Author Media Blog https://www.authormedia.com/ Help for authors timid about technology. Thu, 21 May 2026 20:17:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://i0.wp.com/www.authormedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cropped-android-chrome-512x512-1.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Author Media https://www.authormedia.com/ 32 32 181132956 Zeitgeist: Stories Made by People Who Hate Them https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-stories-made-by-people-who-hate-them/ https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-stories-made-by-people-who-hate-them/#respond Wed, 20 May 2026 20:00:54 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31505 Stories made by people who hate them: why faithful adaptations like Epic: The Musical earn billion-stream success while Hollywood's deconstructed reboots keep failing, and what authors can learn from the pattern.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-stories-made-by-people-who-hate-them/feed/ 0 31505 Amazon Review Purge: The Author Survival Guide https://www.authormedia.com/amazon-review-purge-the-author-survival-guide/ https://www.authormedia.com/amazon-review-purge-the-author-survival-guide/#respond Wed, 20 May 2026 19:54:13 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31492 Explore recent publishing news on imprint closures, bestseller challenges, and AI's influence on the future of books.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/amazon-review-purge-the-author-survival-guide/feed/ 0 31492 The Four Loves That Drive Fiction https://www.authormedia.com/the-four-loves-that-drive-fiction/ https://www.authormedia.com/the-four-loves-that-drive-fiction/#respond Thu, 14 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31466 Discover the four types of love in fiction that make readers fall in love with your book. Learn how storge, philia, eros, and agape drive stories from cozy mysteries to epic fantasy.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/the-four-loves-that-drive-fiction/feed/ 0 31466 Zeitgeist: Globalists vs. Nationalists: What the UK and Japanese Elections Tell Us About the Changing Culture https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-globalists-vs-nationalists-what-the-uk-and-japanese-elections-tell-us-about-the-changing-culture/ https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-globalists-vs-nationalists-what-the-uk-and-japanese-elections-tell-us-about-the-changing-culture/#respond Wed, 13 May 2026 14:05:27 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31462 Reform UK, Japan's landslide, and the AfD surge reveal a global culture war. Here's what the nationalist realignment means for your books and marketing.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-globalists-vs-nationalists-what-the-uk-and-japanese-elections-tell-us-about-the-changing-culture/feed/ 0 31462 Draft2Digital Confirms: Amazon Sales Reports Are Off by 50% https://www.authormedia.com/draft2digital-confirms-amazon-sales-reports-are-off-by-50/ https://www.authormedia.com/draft2digital-confirms-amazon-sales-reports-are-off-by-50/#respond Wed, 13 May 2026 13:58:53 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31454 KDP dashboard errors, Chrome's secret AI install, a Harvard prompting hack, the AI book flood, and how global nationalism is changing what readers want.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/draft2digital-confirms-amazon-sales-reports-are-off-by-50/feed/ 0 31454 15 Rules for Book Advertising with David Gaughran https://www.authormedia.com/15-rules-for-book-advertising-with-david-gaughran/ https://www.authormedia.com/15-rules-for-book-advertising-with-david-gaughran/#respond Wed, 06 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31295 Learn 15 book advertising tips to help you save money and increase your profits while attracting more readers.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/15-rules-for-book-advertising-with-david-gaughran/feed/ 0 31295 Zeitgeist: First Turning Noblebright vs. Second Turning Grimbright https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-first-turning-noblebright-vs-second-turning-grimbright/ https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-first-turning-noblebright-vs-second-turning-grimbright/#respond Tue, 05 May 2026 14:59:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31448 Thomas and Jonathan map classic films onto the Noble/Grim + Bright/Dark axis, the four-quadrant version of the Strauss-Howe generational turnings.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-first-turning-noblebright-vs-second-turning-grimbright/feed/ 0 31448 Audible Forces Every Title Into New Royalty Model https://www.authormedia.com/audible-forces-every-title-into-new-royalty-model/ https://www.authormedia.com/audible-forces-every-title-into-new-royalty-model/#respond Tue, 05 May 2026 14:27:36 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31428 Audible set a hard deadline for its new royalty model. The FTC fined a self-publishing guru $1.5M for fake promises. AI screeners favor AI-polished proposals over human ones. Independent bookstores are booming with 422 new openings. And science confirmed your TikTok breaks are wrecking your writing focus.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/audible-forces-every-title-into-new-royalty-model/feed/ 0 31428 Zeitgeist: Southern Poverty Law Center Indictment Exposes Alleged Fraud, Accelerates Vibe Shift on Racism Accusations https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-southern-poverty-law-center-indictment/ https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-southern-poverty-law-center-indictment/#respond Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:45:39 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31392 a federal grand jury in Montgomery, Alabama, indicted the Southern Poverty Law Center on April 21, 2026. The 11-count indictment charges the SPLC with six counts of wire fraud, four counts of false statements to a federally insured bank, and one count of conspiracy to commit concealment money laundering. 

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-southern-poverty-law-center-indictment/feed/ 0 31392 My Worst Takes & Mistakes Over 500 Episodes https://www.authormedia.com/my-worst-takes-mistakes-over-500-episodes/ https://www.authormedia.com/my-worst-takes-mistakes-over-500-episodes/#comments Wed, 29 Apr 2026 07:02:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31368 Discover advice for authors that has stood the test of time (and always will) and what advice you can cast off like a crumpled first draft.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/my-worst-takes-mistakes-over-500-episodes/feed/ 5 31368 Price Fixing at Amazon https://www.authormedia.com/price-fixing-at-amazon/ https://www.authormedia.com/price-fixing-at-amazon/#respond Mon, 27 Apr 2026 17:54:29 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31376 Amazon price-fixing emails unsealed by California's AG, a banned-book campaign that backfired into a bestseller, proposed copyright fee hikes, the latest AI model drops from OpenAI and Chinese rivals, new cover design tools from Author Media, and surprising data on where the money and readers actually are. Here's what it all means for your writing career.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/price-fixing-at-amazon/feed/ 0 31376 Zeitgeist: What Do Americans Consider Immoral? https://www.authormedia.com/what-do-americans-consider-immoral/ https://www.authormedia.com/what-do-americans-consider-immoral/#respond Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:27:57 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31352 Pew Research Center Survey Exposes Deep Divides in American Views on Morality Thomas: A Pew Research study just came out about what Americans view as moral and immoral. This matters for authors because every novel has a moral system. Actions have consequences in your fiction, and what those consequences are is governed by your moral framework […]

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/what-do-americans-consider-immoral/feed/ 0 31352 Amazon Kills Store Access for 2 Million Kindles https://www.authormedia.com/amazon-kills-store-access-for-2-million-kindles/ https://www.authormedia.com/amazon-kills-store-access-for-2-million-kindles/#respond Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:16:17 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31287 Draft2Digital levies a tax against the “poors,” Amazon kills millions of old Kindles and the Windows 10 Kindle app, and Barnes and Noble Press drops three policy bombs that could wipe your books from sale. Plus, an AI artist just hit number one on iTunes without a single human voice, Ukraine's robots won their first solo battle with zero casualties, and fresh Pew Research data maps exactly where your readers draw their moral lines.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/amazon-kills-store-access-for-2-million-kindles/feed/ 0 31287 Stop Guessing: How to Know If Your Book Marketing Is Working https://www.authormedia.com/stop-guessing-how-to-know-if-your-book-marketing-is-working/ https://www.authormedia.com/stop-guessing-how-to-know-if-your-book-marketing-is-working/#respond Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31265 Discover how to make your book marketing profitable by tracking your online and in-person marketing and advertising in a single dashboard.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/stop-guessing-how-to-know-if-your-book-marketing-is-working/feed/ 0 31265 Huge Legal Wins for Authors https://www.authormedia.com/huge-legal-wins-for-authors/ https://www.authormedia.com/huge-legal-wins-for-authors/#respond Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:16:36 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31271 The Supreme Court confirms you own your AI-assisted writing, a bestselling thriller author loses his entire YouTube channel to a copyright scam but gets it back, Amazon finally ends the practice that let counterfeiters slip fakes into your book sales, and for our zeitgeist segment we’ll analyze the new movie Project Hail Mary.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/huge-legal-wins-for-authors/feed/ 0 31271 Zeitgeist: Project Hail Mary Rockets Past $226 Million at Domestic Box Office https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-project-hail-mary-rockets-past-226-million-at-domestic-box-office/ https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-project-hail-mary-rockets-past-226-million-at-domestic-box-office/#respond Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:17:34 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31421 Project Hail Mary has crossed $430 million worldwide at the box office. Find out what its success reveals about what readers and want and how authors can connect.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-project-hail-mary-rockets-past-226-million-at-domestic-box-office/feed/ 0 31421 The Cultural Zeitgeist Shift That’s Making Indie Authors Rich https://www.authormedia.com/the-cultural-zeitgeist-shift-thats-making-indie-authors-rich/ https://www.authormedia.com/the-cultural-zeitgeist-shift-thats-making-indie-authors-rich/#comments Wed, 08 Apr 2026 06:55:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31221 Discover the cultural shift in zeitgeist that reflects the changing preferences of American readers.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/the-cultural-zeitgeist-shift-thats-making-indie-authors-rich/feed/ 2 31221 The Week Romance Died? Harlequin AI Deal + NY Times Bestseller Shake-Up https://www.authormedia.com/the-week-romance-died-harlequin-ai-deal-ny-times-bestseller-shake-up/ https://www.authormedia.com/the-week-romance-died-harlequin-ai-deal-ny-times-bestseller-shake-up/#respond Sat, 04 Apr 2026 21:14:15 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31234 Harlequin's AI micro-drama deal ignites author boycotts, a Wharton study warns of "cognitive surrender," and the NYT bestseller list drops mass market for new audiobook charts.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/the-week-romance-died-harlequin-ai-deal-ny-times-bestseller-shake-up/feed/ 0 31234 Zeitgeist: Capturing a Shifting Zeitgeist of Paranoia, Betrayal, and Disrupted Domestic Normalcy  https://www.authormedia.com/capturing-a-shifting-zeitgeist-of-paranoia-betrayal-and-disrupted-domestic-normalcy/ https://www.authormedia.com/capturing-a-shifting-zeitgeist-of-paranoia-betrayal-and-disrupted-domestic-normalcy/#respond Sat, 04 Apr 2026 13:27:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31316 The March 2026 K-lytics report on psychological and domestic thrillers paints a picture of a genre in explosive transition. What was once a niche reflects profound changes in consumer demand and the broader zeitgeist.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/capturing-a-shifting-zeitgeist-of-paranoia-betrayal-and-disrupted-domestic-normalcy/feed/ 0 31316 Apple’s Cheapest Laptop Ever: Should Authors Buy the MacBook Neo? https://www.authormedia.com/apples-cheapest-laptop-ever-should-authors-buy-the-macbook-neo/ https://www.authormedia.com/apples-cheapest-laptop-ever-should-authors-buy-the-macbook-neo/#comments Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31210 Discover which laptops give authors the best value for the money in 2026.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/apples-cheapest-laptop-ever-should-authors-buy-the-macbook-neo/feed/ 6 31210 Scientists Prove AI Is Rewriting Your Book When You’re Not Looking https://www.authormedia.com/scientists-prove-ai-is-rewriting-your-book-when-youre-not-looking/ https://www.authormedia.com/scientists-prove-ai-is-rewriting-your-book-when-youre-not-looking/#respond Mon, 30 Mar 2026 19:15:06 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31194 Is your freelance editor secretly using AI? This week on Author Update, we break down Mia Ballard's lawsuit against Hachette Book Group after they canceled her horror novel Shy Girl over AI allegations—she claims her editor introduced AI without permission. We analyze the Supreme Court's 9-0 decision that just made it harder for authors to fight book piracy, examine two groundbreaking studies proving AI tools rewrite your voice even during simple grammar checks, and explain why OpenAI shut down Sora and what Google's TurboQuant breakthrough means for the future of AI.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/scientists-prove-ai-is-rewriting-your-book-when-youre-not-looking/feed/ 0 31194 Zeitgeist: One Piece Passes Superman as Best-Selling Comic with 600 Million Copies  https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-one-piece-passes-superman-as-best-selling-comic-with-600-million-copies/ https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-one-piece-passes-superman-as-best-selling-comic-with-600-million-copies/#respond Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:56:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31419 One Piece has officially hit 600 million copies in circulation worldwide, matching and effectively surpassing Superman's nearly 90-year sales record in under 30 years.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-one-piece-passes-superman-as-best-selling-comic-with-600-million-copies/feed/ 0 31419 Your Friends Lied About Your Book Cover https://www.authormedia.com/your-friends-lied-about-your-book-cover/ https://www.authormedia.com/your-friends-lied-about-your-book-cover/#comments Wed, 25 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31120 Discover how to find a good book cover that attracts the right readers and drives clicks that lead to sales across all platforms.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/your-friends-lied-about-your-book-cover/feed/ 1 31120 The Anti AI Jihad Has Begun: Major Publisher Yanks Novel Over Proven AI Use https://www.authormedia.com/the-anti-ai-jihad-has-begun-major-publisher-yanks-novel-over-proven-ai-use/ https://www.authormedia.com/the-anti-ai-jihad-has-begun-major-publisher-yanks-novel-over-proven-ai-use/#respond Mon, 23 Mar 2026 16:23:46 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31157 Hachette just pulled a bestselling horror novel over AI writing accusations — and it's sending shockwaves through the publishing world. In this episode of Author Update, we break down the "Shy Girl" controversy and what it means for every indie and traditional author, the explosive 4 million books flooding Amazon in 2025 (a 39% surge in self-publishing), Scholastic's declining revenue and what it signals about the future of traditional publishing, the Bible reading boom led by millennial men, how to protect yourself from copyright troll shakedowns, and a deep dive into the K-Lytics Mystery/Thriller/Suspense report revealing techno thrillers are up 49% while assassination thrillers are crashing. Whether you're self-publishing on Amazon, navigating AI tools like Sudowrite and ChatGPT, pricing your ebook for maximum profit, or trying to spot the next hot genre trend, this is the publishing news, book marketing strategy, and cultural zeitgeist analysis authors need to stay ahead in 2026.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/the-anti-ai-jihad-has-begun-major-publisher-yanks-novel-over-proven-ai-use/feed/ 0 31157 Zeitgeist: Mystery Thriller Suspense K-Lytics Report https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-mystery-thriller-suspense-k-lytics-report/ https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-mystery-thriller-suspense-k-lytics-report/#respond Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:41:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31418 Kindle trends show that techno thrillers are up 49%. Find out what this says about current readers and publishers.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-mystery-thriller-suspense-k-lytics-report/feed/ 0 31418 17 Days Left: How to Claim Your $3,000+ From Anthropic’s $1.5B AI Copyright Settlement https://www.authormedia.com/17-days-left-how-to-claim-your-3000-from-anthropics-1-5b-ai-copyright-settlement/ https://www.authormedia.com/17-days-left-how-to-claim-your-3000-from-anthropics-1-5b-ai-copyright-settlement/#respond Sat, 14 Mar 2026 22:11:57 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31098 This week's highlights: Authors have only 17 days left to claim up to $3,000+ per book in the $1.5B Anthropic AI copyright settlement. YouTube's revenue now surpasses Disney, confirming the creator economy's dominance, a trajectory indie authors are mirroring. Amazon ended its Book Club and excluded authors from new AI ad tools.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/17-days-left-how-to-claim-your-3000-from-anthropics-1-5b-ai-copyright-settlement/feed/ 0 31098 Zeitgeist: Hormonal Birth Control May Quietly Change What Romance Readers Crave in Male Heroes https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-hormonal-birth-control-may-quietly-change-what-romance-readers-crave-in-male-heroes/ https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-hormonal-birth-control-may-quietly-change-what-romance-readers-crave-in-male-heroes/#respond Sat, 14 Mar 2026 14:23:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31416 Prescription medications are changing women's preferences, from who they find attractive to what kind of heroes they want to read in their fiction.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-hormonal-birth-control-may-quietly-change-what-romance-readers-crave-in-male-heroes/feed/ 0 31416 How I Fight Off Copyright Trolls Targeting My Blogs https://www.authormedia.com/how-i-fight-off-copyright-trolls-targeting-my-blogs/ https://www.authormedia.com/how-i-fight-off-copyright-trolls-targeting-my-blogs/#respond Sat, 14 Mar 2026 14:16:40 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31096 This article walks through several real-world encounters with copyright trolls targeting my blogs, how their schemes work, and the practical defenses I used to fight them off without paying. It also shows how DMCA registration, good licensing hygiene, AI tools, and fair use can become powerful shields for authors and bloggers. Key takeaways: The New […]

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/how-i-fight-off-copyright-trolls-targeting-my-blogs/feed/ 0 31096 Zeitgeist: White House Uses Video Game Hype to Market War to Young Men https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-white-house-uses-video-game-hype-to-market-war-to-young-men/ https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-white-house-uses-video-game-hype-to-market-war-to-young-men/#respond Wed, 11 Mar 2026 20:06:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31415 The Trump administration is selling the war very differently from past conflicts.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-white-house-uses-video-game-hype-to-market-war-to-young-men/feed/ 0 31415 Zeitgeist: AI Could Trigger an English Language Reset Like the Norman Conquest https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-ai-could-trigger-an-english-language-reset-like-the-norman-conquest/ https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-ai-could-trigger-an-english-language-reset-like-the-norman-conquest/#respond Wed, 11 Mar 2026 20:06:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31414 AI and tools like ChatGPT and Grammarly are fundamentally transforming the English language. This deep dive explores how AI writing is changing us.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-ai-could-trigger-an-english-language-reset-like-the-norman-conquest/feed/ 0 31414 Iranian Drones Destroy Amazon Data Centers, Amazon.com Goes Down https://www.authormedia.com/iranian-drones-destroy-amazon-data-centers-amazon-com-goes-down/ https://www.authormedia.com/iranian-drones-destroy-amazon-data-centers-amazon-com-goes-down/#respond Wed, 11 Mar 2026 14:30:03 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31078 Week Ending March 6, 2026 In this week’s Author Update, we unpack how world events are impacting your author business, Audible’s aggressive response to Spotify, why Substack may be quietly hurting your Google rankings, and whether Apple’s new $600 laptop could be a smart buy for writers. We also look at ChatGPT’s growing ability to […]

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/iranian-drones-destroy-amazon-data-centers-amazon-com-goes-down/feed/ 0 31078 Reader Magnets Are Dead? Why Most Reader Magnets Fail https://www.authormedia.com/reader-magnets-are-dead-why-most-reader-magnets-fail/ https://www.authormedia.com/reader-magnets-are-dead-why-most-reader-magnets-fail/#comments Wed, 11 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31065 Discover strategies to create a good reader magnet that will engage readers and boost your newsletter subscriptions.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/reader-magnets-are-dead-why-most-reader-magnets-fail/feed/ 1 31065 Your Author Toolbox: Part 2 https://www.authormedia.com/your-author-toolbox-part-2/ https://www.authormedia.com/your-author-toolbox-part-2/#comments Wed, 04 Mar 2026 08:02:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31005 Discover the best tools for writers to streamline your author business, or turn podcasts into optimized blog content with the powerful Novel Marketing Patron Toolbox suite.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/your-author-toolbox-part-2/feed/ 1 31005 Zeitgeist: Romance Dominates Kindle But Shows Signs of Maturing https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-romance-dominates-kindle-but-shows-signs-of-maturing/ https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-romance-dominates-kindle-but-shows-signs-of-maturing/#respond Tue, 03 Mar 2026 20:58:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31413 Highlights of the romance genre based on the new k-lytics report.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-romance-dominates-kindle-but-shows-signs-of-maturing/feed/ 0 31413 The Indie Whale Reader: How to Reach Readers Who Devour 100 Books a Year https://www.authormedia.com/the-indie-whale-reader-how-to-reach-readers-who-devour-100-books-a-year/ https://www.authormedia.com/the-indie-whale-reader-how-to-reach-readers-who-devour-100-books-a-year/#respond Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:20:57 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31021 Traditional publishing posts a December surge in the latest AAP StatShot, even as the broader market stays flat. We unpack new 2026 reader data, major AI-driven layoffs at Block, Spotify’s audiobook charts, Julia Quinn’s Kickstarter success, podcast growth, and key AI updates from Google and Cloudflare.

The post The Indie Whale Reader: How to Reach Readers Who Devour 100 Books a Year appeared first on Author Media.

]]> https://www.authormedia.com/the-indie-whale-reader-how-to-reach-readers-who-devour-100-books-a-year/feed/ 0 31021 Zeitgeist: AI as Metaphor: Corporations, Pagan Gods & the Managerial State https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-ai-as-metaphor-corporations-pagan-gods-the-managerial-state/ https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-ai-as-metaphor-corporations-pagan-gods-the-managerial-state/#respond Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:07:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31420 For the past 40 years, AI villains in fiction have been metaphors for the soulless managerial state that stripped human agency throughout the 20th century.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-ai-as-metaphor-corporations-pagan-gods-the-managerial-state/feed/ 0 31420 How to Become a Professional Writer With Joanna Penn https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-become-a-professional-writer-with-joanna-penn/ https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-become-a-professional-writer-with-joanna-penn/#comments Wed, 25 Feb 2026 08:02:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30952 Learn the mindset and approach to create a sustainable professional author business that appeals to readers and builds your career.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-become-a-professional-writer-with-joanna-penn/feed/ 1 30952 Zeitgeist: Conservative Art https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-conservative-art/ https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-conservative-art/#respond Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:35:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31411 Why do conservative and Christian authors struggle with creative fiction while Tolkien and C.S. Lewis created timeless classics? This video explores the critical difference between identity-based storytelling and character-driven narratives that resonate with readers.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-conservative-art/feed/ 0 31411 Indies Win! Harlequin to Close Historical Romance Line https://www.authormedia.com/indies-win-harlequin-to-close-historical-romance-line/ https://www.authormedia.com/indies-win-harlequin-to-close-historical-romance-line/#respond Mon, 23 Feb 2026 19:56:31 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30975 Supreme Court tariffs ruling, Harlequin exits historical romance, BookFunnel adds digital signings, and major AI shifts from ElevenLabs, Perplexity Pro, and Google’s new Web MCP reshaping audiobook production and SEO.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/indies-win-harlequin-to-close-historical-romance-line/feed/ 0 30975 Why Your Book Isn’t Selling: Metadata with Dave Chesson https://www.authormedia.com/why-your-book-isnt-selling-metadata/ https://www.authormedia.com/why-your-book-isnt-selling-metadata/#respond Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:02:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30921 Discover how metadata for books can significantly improve your book sales and visibility in online stores like Amazon.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/why-your-book-isnt-selling-metadata/feed/ 0 30921 Substack Breach: Author Information Compromised https://www.authormedia.com/substack-breach-author-information-compromised/ https://www.authormedia.com/substack-breach-author-information-compromised/#respond Tue, 17 Feb 2026 22:00:11 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30938 TikTok is back, but its algorithm retrain may disrupt BookTok, the author-targeted data breach, Amazon’s new DRM download option, soaring Bible sales, ChatGPT ads, Sanderson’s “we are the art” speech, and what the Super Bowl halftime shows reveal about today’s book buyers.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/substack-breach-author-information-compromised/feed/ 0 30938 Zeitgeist: Two Halftime Shows, One Nation: What the Super Bowl Split Says About American Readers https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-two-halftime-shows-one-nation-what-the-super-bowl-split-says-about-american-readers/ https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-two-halftime-shows-one-nation-what-the-super-bowl-split-says-about-american-readers/#respond Tue, 17 Feb 2026 20:42:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31412 The 2026 Super Bowl featured two competing halftime shows—the NFL's official Bad Bunny performance and Turning Point USA's alternative show with Kid Rock—and the streaming data reveals a seismic cultural shift that every author must understand about audience and platform.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-two-halftime-shows-one-nation-what-the-super-bowl-split-says-about-american-readers/feed/ 0 31412 How to Get a Professional Email Address https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-get-a-professional-email-address/ https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-get-a-professional-email-address/#respond Mon, 16 Feb 2026 08:08:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=26574 Your email address might be the first thing an agent or editor sees. Learn how to make a good first impression with your email address.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-get-a-professional-email-address/feed/ 0 26574 Zeitgeist: K-lytics Cozy Fantasy https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-k-lytics-cozy-fantasy/ https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-k-lytics-cozy-fantasy/#respond Fri, 13 Feb 2026 20:40:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31410 Cozy Fantasy is surging with unprecedented demand that far exceeds supply, creating a massive opportunity for authors who understand this genre shift.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-k-lytics-cozy-fantasy/feed/ 0 31410 How to Format a Book With Vellum https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-format-a-book-with-vellum/ https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-format-a-book-with-vellum/#respond Wed, 11 Feb 2026 08:06:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30883 Learn how Vellum can save you money, time, and headache when formatting your next book or reader magnet.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-format-a-book-with-vellum/feed/ 0 30883 Will OpenAI Claim Ownership of Your Royalties? https://www.authormedia.com/will-openai-claim-ownership-of-your-royalties/ https://www.authormedia.com/will-openai-claim-ownership-of-your-royalties/#respond Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:02:01 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30907 AI shocks publishing and tech: Claude 4.6 vs GPT-5.3 spark a $285B selloff, layoffs hit a 2009 high, Amazon cuts 30,000 jobs, Spotify expands into ebooks and print with Bookshop.org, indie ebooks arrive, a massive Substack breach, new KDP download options, and OpenAI’s controversial IP revenue-sharing idea.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/will-openai-claim-ownership-of-your-royalties/feed/ 0 30907 Ingram Goes to War With AI https://www.authormedia.com/ingram-goes-to-war-with-ai/ https://www.authormedia.com/ingram-goes-to-war-with-ai/#respond Wed, 28 Jan 2026 02:42:04 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30867 This week’s Author Update breaks down Ingram’s AI opt-out, Tor’s new imprint, a £50k Hachette prize, Amazon AI features, and why indie publishing is outpacing trad

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/ingram-goes-to-war-with-ai/feed/ 0 30867 Zeitgeist: Vibe Shift in Hockey https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-vibe-shift-in-hockey/ https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-vibe-shift-in-hockey/#respond Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:22:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31408 NHL Pride Drama VANISHES: The Vibe Shift Authors Need to Understand

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-vibe-shift-in-hockey/feed/ 0 31408 Author Taxes – A 2026 Guide to Avoiding Jail & Overpaying https://www.authormedia.com/how-authors-can-stay-out-of-jail/ https://www.authormedia.com/how-authors-can-stay-out-of-jail/#respond Wed, 21 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30834 Taxes for authors don’t have to trigger panic. Discover rules for bookkeeping and taxes and what common mistakes to avoid.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/how-authors-can-stay-out-of-jail/feed/ 0 30834 Zeitgeist: Fonts Get Political https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-fonts-get-political/ https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-fonts-get-political/#respond Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:06:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31405 U.S. government used Times New Roman. It is a traditional serif font. Under the Biden administration, the State Department switched its documents from Times New Roman to Calibri, a sans serif font.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-fonts-get-political/feed/ 0 31405 Zeitgeist: Record Breaking Bible Sales https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-record-breaking-bible-sales/ https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-record-breaking-bible-sales/#respond Tue, 20 Jan 2026 18:57:18 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31399 Bible sales have reached record highs in the United States and the United Kingdom.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-record-breaking-bible-sales/feed/ 0 31399 Copyright Termination and the Feds: What Just Happened to Authors https://www.authormedia.com/copyright-termination-and-the-feds-what-just-happened-to-authors/ https://www.authormedia.com/copyright-termination-and-the-feds-what-just-happened-to-authors/#respond Tue, 20 Jan 2026 16:55:57 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30848 OpenAI's announcement of ads coming to ChatGPT for free users (and what authors should do about it), a landmark federal court ruling that copyright termination rights now apply globally (potentially returning your foreign rights), record-breaking Bible sales that mask a crisis in Christian publishing, Julia Quinn's new romance subscription box strategy, and the surprising political battle over fonts that affects book design.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/copyright-termination-and-the-feds-what-just-happened-to-authors/feed/ 0 30848 Zeitgeist: Radical Islam Moves to Europe https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-radical-islam-moves-to-europe/ https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-radical-islam-moves-to-europe/#respond Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:08:37 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31362 The United Arab Emirates just banned Emirates from going to university in the UK out of fears that students are getting radicalized by the Islamic Brotherhood. 

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-radical-islam-moves-to-europe/feed/ 0 31362 AI Threats, Platform Changes & Cultural Shifts Authors Can’t Ignore https://www.authormedia.com/ai-threats-platform-changes-cultural-shifts-authors-cant-ignore/ https://www.authormedia.com/ai-threats-platform-changes-cultural-shifts-authors-cant-ignore/#respond Wed, 14 Jan 2026 16:56:07 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30823 Substack's controversial move into sponsored ads, Audible's new in-app video discovery features, scoring 2025 publishing predictions, the growing anti-AI movement, and major cultural zeitgeist shifts.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/ai-threats-platform-changes-cultural-shifts-authors-cant-ignore/feed/ 0 30823 Zeitgeist: Steak & Shake https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-steak-shake/ https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-steak-shake/#respond Wed, 14 Jan 2026 16:14:21 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31364 A fast-food company poised to do very well in the new zeitgeist. I was the fastest-growing fast-food company in the country last year.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-steak-shake/feed/ 0 31364 Productivity Secrets from Bestselling Author Jerry B. Jenkins https://www.authormedia.com/productivity-secrets-from-bestselling-author-jerry-b-jenkins/ https://www.authormedia.com/productivity-secrets-from-bestselling-author-jerry-b-jenkins/#comments Wed, 14 Jan 2026 08:02:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30805 Productivity tips for writers that will help you finish your book and find a sustainable writing pace for your career.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/productivity-secrets-from-bestselling-author-jerry-b-jenkins/feed/ 1 30805 What Authors Can Expect in 2026 https://www.authormedia.com/what-authors-can-expect-in-2026/ https://www.authormedia.com/what-authors-can-expect-in-2026/#respond Mon, 12 Jan 2026 19:36:45 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30793 Stay ahead of the author news and trends of 2026. Learn how new public-domain characters, AI in publishing, audiobooks, direct sales, and market shifts will impact your writing career.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/what-authors-can-expect-in-2026/feed/ 0 30793 Networking for Authors with Dale L. Roberts https://www.authormedia.com/networking-for-authors-with-dale-l-roberts/ https://www.authormedia.com/networking-for-authors-with-dale-l-roberts/#comments Wed, 07 Jan 2026 08:02:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30709 12 tips for networking with other authors to create mutually beneficial, long-term relationships.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/networking-for-authors-with-dale-l-roberts/feed/ 1 30709 Why Most Authors Don’t Need Social Media in 2026 https://www.authormedia.com/2022-social-media-marketing-guide-for-authors/ https://www.authormedia.com/2022-social-media-marketing-guide-for-authors/#comments Thu, 01 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=26474 Social media changes so quickly. Find out which platforms and strategies work for selling books in 2022.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/2022-social-media-marketing-guide-for-authors/feed/ 32 26474 The Five-Year Plan to Become a Professional Author  https://www.authormedia.com/the-5-year-plan-to-become-a-professional-author/ https://www.authormedia.com/the-5-year-plan-to-become-a-professional-author/#comments Wed, 31 Dec 2025 08:02:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30762 Discover a five year plan for writing a novel and how it helps aspiring authors build their craft, finish the book, and become a professional author.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/the-5-year-plan-to-become-a-professional-author/feed/ 3 30762 Reports Say 62% of New Paranormal Romance Titles Are AI Junk Books https://www.authormedia.com/reports-say-62-of-new-paranormal-romance-titles-are-ai-junk-books/ https://www.authormedia.com/reports-say-62-of-new-paranormal-romance-titles-are-ai-junk-books/#respond Sat, 20 Dec 2025 22:42:02 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30735 Why audiobooks now outsell eBooks, how AI is reshaping publishing, Barnes & Noble’s comeback, and the genre trends and tools authors need for 2026.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/reports-say-62-of-new-paranormal-romance-titles-are-ai-junk-books/feed/ 0 30735 Zeitgeist: Christmas Romance vs. Paranormal Romance https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-christmas-romance-vs-paranormal-romance/ https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-christmas-romance-vs-paranormal-romance/#respond Sat, 20 Dec 2025 15:59:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31358 Thomas Umstattd, Jr. and Jonathan Shuerger cover highlights from the K-lytics report showing trends in the Christmas and Paranormal romance genres.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-christmas-romance-vs-paranormal-romance/feed/ 0 31358 Amazon Quietly Changed Kindle Forever https://www.authormedia.com/amazon-quietly-changed-kindle-forever/ https://www.authormedia.com/amazon-quietly-changed-kindle-forever/#comments Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:47:33 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30712 In this episode of Author Update: Book bans, AI in your Kindle, audiobooks outselling everything, and Amazon quietly rewriting the rules.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/amazon-quietly-changed-kindle-forever/feed/ 1 30712 Zeitgeist: Female Readers & The Hero’s Journey https://www.authormedia.com/female-readers-the-heros-journey/ https://www.authormedia.com/female-readers-the-heros-journey/#respond Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:46:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31356 Is the hero's journey story arc different for male and female readers?

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/female-readers-the-heros-journey/feed/ 0 31356 The Savvy Author’s Guide to Picking an LLM https://www.authormedia.com/why-some-authors-are-ditching-chatgpt-entirely/ https://www.authormedia.com/why-some-authors-are-ditching-chatgpt-entirely/#comments Thu, 18 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30721 Discover which LLMs and AI tools are best for your writing and marketing processes, and how the tools compare to one another.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/why-some-authors-are-ditching-chatgpt-entirely/feed/ 1 30721 A Nonfiction Author’s Guide to Substack https://www.authormedia.com/a-nonfiction-authors-guide-to-substack/ https://www.authormedia.com/a-nonfiction-authors-guide-to-substack/#respond Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30684 Learn how nonfiction authors are using Substack to reach audiences and convert them into paying subscribers seamlessly.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/a-nonfiction-authors-guide-to-substack/feed/ 0 30684 Should You Create a Premium Hardcover Edition of Your Book? https://www.authormedia.com/should-you-create-a-premium-hardcover-edition-of-your-book/ https://www.authormedia.com/should-you-create-a-premium-hardcover-edition-of-your-book/#respond Wed, 03 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30674 Learn whether a premium book edition is the right choice for your book and how it can set you apart from all the AI-written content.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/should-you-create-a-premium-hardcover-edition-of-your-book/feed/ 0 30674 Amazon Algorithm Secrets That Separate Bestsellers from the Slush Pile https://www.authormedia.com/amazon-algorithm-secrets-that-separate-bestsellers-from-the-slush-pile/ https://www.authormedia.com/amazon-algorithm-secrets-that-separate-bestsellers-from-the-slush-pile/#comments Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30638 Explore the Amazon Book Recommendation Algorithm and learn how it impacts your book sales and visibility in the market.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/amazon-algorithm-secrets-that-separate-bestsellers-from-the-slush-pile/feed/ 2 30638 Christmas Book Marketing Guide https://www.authormedia.com/christmas-book-marketing-guide/ https://www.authormedia.com/christmas-book-marketing-guide/#comments Sat, 08 Nov 2025 15:41:01 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30614 Jonathan: Listen up. We’re starting with a situation report. An outfit called Claims Hero is telling authors to opt out of the 1.5 billion dollar Anthropic settlement. They promise a shot at a bigger payday, up to 150,000 dollars per title, but it means giving up your guaranteed three grand. We’ll break down whether this is […]

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/christmas-book-marketing-guide/feed/ 1 30614 The Shopify Trap: Why Authors Keep Losing Money https://www.authormedia.com/the-shopify-trap-why-authors-keep-losing-money/ https://www.authormedia.com/the-shopify-trap-why-authors-keep-losing-money/#comments Wed, 05 Nov 2025 08:05:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30536 Discover the best ecommerce platform for authors and several surprisingly good options for selling books directly to readers.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/the-shopify-trap-why-authors-keep-losing-money/feed/ 4 30536 Traditional Publishing in Crisis: Sales Down 9.4% https://www.authormedia.com/traditional-publishing-in-crisis-sales-down-9-4/ https://www.authormedia.com/traditional-publishing-in-crisis-sales-down-9-4/#respond Sat, 01 Nov 2025 02:14:27 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30534 Instead of a transcript, here are some rough notes. Let us know if you prefer this format or want to switch back to the longer fuller posts. Welcome to Author Update—your weekly dose of publishing news that actually matters to YOUR career.  This week we talk about how Traditional publishing sales are TANKING and multiple […]

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/traditional-publishing-in-crisis-sales-down-9-4/feed/ 0 30534 2025 Desktop Printer Guide for Authors https://www.authormedia.com/stop-wasting-money-on-ink-2025-printer-guide-for-authors/ https://www.authormedia.com/stop-wasting-money-on-ink-2025-printer-guide-for-authors/#comments Wed, 29 Oct 2025 07:01:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30499 Learn what kind of home printer an author needs and which one will get you the best bang for your buck.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/stop-wasting-money-on-ink-2025-printer-guide-for-authors/feed/ 6 30499 Zeitgeist: Davy Crockett King of the First Turning  https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-davy-crockett-king-of-the-first-turning/ https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-davy-crockett-king-of-the-first-turning/#respond Fri, 24 Oct 2025 19:27:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31117 America has had two kings and neither of them were Arthur. Our kings were Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier and Elvis Presley the king of Rock 'n' Roll.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-davy-crockett-king-of-the-first-turning/feed/ 0 31117 How to Publish Your Audiobook Through ACX https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-publish-your-audiobook-through-acx/ https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-publish-your-audiobook-through-acx/#comments Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30469 Get guidance, tips, and recommendations for publishing your audiobook on ACX with the highest quality at the best price.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-publish-your-audiobook-through-acx/feed/ 1 30469 Massive Amazon Algorithm Changes https://www.authormedia.com/massive-amazon-algorithm-changes/ https://www.authormedia.com/massive-amazon-algorithm-changes/#respond Fri, 17 Oct 2025 23:00:13 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30466 Thomas: Welcome to Author Update, your weekly dose of publishing news that actually matters to your career. This week we are breaking down Amazon’s massive algorithm changes. Some authors are panicked, some are excited. We will cover what changed, why your books may be dropping in rank, what to do about it, and three strategies to […]

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/massive-amazon-algorithm-changes/feed/ 0 30466 How to Build an Email List Before You Publish Your Novel  https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-build-an-email-list-before-you-publish-your-novel/ https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-build-an-email-list-before-you-publish-your-novel/#comments Wed, 08 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30430 Discover the many ways to grow your email list before you publish your book.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-build-an-email-list-before-you-publish-your-novel/feed/ 1 30430 US Copyright Office Closes | Book Piracy Drama | Anthropic Settlement Website Goes Live https://www.authormedia.com/us-copyright-office-closes-book-piracy-drama-anthropic-settlement-website-goes-live/ https://www.authormedia.com/us-copyright-office-closes-book-piracy-drama-anthropic-settlement-website-goes-live/#respond Fri, 03 Oct 2025 22:38:17 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30444 Jonathan Shuerger: We’ve got a packed episode that could impact your writing career in ways you may not have considered. The Anthropic settlement website is live, and authors are finally getting answers about whether they are in this class action. Here is the big question nobody is talking about: do your agents get a cut of […]

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/us-copyright-office-closes-book-piracy-drama-anthropic-settlement-website-goes-live/feed/ 0 30444 Triple Your Writing Speed with Dictation https://www.authormedia.com/triple-your-writing-speed-with-dictation/ https://www.authormedia.com/triple-your-writing-speed-with-dictation/#comments Wed, 01 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30414 For authors, dictation can skyrocket writing speed. Find out which tools and strategies will help you master the skill and write faster.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/triple-your-writing-speed-with-dictation/feed/ 3 30414 Author Update: Judge Approves Anthropic $3K Author Payments, NaNoWriMo Replacement, & Scam Warning https://www.authormedia.com/author-update-judge-approves-anthropic-3k-author-payments-nanowrimo-replacement-scam-warning/ https://www.authormedia.com/author-update-judge-approves-anthropic-3k-author-payments-nanowrimo-replacement-scam-warning/#respond Sat, 27 Sep 2025 00:25:32 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30406 Thomas: Welcome to Author Update. We have a massive episode packed with breaking news that could put real money in your pocket, especially if you have older books. We will also expose a dangerous book club and review scam that you may have already encountered. And we will explore how Novel November is stepping up to […]

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/author-update-judge-approves-anthropic-3k-author-payments-nanowrimo-replacement-scam-warning/feed/ 0 30406 How to Boost Sales With Permafree Books https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-boost-sales-with-permafree-books/ https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-boost-sales-with-permafree-books/#respond Wed, 24 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30375 Discover how giving a book away might actually boost sales. Learn to use a permafree book to drive sales, grow your list, or book events.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-boost-sales-with-permafree-books/feed/ 0 30375 Amazon KU Books Allowed in Public Libraries, TikTok Deal, and Cancel Culture https://www.authormedia.com/amazon-ku-books-allowed-in-public-libraries-tiktok-deal-and-cancel-culture/ https://www.authormedia.com/amazon-ku-books-allowed-in-public-libraries-tiktok-deal-and-cancel-culture/#respond Fri, 19 Sep 2025 22:55:04 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30391 Thomas: Welcome to Author Update! We have a major policy shift. Amazon KDP has confirmed that Kindle Unlimited books can be offered to public libraries. We covered this earlier, and now we have confirmation. We will also discuss what the TikTok deal from this morning means for authors, and a massive cultural zeitgeist shift unfolding right […]

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/amazon-ku-books-allowed-in-public-libraries-tiktok-deal-and-cancel-culture/feed/ 0 30391 Thomas’s Office Tour & 4th Wall Breach https://www.authormedia.com/thomass-office-tour-4th-wall-breach/ https://www.authormedia.com/thomass-office-tour-4th-wall-breach/#comments Wed, 17 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30318 Get the much anticipated tour of Thomas's office, complete with a run-down of the books on his shelves that best absorb sound.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/thomass-office-tour-4th-wall-breach/feed/ 5 30318 Christian Author Assassinated, MailerLite Limits Free Plan, & Kit Raise Prices https://www.authormedia.com/christian-author-assassinated-mailerlite-limits-free-plan-kit-raise-prices/ https://www.authormedia.com/christian-author-assassinated-mailerlite-limits-free-plan-kit-raise-prices/#respond Fri, 12 Sep 2025 22:48:44 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30364 Thomas: Welcome back to Author Update, everybody. Today we’re going to talk about Charlie Kirk, a Christian author who was shot while giving a speech to his audience. We also have publishing news. MailerLite is reducing its free plan, Kit is raising prices, and the Wheel of Time rights are reverting. We have more to cover, […]

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/christian-author-assassinated-mailerlite-limits-free-plan-kit-raise-prices/feed/ 0 30364 How to Get More Book Reviews With Joe Walters  https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-get-more-book-reviews/ https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-get-more-book-reviews/#comments Wed, 10 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30327 Find out why more book reviews matter, how ratings differ from reviews, and how to get more of both to increase visibility and sales.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-get-more-book-reviews/feed/ 5 30327 Anthropic to Pay Authors $3000 Per Book, Zeitgeist, and Author Arrested for Tweets https://www.authormedia.com/publishing-copyright-fails-zeitgeist-and-author-arrested-for-tweets/ https://www.authormedia.com/publishing-copyright-fails-zeitgeist-and-author-arrested-for-tweets/#respond Mon, 08 Sep 2025 16:26:30 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30338 Breaking News: Anthropic Settlement Thomas: Welcome to Author Update! We have some breaking news for you, but first, I’m Thomas Umstattd Jr. And I’m Jonathan Shuerger. And what’s our breaking news? Jonathan: Today we’re gonna be talking about, just came out 10 minutes ago, the details of the Anthropic settlement. According to Publisher’s Lunch, Anthropic […]

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/publishing-copyright-fails-zeitgeist-and-author-arrested-for-tweets/feed/ 0 30338 Zeitgeist: Mary Poppins: From Grimbright to Nobledark https://www.authormedia.com/the-mary-poppins-zeitgeist-from-grimbright-to-nobledark/ https://www.authormedia.com/the-mary-poppins-zeitgeist-from-grimbright-to-nobledark/#respond Fri, 05 Sep 2025 18:48:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=31114 his conversation unpacks how stories reflect cultural “turnings” in the zeitgeist, using Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh, Marines in wartime, and superhero tales as case studies.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/the-mary-poppins-zeitgeist-from-grimbright-to-nobledark/feed/ 0 31114 The Author’s Guide to AI with Joanna Penn https://www.authormedia.com/the-authors-guide-to-ai-with-joanna-penn/ https://www.authormedia.com/the-authors-guide-to-ai-with-joanna-penn/#comments Wed, 03 Sep 2025 07:03:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30310 Discover how authors use AI to gain more time for creative writing and how you can get useful output instead of bland AI slop.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/the-authors-guide-to-ai-with-joanna-penn/feed/ 1 30310 New International Shipping Rules Hit Authors and Libraries Acquire KU Books? https://www.authormedia.com/new-international-shipping-rules-hit-authors-and-libraries-acquire-ku-books/ https://www.authormedia.com/new-international-shipping-rules-hit-authors-and-libraries-acquire-ku-books/#respond Fri, 29 Aug 2025 23:07:35 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30305 Thomas: This is Author Update and we’ve got a jam packed episode for you today. We have some breaking news. The White House is changing the international shipping rules and they will go into effect today and they may affect you as an author. We’ll break down exactly what it means and what you need […]

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/new-international-shipping-rules-hit-authors-and-libraries-acquire-ku-books/feed/ 0 30305 When to Ignore Your Editor https://www.authormedia.com/when-to-ignore-your-editor/ https://www.authormedia.com/when-to-ignore-your-editor/#comments Wed, 27 Aug 2025 07:06:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30287 Discover 7 issues authors must beware of when getting editorial suggestions from humans or AI and when to ignore or accept the feedback.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/when-to-ignore-your-editor/feed/ 3 30287 Spotify Revolutionizes Audiobooks & George R.R. Martin Told To Step Down https://www.authormedia.com/spotify-revolutionizes-audiobooks-george-r-r-martin-told-to-step-down/ https://www.authormedia.com/spotify-revolutionizes-audiobooks-george-r-r-martin-told-to-step-down/#comments Fri, 22 Aug 2025 20:22:53 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30303 Thomas: Spotify revolutionizes audiobooks, George R. R. Martin is told to step down and hand his books to somebody else, and are we in an AI bubble? Find out all of this and a lot more in today’s episode of Author Update. I’m Thomas Umstattd Jr. Jonathan: And I’m Jonathan Shuerger Jr. And today I […]

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/spotify-revolutionizes-audiobooks-george-r-r-martin-told-to-step-down/feed/ 1 30303 The End of Rapid Release? https://www.authormedia.com/the-end-of-rapid-release/ https://www.authormedia.com/the-end-of-rapid-release/#respond Sat, 16 Aug 2025 00:02:52 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30307 Thomas: Is rapid release coming to an end? Will authors end all of AI in an epic class action battle? Is ChatGPT really worse than ChatGPT 4? Is ChatGPT 5 really worse than ChatGPT 4? Find out all of this and more in Author Update. I’m Thomas Sumpstat Jr. Jonathan: And I’m Jonathan Sugar and […]

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/the-end-of-rapid-release/feed/ 0 30307 Announcing the 2026 Novel Marketing Conference https://www.authormedia.com/announcing-the-2026-novel-marketing-conference/ https://www.authormedia.com/announcing-the-2026-novel-marketing-conference/#comments Wed, 13 Aug 2025 07:02:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30267 Find out what makes the 2026 Novel Marketing Conference unique and find out how you can join us.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/announcing-the-2026-novel-marketing-conference/feed/ 4 30267 How to Get Started with Author School Visits and Make Your Book Playground Famous https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-get-started-with-author-school-visits-and-make-your-book-playground-famous/ https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-get-started-with-author-school-visits-and-make-your-book-playground-famous/#comments Wed, 06 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30255 Selling books for kids is a challenge. Discover how you can connect with young readers, positively impact schools, and sell more books.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-get-started-with-author-school-visits-and-make-your-book-playground-famous/feed/ 1 30255 Audible Reduces Author Royalties, Trad Sales Plummet While Indie Sales Soar https://www.authormedia.com/audible-reduces-author-royalties-trad-sales-plummet-while-indie-sales-soar/ https://www.authormedia.com/audible-reduces-author-royalties-trad-sales-plummet-while-indie-sales-soar/#comments Sat, 02 Aug 2025 18:54:22 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30247 Audible’s New Royalty Model Thomas Umstattd Jr. welcomes viewers to Author Update, joined by Jonathan Shuerger. Their lead story concerns significant changes to Audible’s royalty structure. According to information from Robin Sullivan (wife of author Michael J. Sullivan), Audible has implemented a new royalty model in July 2024. While they’re advertising higher rates—50% for exclusive […]

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/audible-reduces-author-royalties-trad-sales-plummet-while-indie-sales-soar/feed/ 1 30247 Zeitgeist, Dystopian Fatigue, and the Rise of Ruthless & Noble Heroes   https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-dystopian-fatigue-and-the-rise-of-ruthless-noble-heroes/ https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-dystopian-fatigue-and-the-rise-of-ruthless-noble-heroes/#comments Wed, 30 Jul 2025 07:02:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30232 Explore the cultural vibe shift reshaping reader preferences and learn what sells now and where fiction is headed next.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/zeitgeist-dystopian-fatigue-and-the-rise-of-ruthless-noble-heroes/feed/ 3 30232 How to Sell 1,000 Books a Month https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-sell-1000-books-a-month/ https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-sell-1000-books-a-month/#comments Wed, 23 Jul 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30209 Learn how to improve your book sales with proven strategies for selling 1,000 books a month through layered marketing, podcasts, and more.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-sell-1000-books-a-month/feed/ 1 30209 How to Work With a PR Firm to Promote Your Book https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-work-with-a-pr-firm-to-promote-your-book/ https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-work-with-a-pr-firm-to-promote-your-book/#comments Wed, 16 Jul 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30175 Publicity has always been important for authors. Find out which media outlets are most useful to authors in 2025.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-work-with-a-pr-firm-to-promote-your-book/feed/ 1 30175 What does ChatGPT Actually Know About Your Book? https://www.authormedia.com/what-does-chatgpt-actually-know-about-your-book/ https://www.authormedia.com/what-does-chatgpt-actually-know-about-your-book/#respond Wed, 09 Jul 2025 07:06:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30161 Do the most popular AI tools know about your book? Do they know enough to recommend it to readers? Discover how to find out if they do.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/what-does-chatgpt-actually-know-about-your-book/feed/ 0 30161 How to Create Sales Optimized Book Pages for Your Author Website https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-create-sales-optimized-book-pages-for-your-author-website/ https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-create-sales-optimized-book-pages-for-your-author-website/#comments Wed, 25 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30076 Discover why a website book page is vital for authors and how to design an effective page that captivates and helps readers and AI alike.

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-create-sales-optimized-book-pages-for-your-author-website/feed/ 7 30076 TikTok, Iran, and AI: What Authors Need to Know Now https://www.authormedia.com/how-the-iran-strikes-affect-the-author-world/ https://www.authormedia.com/how-the-iran-strikes-affect-the-author-world/#respond Mon, 23 Jun 2025 19:56:15 +0000 https://www.authormedia.com/?p=30100 Welcome to the Summer Solstice edition of Author Update, where co-hosts Thomas Umstattd, Jr. and Jonathan Shuerger unpack the headlines that matter to authors—from global conflicts to algorithm updates. In this jam-packed episode, they dig into the TikTok ban, the war in Iran, surging antisemitism, AI-powered tools, book piracy, and whether nonfiction authors should be […]

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]]> https://www.authormedia.com/how-the-iran-strikes-affect-the-author-world/feed/ 0 30100