What is all the fuss about ChatGPT? I’ve talked about AI tech for the writing and publishing space before. Here are additional developments that could impact authors and publishers, and our understanding and management of creative work. Warning: Star Trek references included! 🖖 😉 YouTube video: Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view or li…

Some industry optimism about audiobooks and their double-digit growth in recent years was noted in Publishers Weekly’s reporting from this year’s Digital Book World conference. But as with any industry’s growth comes change. Let’s talk about some current and anticipated changes for audiobooks, and how they will impact self published authors. YouTub…

As platforms continue to copycat their competitors, one of the more recent entries in that race is YouTube Shorts. Let’s talk about pros and cons, and how authors can use YouTube Shorts. Be aware that YouTube Shorts could change dramatically and quickly as YouTube figures out what it wants to do with this feature. Blog: YouTube Shorts: What Authors…

The 2022 Thorne Self Publishing Survey asked self published authors what motivates and challenges them. Here's how they responded. YouTube video: https://youtu.be/BJNq_wn32rA Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view/listen to segment on YouTube): 0:15 The self publishing motivation question 0:38 The ACME model of self publishing motivation …

Do self published authors still consider getting a book deal with a traditional publisher? I asked them in my 2022 Thorne Self Publishing Survey. The answers of why and when they do, or don't, might surprise you. YouTube video: https://youtu.be/byK4f4Qi4nQ Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view/listen to segment on YouTube): 0:15 The trad…

The 2022 Thorne Self Publishing Survey results are in! Find out how much self published authors made in 2022, and what they're forecasting for 2023. This is the first of three video reports on the survey. YouTube video: https://youtu.be/6ZlLbu1R64Q Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view/listen to segment on YouTube): 0:15 About the 2022 T…

Just in time for a new year, author pages on Amazon have been redesigned. The redesign is a good move. But authors need to be aware of some changes. Blog: New Amazon Author Pages http://hub.me/apAjf YouTube video: https://youtu.be/dVJ8t5ySNx8 Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view or listen to segment on YouTube): 0:14 Programming note about…

A signature book title is one that when people see it, they immediately know what it is and associate the author with it. But do authors really need to strive to create one for their books? I share examples and tips. YouTube video: https://youtu.be/g1N_xKyVA2o Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view or listen to segment on YouTube): 0:15 A…

A familiar request came from an author via email. “Which of these logos do you like best?” I responded that I wouldn’t go with any of them. My opinion on the choices had nothing to do with the actual art. Here's why I responded this way. YouTube video: https://youtu.be/EyVojXPhBjo Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view/hear segment on YouTub…

I took the new Amazon Attribution Tags system for a test drive to see if it really does help authors track mystery sales sources on Amazon generated off Amazon, such as social media ads. Here's how it went, including screenshots of my results. YouTube video: https://youtu.be/PC6zYs9_WKs Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on Yo…

I posted a video on TikTok and Instagram asking if you received a used book as a gift, would you think the giver was cheap, or that they found a treasure for you. Here’s how my tribe responded. Blog: Used Books as Gifts: Trash or Treasure? http://hub.me/apwgj YouTube video: https://youtu.be/yri2mX0ZMq8 Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view …

December 2022 marks the end of my 14th year on Twitter. In light of the culture changes and chaos from its recent acquisition by billionaire Elon Musk, will it also be the end of me using Twitter? Let’s talk about that since I’m sure many of you are also considering your future on Twitter. Blog: Will I Quit Twitter? http://hub.me/apvkl YouTube vide…

I have just wrapped production on a new audiobook that’s a departure from my usual content. In doing this latest book, I ran across some updates to ACX, Audible, and audiobook trends that I’ll discuss here. YouTube video: https://youtu.be/VH9OKzb7r1o Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube); 0:15 My new audiobook, Cradle…

I just published another book on Kindle Direct Publishing, KDP, that was an experiment in a couple of ways. It was a departure from my usual genre. And it was a test for the latest 2022 version of Kindle Create, KDP’s free book formatting software. Here's what I learned. YouTube video: https://youtu.be/CDzHrUXgB48 Timestamp show notes (click on tim…

Finally! Amazon has introduced a way for authors to measure sales generated by non-Amazon channels like organic social media posts and paid ads. It's called Amazon Attribution. YouTube video: https://youtu.be/bXN690DGXgY Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube): 0:15 Amazon introduces Amazon Attribution Tags 1:00 What is…

I see authors and low content book creators forging ahead full steam to write or design their books before they decide on the niche markets their books will serve and what those markets could want and need. This is totally backwards if you’re hoping to make sales. I explain why. Blog: You're Doing Niche Marketing Wrong for Your Books http://hub.me/…

On October 12, 2022, I celebrated 13 years of having a YouTube channel. A whole lot has changed, and keeps changing on YouTube, mostly for the better, even though using it effectively is still a challenge. I’ll be talking about some newer features that can impact authors and small businesses, as well as sharing insights from my YouTube journey. Blo…

I love my author community! On a recent video I did about KDP print on demand quality and quality control, one of my favorite author people, Shanon, whose pen name is @S.D. Huston, commented about how she learned to cope with limitations on book design for print on demand. So this is a followup on that discussion, focusing on some specific design i…

I see a lot of confusion and questions on author forums about trademarks, copyrights, and book titles. While I’m not a lawyer, and this does not constitute legal advice of any type, I will provide some definitions and discussion of these terms, particularly as they relate to authors and self publishing. YouTube video: https://youtu.be/oouZeakqP3E T…

Got called out on one of my videos where I ranted on authors being overly sensitive about what they perceive as KDP print on demand quality issues. Out of respect for that author’s concerns, let me address each of them here, though some points might still might echo my position on the earlier video. Blog: KDP Print On Demand Quality versus Quality …

In September 2022, Spotify launched audiobooks on their music and podcast platform. How does this affect the audiobook market? Will it impact self published audiobook authors, especially those on Amazon’s ACX and Audible? YouTube video: https://youtu.be/-U-Q-_lpO5A Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube): 0:13 Spotify adds…

All authors, whether traditionally or self published, suffer from a “shall I stay or shall I go” moment at some point. Probably more now as book and content markets become more competitive. Here are some things to consider as you consider continuing your self publishing career. Also, update on my 2022 Thorne Self Publishing Survey. Take the survey!…

Two authors were complaining about sudden downturns in their book sales. What is happening and why? Could it happen for your book? Can you do anything about it? Blog: Why are Your Book Sales Down? http://hub.me/apmhU YouTube video: https://youtu.be/aNOxB9hPX6Y Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube): 0:15 Two authors, s…

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act was passed in the United States which provided a variety of economy boosting measures and incentives, many of them focused on dealing with climate change. Scheduled for September 2022, The Merge of the Ethereum blockchain will be a game changer in the blockchain and NFT space. In this episode, I discuss i…

People who have a relationship with a creator are more likely to become paying and continuing subscribers. But that's not a given. I discuss why people don't want to pay for subscription content on Patreon, YouTube, etc. Blog: Why People Don't Want to Pay for Subscription Content http://hub.me/apkyS YouTube video: https://youtu.be/rZ2P3z9s1xc Times…

In response to inflation, if consumers realize their money is dripping away month after month for subscriptions, they may have an epiphany moment and start scrutinizing those costs. I discuss the stats that show this is happening, and how this impacts content creators and authors. YouTube video: https://youtu.be/RSMqqRM3Du4 Timestamp show notes (cl…

An AI writing assistant functions like a robot ghostwriter. You tell the program what you want to write about, along with any stylistic elements and tone you’d prefer. As an author, I’m sure your head is spinning right now with a lot of questions and concerns about how robot ghostwriters like this will impact you and the writing industry. Blog: AI …

Are Amazon ads worth doing for traditionally published authors? I’m not so sure. Let me explain why, based on my experience from running Amazon ads for my self published books since 2016. So there’s no confusion, just for this episode, when I talk about authors, I’m specifically referring to traditionally published authors. However, some self publi…

One of the reasons self published authors sign up for KDP Select on Kindle Direct Publishing is to do Free Kindle eBook Promotions. I’m not a big fan of free eBook giveaways, whether on Amazon KDP or other platforms. Here’s why. Blog: Do Kindle Free eBook Promotions Boost Book Sales? http://hub.me/apgQm YouTube video: https://youtu.be/h5Y1E83Ju_Y T…

I’ve decided to do another round of my Thorne Self Publishing Survey to see how self published authors are doing in terms of income, motivations, and challenges in 2022. All self published authors (and authors who do both self and traditional publishing) are invited to participate in the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V7SQFCJ It's anonymo…

I’m a bit put off by Mark Cuban's brag of spending no money on marketing for his new venture, relying totally on word of mouth. Authors may look at this successful billionaire, thinking they can spend no money or resources on marketing, too. Let me explain why this may not work. Blog: Does Word of Mouth Marketing Work for Books? http://hub.me/apf4i…

Pretty regularly, I come across a post from an author on social media where they’re crying about their low book sales. After reviewing many of these posts, I’d like to share some general observations about what ails these authors, their books, and their book sales. YouTube video: https://youtu.be/4MGWnxTayEY Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp…

Common videos on TikTok and Instagram are those showing creators packaging up arts, crafts, or book orders for their customers. Then there are the follow-up videos in which those customers unbox these orders, delighting in all the extra goodies and packaging they receive with their orders. I just cringe when I see these videos. Let’s discuss why ov…

Authors may have concerns about protecting their writing work, but want to build fans for their work, prior to publishing. Lots to unpack here! Blog: Protecting Your Book Idea While Building Fans Before Publishing http://hub.me/apd4Z YouTube video: https://youtu.be/MrzYr1tyB8M Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube): 0:…

Some customers will be disappointed with what they purchase, regardless of what you offer. Admit it, you’re not happy with everything you buy. I don’t fret that somehow my books or content are bad if they are returned for refund. Here’s why you shouldn’t worry about it either. Blog: Why You Shouldn't Worry About Returns and Refunds of Your Self Pub…

The audiobook market is still on an upward trajectory, with another year of double digit gains. But the audiobook industry is in somewhat of a practical and existential crisis with Google Play now offering self publishing of audiobooks using text-to-speech (TTS) robot voices. Let’s talk about what auto-narration is, how it will impact audiobooks, a…

Do you always have to get professional photos for your author headshots? Can you use selfies? Are there any rules for using photos in books? I share what you need to know about author headshot photos for your books. Blog: Author Headshot Photos: What You Need to Know http://hub.me/apako YouTube video: https://youtu.be/Kq0U_aO-ig4 Timestamp show not…

I'm known for saying that book covers aren't as important as authors think. But what if the book cover is the real value of the book, and not the writing in it? I discuss the emerging and disturbing "books as decor" trend and what it means for authors. YouTube video: https://youtu.be/o7ez2za_lJo Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segm…

If you self publish journal books on KDP, listen up! Kindle Direct Publishing has made some BIG changes to low content and journal publishing. I share the changes and what that means for you. Blog: What are Low Content Books? http://hub.me/amYE6 YouTube video: https://youtu.be/iFArTGMCGas Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on …

As you’re shopping on Amazon, you may have run across product pages that include additional photos and content to help promote the product. I don’t know about you, but I was puzzled about how it all worked… and kind of jealous since I’d love to have that capability for my books. This additional content is referred to as A+ Content on Amazon. It’s n…

Keywords are important for marketing your self published books on Amazon. But choosing the right keywords is not guarantee your books will sell. I explain why. Blog: Marketing Your Book on Amazon with Keywords http://hub.me/ap84A YouTube video: https://youtu.be/AixJm9hbhhc Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube): 0:16 A…

Can the format of your book affect what markets respond to your self published book? I discuss. Blog: Book Marketing Challenges of Self Published Books in Multiple Formats http://hub.me/ap7mp YouTube video: https://youtu.be/TZnFsUELjDw Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube): 0:15 Author concerns about marketing multipl…

What are those weird ISBN numbers anyway? What purpose do they serve? Do you really need them? I explain what you need to know about ISBN numbers. Blog: What is an ISBN Number? http://hub.me/alMTo Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube): 0:24 What is an ISBN number? 1:20 How did ISBN numbers get started? 2:00 Where do I…

I have to confess that I struggle constantly with the concept of goals. Yes, I’ve worked with coaches. I’ve read extensively in business and leadership literature on the topic. Tried all the tips and tricks. Yet, I just find myself consistently resisting officially setting goals. One of the often suggested panaceas for people like me is S.M.A.R.T. …

Having many years in and around trade shows and fairs, I’ll share some things I learned, and how it all applies, or doesn’t, to self published authors’ book marketing. Blog: Are Book Fairs and Trade Shows Worth Doing for Self Publishing? http://hub.me/ap460 YouTube video: https://youtu.be/phDx1tcu980 Timestamp show notes (click on time stamp to vie…

An obviously new author in an author group on social asked if opting into KDP Select would affect book sales. Well, yes, it can. Here’s how. YouTube video: https://youtu.be/weJS_lqkVeo Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube): 0:32 What is KDP Select? 3:01 Kindle Free Book Promotion issues 4:06 Kindle Countdown Deals issues…

Book marketing fails happen! As authors and creators, how do we get these things wrong? Have we really gotten them wrong? How to you drill down to find your real audience? I discuss and share examples. Blog: Self-Published Book Marketing Bloopers http://hub.me/ap3Id YouTube video: https://youtu.be/CxiawovJ_FM Timestamp show notes (click on timestam…

Find out what a video book trailer is, as well as best practices for them. And I share whether they're worth doing for self published books. Blog: Best Practices When Using Book Trailers for Book Marketing http://hub.me/ak8Mm YouTube video: https://youtu.be/oPnXtLSUHaI Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube): 0:59 What …

Wide distribution, sometimes referred to as expanded distribution, is a goal for many self published authors. But is it really possible... or even useful? Blog: Do You Really Want Mass Distribution for Your Self Published Book? http://hub.me/amJuq YouTube video: https://youtu.be/hURrelmwLQs Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment o…

Self published authors often ask for PR or social media help, not knowing what they're asking for or what they really need. As a former trade newspaper editor and trade show marketing manager, I share what you need to know about public relations for self published books. Blog: * Hiring PR Help for Your Self Published Book http://hub.me/ap1Bj * How …