Calibre added support for reading images in the AVIF format
Goodreads finally supports both half-star ratings
Google launched Expert Intelligence on Google Play Books
Spotify Audiobooks is expanding like crazy in 2026
Can wire-o bound books lie completely flat?
How long does wire-o binding take to produce?
How many pages can wire-o binding handle?
IN MY OWN TIME x Exclusive Excerpt
Protected: Vine of Hearts | Meet Julie Soto!
Audible will launch in new countries in 2027
The publishing industry's daily broadsheet: news, analysis and intelligence for Big Five publishers, literary agents, indie presses and self-publishing authors.
Latest from the desk
Calibre added support for reading images in the AVIF format
Calibre's new support for AVIF format allows indie authors to create more visually appealing book covers, improving quality and reducing file sizes.
DOSED?
Explore how the memoir Dosed? combines dual perspectives and humor to engage readers with deep emotional stories about love and life.
Big Five Staff Tell WIRED AI Is Quietly Writing Publicity Copy and Agent Emails
WIRED reports that HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster and Hachette staff are using LLMs for publicity copy, agent emails and marketing, often at executives' urging.
Indie Authors Can Now Advertise Audiobooks on Amazon, and ACX Adds Self-Service Pre-Orders
ACX says rights holders can now set audiobook pre-orders and run Amazon Sponsored Products ads on verified audiobook titles in the US, plus free promo cards.
Goodreads finally supports both half-star ratings
Goodreads has introduced half-star ratings, allowing readers to provide more nuanced feedback on books, which can benefit indie authors seeking better engagement.
Google launched Expert Intelligence on Google Play Books
Google Play Books' new Expert Intelligence feature allows indie authors to create interactive content, enhancing reader engagement and visibility.
THE PHANTOM REFLEX
'The Phantom Reflex' inspires indie authors to blend supernatural themes with mystery. Discover tips for clarity and captivating twists in your own writing.
This Week in Self-Publishing — October 10, 2026
Stay ahead in indie publishing with our October 10, 2026 digest. Expert analysis, Google Play Books updates, Spotify expansion, and indie book reviews.
Bonnier Books Danmark Buys Copenhagen Digital-First Publisher Jentas Books
Bonnier Books Danmark has agreed to buy Jentas Books, a Copenhagen publisher of crime, thrillers and popular fiction known for audiobooks and e-books. No price was given.
Gaza Playwright Ali Abu Yasin Named 2026 PEN Pinter Writer of Courage
Jacqueline Rose, winner of the 2026 PEN Pinter Prize, chose Palestinian playwright and actor Ali Abu Yasin as her co-winner at the British Library on October 8.
Must Read Magazines Pauses Story-Based Cover Art Contracts After Artists Reject Its Terms
After artists John Picacio and Donato Giancola went public over Asimov's cover contracts, owner Must Read Magazines says it will pause story-based cover commissions.
The Ear Conquers All: Audiobooks, AI, and the New Discovery Funnel
Audiobooks are no longer just an alternative format; they are the ultimate discovery engine for modern publishing, supercharged by the rise of AI narration.
Publishing news wire
DOSED?
Use dual perspectives and fleet pacing to keep personal memoirs engaging.
So You Want To Be A Mathematician
Craft educational children's books that connect early curiosity to real careers.
Calibre added support for reading images in the AVIF format
Adopt AVIF format for book covers to improve quality and reduce file size.
The Truth of Who You Are: A Story About Belonging
Write relatable stories that empower readers to embrace their unique traits.
The Real Shock
Leverage real-world events and recurring characters to build a compelling and marketable middle-grade book series.
Unresolved Conflicts
Craft a cohesive narrative by exploring your personal experiences in your writing.
That Love Has Turned Into A Career
Draw from your unique career background to craft original story premises.
Big Five Staff Tell WIRED AI Is Quietly Writing Publicity Copy and Agent Emails
WIRED reports that HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster and Hachette staff are using LLMs for publicity copy, agent emails and marketing, often at executives' urging.
Indie Authors Can Now Advertise Audiobooks on Amazon, and ACX Adds Self-Service Pre-Orders
ACX says rights holders can now set audiobook pre-orders and run Amazon Sponsored Products ads on verified audiobook titles in the US, plus free promo cards.
Unwritten Rules
Develop a strong author identity to effectively market your books and connect with your audience.
Magical Experience
Develop your characters' abilities to enrich the journey and maintain reader interest.
I Felt A Calling And Responsibility
Embrace your cultural roots to enrich your writing and engage readers.
Tiny Gifts
Incorporate personal experiences and societal themes to connect with your audience.
I Aim For Entertainment
Draw on unique life experiences to craft high-concept premises that captivate readers.
Grief Is Lonely
Share your authentic story to connect deeply with readers and foster community support.
Book Review: ‘Weimar Germany,’ by Victor Sebestyen
Book Review: ‘Weimar Germany,’ by Victor Sebestyen
Should You Put Your Books in the Freezer?
Should You Put Your Books in the Freezer?
Book Review: ‘Voice of a Century,’ by Anthony Tommasini
Book Review: ‘Voice of a Century,’ by Anthony Tommasini
Have Rachel Cusk’s Novels Lost the Plot?
Have Rachel Cusk’s Novels Lost the Plot?
Goodreads finally supports both half-star ratings
Encourage readers to rate your book using half-stars for more precise feedback.
‘People forgot I existed’: Audrey Niffenegger on taking 14 years to write a sequel to The Time Traveler’s Wife
‘People forgot I existed’: Audrey Niffenegger on taking 14 years to write a sequel to The Time Traveler’s Wife
THE PHANTOM REFLEX
Explore supernatural elements to add depth and intrigue to your storytelling.
Google launched Expert Intelligence on Google Play Books
Leverage Google's new tools to create engaging content and boost your book's reach.
Spotify Audiobooks is expanding like crazy in 2026
Explore distribution options on Spotify to capitalize on rising audiobook demand.
Is This All A Simulation?
Incorporate complex themes to enrich your narrative and engage readers.
A Whole New Meaning
Incorporate popular film themes to engage readers and enhance storytelling.
Experiences Accumulate and Shape Us
Incorporate personal experiences and emotions to create relatable and impactful narratives.
Their Shared Determination
Incorporate real-life experiences to enhance authenticity in your storytelling.
Murder Amour
Craft compelling characters to deepen the reader's connection to your story.
Aletheia
Aletheia