The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast

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...

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. Sour...

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 con...

Authors are buzzing over a new discovery in Audible's terms—and it could mean major changes to royalties and transparency. From audiobooks and AI tools to record-breaking sales and hidden fine print, this week's news covers it all. Don't miss your chance to act on limited-time offers and stay ahead of the curve. One overlooked line in KDP could explain everything. Sources: My Kickstarter Campaign...

In this episode, Dale L. Roberts breaks down the complex world of publishing for authors, from distribution systems and accessibility to the differences between hybrid and vanity publishing. Learn how perma-free books can be used as an effective marketing strategy, why returns matter, and what it takes to succeed when going wide. Whether you're new to publishing or an experienced indie author, thi...

In this week's self-publishing news, we cover Audible's controversial new royalty system that leaves authors earning pennies on the dollar, Amazon's broken AI book summaries, and a major class action lawsuit against Anthropic over pirated training data. We also spotlight new free author courses from CraveBooks, sales from ProWritingAid and MailerLite, and ALLi's latest contest for indie writers. P...

Join Sylvia Hubbard for the fourth installment in her interview series with Dale Roberts, diving into his book How to Write a Nonfiction Book in 24 Hours. Discover the proven techniques Dale uses to conquer writer's block, maintain focus with the Pomodoro method, and stay accountable from idea to finished manuscript. Packed with fast writing strategies and practical tips, this episode is perfect f...

Your KDP dashboard just got a quiet update—and if you breeze past it, your ebook might lose out on visibility. In this week's Self-Publishing News, we break down what Amazon added, why it matters, and how it ties into a much bigger conversation around accessibility. Plus, we cover new promo tools, AI changes, and a warning about scammers targeting indie authors. It's a busy week, and you don't wan...

Most authors think writing a great book is enough, but if no one knows you exist, how will they find it? The authors who succeed understand the power of relationships. In this episode, I'm joined by bestselling author and founder of Motown Writers Network, Sylvia Hubbard, to talk about how real success comes from connection. We'll unpack what networking really means, how to do it without feeling f...

Scammers are back with a new scheme that targets indie authors using the old Nigerian prince angle—except now, they want to market your book. Meanwhile, Bookshop.org is showing major growth with $1 million in ebook sales, but most authors still don't know what it is or how to access it. And Findaway Voices is officially gone, with INAudio taking the reins. What does that mean for your audiobooks?...

Want to grow your reader base and sell more books? Email marketing is one of the most powerful tools for authors but are you using it the right way? Join me for an exclusive interview with Nikolai Viljoen from AuthorLetter, where we'll break down the best email marketing strategies, common mistakes to avoid, and how to automate your list growth. If you're ready to take control of your author platf...

Amazon KDP just rolled out a new look for the dashboard—and that's not all. They've also updated their keyword rules, and Kindlepreneur breaks it all down in plain English. Plus, PublishDrive has released a comprehensive guide to accessibility in digital publishing for 2025. Get all the latest updates and author opportunities in this week's indie publishing news roundup. Subscribe to The Self-Publ...

Before you send your manuscript to an editor, there's work to be done. In this episode, I sit down with Jeannie De Vita—writing instructor at UCLA Extension, second-generation author, and bestselling romance writer under her Callie Chase pen name—to break down what separates a polished draft from an expensive mess. We're talking best practices for prep, common mistakes authors make, and how to mak...

Major updates this week in the publishing world: one major distributor is waiving its print market access fee for the next 12 months, while others are making key changes to how authors get paid or discover new readers. Plus, a brief outage, fresh promotional opportunities, and a couple of interviews you don't want to miss. Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - https://TheSelfPublishingHub.com Sub...

Tired of book marketing advice that doesn't work in the real world? Angela Yuriko Smith—author, president of the Horror Writers Association, and creator of Authortunities—joins me live to reveal how authors are finding real visibility through the power of strategic promotion. We'll dig into how to make the most of book fairs, awards, conferences, and more—and why most authors overlook the marketin...

Radish Fiction is officially shutting down by December 2025. NetGalley just launched a consumer-facing discovery site called Booktrovert. And ACX is testing voice replica AI for audiobook narration. In this week's news update, I cover the latest shifts in the self-publishing world—including a deepfake interview warning, AI narration breakthroughs, and a major indie publishing milestone from Spoken...

Tired of trying to do everything as an author? Jonny Andrews joins me to break down how to grow your author business without the stress. We're talking systems, mindset, and strategy—so you can stop spinning your wheels and start building real momentum. If you're ready to scale smart, this is the episode you've been waiting for.  Scale Your Hustle - https://scaleyourhustle.com/ Faceless Business Em...

Major news just dropped in the world of AI and copyright, and authors need to pay attention. A federal judge made a surprising ruling about how AI models can use books, and it could change everything. Plus, new opportunities for indie authors with MailerLite, PublishDrive, Bookvault, and more. Catch up on everything happening in publishing this week. Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - https://...

Struggling to make Amazon Ads work for your books? In this exclusive interview, Dale L. Roberts sits down with Sylvia Hubbard to unpack the biggest challenges and questions authors face when advertising on Amazon. From targeting to budgeting to measuring success, this video offers indie authors a roadmap to smarter, more effective advertising strategies. Whether you're just getting started or look...

Think book awards are only for big-budget authors? Think again. In this episode, I'm joined by indie author Ross Brand, who's won over 50 book awards using Book Award Pro, even on the free plan. He shares how to choose the right awards, save money, and turn wins into long-term visibility. If you've been waiting for a sign to submit your book, this is it.  Ross Brand - http://livestreamuniverse.com...

A major shift in the book world is brewing as Everand acquires Fable, signaling a new direction for online book clubs and author-reader engagement. Meanwhile, Amazon has quietly cut more jobs—this time in the books division—raising questions about the future of publishing operations. But it's not all doom and gloom. Authors can tap into a fresh wave of events like the Book Launchers summit, the AL...

If your book promotions aren't working, it might be time to level up. Emma Boyer of Written Word Media returns to reveal what top authors are doing differently—and how you can apply those strategies in 2025. From advanced promo timing to new reader trends, we're digging into what actually works right now to sell more books. Written Word Media - http://writtenwordmedia.com/ Subscribe to The Self-Pu...

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. YouTube for Authors - https://DaleLinks.com/YouTubeBook Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - https...

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...

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 (aff...