KDP’s Hidden Update Just Changed the Game | Self Publishing News Sept 2, 2025
The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
Release Date: 09/02/2025
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 - Email Marketing for Books - Sources: KDP: How to enroll in KDP Select - Kindlepreneur: ghost categories. - Publisher Rocket - (affiliate link) Amazon Ads - Writer Beware: If Your Publisher Promised to Register Your...
info_outlineThe Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
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. Sources: My Kickstarter Campaign - The Final 3: Your Publishing Playbook, Rewritten - Email Marketing for Authors - KDP Select Now Allows Library Distribution - KDP Accessibility Guidelines - ...
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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 YouTube fits into your author business, this one’s for you. Sylvia Hubbard - YouTube for Authors - MorningFame - (referral link) TubeBuddy - ...
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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 - Daniel Greene: Nail in Audible’s coffin - Convince Audible to revise it's New Royalty Model - Jane Friedman's The Bottom Line - Voices by INAudio - Fast Company: Spotify just...
info_outlineThe Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
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, this conversation delivers practical insights to help you avoid scams, maximize reach, and make smarter publishing decisions. Sylvia Hubbard - https://sylviahubbard.com Wide Publishing for Authors - ...
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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. Plus, Author Nation 2025 is coming fast with sessions from James Patterson, Andrew Davis, and more. Stay informed on the biggest changes shaping the future of publishing, and make sure you...
info_outlineThe Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
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 for authors who want to write more efficiently without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re new to writing or a seasoned pro, you’ll learn how to turn your ideas into a completed nonfiction book...
info_outlineThe Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
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 want to miss what’s shifting under your feet. Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - Subscribe to my email newsletter - Join Channel Memberships - Join Me on Discord - Check out my main...
info_outlineThe Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
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 fake, and why collaboration always beats competition. Sylvia Hubbard - Networking for Authors - Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - Subscribe to my email newsletter - Join...
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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? Let’s break it all down in this week’s publishing news update Bookshop.org Reports 65% Growth, E-books Add $1 Million in Sales - Return of the Nigerian Prince: A New Twist on Book...
info_outlineSelf-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.
Sources:
- My Kickstarter Campaign - The Final 3: Your Publishing Playbook, Rewritten - https://DaleLinks.com/Kickstarter
- Email Marketing for Authors - https://DaleLinks.com/EmailBook
- KDP Select Now Allows Library Distribution - https://youtu.be/EpeDj4b4SHs?si=HwcOGSjLUTlaQRQv
- KDP Accessibility Guidelines - https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GF9Z3HLUMTRJ6QPL
- Bookvault announces US Shipping Increases - https://bookvault.app
- Kindlepreneur: AI Trained on Your Books? What the Bartz v. Anthropic Lawsuit Means for Authors - https://kindlepreneur.com/anthropic-ai-lawsuit/
- Top 10 Book Marketing Mistakes Self-Published Authors Make (and How to Avoid Them) - https://www.ingramspark.com/blog/top-10-book-marketing-mistakes-self-published-authors-make-and-how-to-avoid-them
- Authorbase Lifetime Deal - https://DaleLinks.com/AuthorbaseLTD (affiliate link)
- Authorbase (by Booksprout) - https://DaleLinks.com/Authorbase (affiliate link)
- ProseWrite - New Feature Roll-outs - https://DaleLinks.com/ProseWrite (affiliate link)
- The Indy Author Podcast: Episode 302 - AI as Business Consultant and Coach with Dale L. Roberts - https://www.theindyauthor.com/show-notes/302-dale-roberts
- Audio Interview: How Authors Can Earn Income and Visibility Through Libraries - https://selfpublishingadvice.org/podcast-sylvia-hubbard/
- Draft2Digital's Self-Publishing Insiders: Catching Up with Dale Roberts - https://www.youtube.com/live/WRG4SfnhDKg?si=Mi31j5nAv8QrxbFj
- 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.
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