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
Kindle Direct Publishing announced two major updates that authors need to understand. Changes to digital rights management are raising questions, while a new ebook pre-order feature could reward authors who are prepared. We also cover AI entering the reading experience, audiobook discovery tied to BookTok, platform updates, and opportunities authors should watch heading into 2026. YouTube Channel Memberships – KDP: New eBook Download Options for Readers Coming in 2026 - TechCrunch: Amazon changes how copyright protection is applied to Kindle Direct’s self-published e-books - KDP: eBook...
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Amazon quietly rolled out a new Kindle feature that places AI directly inside books, raising questions authors should understand. This week’s Self-Publishing News also covers major audiobook platform updates, new distribution and monetization options, and review compliance shifts tied to Amazon enforcement. These changes affect how authors publish, promote, and protect their work moving into the new year. YouTube Channel Memberships (podcast) – Channel Memberships Members-only Video Playlist - IngramSpark Changes Every Author Must See | Self-Publishing News (Dec. 9, 2025) - Now...
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IngramSpark announced new pricing and a higher market access fee that affects every author using their platform. Draft2Digital revealed a major shift in Smashwords royalties, especially for lower priced ebooks. Written Word Media released new survey data showing what separates hobbyists from the authors earning real money. All that and more in the self-publishing news this week. YouTube Channel Memberships (podcast) – YouTube Channel Memberships (main channel) – IngramSpark - IngramSpark Rate Card 2026 - IngramSpark December 2025 Newsletter -...
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Holiday cutoffs, platform updates, and a major distribution move are shaping the publishing world this week. One company picked up a key piece of a system that almost shut down, and this change could affect how your books reach readers. A few author services also shared new updates, warnings, and opportunities worth exploring. Catch everything you need to know in today’s self-publishing news. My Channel Memberships (podcast) - My Channel Memberships (main channel) - Publishers Weekly: Lakeside Book Company Buys B&T Distribution Arm - Bookvault – (use code BVDALE to waive your...
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Black Friday brings the biggest savings of the year for authors, and I rounded up the deals you will not want to miss. From writing tools to book promotion to web hosting, these offers help you grow your author business without breaking the bank. Check the show notes for all the links and deadlines. Grab what fits your goals before the sales end. Full disclosure: Most of these links are part of affiliate programs where I get compensated for any sales made through them. This is at no extra cost to you and greatly helps support this podcast. Thanks for your understanding and support....
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Draft2Digital made another move this week, and it has authors talking. Also, find out about the latest shift in their distribution landscape along with industry updates from Spotify, Bookvault, ALLi, and more. We also revisit the Share and Sell spotlight from IngramSpark and update authors on several new opportunities heading into the holiday season. YouTube for Authors (paperback) – Authors Guild: Predatory Opt-Out Scheme ClaimsHero Targets Anthropic Settlement Participants: What Authors Need to Know - Draft2Digital – (referral link) Draft2Digital: The Indie...
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Amazon rolled out a new KDP feature that could change how authors reach global readers. This roundup walks through what happened and why it matters without spoiling anything. If you publish through KDP or go wide, you need to know what just launched. Stay sharp and stay informed. KDP: Introducing Kindle Translate in Beta - KDP: Kindle Translate FAQs - Amazon: Simple tips to spot impersonation scams - Draft2Digital – (referral link) Draft2Digital: Clean Up Your D2D Account with Merge Tools - Draft2Digital Content Guidelines - IngramSpark – ...
info_outlineThe Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
Big changes are hitting the publishing world. Amazon’s new algorithm is shaking up book rankings, libraries are adjusting after Baker & Taylor’s collapse, and Spotify’s audiobook listeners just jumped 36%. I’ll also cover new scams every author should know about, a wild mayo-scented book promotion, and how you can shape the future of indie publishing through this year’s Written Word Media survey. Tune in for all the latest updates. LAST CALL: The Final 3 Kickstarter - Jane Friedman's The Bottom Line - The Hidden Rules of Amazon: A Smart Guide for Self-Publishing...
info_outlineThe Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
My YouTube podcast channel was deleted without warning, leaving me searching for answers. Meanwhile, Baker & Taylor faces closure, PublishDrive partners with ElevenReader for AI audiobooks, and Bookvault unveils new Spot UV and foil upgrades. BookBaby highlights proven ad strategies that drive real sales, and Spoken earns ALLi’s highest rating for author trust. It’s a week packed with big shifts, bold moves, and major updates for indie authors in this week’s Self-Publishing News. Self-Publishing News October 13, 2025 - The Final 3 Kickstarter Campaign -...
info_outlineThe Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
KDP just expanded its print distribution to new global markets, giving authors more reach than ever before. Meanwhile, Amazon Ads opened up Sponsored Brands access for every author, even if you only have one book. There’s also plenty happening around the publishing world, from major events to author opportunities you won’t want to miss. Tune in for the latest industry updates, insights, and surprises in this week’s Self-Publishing News. The Final 3: Your Publishing Playbook, Rewritten (Kickstarter) - MK Williams - KDP Forum: Distribute your print books in the Republic of Ireland and...
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