The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast is devoted to teaching you relevant and up-to-date information in the world of self-publishing. Subscribe today!
Episodes
Amazon's latest updates are raising concerns for self-published authors, as hundreds of new KDP categories may actually be hurting book discoverability instead of helping it. In this Self-Publishing News update, we break down the growing issue of ghost categories, along with what authors can do to stay visible. We also cover Amazon's push into AI-powered ads, new metadata guidance from Barnes & Noble Press, and a cover design case ...
Draft2Digital is finally explaining why dozens of nonfiction categories were blocked last year, and the answer points to a growing issue with AI flooding parts of the nonfiction marketplace. We also look at fresh market insights from PublishDrive, issues surfacing around the BookBounty review exchange platform, and several updates authors should keep on their radar across distribution, tools, and publishing platforms.
Draft2Digital and Bookshop just opened a new path for indie authors to reach bookstore-first readers, with Bookshop serving around four million customers. We talk through what this partnership changes, how ebooks show up on Bookshop, how local bookstores benefit, what authors earn through the normal retail split, and how Bookshop affiliates can add extra upside. We also cover expectations, discoverability signals that reward recent...
This week's self-publishing news covers why some authors get paid while others do not, including how rights reversion can affect payouts tied to AI settlements and future legal actions. We also touch on important updates and conversations involving Writer Beware, the Authors Guild, Apple Books, Spoken, ProWritingAid, Twin Flames Studios, and a new discussion on networking for authors. All that and more in the Self-Publishing News f...
Draft2Digital has confirmed a print cost increase starting February 1, 2026, following similar changes across the print industry. IngramSpark confirms free revisions are coming, while platform risk, Amazon KDP, audio growth, and new author opportunities round out the first Self-Publishing News of the year. Here is what authors need to know.
- Author Nation After Party (digital replay) - https://AuthorNation.live/AfterParty
- Auth...
Kindle Direct Publishing announced two major updates that authors need to understand. Changes to digital rights management are raising questions, while a new ebook pre-order feature could reward authors who are prepared. We also cover AI entering the reading experience, audiobook discovery tied to BookTok, platform updates, and opportunities authors should watch heading into 2026.
- YouTube Channel Memberships – https://DaleLink...
Amazon quietly rolled out a new Kindle feature that places AI directly inside books, raising questions authors should understand. This week's Self-Publishing News also covers major audiobook platform updates, new distribution and monetization options, and review compliance shifts tied to Amazon enforcement. These changes affect how authors publish, promote, and protect their work moving into the new year.
IngramSpark announced new pricing and a higher market access fee that affects every author using their platform. Draft2Digital revealed a major shift in Smashwords royalties, especially for lower priced ebooks. Written Word Media released new survey data showing what separates hobbyists from the authors earning real money. All that and more in the self-publishing news this week.
Holiday cutoffs, platform updates, and a major distribution move are shaping the publishing world this week. One company picked up a key piece of a system that almost shut down, and this change could affect how your books reach readers. A few author services also shared new updates, warnings, and opportunities worth exploring. Catch everything you need to know in today's self-publishing news.
Black Friday brings the biggest savings of the year for authors, and I rounded up the deals you will not want to miss. From writing tools to book promotion to web hosting, these offers help you grow your author business without breaking the bank. Check the show notes for all the links and deadlines. Grab what fits your goals before the sales end.
Full disclosure:...
Draft2Digital made another move this week, and it has authors talking. Also, find out about the latest shift in their distribution landscape along with industry updates from Spotify, Bookvault, ALLi, and more. We also revisit the Share and Sell spotlight from IngramSpark and update authors on several new opportunities heading into the holiday season.
- YouTube for Authors (paperback) – https://DaleLinks.com/YouTubeForAuthors
- A...
Amazon rolled out a new KDP feature that could change how authors reach global readers. This roundup walks through what happened and why it matters without spoiling anything. If you publish through KDP or go wide, you need to know what just launched. Stay sharp and stay informed.
- KDP: Introducing Kindle Translate in Beta - https://www.kdpcommunity.com/s/article/Introducing-Kindle-Translate-in-Beta-Translate-eBooks-into-multipl...
Big changes are hitting the publishing world. Amazon's new algorithm is shaking up book rankings, libraries are adjusting after Baker & Taylor's collapse, and Spotify's audiobook listeners just jumped 36%. I'll also cover new scams every author should know about, a wild mayo-scented book promotion, and how you can shape the future of indie publishing through this year's Written Word Media survey. Tune in for al...
My YouTube podcast channel was deleted without warning, leaving me searching for answers. Meanwhile, Baker & Taylor faces closure, PublishDrive partners with ElevenReader for AI audiobooks, and Bookvault unveils new Spot UV and foil upgrades. BookBaby highlights proven ad strategies that drive real sales, and Spoken earns ALLi's highest rating for author trust. It's a week packed with big shifts, bold moves, an...
KDP just expanded its print distribution to new global markets, giving authors more reach than ever before. Meanwhile, Amazon Ads opened up Sponsored Brands access for every author, even if you only have one book. There's also plenty happening around the publishing world, from major events to author opportunities you won't want to miss. Tune in for the latest industry updates, insights, and surprises in this we...
Spotify and TikTok are teaming up to change how readers discover audiobooks, but that's just the beginning. In this week's self-publishing news, Draft2Digital responds to the KDP Select library shift, CraveBooks rolls out new perks, and the founder of Book Award Pro shares why niche awards might be more powerful than you think.
- - The Final 3 | My Kickstarter Campaign - https://DaleLinks.com/Kickstarter
- - Draft2Digital - https:...
Worried about your KDP Select reads dropping to zero? Some authors are reporting strange behavior inside Kindle Unlimited, while a major AI lawsuit involving $1.5 billion hits a possible roadblock. Plus, new tools for library discoverability, podcast interviews that don't sell books, and surprising updates from the review and marketing world. It's a packed week of self-publishing news you don't want to miss.
KDP has quietly confirmed a huge change to the Select program, and we've got the update. Plus, big audiobook news from ElevenLabs, a lifetime discount on Authorbase, and a special report from Jane Friedman on the past decade of publishing. All that and more in the Self-Publishing News for September 9, 2025.
- The Final 3: Your Publishing Playbook, Rewritten - https://DaleLinks.com/Kickstarter
- Email Marketing for Books - https://...
Self-publishing just took a few sharp turns, and indie authors need to keep up. From changes to distribution programs to new tools and publishing features, the landscape continues to shift. In this week's roundup, we break down the biggest developments and what they could mean for your author business. Whether you're just starting out or deep in the game, you won't want to miss these updates.
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In this interview with Sylvia Hubbard, I dive into why YouTube is one of the most powerful tools for authors today. We explore how indie authors can grow an audience, increase visibility, and sell more books without being a full-time content creator. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your brand, this conversation is full of practical tips to help you get more from your video content. If you've ever wondered how Y...
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