart/Get Covers to talk about all things cover art and what to look for when you’re ready to get one.

We discussed: 

• Who Miblart and Get Covers are and what they offer
• Tips on how to work with a cover designer and get the best result
• Advice for authors
• And then we concluded with the INK STARTER LIGHTNING ROUND and Mibl...

“Treat marketing like storytelling instead of advertising…” - Saleema Ishq

In this episode, thriller author and TikTok book marketing influencer Saleema Ishq joins me to talk about the craft of writing page-turning stories and how to grow your readership through BookTok.

In this conversation, we dive into:

• Her latest release, Sisters Arcana, an edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller
• How she crafts a story that keep readers hooked
• ...

“As long as we are making progress everyday toward that goal, we will get through the imposter syndrome…” - Edy Hackett

In this episode, I sit down with Edy Hackett, an author and seasoned writing coach, to talk about what it really takes to keep going and build a solid habit that you can commit to for the long term.

We discussed:

• The essentials of the writing craft every author should master
• How to stay motivated and build sustain...

"Don't let your plot happen to your character." 

In this episode, we are sitting down with a developmental editor to talk through developmental editing. By the end of this episode, you will understand who they are and  their critical role in your self-publishing journey. We covered story structure, plot, pacing and character arc and ways for an indie author to get the various parts of editing done on a budget. At the ...

“When the characters take over, let ‘em.” - Maria Glymph

In this episode, we sit down with author and indie press owner, Maria Glymph, to talk about her newest release Biography of Deception, her self-publishing journey, and the road to founding Modern Odyssey Books. 

She shares with us: 

- A look behind Biography of Deception, a literary mystery, and what inspired it

- Why she chose the self-publishing route

- What inspired her to go f...

Today, we delve into the world of copyediting and how it applies to your self-publishing journey. In this episode, you will get a better understanding of the difference between the developmental editor and the copyeditor, when you might want to bring one onboard, common misunderstandings, preserving the author’s tone and so much more. By the end of this episode, you will have a solid grasp of what a copyeditor is and Jayne’s five b...

"Self-Publishing is not a fallback plan. It is a tool in your toolbox."

Hi! I'm Mica Merrill Rice, your podcast captain speaking, and I'm here to guide us through thoughtful discussions with authors and industry professionals so that you can confidently and professionally self-publish your book like a trad-author. 

In this episode, I share with you 

- a little bit about me

- my journey to becoming a writer

- the wins...

Let's Be Bold. Write Smart. And Keep Readers Turing The Pages.

Traditionally Self-Published is the podcast for authors who want to learn how to self-publish with the polish of traditional publishing but without giving up their creative freedom. 

Whether you are just starting your very first book or you are ready to hit publish on your tenth, this show gives you the all-access backstage pass to the strategies, tools, and plenty o...