Not everyone can teach here. Here’s how we vet the experts behind our courses and weekly webinars.
Indie Author Training only works if you can trust the person on the other side of the screen. That’s the whole point of a marketplace like this. You come here so you can learn from people who actually know what they’re doing, without spending three days sorting through the internet’s loudest opinions.
So we vet instructors. They don’t work for us, but they do have to meet our standards. They also agree to a shared code of conduct, because “brilliant” is not a personality pass.
Here’s what we look for, what we avoid, and what you can expect once someone is teaching on Indie Author Training.
The goal: fewer gurus, more real experts
We’re building a platform where authors can learn from instructors who are:
- Credible (they’ve done the thing)
- Clear (they can teach it, not just talk about it)
- Helpful (they want you to succeed, not just buy the next thing)
- Ethical (no pressure tactics, no shady claims, no nonsense)
If you’ve ever bought a course that turned out to be 40 videos of someone rambling while clicking around in Canva, you understand why we’re picky.
What “qualified” means here
We don’t require a specific résumé template. We do require proof that an instructor can help authors.
That usually shows up in one or more of these ways:
1) Demonstrated experience
They have a track record doing the work they teach. That can be author income results, ad performance, production experience, direct sales systems, craft expertise, operations, tech workflows, or platform-specific skill.
We’re not obsessed with vanity metrics. We are obsessed with “can you actually do this well?”
2) Teaching ability
Knowing a thing and teaching a thing are not the same skill. We look for instructors who can:
- Explain without flexing
- Teach without gatekeeping
- Break complex stuff into steps
- Give examples authors can recognize in their own businesses
If someone can’t teach it clearly, the content won’t land. No one needs another course that feels like a hostage situation.
3) Practical outcomes (not vibes)
We prefer training that ends with something tangible:
- A working workflow
- A checklist or template you can use
- A decision framework
- A system you can implement in a weekend
- A clear “do this next” plan
In other words: useful on a Tuesday.
4) A mindset that respects authors
The indie author world has enough shame and scarcity already. We want instructors who teach with respect and realism.
That means no “you’re doing it wrong” energy. No fear-based marketing. No pressure to buy an upsell to get the real answer.
The code of conduct: what instructors agree to
Indie Author Training instructors are independent. They run their own businesses. They price their own courses. They bring their own teaching style.
But they all agree to one baseline: show up professionally and treat authors like adults.
That includes things like:
- Respectful, inclusive communication
- Clear expectations (no bait-and-switch)
- Honest claims about results and effort required
- No harassment, hate speech, or personal attacks
- No high-pressure sales behavior inside community spaces
If an instructor can’t operate like a decent human in public, they don’t teach here. Simple.
What we avoid (because authors deserve better)
We’re not interested in platforms built on hype. We’re interested in platforms built on trust.
Here are a few red flags that usually mean “not a fit”:
- Big promises with no proof, no context, and no accountability
- Teaching that relies on fear, shame, or pressure
- “Secret hacks” energy instead of actual strategy
- Content that is mostly an ad for an expensive upsell
- Overly vague instruction (“just be consistent”) with no steps to follow
- Aggressive takes that create drama instead of results
This is a training platform, not a reality show.
How instructor content gets reviewed
We review instructors before they’re invited in, and we pay attention after they publish.
That includes:
- A review of the proposed course/webinar topic and outcomes
- A look at how they teach (samples, past workshops, webinars, materials)
- Ongoing feedback from the community
- A quality check for clarity and professionalism
We’re not trying to micromanage instructors. We’re trying to protect the experience for authors who are trusting us with their time (and sometimes their money).
What this means for you as a student
If you’re learning on Indie Author Training, you can assume a few things:
- Instructors are vetted for both expertise and teaching ability
- Courses are priced by the instructor, not by a platform membership tier
- Weekly webinars and replays are free, so you can try before you buy
- The platform is designed to help you make decisions and take action, not collect “inspiration” you never use
Start with a free webinar replay, then decide what you need next.
Browse weekly webinars and replays here: Weekly webinars + replays
If a tool is part of your plan, use a product tour to see it in action: Product tours (Tech Tools)
If you want the big ideas without the 300-page homework assignment: Book Club Summaries
If you’re ready for a full skill deep-dive: Course marketplace
Want to teach on Indie Author Training?
If you’re an expert who can teach authors clearly and ethically, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply here: Become an instructor
Start Here (use this if you’re brand new)
Quick-start plan (15 minutes total):
1) Pick one webinar replay that solves a current problem: Weekly webinars + replays
2) Watch one product tour for a tool you already use: Product tours (Tech Tools)
3) Read one book club summary and steal one idea for this week: Book Club Summaries
Ready to jump in?
Start here: Go to Campus
If you don’t have an account yet, register here: Create your free account