Direct Sales for Authors: Is It Worth It?
The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
Release Date: 03/18/2025
Mastering Amazon Ads: A Beginner’s Guide for Indie Authors
The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
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 looking to sharpen your skills, this conversation will shift your mindset and equip you to take action. Sylvia Hubbard - Advertising for Books - Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - Subscribe...
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How an Indie Author Won 50+ Book Awards on a Budget | Ross Brand of Livestream Universe
The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
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 - Ross on YouTube - Ross on Substack - Ross's Books - Book Award Pro - (affiliate link) Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - Subscribe to my email newsletter - Join Channel Memberships - Join Me on...
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Major Shakeup in Author Platforms: What You Need to Know | Self-Publishing News (June 16, 2025)
The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
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 ALLi podcast, and the upcoming Author Nation conference to stay ahead of the curve. If you’re serious about writing, marketing, or selling books, this week’s news matters. Subscribe to The...
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What Successful Authors Do Differently in 2025 | Emma Boyer of Written Word Media
The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
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 - 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 financially...
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BREAKING NEWS: Amazon Kills Hourly Rank Updates | Self-Publishing News (June 9, 2025)
The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
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 - 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: The Amazon Algorithm Change You NEED to Know About - ...
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Fix Your Story’s Structure with These 5 Key Scenes | Kristina Stanley of Fictionary
The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
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 - (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 - ...
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Urgent: Publisher Rocket Ends Lifetime Deal | Self-Publishing News (June 2, 2025)
The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
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 - (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: How to...
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How to Win Book Awards Without Wasting Money | Outstanding Creator Awards
The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
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 - Book Award Pro - (affiliate link) Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - Subscribe to my...
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IngramSpark Rolls Out NEW Tools, Are They Worth It? | Self-Publishing News (May 26, 2025)
The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
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 - (affiliate link) Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - Subscribe to my email newsletter -...
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The Ultimate Indie Author Sales Strategy: What I’d Do If I Had to Start Over
The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
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 - (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 . Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through...
info_outlineSelling 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 - https://DaleLinks.com/BookAwardPro (affiliate link)
Mentioned resources & affiliate links:
- Gumroad - https://gumroad.com
- Payhip - https://DaleLinks.com/Payhip (affiliate link)
- Shopify - https://shopify.com
- BookFunnel - https://bookfunnel.com/
- Laterpress - https://laterpress.com/
- StoryOrigin - https://DaleLinks.com/StoryOrigin (affiliate link)
- Stripe - https://stripe.com/
- PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/
- 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