Book Marketing for Broke Authors: What Actually Works?
The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
Release Date: 02/25/2025
Book Promotion Myths That Keep You Broke
The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
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 - (affiliate link) Promotional Strategies for Books - My List of Book Promo Lists - Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - Subscribe to my email newsletter - Join Channel Memberships - Join Me on Discord - Check out my main YouTube channel - My Books - Wanna tip me? Visit . Where noted, some outbound links...
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Audiobooks Just Got Bigger—Here’s Why | Self-Publishing News (Apr. 21, 2025)
The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
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 - (affiliate link) Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - Subscribe to my email newsletter - Join Channel Memberships - Join Me on Discord - Check out my main YouTube channel - My Books - Wanna tip me? Visit . Sources: If You’re...
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SEO Is Dead Thanks to Amazon’s AI | Self-Publishing News (Apr. 14, 2025)
The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
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. Book Award Pro - (affiliate link) Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - Subscribe to my email newsletter - Join Channel...
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How to Make Money with Print Books (Even with Low Sales)
The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
Print books aren’t dead! Discover how to price your print books for profit, which print-on-demand platforms work best, and how to sell more paperbacks without breaking the bank. If you’re looking to maximize your earnings, this episode is for you! Book Award Pro - (affiliate link) Sources: Print Book Sales Saw a Small Sales Increase in 2024 - Global Book Market 2023: Revenue growth in many countries despite major challenges - Global Book Market 2024 shaped by strong fiction, declining non-fiction and slower price increases - The Alliance of Independent Authors - (affiliate link)...
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Author Arrested Over Disturbing Allegations | Self-Publishing News (Apr. 7, 2025)
The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX) rolled out new features and analytics for account holders, plus I share deeper insights into ACX's new digital voice narration with the cloning capabilities. Kobo Plus expanded into two new regions. National Novel Writing Month shut down; what happened and what can authors do now? And an Australian erotica author has been arrested due to some disturbing allegations. Find out about all that and more in the self-publishing news this week! Book Award Pro - (affiliate link) Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - Subscribe to my email newsletter - Join Channel...
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AI Tools That Can Boost Your Book Sales (Without Killing Your Brand)
The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
AI is changing the publishing industry! Learn how authors can use AI for marketing, ads, and book optimization, which AI tools actually help you sell more books, and what ethical AI usage looks like for indie authors. Stay ahead of the game with these AI-powered strategies! Book Award Pro - (affiliate link) Mentioned Tools & Affiliate Links: ChatGPT - Dibbly Create - (affiliate link) ProseWrite - (affiliate link) Spoken.Press - Leonardo.AI - Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - Subscribe to my email newsletter - Join Channel Memberships - Join Me on Discord - Check out...
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Major Publishing Updates Authors Need to Know | Self-Publishing News (Mar. 17, 2025)
The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
Big changes are happening in self-publishing! Bookvault expands to Canada, Libro.fm reports massive audiobook subscriber growth, and Dibbly Create launches new support features. Plus, Creativindie’s Derek Murphy just relaunched a free 3D book cover mockup tool and a universal book link service. Stay tuned for everything you need to know about these industry updates and how they impact indie authors. Book Award Pro - (affiliate link) Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - Subscribe to my email newsletter - Join Channel Memberships - Join Me on Discord - Check out my main YouTube channel...
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Direct Sales for Authors: Is It Worth It?
The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
Selling your books outside of Amazon? Learn how direct sales for authors can increase profits, build reader relationships, and grow your brand. Discover the best platforms for selling books direct, how to set up your own storefront, and whether selling direct is right for you. Book Award Pro - (affiliate link) Mentioned resources & affiliate links: Gumroad - Payhip - (affiliate link) Shopify - BookFunnel - Laterpress - StoryOrigin - (affiliate link) Stripe - PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/ Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - Subscribe to my email newsletter -...
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Amazon Kills Free KDP Tools for Authors | Self-Publishing News (Mar. 10, 2025)
The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
Amazon KDP is quietly removing two critical tools for formatting your books. The Association of American Publishers notes a 6.5% increase in book profits in 2024. Bookvault is expanding into Australia and now has print on demand Down Under. And, Apple Books for Authors announced new category rollouts from 2024 for your books. All that and more in the self-publishing news for this week. Book Award Pro - (affiliate link) Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - Subscribe to my email newsletter - Join Channel Memberships - Join Me on Discord - Check out my main YouTube channel - My...
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Mastering Keywords & Categories: Your Secret Weapon for Sales
The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
Keywords and categories make or break your book’s discoverability. Learn how to find the right keywords, choose profitable categories, and boost your book’s ranking on online stores. Whether you're on Amazon, Kobo, or selling wide, these SEO strategies for authors will help you sell more books effortlessly. Book Award Pro - (affiliate link) Mentioned products (affiliate links): KIP Scout - Dibbly Create - Publisher Rocket - BKLNK: Tools for Authors - Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - Subscribe to my email newsletter - Join Channel Memberships - Join Me on...
info_outlineNo budget? No problem! You don’t need a big advertising spend to market your book effectively. Learn free and low-cost book marketing strategies that actually work, how to sell more books with minimal effort, and where to focus your time for maximum impact. If you’re an indie author on a budget, this episode is a must!
- Book Award Pro - https://DaleLinks.com/BookAwardPro (affiliate link)
Mentioned Sites & Services:
- MailerLite (email marketing) - https://DaleLinks.com/MailerLite
- Kit (email marketing) - https://kit.com
- Author Letter - https://authorletter.com
- My List of Book Promotion Site Lists - https://DaleLinks.com/BookPromo
- PodcastGuests - https://PodcastGuests.com
- StoryOrigin (book marketing resource) - https://DaleLinks.com/StoryOrigin (affiliate link)
- BookFunnel (book marketing resource) - https://BookFunnel.com
- eBookFairs (book marketing resource) - https://DaleLinks.com/eBookFairs (affiliate link)
- GetCovers (pro cover design service) - https://DaleLinks.com/GetCovers (affiliate link)
- Hidden Gems Books (ARC service) - https://HiddenGemsBooks.com
- NetGalley Co-Op (ARC service) - https://DaleLinks.com/NetGalleyCoOp (affiliate link)
- BookSirens (ARC service) - https://BookSirens.com
- Pubby - https://Pubby.co
- Get Authentic Book Reviews - https://GetAuthenticBookReviews.com
- Book Bounty - https://DaleLinks.com/BookBounty (affiliate link)
- Gemsy - https://DaleLinks.com/Gemsy (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
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