Author Earnings & Careers
Coming soon: Better Audible royalty terms for indie authors because of Brandon Sanderson
Sanderson was able to bring Audible to the table to negotiate new terms not just for him, but for all self-publishing authors.
IMHO: Authors Equity Is for the Elite, Not for You
The new publisher looks positioned to offer top authors a bespoke experience. How will they do with unknown authors? Will they take unknowns? We’ll see.
Confronting Sophomore Syndrome as a Published Author
On the release of her sophomore novel, one year after her debut, a writer reflects on what she’s learned about the business of authorship.
IMHO: Spotify Earnings for Authors Aren’t Bad (Yet)
A reality check on inconsistent, incomplete, and misleading commentary.
Earn Six Figures as a Writer With This One Weird Trick
Literary citizenship—freely sharing your knowledge with those in need—can reap substantial rewards for authors and editors.
IMHO: The Most Interesting Parts of the Authors Guild Income Survey
One key takeaway: There isn’t a clear financial advantage to traditional publishing for commercial fiction. Another takeaway: author hustle matters.
The Authors Guild releases a new author income survey
Those familiar with past Authors Guild income surveys may be tempted to write off this latest edition, but it’s worth a closer look.
Overlooked: Kindle Unlimited increases monthly subscription price by $2
In May 2023, Amazon raised prices on Kindle Unlimited from $9.99 per month to $11.99 per month for readers.
Pay Yourself to Write
Today is the day you start building financial habits to acknowledge the inherent monetary worth of your writing.
SAG-AFTRA goes on strike alongside the WGA
Primary concerns are like those of the WGA: the problematic economics of streaming and the use of AI.
Findaway Voices eliminates distribution fee on Spotify sales
As of May 1, Findaway Voices has eliminated its 20 percent distribution fee for audiobooks purchased on Spotify; authors will
IMHO: New Author Earnings Survey Offers Needed Counterbalance to Traditional Doom & Gloom
ALLi offers insights into the often-ignored self-publishing market.
Kindle Unlimited payout significantly dwindles in March 2023
Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited payouts to self-published authors—determined after the reading takes place—took a recent nosedive.
Does ChatGPT violate copyright law? If so, what’s to be done about it?
Whether or not AI-generated content becomes copyrightable skirts the issue of whether the tools themselves are committing infringement.
Authors Who’ve Launched Their Careers on TikTok
Here’s how two self-published authors have been successful in their marketing and promotion efforts on TikTok.
The Business Skill I Wish I Could Grant to All Writers
Writers often view themselves as without power, but you can’t wait for permission or the “right time” to negotiate a better deal for yourself.
How Authors Can Sell Books Direct to Reader
One author builds profitable direct sales using Shopify, ThriveCart, and BookFunnel.
ACX announces reduced prices for audiobooks
ACX, a service used by self-publishing authors to distribute and sell audiobooks on Audible, recently emailed creators about price changes.
Authors Guild files suit against Authors’ Place Press
Authors’ Place Press, a small, US-based independent publisher, is accused of failing to pay royalties or send royalty statements.
Linktree rolls out Payment Lock (still in beta)
The new feature, for pro tier users only, allows you to turn any story, photo, or video file into something people have to pay for online.
A big victory for authors: Amazon modifies ebook returns policy
Earlier this year, a viral TikTok post sparked an online petition by authors demanding that Amazon change its returns policy.
Author Spotlight: Meg Medina Must Change Gears Like Her Fictional Character
The author’s new hardcover book won’t be stocked by Barnes & Noble. She understands the business plight of the chain, but worries about collateral damage to authors and young readers alike.
Barnes & Noble Focuses on Profitable Backlist, Creating Concern for New Titles
The US chain plans to stock fewer hardcovers‚ especially children’s titles, which will force publishers and authors to re-evaluate their publishing and marketing strategies.
Trendspotting: The Challenges of the Midlist Author
Publishers are often accused of insufficiently supporting their midlist authors. The situation may be worse than usual.
IMHO: Your Readers Don’t Yet Care about NFTs
Barriers to widespread adoption of NFTs include cryptocurrency, environmental concerns, transaction fees, and poorly defined value to the reader.