Amazon just made a major update that could reshape how your books perform on the platform. In this news segment, we break down what’s happening, how it could affect rankings, and what indie authors should keep in mind moving forward. Plus, important updates from Kobo, MailerLite, AppSumo, and more.

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Sources: 

• The Amazon Algorithm Change You NEED to Know About - https://youtu.be/vfiArlO2UkQ?si=gPFLjwCs8W7pdr6y 
• KDP: Sales Ranking - https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201648140
• Kobo and AI: Making Reading and Publishing Even Better, Together - https://kobowritinglife.com/2025/05/29/kobo-and-ai/
• Amazon Ads: AI-powered Video generator - https://advertising.amazon.com/resources/whats-new/create-high-quality-ai-generated-videos-in-minutes
• The Bottom Line by Jane Friedman: 8th Note Press closing? - https://janefriedman.com/the-bottom-line-janes-publishing-industry-newsletter/ (subscription required)
• THE AUDIO PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL SURVEY SHOWS AUDIOBOOK SALES GROW TO 2.22 BILLION DOLLARS - https://www.audiopub.org/surveys
• NYT: The Times and Amazon Announce an A.I. Licensing Deal - https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/29/business/media/new-york-times-amazon-ai-licensing.html
• Get Authentic Book Reviews - https://getauthenticbookreviews.com
• You may have received a fake email impersonating MailerLite - https://www.mailerlite.com/help/phishing-in-email-marketing
• Publisher Rocket Lifetime Deal (...still available???) - https://DaleLinks.com/RocketDeal  (affiliate link)
• AppSumo presents Sumo Day - https://DaleLinks.com/AppSumo (affiliate link)
• AppSumo LTD: DepositPhotos - https://dalelinks.com/depositphotos (affiliate link)
• AppSumo LTD: Video to Blog - https://dalelinks.com/videotoblog (affiliate link)
• AppSumo LTD: PressRanger - https://dalelinks.com/pressranger (affiliate link)
• StoryOrigin: Amazon Ads Made Simple - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/CGTlyE84Txyf16VGfT8hmA#/registration 
• Written Word Media: The Youtube Author Blueprint - https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/speaker-series/
• Book Launchers: The Future of Non-Fiction Book Marketing - https://dalelinks.com/authorlaunchkit (affiliate link)
• Author Nation - https://DaleLinks.com/AuthorNation (affiliate link)
• YouTube for Authors - https://DaleLinks.com/YouTubeBook 

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

Struggling to structure your novel? Learn how five key scenes can shape your story’s success. Kristina Stanley, founder of Fictionary and the School for Writers and Editors, joins us to share how these scenes vary across genres like romance, fantasy, and mystery. We’ll also explore free tools available to help you build stronger story structure, no matter your experience level. 

• Fictionary - https://DaleLinks.com/Fictionary (affiliate link)
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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

Big changes are coming fast for indie authors. KDP is slashing royalties for print books under $9.99 starting next week. Meanwhile, Publisher Rocket is ending its lifetime license—soon, it’ll be monthly only. Plus, Spotify for Authors is moving features over from Findaway Voices and confirming promo code honors. Here’s what you need to know.

• 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:

• How to Get Amazon Book Reviews Without Breaking the Rules - https://bookawardpro.com/blog/how-to-get-amazon-book-reviews-without-breaking-the-rules/
• Publisher Rocket SALE - https://rocket.thrivecart.com/special-publisher-rocket/?affiliate=selfpubwithdale (affiliate link)
• KDP: Print Royalty Rate and Paperback Printing Cost Changes FAQ - https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GXFPA52P6ZJD2U3N?ref_=pe_93986420_1235824880
• Spotify for Authors - https://authors.spotify.com/
• Apple Books accepts accessibility metadata tags - https://itunespartner.apple.com/books/support/12-metadata
• Written Word Media presents: The YouTube Author Blueprint: From Zero to Growing Reader Community - https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/speaker-series/
• ARC: YouTube for Authors - https://DaleLinks.com/ARCTeam 

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 book awards are just about luck or deep pockets? Think again. In this interview, I sit down with Steven Seril, indie author and founder of the Outstanding Creator Awards, to talk about how authors can actually win book awards—without wasting time or money. We cover the biggest do’s and don’ts of submitting to contests, what judges really look for, and how to use awards to build your author brand. If you're thinking of entering a competition, watch this first.

• Outstanding Creator Awards - https://www.outstandingcreator.com/
• Book Award Pro - https://DaleLinks.com/BookAwardPro (affiliate link)
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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

In today’s indie author news update, we’re diving into the latest feature rollouts from IngramSpark, an exciting new marketing tool from Barnes & Noble Press, and a handful of cutting-edge book promotion services you’ll want to check out. We’re also covering updates from Apple Books, a powerful book structure fix from Fictionary, and wrapping up with a huge giveaway opportunity you don’t want to miss. Tune in and find out what’s new and what’s hot in self-publishing!

• 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:

• IngramSpark - https://ingramspark.com - IngramSpark May 2025 Newsletter - https://www.ingramspark.com/newsletter-may2025
• Barnes & Noble Press: A Free Book Marketing Tool for Self-Published Authors - https://press.barnesandnoble.com/bnpress-blog/book-marketing-tool-for-self-published-authors/
• Apple Books for Authors - https://authors.apple.com
• Spoken.Press - https://spoken.press
• Book Bounty - https://DaleLinks.com/BookBounty (affiliate link)
• Gemsy.io - https://DaleLinks.com/Gemsy (affiliate link)
• The Wide Author's Playbook: Unlocking Your Book’s Potential - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/bHywZKmPSPmp6NBHe9UbMQ#/registration 
• Kindlepreneur: Cracking the Code to Amazon Book Sales - https://my.demio.com/ref/kIMXsb6k4Itz2WNI 
• 30 Books in 30 Days Giveaway - https://DaleLinks.com/30Books
• Grand Prize Day – Win Big in Our Author Giveaway! - https://www.youtube.com/live/QRc1jsvUHx4?si=0VVvEDyM9BhNbASA
• Fix Your Story’s Structure with These 5 Key Scenes | Kristina Stanley of Fictionary - https://www.youtube.com/live/szsfwHKLTpA?si=UK3Ib0e0NUFjOF02 

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 you had to start from scratch? In this episode, I’ll share the exact roadmap for indie authors, how to build a brand from nothing, and what actually works for long-term success. Whether you’re a new author or a seasoned pro, this is your playbook for more book sales.

• 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.

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 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.

• Book Award Pro - https://DaleLinks.com/BookAwardPro (affiliate link)
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• 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:

• 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!

• Book Award Pro - https://DaleLinks.com/BookAwardPro (affiliate link)
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• 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.

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.

• 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:

• 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.

• Book Award Pro - https://DaleLinks.com/BookAwardPro (affiliate link)
• Advertising for Books - https://DaleLinks.com/AdsBook
• Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - https://TheSelfPublishingHub.com
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• Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships
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• 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.

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