Marketer and musician Nick Picone joins the show to discuss the “Iron Age” of media, why the DIY punk rock ethos is the only path forward for modern authors, and how to gamify the dreaded task of marketing.
Nick applies his unique background in music and marketing to the independent creator space, breaking down why traditional publishing gatekeepers are failing both authors and audiences. He explains why the fear of “selling out” is holding writers back, and how to reframe sales as simply building a relationship with the people who are already looking for you. Nick also details his D&D-inspired approach to business, treating marketing assets like a “Character Sheet” and sales goals like “Quests,” and dives into the controversial but necessary role of AI in an indie author’s toolkit.
In This Episode
The Iron Age Explained: Why trust in big corporations is dead and why the “punk rock” DIY approach is the future of media.
Gatekeeping vs. Reality: How Trad Pub’s demand for specific identity politics often stifles the very diversity it claims to support.
The “Buyer’s Club” Trap: The difference between organic audience growth and the insular world of indie comic “hype” circles.
The “Selling Out” Myth: Why believing your work is worth money is the first step to success.
Marketing for Introverts: Moving past the fear of being a “shill” by focusing on connection rather than cold sales.
The AI Debate: How independent creators can use AI as a force multiplier for drudgery (like show notes) without replacing the art.
Gamifying Business: Using The Role Players Guide to Marketing to turn metrics into a game you can win.
Know Your Audience: Why chasing the “modern audience” (like Disney) fails, and why niche authenticity wins every time.
Guest Links
Nick Pecone
Pre-Order The Role Players Guide to Marketing: https://nickpecone.com/get-the-roleplayers-guide-to-marketing/
nickpecone.com
X @NickyPinecone
Kristin’s Links
Services & Content
Editing Services: nonsensefreeeditor.com
Newsletter: https://www.fictionalinfluence.com
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@nonsensefreekristin
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and Guest Overview
02:12 - The Iron Age Movement
05:00 - Challenges in Traditional Publishing
06:49 - Marketing Strategies for Creatives
09:00 - Navigating the Indie Space
21:59 - AI in Content Creation
24:37 - Common Marketing Mistakes
36:06 - Final Thoughts and Contact Information
44:43 - Final Thoughts and Where to Find More
About This Podcast
Nonsense-Free Kristin is where independent authors and creators learn to build their platforms, master their craft, and create on their own terms—without begging for permission from gatekeepers who hate them.
New episodes weekly.
Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Music.
