Amazon KDP just announced a major change to print royalties, and the publishing world is buzzing. In this week’s self-publishing news, we cover the updated royalty rates, what it means for paperback authors, and how it may or may not tie into the rise of low-content and AI-generated books. We also look at a major court ruling that could finally open the door for easier mobile eBook sales, plus a new report from the U.S. Copyright Office on artificial intelligence and training data. If you care about book sales, author income, or where publishing is headed next, don’t miss this week's Self-Publishing News.

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Sources:

• KDP: Print Royalty Rate and Paperback Printing Cost Changes FAQ - https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GXFPA52P6ZJD2U3N?ref_=pe_93986420_1235824880
• KDP Print Calculator - https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G200735480?ref_=pe_93986420_1235824880#royalty_calculator
• The Bottom Line - https://janefriedman.com/the-bottom-line-janes-publishing-industry-newsletter/
• US Copyright Office - Copyright and Artificial Intelligence, Part 3 - https://www.copyright.gov/ai/Copyright-and-Artificial-Intelligence-Part-3-Generative-AI-Training-Report-Pre-Publication-Version.pdf?mc_cid=e9a1b9ab69&mc_eid=433332c881 
• Major Court Ruling Opens New Path for Mobile eBook Sales - https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/ruling-opens-path-for-mobile-ebook-sales/ 
• Coauthoring Nonfiction: Strategies for Successful Collaboration - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7hV_IsqVQE6Ghv1HNl-Szg#/registration 
• Outstanding Creator Awards - https://www.outstandingcreator.com/winners--2025-spring-contest.html
• Wide Publishing for Authors - https://DaleLinks.com/WideBook
• Mastering Self-Publishing on Amazon KDP - https://www.youtube.com/live/_8rNH3SQJK4?si=HP2BB81XZTF9oX24
• How to Win Book Awards Without Wasting Money | Outstanding Creator Awards - https://www.youtube.com/live/X-4w4OWnRgE?si=DkqBCns4G2emtoZq
• 30 Books Giveaway - https://DaleLinks.com/30Books 

Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding!

- Dale L. Roberts

Want to publish an audiobook but can’t afford a narrator? Discover AI narration vs. professional narration, where to distribute audiobooks, and how to market them effectively. Audiobooks are growing FAST—don’t miss out on this huge revenue opportunity!

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Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding!

- Dale L. Roberts

Scams are getting smarter—and authors are the new target. In this week’s publishing news, we cover what to avoid, what to watch for, and the latest tools helping indie authors succeed. Plus, the U.S. Copyright Office just made your publishing life a lot easier.

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• My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks
• Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee.

Sources:

• Spotify for Authors Terms of Use - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/spotify-for-authors-terms-and-conditions/
• INAudio - https://www.inaudio.com/ 
• U.S. Copyright Office Releases New Copyright Registration Toolkit - https://www.copyright.gov/newsnet/2025/1070.html
• Two to Avoid: Book Order Scams and Fake Reviews - https://writerbeware.blog/2025/05/09/two-to-avoid-book-order-scams-and-fake-reviews/ 
• Getcovers: Top 10 Tools for Indie Authors 2025 - https://getcovers.com/blog/best-tools-for-indie-authors/
• Get Authentic Book Reviews - https://getauthenticbookreviews.com/
• Speech Transcription with parakeet - https://huggingface.co/spaces/nvidia/parakeet-tdt-0.6b-v2
• ProseWrite - https://DaleLinks.com/ProseWrite (affiliate link)
• Bookvault Q&A Webinar - https://www.youtube.com/@Bookvault_app/streams 
• StoryOrigin: Creating With Eyes Wide Open: Author Life in a Capitalist World - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/LcUd65SpR1mWS3WeiwajyQ#/registration 
• Authors Guild: Translation Contracts 101 - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mZn6cNY-RKK3AbCk9a3G_A#/registration 
• Dibbly Create: Scale Your KDP Business Fast: Publish Market-Ready Books in 30 Minutes - https://dibbly.com/join-free-webinar/?aff=DALE (affiliate link)
• Self-Publishing with ALLi: The Power of Relationships in Author Marketing - https://selfpublishingadvice.org/podcast-power-of-relationships/
• Author Nation - https://DaleLinks.com/AuthorNation (affiliate link)
• 30 Books in 30 Days Giveaway - https://DaleLinks.com/30Books 

Credit: 

• Authors Guild - https://authorsguild.org/ 

Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding!

- Dale L. Roberts

Scared of losing money on ads? Learn how to start small, scale up, and make your ads profitable without overspending. Whether you’re using Amazon Ads, Facebook Ads, or BookBub, these ad strategies will help you turn clicks into sales.

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Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

Something big is happening in the audiobook world—Spotify just changed how indie authors distribute their audiobooks, and it could impact your publishing future. In this week’s Self-Publishing News, I’ll break down what’s happening with Findaway Voices and the brand-new company INAudio. Plus, updates from Laterpress, PublishDrive, and a new feature inside Dibbly Create that could change how you write your next book. All that and more in the self-publishing news this week!

• Book Award Pro - https://DaleLinks.com/BookAwardPro (affiliate link)
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• My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks
• Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee.
• Sources:
• Spotify Transitions Select Audiobook Distribution Services to INaudio - https://blog.findawayvoices.com/inaudio/
• INAudio: A Message from our Founders - https://www.inaudio.com/article/a-message-from-our-founders 
• Laterpress - https://www.laterpress.com/
• Laterpress: Monthly and Annual Subscriptions - https://www.laterpress.com/blog/monthly-and-annual-subscriptions 
• Get Authentic Book Reviews - https://getauthenticbookreviews.com/
• Dibbly Create: Guided Book Flow - https://mailchi.mp/dibbly/new-feature-lets-you-build-your-book-in-under-an-hour-6743002 
• Dibbly Create - https://DaleLinks.com/DibblyCreate (affiliate link)
• PublishDrive: General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR): What Authors and Publishers Need to Know - https://help.publishdrive.com/general-product-safety-regulation-gpsr-what-authors-and-publishers-need-to-know
• PublishDrive - https://publishdrive.com/pricing.html?fpr=dale10 (affiliate link) * 50% off special ends Wednesday
• Book Brush: The ABCs of Amazon A+ Content - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/YGCclpusSFWtHOJ8lC0uxQ#/registration
• Beyond the Blast: Book Marketing Tactics for Long-Term Success - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/mjtluDCqRlGFR6N_y-hgPg#/registration
• 30 Books in 30 Days Giveaway - https://DaleLinks.com/30Books 

Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

What if your books could sell themselves? Discover how to automate book marketing, set up sales funnels, and use email sequences to generate consistent book sales on autopilot. Work smarter, not harder, and free up more time to write!

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• My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks
• Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee.

Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding!

- Dale L. Roberts

Major updates are shaking up the self-publishing world this week! A popular author tool just expanded its reach, a new feature could help you earn more from your book sales, and indie authors now have a surprising new way to boost their global discoverability. Plus, one important deadline is coming fast—you don't want to miss it. Let’s dive in!

• Book Award Pro - https://DaleLinks.com/BookAwardPro (affiliate link)
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• Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord
• heck out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@DaleLRoberts
• My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks
• Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee.

Sources:

• IngramSpark: Share & Sell Your Book - https://www.ingramspark.com/sell-my-book
• Apple Books for Authors - https://authors.apple.com
• Publisher Rocket - https://DaleLinks.com/Rocket (affiliate link) 
• PublishDrive Celebrates 10 Years with 50% off all plans - https://DaleLinks.com/PublishDrive (affiliate link) 
• PublishDrive: Exclusive copyrights - requirements and protection of intellectual works from future theft - https://streamyard.com/watch/PdF22kV9MRPn
• 30 Books in 30 Days - https://DaleLinks.com/30Books
• Author Nation (early bird ends on May 1) - https://DaleLinks.com/AuthorNation (affiliate link)
• Author Nation 2025: Last Chance for Early Bird! - https://www.youtube.com/live/gRjaAi4WDuU?si=encEBnGbKpMo6xfp
• Book Launch Panel with Teddy Smith - https://subscribepage.io/booklaunchpanelshow 

Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding!

- Dale L. Roberts

Think you need expensive ads or a huge following to sell books? Think again! This episode busts common book marketing myths, exposes money-wasting tactics, and reveals what actually gets results. Stop making these mistakes and start selling more books today!

• Book Award Pro - https://DaleLinks.com/BookAwardPro (affiliate link)
• Promotional Strategies for Books - https://DaleLinks.com/PromoBook
• My List of Book Promo Lists - https://DaleLinks.com/BookPromos
• Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - https://TheSelfPublishingHub.com 
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• My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks
• Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee.

Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding!

- Dale L. Roberts

Scammers are targeting authors, a major audiobook platform is expanding into new countries, and a new tool promises to simplify website building for indie writers. Plus, I uncovered a lesser-known audiobook distribution option you’ll want to keep your eye on. All that and more in this week’s self-publishing news roundup—don’t miss it.

• Book Award Pro - https://DaleLinks.com/BookAwardPro (affiliate link)
• Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - https://TheSelfPublishingHub.com
• Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp
• Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships
• Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord
• Check out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@DaleLRoberts
• My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks
• Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee.

Sources:

• If You’re an Author, Don’t Fall for This Scam - https://youtu.be/V_ied17gNNE?si=Bo7VopHf3nBjp6zk
• Spotify Expands Its Audiobooks Offering To Listeners In Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein - https://newsroom.spotify.com/2025-04-15/spotify-expands-its-audiobooks-offering-to-listeners-in-germany-austria-switzerland-and-liechtenstein/
• IngramSpark presents Tertulia for Authors - https://www.ingramspark.com/easy-author-websites-in-minutes-a-special-offer?e
• AMPlify Audiobooks - https://proaudiovoices.com/amplify-audiobook-distribution/ 
• StoryOrigin presents Beyond Distribution: Building a Strategic Roadmap for Success - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/lwVxieXsTvqjDQNpm1VWyw#/registration 
• Authors Guild presents How to Book Podcasts as an Author - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QSdnfY2uR0is1BUfku_tHw#/registration 
• AppSumo presents DepositPhotos - https://DaleLinks.com/DepositPhotos (affiliate link)
• The Secrets of Successful Author Branding w/ Bryan Cohen - https://selfpublishingadvice.org/podcast-successful-author-branding/
• Author Nation tickets - https://DaleLinks.com/AuthorNation (affiliate link)
• Kitboga: Scammers Panic Exposed on Live Video - https://youtu.be/IKvs3InhTMo?si=ybPP8WITDJvX4wB6 

Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding!

- Dale L. Roberts

Amazon is rolling out multiple AI-powered features, from recap generators on Kindle to Rufus, their new conversational shopping tool. Plus, they’ve launched a generative AI tool for sellers and announced a new reading sample update for eBook pre-orders. Meanwhile, copyright lawsuits against OpenAI and Microsoft are heating up, and Spotify is now accepting audiobook submissions. Get the latest on how AI is disrupting publishing and what it means for indie authors.

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• My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks
• Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee.

News Sources:

• eBook pre-orders will soon show a reading sample on Amazon - https://www.kdpcommunity.com/s/article/eBook-pre-orders-will-soon-show-a-reading-sample-on-Amazon?language=en_US
• Finding Publishing Opportunities in an Era of AI Disruption: Q&A with CEO Keith Riegert (paid subscription required) - https://janefriedman.com/publishing-opportuities-ai-keith-riegert
• Amazon launches generative AI to help sellers write product descriptions - https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/small-business/amazon-sellers-generative-ai-tool 
• Amazon announces Rufus, a new generative AI-powered conversational shopping experience - https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/retail/amazon-rufus?mc_cid=731c56011d&mc_eid=433332c881
• Amazon Kindle’s new feature uses AI to generate recaps for books in a series - https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/03/amazon-kindles-new-feature-uses-ai-to-generate-recaps-for-books-in-a-series/
• Submit to Spotify Audiobooks Publishing - https://sites.google.com/spotify.com/short-form-audiobooks/make-a-submission
• Copyright cases against OpenAI and Microsoft consolidated in New York court - https://www.bloomberglaw.com/public/desktop/document/INREOpenAIIncCopyrightInfringementLitigationDocketNo3143USJPMLDec/3?doc_id=X10L562HT9O9VHRKA8D1VE5I4TK&mc_cid=731c56011d&mc_eid=433332c881
• $5 billion class action suit over Apple's ebook licensing is based on false premises - https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/04/02/5-billion-class-action-suit-over-apples-ebook-licensing-is-based-on-false-premises
• ProWritingAid Online Beta Reader - https://dalelinks.com/betareader (affiliate link)
• Spoken Beta V0.8.6a: Personal Voice and Emotional Cueing - https://www.spoken.press/the-spoken-chronicle/v086a-release-notes-482025-personal-voice-and-emotional-cueing 
• Manuscript Report - https://dalelinks.com/manuscriptreport (affiliate link)
• Audiobook Creation Key Concepts Mini Course - https://www.fleischmannmedia.com/audiobook-creation-key-concepts-free-mini-course 
• Author Nation 2025 Speaker Announcement Webinar - https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NaVOwm-_TeOzDd5nQCUIuw?kuid=6ccf76e9-1bd6-49ba-9ba3-af46294ada6b-1744145713&lid=31108&kref=lniru4bBV7rK#/registration
• Space and Time Spring/Summer #148 - https://dalelinks.com/spaceandtime148 (affiliate link)

Credit:

• The Bottom Line by Jane Friedman - https://janefriedman.com/the-bottom-line-janes-publishing-industry-newsletter/
• Laterpress - https://www.laterpress.com/
• Miblart - https://miblart.com/ 

Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding!

- Dale L. Roberts