SEO Is Dead Thanks to Amazon’s AI | Self-Publishing News (Apr. 14, 2025)
The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
Release Date: 04/15/2025
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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_outlineAmazon 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.
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News Sources:
- eBook pre-orders will soon show a reading sample on Amazon - https://www.kdpcommunity.com/s/article/eBook-pre-orders-will-soon-show-a-reading-sample-on-Amazon?language=en_US
- Finding Publishing Opportunities in an Era of AI Disruption: Q&A with CEO Keith Riegert (paid subscription required) - https://janefriedman.com/publishing-opportuities-ai-keith-riegert
- Amazon launches generative AI to help sellers write product descriptions - https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/small-business/amazon-sellers-generative-ai-tool
- Amazon announces Rufus, a new generative AI-powered conversational shopping experience - https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/retail/amazon-rufus?mc_cid=731c56011d&mc_eid=433332c881
- Amazon Kindle’s new feature uses AI to generate recaps for books in a series - https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/03/amazon-kindles-new-feature-uses-ai-to-generate-recaps-for-books-in-a-series/
- Submit to Spotify Audiobooks Publishing - https://sites.google.com/spotify.com/short-form-audiobooks/make-a-submission
- Copyright cases against OpenAI and Microsoft consolidated in New York court - https://www.bloomberglaw.com/public/desktop/document/INREOpenAIIncCopyrightInfringementLitigationDocketNo3143USJPMLDec/3?doc_id=X10L562HT9O9VHRKA8D1VE5I4TK&mc_cid=731c56011d&mc_eid=433332c881
- $5 billion class action suit over Apple's ebook licensing is based on false premises - https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/04/02/5-billion-class-action-suit-over-apples-ebook-licensing-is-based-on-false-premises
- ProWritingAid Online Beta Reader - https://dalelinks.com/betareader (affiliate link)
- Spoken Beta V0.8.6a: Personal Voice and Emotional Cueing - https://www.spoken.press/the-spoken-chronicle/v086a-release-notes-482025-personal-voice-and-emotional-cueing
- Manuscript Report - https://dalelinks.com/manuscriptreport (affiliate link)
- Audiobook Creation Key Concepts Mini Course - https://www.fleischmannmedia.com/audiobook-creation-key-concepts-free-mini-course
- Author Nation 2025 Speaker Announcement Webinar - https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NaVOwm-_TeOzDd5nQCUIuw?kuid=6ccf76e9-1bd6-49ba-9ba3-af46294ada6b-1744145713&lid=31108&kref=lniru4bBV7rK#/registration
- Space and Time Spring/Summer #148 - https://dalelinks.com/spaceandtime148 (affiliate link)
Credit:
- The Bottom Line by Jane Friedman - https://janefriedman.com/the-bottom-line-janes-publishing-industry-newsletter/
- Laterpress - https://www.laterpress.com/
- Miblart - https://miblart.com/
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