The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast
The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast is devoted to teaching you relevant and up-to-date information in the world of self-publishing. Subscribe today!
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The Best Author Deals of Black Friday 2025
11/28/2025
The Best Author Deals of Black Friday 2025
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. Links: YouTube for Authors (paperback) - - 25% off through Dec. 1, 2025 YouTube for Authors (hardcover) - - 34% off through Dec. 1, 2025 Lulu: 2025 Holiday Gift Guide - Lulu - https://Lulu.com - Use WRITE30 for 30% off all print products Miblart - - Coupon Code: BLACK20 for 20% off Book Covers - valid till December 3 Getcovers - - Coupon Code: BLACK25 for 25% off all services - valid till December 3 ProWritingAid - - 50% off yearly and lifetime plans - ends December 3 Dibbly Create - - Get 30% off three months of the Pro Plan with BLACKFRIDAY30, and get 40% off Add-on Tokens for Create with BLACKFRIDAY40 - Offer expires Dec. 2, 2025 Dibbly - - Get 12% off all services with BLACKFRIDAYTUW12 - Offer expires Dec. 2 Publisher Rocket - - $30 off, plus access to Mastering Keywords & Categories Course (normally $49.99) - Offer ends on Dec. 3, 2025 Cravebooks - - 5-Day Black Friday Countdown Sale - 50% off on November 28, 2025, then the discount goes down by 10% everyday AppSumo - - Black Friday Sale over on Dec. 2, 2025 AppSumo Deal: DepositPhotos - - Black Friday Sale over on Dec. 2, 2025 MailerLite - - 25% off annual plans - Good till December 16, 2025 Kit - https://DaleLinks.com/Kit - Get 60% off 3 months of the Creator Plan - Good till December 2, 2025 Get Authentic Book Reviews - - Promotion available for a limited time Gemsy- - Get 50% off the yearly plan with promo code DALEBF50 - good through Dec. 5, 2025 SiteGround - - 85% off Premium Web Hosting, plus 3 months FREE Site Scanner & Premium Backup - Sale ends Dec. 2, 2025 ContentStudio - - 40% off annual plan - Offer ends on Nov. 30, 2025 Riverside - - 35% off annual plans for new users with code BF2025 -Offer ends Dec. 1, 2025 AuthorAI - - 25% off with code BFDEAL - Good through Dec. 1, 2025 Other relevant links: Subscribe to my email newsletter - Join Channel Memberships - Join my Discord community - Check out my podcast channel - My Books - Wanna tip me? Visit . 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
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Draft2Digital Drops a Surprise Update | Self-Publishing News (Nov. 24, 2025)
11/25/2025
Draft2Digital Drops a Surprise Update | Self-Publishing News (Nov. 24, 2025)
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 Advantage (Nov. 2025) - Draft2Digital: Smashwords 2025 End of Year Sale - Bookvault: WooCommerce Integration Upgrade - Spotify for Authors: Spotify Expands Audiobook Access for Premium Subscribers in Five More European Countries - ALLi: Inside the Judges’ Minds: What Award Panels Really Look For - Spoken: Digitally-Narrated Audiobooks with Spoken – Bring Your Backlist to Life in 2026 - Kerrie Flanagan presents The Book Business Collective - IngramSpark: Share & Sell Giveaway - IngramSpark: Share & Sell Users Feedback - YouTube for Authors (hardcover) – 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 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
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KDP Drops a Feature NOBODY Expected | Self-Publishing News (Nov. 11, 2025)
11/18/2025
KDP Drops a Feature NOBODY Expected | Self-Publishing News (Nov. 11, 2025)
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 – IngramSpark’s Share & Sell Giveaway - Bookvault – Apple Books for Authors – Spotify for Authors: Introducing Audiobook Recaps - The Bottom Line (subscription required): A Deep Divide Emerges between AI Users and Nonusers – Spoken.Press – Twin Flames Studios: The State of AI Audiobooks in 2025 - Dibbly Create – (affiliate link) Dibbly Create: Book Layout Studio Webinar - Dibbly – (affiliate link) ProWritingAid: Novel November – (affiliate link) ProWritingAid Black Friday Deal – (affiliate link) Book Award Pro – (affiliate link) Get Authentic Book Reviews – DropCap Marketplace - Behind the Scenes at Author Nation 2025 - Author Nation 2025: My Honest Review - Amazon Ads Insights with Dale L. Roberts - The First 2 YEARS Sucked! Self-Publishing Secrets with Dale L. Roberts - 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 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
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Amazon’s NEW Algorithm Upends Book Rankings | Self-Publishing News (Oct. 21, 2025)
10/22/2025
Amazon’s NEW Algorithm Upends Book Rankings | Self-Publishing News (Oct. 21, 2025)
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 Authors - Massive Amazon Algorithm Changes - Libraries Look to Fill the Gap Left by Baker & Taylor - Spotify’s Audiobook Listeners Grew 36% in Second Year of Service - Writer Beware: Army of Bots: Deeper Into the Vortex of Nigerian Marketing Scams - Laterpress - The Guardian: A book is being marketed with mayo-scented ink. Jealous? Me? - Written Word Media: 2025 Author Survey - Apple Books for Authors: Holiday season delivery schedule. - CraveBooks - (affiliate link) Kindlepreneur: Authorpreneur Academy - StoryOrigin: Mastering Self-Publishing: From Novice to Pro (register for the replay) - Miblart: Book Marketing Trends 2026 | What Every Indie Author Should Know - 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 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
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My YouTube Channel Was Deleted… | Self-Publishing News (Oct. 14, 2025)
10/14/2025
My YouTube Channel Was Deleted… | Self-Publishing News (Oct. 14, 2025)
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 - https://DaleLinks.com/Kickstarter LIVE: Game-Changing Author Strategies Revealed - https://youtube.com/live/C122wCbad-U My YouTube Podcast Channel - https://DaleLinks.com/YouTubePodcast Baker & Taylor Prepares Plan to Shut Down - https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/98777-baker-taylor-prepares-plan-to-shut-down.html PublishDrive Partners with ElevenReader for Instant Audiobook Creation - https://publishdrive.com/publishdrive-partners-with-elevenreader-for-instant-audiobook-creation.html PublishDrive: Book Marketing that Works Insights from Dale L Roberts - https://youtu.be/wos5AoL5jpk?si=_8KM8622A4fPkETF Bookvault Bespoke - https://bookvault.app/bookvaultbespoke-product-examples/ Booklinker - https://booklinker.com BookBaby: Examples of Book Advertising That Drive Sales - https://blog.bookbaby.com/how-to-promote-your-book/book-promotion/book-advertising-examples Spoken: V1.04 Release Notes: New Upgrades! - https://spoken.press - ALLi Watchdog List - https://DaleLinks.com/ALLi ALLi: SelfPubCon 2025 - https://selfpublishingadvice.org/conference-2025/ StoryOrigin: Mastering Self-Publishing: From Novice to Pro - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/mCWvXho_QwGFXcvN6PVe9A#/registration Michell Buck Books: Building an Author Platform with Dale L. Roberts - https://open.substack.com/live-stream/66104?utm_source=live-stream-scheduled-upsell Miblart: Book Marketing Strategies 2026 - https://miblart.com/book-marketing-webinars/ Author Nation - https://DaleLinks.com/AuthorNation (affiliate link) Author Nation: MEET UPS AND OUTSIDE EVENTS - 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 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
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KDP Expands Global Reach and Opens New Ad Options | Self-Publishing News (Oct. 7, 2025)
10/07/2025
KDP Expands Global Reach and Opens New Ad Options | Self-Publishing News (Oct. 7, 2025)
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 Belgium marketplaces - Book Bounty: 🎉October 2025 News & Updates🎉 - Amazon Ads: Sponsored Brands: Now available for Single-Book Authors - Draft2Digital (Update) - Publishers Weekly: ReaderLink, B&T Call Off Deal - Writer Beware: Bartz v. Anthropic Settlement: An Update for Authors - Authors Guild: Anthropic Settlement: What Authors Should Know - Anthropic Works List Lookup - Bookvault (Update) – Author Nation – (affiliate link) Author Media: How to Boost Sales With Permafree Books - All Call Indie: Self-Publishing with Dale: An ACI Community Spotlight - Unlocking TikTok—the Slideshow Strategy for Authors - October 2025: Choosing the Right Publishing Pathway for Your Book or Project - Book Marketing Strategies 2026 - Other links: 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 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
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Spotify Launches BookTok Hub for Audiobooks | Self-Publishing News (Sept. 23, 2025)
09/23/2025
Spotify Launches BookTok Hub for Audiobooks | Self-Publishing News (Sept. 23, 2025)
Spotify and TikTok are teaming up to change how readers discover audiobooks, but that's just the beginning. In this week's self-publishing news, Draft2Digital responds to the KDP Select library shift, CraveBooks rolls out new perks, and the founder of Book Award Pro shares why niche awards might be more powerful than you think. - The Final 3 | My Kickstarter Campaign - - Draft2Digital - https://www.dalelinks.com/d2d (referral link) - D2D's The Indie Advantage - - D2D Answers: Getting Your Books into Libraries While Enrolled In Kindle Unlimited - - KDP Select Undergoes MASSIVE Change... It'll Surprise You - - Publishers Weekly: Spotify Launches BookTok Hub - - Publishers Weekly: ReaderLink Agrees to Buy Baker & Taylor - - ALLi: Small Awards, Big Impact: Why Niche Recognition Can Outperform Major Prizes - - CraveBooks - https://DaleLinks.com/CraveBooks (affiliate link) - Get Authentic Book Reviews - - Book Marketing that works: Insights from Dale L. Roberts - - Book Marketing in 2025: What Works and What Doesn’t | Joe Solari of @AuthorNationLive - https://www.youtube.com/live/tU3ffjzZBTc?si=wy7_FnKRqfw3t8zj 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 . 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
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KDP Select Glitch? Page Reads Drop to Zero | Self-Publishing News (Sept. 16, 2025)
09/22/2025
KDP Select Glitch? Page Reads Drop to Zero | Self-Publishing News (Sept. 16, 2025)
Worried about your KDP Select reads dropping to zero? Some authors are reporting strange behavior inside Kindle Unlimited, while a major AI lawsuit involving $1.5 billion hits a possible roadblock. Plus, new tools for library discoverability, podcast interviews that don’t sell books, and surprising updates from the review and marketing world. It’s a packed week of self-publishing news you don’t want to miss. The Final 3 Kickstarter - KDP Community: KENP Reads Dropped to Zero Since Aug 14 — Anyone Else? - Anthropic Lawsuit: Judge Is Unhappy about the Details of $1.5 Billion Settlement (source: The Bottom Line) - Books by Bots - ALLi Podcast: Libby App Releases Inspire Me AI Tool - Writer Beware: Protecting Intellectual Property: What Writers Need to Know About Copyright - The Jay Shetty Effect (Or Lack Thereof) - ProWritingAid: Novel November - (affiliate link) Get Authentic Book Reviews - Why Most Authors Waste Their Back Matter (and How to Fix It) - SPTT 094 – Mastering Self-Publishing and Starting Over with Fiction - Tertulia for Authors - (affiliate link) Book Marketing that Works: Insights from Dale L. Roberts - ALLi’s 2025 Author Income Survey - 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 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
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UPDATE: KDP Quietly Confirms MAJOR Change | Self-Publishing News (Sept. 2, 2025)
09/09/2025
UPDATE: KDP Quietly Confirms MAJOR Change | Self-Publishing News (Sept. 2, 2025)
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 Copyright, Check Your Registration Now - Jane Friedman: How Publishing Has Changed Since 2015 - GeniusLink - (affiliate link) ALLi’s 2025 Author Income Survey - (deadline September 17, 2025) MailerLite: Free plan update: What you need to know - MailerLite - (affiliate link) Author Nation - (affiliate link) ElevenReader - AuthorBase - (affiliate link) Lock in 20% off for life till September 30th. September 2025: Creating Multiple Income Streams from Your Book - (affiliate link) Draft2Digital's Self-Publishing Insider: Catching Up with Dale Roberts - 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 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
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KDP’s Hidden Update Just Changed the Game | Self Publishing News Sept 2, 2025
09/02/2025
KDP’s Hidden Update Just Changed the Game | Self Publishing News Sept 2, 2025
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 - Bookvault announces US Shipping Increases - Kindlepreneur: AI Trained on Your Books? What the Bartz v. Anthropic Lawsuit Means for Authors - Top 10 Book Marketing Mistakes Self-Published Authors Make (and How to Avoid Them) - Authorbase Lifetime Deal - (affiliate link) Authorbase (by Booksprout) - (affiliate link) ProseWrite - New Feature Roll-outs - (affiliate link) The Indy Author Podcast: Episode 302 - AI as Business Consultant and Coach with Dale L. Roberts - Audio Interview: How Authors Can Earn Income and Visibility Through Libraries - Draft2Digital's Self-Publishing Insiders: Catching Up with Dale Roberts - https://www.youtube.com/live/WRG4SfnhDKg?si=Mi31j5nAv8QrxbFj 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 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
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YouTube for Authors: How to Sell More Books with Video
08/28/2025
YouTube for Authors: How to Sell More Books with Video
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 - (affiliate link) VidIQ - 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 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
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Amazon, AI, and Audiobook Chaos | Self-Publishing News (Aug. 26, 2025)
08/26/2025
Amazon, AI, and Audiobook Chaos | Self-Publishing News (Aug. 26, 2025)
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 redesigned the way you’ll ‘listen’ to audiobooks - Spoken - Writer Beware: Author Complaints, Conflicts of Interest at Fortis Publishing - ALLi News Podcast: AI-Generated Fake Books Resurface on Amazon - Latest Smashwords Sale Breaks Records - Tax updates for books sold in Brazil and Romania. - Apple Books for Authors - ALLi: Why Amazon Book Launches Fall Flat—and What to Do Instead: Publishing for Profit with Joe Solari - Author Nation – (affiliate link) ProWritingAid Storyteller's Sale - offer good through August 28, 2025 (affiliate link) Dibbly Summer Sale - - use SUMMERSALE12 for 12% off - good until September 8, 2025 (affiliate link) Get Authentic Book Reviews - - $1 sale is good ONLY in August 2025 Booklinker: Fix Your Book Description in Four Steps - 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 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
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The Ugly Truth About Publishing Nobody Tells Authors
08/21/2025
The Ugly Truth About Publishing Nobody Tells Authors
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 - 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 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
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Audible’s New Royalty Model Screws Authors | Self-Publishing News (Aug. 18, 2025)
08/19/2025
Audible’s New Royalty Model Screws Authors | Self-Publishing News (Aug. 18, 2025)
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 don’t get left behind. *** TO BE VERY CLEAR, THE AUDIBLE ROYALTY STRUCTURE IS STILL IN BETA AND NOT OFFICIALLY ROLLED OUT TO ALL 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: Daniel Greene - Audible Is Broken - Convince Audible to revise it's New Royalty Model - Amazon displaying AI summaries that are inaccurate (anecdotal) Writer Beware: Bartz v Anthropic: Find Out if You May Be Part of This Class Action - ProWritingAid (limited time offer) - (affiliate link) ProWritingAid Community - MailerLite (limited time offer) - (affiliate link) CraveBooks: Master The Art Of Book Promos - CraveBooks: Master Your Author Newsletter - ALLi presents: Free “Write Your Why” Competition - 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
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From Idea to Manuscript: Dale Roberts' 24 Hour Writing Challenge
08/14/2025
From Idea to Manuscript: Dale Roberts' 24 Hour Writing Challenge
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 in record time. Sylvia Hubbard - How to Write a Nonfiction Book in 24 Hours - 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 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
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New KDP Rule Affects Your eBooks | Self-Publishing News (Aug. 11, 2025)
08/12/2025
New KDP Rule Affects Your eBooks | Self-Publishing News (Aug. 11, 2025)
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 YouTube channel - My Books - Wanna tip me? Visit . Sources: How to See Another Book’s Keywords in Amazon - Publisher Rocket - (affiliate link) Reach 45,000+ New Readers with BookDoggy - ALLi News Podcast: Anthropic Lawsuit Advances, Senate Grills Tech on AI Use, Kindle Colorsoft Gets Update - KDP: Accessibility for eBooks - Digital Accessibility: The Right Thing, The Smart Thing, The Required Thing - Create personal illustrated storybooks in the Gemini app. - Storiad - (affiliate link) - use code DALE50 to get 50% off Storiad Pro. Author Nation seeking volunteers - Author Nation - (affiliate link) - I'll be speaking, emceeing, and hosting video interviews. 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
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Authors Who Win Know This One Trick: Networking
08/07/2025
Authors Who Win Know This One Trick: Networking
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 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 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
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Nigerian Prince Returns… and He Wants to Market Your Book | Self-Publishing News (Aug. 5, 2025)
08/05/2025
Nigerian Prince Returns… and He Wants to Market Your Book | Self-Publishing News (Aug. 5, 2025)
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 Marketing Scams - Introducing Voices by INaudio - BKLNK Site Up for Sale - Spoken - ProseWrite - (affiliate link) Written Word Pod - ALLi: How Indie Authors Build Loyal Readers with Dale L. Roberts and J. Kevin Tumlinson - Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp 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 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
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Email Marketing for Authors: Get More Readers Fast! | AuthorLetter
07/31/2025
Email Marketing for Authors: Get More Readers Fast! | AuthorLetter
Want to grow your reader base and sell more books? Email marketing is one of the most powerful tools for authors but are you using it the right way? Join me for an exclusive interview with Nikolai Viljoen from AuthorLetter, where we’ll break down the best email marketing strategies, common mistakes to avoid, and how to automate your list growth. If you’re ready to take control of your author platform, don’t miss this live conversation! Author Letter - 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 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
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[BREAKING] Amazon KDP Just Changed Its Keyword Rules | Self-Publishing News (July 28, 2025)
07/29/2025
[BREAKING] Amazon KDP Just Changed Its Keyword Rules | Self-Publishing News (July 28, 2025)
Amazon KDP just rolled out a new look for the dashboard—and that's not all. They've also updated their keyword rules, and Kindlepreneur breaks it all down in plain English. Plus, PublishDrive has released a comprehensive guide to accessibility in digital publishing for 2025. Get all the latest updates and author opportunities in this week’s indie publishing news roundup. 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: KDP - Kindlepreneur: Amazon Book Keyword Rules Explained (2025 Update) - Accessibility in Digital Publishing 2025: Your Complete Guide to Creating Inclusive EPUBs - Spotify for Authors - Book Bounty - (affiliate link) Get Authentic Book Reviews - MSL 213 - Dale L. Roberts on Starting a Solopreneur Business, Part 2 - The Sample Chapter Podcast: YouTube For Authors: Dale L. Roberts - Busting Indie Publishing Myths with Dale Roberts - BookMARCon 2025 - AuthorNation Volunteer Survey - Author Nation - (affiliate link) 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
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Avoid These Editing Fails with Jeanne De Vita
07/25/2025
Avoid These Editing Fails with Jeanne De Vita
Before you send your manuscript to an editor, there’s work to be done. In this episode, I sit down with Jeannie De Vita—writing instructor at UCLA Extension, second-generation author, and bestselling romance writer under her Callie Chase pen name—to break down what separates a polished draft from an expensive mess. We’re talking best practices for prep, common mistakes authors make, and how to make your editor love you (and your manuscript). Book Genie - 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 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
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Ingram Waives Print Fee via PublishDrive | Self-Publishing News (July 21, 2025)
07/22/2025
Ingram Waives Print Fee via PublishDrive | Self-Publishing News (July 21, 2025)
Major updates this week in the publishing world: one major distributor is waiving its print market access fee for the next 12 months, while others are making key changes to how authors get paid or discover new readers. Plus, a brief outage, fresh promotional opportunities, and a couple of interviews you don’t want to miss. 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 News Sources: Distribute Print Books to Ingram Without the Market Access Fee for 12 Months - Everand: Update on Subscription Payouts for Full Reads - Bookvault Outage Incident Last Week - Barnes & Noble Press Blog: Bestseller Tips for Indie Authors - The Sample Chapter Podcast - Interview with Dale L. Roberts - Terry Pappy: MSL 212 - Dale L. Roberts on Starting Part 1 - BookMARCon - Author Nation - (affiliate link) 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
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The Best Kept Secrets in Book Marketing (2025) | Angela Yuriko Smith
07/18/2025
The Best Kept Secrets in Book Marketing (2025) | Angela Yuriko Smith
Tired of book marketing advice that doesn’t work in the real world? Angela Yuriko Smith—author, president of the Horror Writers Association, and creator of Authortunities—joins me live to reveal how authors are finding real visibility through the power of strategic promotion. We’ll dig into how to make the most of book fairs, awards, conferences, and more—and why most authors overlook the marketing gold that’s right in front of them. If you’re looking for practical ways to grow your readership without wasting time or money, don’t miss this episode. Authortunities - Angela Yuriko Smith - 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 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
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Radish Ends, Booktrovert Begins: Big Publishing Moves
07/15/2025
Radish Ends, Booktrovert Begins: Big Publishing Moves
Radish Fiction is officially shutting down by December 2025. NetGalley just launched a consumer-facing discovery site called Booktrovert. And ACX is testing voice replica AI for audiobook narration. In this week's news update, I cover the latest shifts in the self-publishing world—including a deepfake interview warning, AI narration breakthroughs, and a major indie publishing milestone from Spoken.press. 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 . News Sources: Now in Beta: Narrator Voice Replicas on ACX - Radish Fiction is shutting down in December 2025 - NetGalley Launches New Consumer Marketing Site Called Booktrovert - When an Interview Isn’t Exactly What It Seems: NewYox Media and Its Suite of Magazines - Spoken Beta: V0.9.4 Release Notes: Natural Cadence, Emotional Precision, and Massive MCMV Level Up - Miblart - (affiliate link) - use promo code MIBLART15 to get 15% off your order (good through July 18) Self-Publishing Made Simple with April Cox - BookLinker presents: Your Book Deserves Readers: 3 Steps to Smarter Book Marketing - ALLi Membership - (affiliate link) ALLi Member Q&A: Marketing Your Books Using Video with Dale L. Roberts - The Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast: Building Your Author Platform in 2025 - Kobo Writing Life presents: Busting Indie Publishing Myths with Dale Roberts - Author Nation - (affiliate link) 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
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How to Scale Your Author Business (Without Burnout) | Jonny Andrews
07/11/2025
How to Scale Your Author Business (Without Burnout) | Jonny Andrews
Tired of trying to do everything as an author? Jonny Andrews joins me to break down how to grow your author business without the stress. We’re talking systems, mindset, and strategy—so you can stop spinning your wheels and start building real momentum. If you're ready to scale smart, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for. Scale Your Hustle - Faceless Business Empire - 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 - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks Wanna tip me? Visit . 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
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What a Judge Just Said About AI & Copyright | Self-Publishing News (July 7, 2025)
07/08/2025
What a Judge Just Said About AI & Copyright | Self-Publishing News (July 7, 2025)
Major news just dropped in the world of AI and copyright, and authors need to pay attention. A federal judge made a surprising ruling about how AI models can use books, and it could change everything. Plus, new opportunities for indie authors with MailerLite, PublishDrive, Bookvault, and more. Catch up on everything happening in publishing this week. 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 . News Sources: AI chatbots need more books to learn from. These libraries are opening their stacks - Federal judge rules copyrighted books are fair use for AI training - Amazon Prime Day 2025 - BookLinker - KDP Royalty Calculator: Free Tool for Authors - (affiliate link) Bookvault - PublishDrive - (affiliate link) Spotify for Authors - How Indie Authors Are Doing in 2025: Mid-Year Survey Results - All Call Indie - New! Create and sell your digital products directly in MailerLite - (affiliate link) Get Authentic Book Reviews - Gemsy - (affiliate link) - use code DALE4JULY (good through July 8) BookMARCon - Author Nation - (affiliate link) 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
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Mastering Amazon Ads: A Beginner’s Guide for Indie Authors
06/24/2025
Mastering Amazon Ads: A Beginner’s Guide for Indie Authors
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 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 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
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How an Indie Author Won 50+ Book Awards on a Budget | Ross Brand of Livestream Universe
06/20/2025
How an Indie Author Won 50+ Book Awards on a Budget | Ross Brand of Livestream Universe
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 Discord - Check out my main YouTube channel - My Books - Wanna tip me? Visit . 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
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Major Shakeup in Author Platforms: What You Need to Know | Self-Publishing News (June 16, 2025)
06/17/2025
Major Shakeup in Author Platforms: What You Need to Know | Self-Publishing News (June 16, 2025)
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 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 . New sources: Everand Acquires Online Book Club Platform Fable - Amazon cuts more jobs, this time in books division - Dibbly Create presents: Guided Book Flow - (affiliate link) StoryOrigin: Nonfiction Books: A Guide to Book Launches and Marketing - Book Launchers presents: The Future of Book Marketing Summit - (affiliate link) Authortube Writing Conference - Author Nation - (affiliate link) The Truth About Book Promotions (and Why Authors Get It Wrong): Self-Publishing with ALLi Featuring Dale L. Roberts - Written Word Media Speaker Series with Dale L. Roberts - 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
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What Successful Authors Do Differently in 2025 | Emma Boyer of Written Word Media
06/13/2025
What Successful Authors Do Differently in 2025 | Emma Boyer of Written Word Media
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 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
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