kdp
Is offset printing worth it for a small print run in 2026?
Digital or offset? Indie authors must evaluate printing options carefully. Explore the pros and cons of each based on your unique needs.
thepublishingtimes.comEditorial
The Publishing Times
All the News That’s Fit to Publish
Blog · Publishing Intelligence
Publishing Intelligence & Guides
In-depth articles, how-to guides, and industry analysis for self-published authors.
Filtering by tag: #Self-Publishing · 100 articles · All articles
book-awards
‘Our third date was at Buckingham Palace’: Marlon James and Nicholas Boggs on life as a literary power couple
Marlon James and Nicholas Boggs reveal how their romance fuels their writing, amplifying Black queer voices and the importance of collaboration in storytelling.
industry
Full Review of the Amazon Kindle 2026 e-reader
The 2026 Amazon Kindle enhances reading experiences for authors and readers alike with faster performance. But are missing features a concern?
Industry Analysis
AI's Effect on Independent Book Distribution
How artificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape for indie authors and distributors.
industry
Crazy Love by Adam Roa
Adam Roa's poetry collection 'Crazy Love' invites readers into heartfelt explorations of intimacy and emotional depth. A must-read for indie authors!
Industry Analysis
The Kindle Plus Fiasco Proves the Desperate Fragility of Retail Gatekeepers
Amazon's clumsy rebrand of Kindle Unlimited to Kindle Plus has exposed a rotting digital infrastructure, leaving indie authors and readers to deal with the fallout.
kdp
Can you print a hardcover book with a dust jacket?
Learn how to print a hardcover book with a dust jacket and the essential steps indie authors should take to prepare for the process.
kdp
Can you print a coffee table book in a short run?
Explore the possibilities of printing coffee table books in short runs. Discover key steps and tips tailored for indie authors.
industry
Should Amazon Kindle e-readers have a USB Cable?
Amazon's Kindle e-readers are now missing a USB-C charging cable. Discover how this affects indie authors and the user experience for e-book readers.
industry
The Intersection by Jerry L. Woodbridge
Explore how emotional narratives, as seen in Jerry L. Woodbridge's *The Intersection*, deepen reader connections for indie authors.
industry
Guest Post — Defining Our Future: Reassessing What, How, and Why We Publish
Indie authors face a rapidly changing publishing landscape. Engaging in evolving conversations can open new doors and ensure their voices resonate.
Email Marketing
How to Build an Author Email List from Zero Without Paid Ads in 2026
For indie authors entering the publishing arena, the temptation to burn cash on Amazon Ads or Facebook campaigns is high.
Book Advertising
How to Lower Your Amazon Ads ACoS: Advanced Optimization Strategies for Indie Authors in 2026
To lower your ACoS, you must first understand the underlying mechanics of how Amazon's ad auction system evaluates your book listings.
Platform Comparisons
Amazon Ads vs BookBub Ads in 2026: Which Delivers Better ROI for Indie Authors?
Amazon Ads operates as a bottom-of-the-funnel retail search engine where users are actively looking for something to buy right now.
Book Advertising
Amazon Ads Automation for Authors: Is AI Bid Management Worth It in 2026?
Amazon Ads automation streamlines the process of managing advertising campaigns using AI.
industry
What is Kindle Mode on the new Alexa Tablets?
Kindle Mode on the new Amazon Alexa Tablets enhances reading with text adjustments and shopping features, a potential boon for indie authors.
industry
E-Reader companies are slow to adopt Android 16
E-reader companies are slow to adopt Android 16, impacting indie authors' e-book compatibility and performance. Here’s what it means for you.
publishing-news
IngramSpark Adds an Accessibility Evaluation Tool for Ebook Uploads
Every Spark account now gets an Accessibility Evaluation in the Book-Building Tool that flags missing alt text, table headers, vague links, heading order and broken navigation.
Reader Magnets
What Is a Reader Magnet? The Complete Guide for Indie Authors in 2026
Many indie authors make the mistake of focusing their marketing energy on rented land—social media algorithms that change overnight.
Author Marketing
How Indie Authors Use Market Intelligence Tools to Find Profitable Niches in 2026
Market intelligence tools serve as vital resources for indie authors, providing data-driven insights into reader behavior and market trends.
kdp
Your First Draft is Beautiful — Even if it is a Beautiful Mess
Grant Faulkner emphasises that first drafts, despite their imperfections, hold valuable insights for indie authors. Embrace the writing process!
Writing Craft
Writing a Satisfying Ending in 2026: How to Earn Your Story's Emotional Payoff
The emotional payoff of a novel is not a happy accident; it is the mathematical result of setup and execution.
industry
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.
book-awards
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.
industry
Amazon releases new Alexa Tablets
Amazon has unveiled its new Alexa Tablets, which run on Android 16 and access the Play Store, reshaping how readers and authors can engage with content.
kdp-strategy
KDP Free ISBN vs Buying Your Own: What Changes and When It Matters
KDP's free ISBN works only on KDP and lists the publisher as Independently published. An ISBN you buy shows your imprint and can be used with other printers. Kindle ebooks need no ISBN.
Email Marketing
Why Your Author Email List Is Not Growing in 2026: The Real Reason
For years, the standard advice given to indie authors was simple: write a great book, put a sign-up link at the back, and offer a free short story.
industry
How Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and Simon & Schuster Are Competing With Amazon in 2026
Amazon has anchored the digital book economy for well over a decade, capturing the lion's share of print, e-book, and audiobook sales through Amazon KDP and Aud…
industry
Literary Prizes 2026: Booker, Pulitzer, National Book Award — What Winning Means for Sales
Major literary awards have long been viewed as trophies for artistic achievement, but in the modern publishing ecosystem, they function as powerful commercial a…
industry
The Biggest Publishing Deals of 2026: Advances, Auctions, and What They Mean for Authors
The trade publishing landscape in 2026 is characterized by a stark polarization of capital.
Book Advertising
How BookAds AI Uses Machine Learning to Lower Your Amazon Ads ACoS in 2026
Average Cost of Sales (ACoS) measures the percentage of revenue spent on advertising.
book-awards
ESCAPE THE TRAPS
This guidebook shows self-published authors how to cultivate emotional presence and leadership, fostering authentic connections with readers.
book-awards
Book Review: ‘The Eye of Goliath,’ by Diego Muzzio
Diego Muzzio's 'The Eye of Goliath' offers rich insights for indie authors, exploring madness and character-driven narratives in a post-war setting.
industry
Will you buy any of the new Kindle 2026 e-readers?
Amazon’s 2026 Kindle release reshapes the e-reader scene, offering AI-driven features that indie authors must leverage for reader engagement.
Industry Analysis
The Hardcover Revolution: How Amazon KDP's Workflow Expansion Changes Everything
Amazon's rollout of the bulk print-ready hardcover workflow on KDP forces legacy publishers to finally reckon with indie agility.
industry
An Open Book with Mike Woodmansee
Mike Woodmansee's latest book invites readers to redefine wealth beyond mere financial success. Discover the true richness of life in his narrative.
author-organizations
Member Spotlight: Danielle Sullivan
Danielle Sullivan highlights the power of writing to connect people and shares strategies to overcome writer’s block, aiding self-published authors.
Book Advertising
How to Lower Your Amazon Ads ACoS: Advanced Optimization Strategies for Authors in 2026
To successfully lower your Advertising Cost of Sales (ACoS), you must first understand how it interacts with your net royalty margins.
Platform Comparisons
Amazon Ads vs BookBub Ads: Which Delivers Better ROI for Indie Authors in 2026?
Navigating the landscape of self-publishing requires a firm grasp of digital marketing tools. When evaluating [The Publishing Times](https://thepublishingtimes.
industry
David Shelley Promoted as Hachette Reshuffles Senior Leadership, Expands International Efforts
Hachette’s leadership reshuffle, including David Shelley’s promotion, hints at new opportunities for indie authors in the global market.
industry
Honor S3 is a Tiny e-reader to compete against Xteink
The Honor Life S3 is a new ultra-compact e-reader catering to reader's desire for portability. What does this mean for indie authors?
Industry Analysis
The Battle for Indie Print Dominance: PublishingXpress Versus BookBaby in 2026
As self-publishing matures, the battle for indie print dominance reaches a fever pitch. We look at how PublishingXpress and BookBaby stack up in 2026.
industry
How to Create an Author Brand Style Guide in 5 Easy Steps
Discover how to create an author brand style guide that ensures consistency and builds reader connections across all platforms.
author-resources
ALLi Pitches Its Indie Author Bookstore as a 7,000-Title Discovery Shelf for Readers
The Alliance of Independent Authors' bookstore lists about 7,000 member titles, takes no cut of sales and sends readers to each author's chosen retailer.
kdp-strategy
Where Authors Get Amazon KDP Policy News
Amazon’s own KDP Help pages and the notices inside a KDP account are the policy record. The Publishing Times explains those pages, with the official link, in a weekly Friday dispatch.
Book Advertising
Why Your Amazon Ads Are Not Converting in 2026: The Real Reason Most Authors Miss
Many indie authors log into their Amazon KDP dashboard, look at 50,000 impressions, and feel a surge of validation.
kdp-strategy
Amazon Extends Kindle eBook Pre-Orders to 18 Months
For Kindle eBook pre-orders created on or after September 2, 2026, Amazon KDP allows release dates up to 18 months out, softens first-miss penalties, and widens postponements.
book-awards
Doom Painting by AK Blakemore review – a dazzling epic of the Peasants’ Revolt
AK Blakemore's *Doom Painting* is a masterclass in narrative voice, captivating readers with rich language amid the Peasants' Revolt.
industry
Do You Really Need a Book Cover Designer in 2026?
As indie publishing evolves, the necessity of hiring a cover designer depends on your authorial ambitions. We explore the implications for you in 2026.
industry
Webcomics are winning over Gen Z
Webcomics are captivating Gen Z, with 80% preferring them to celebrities. This trend presents a golden opportunity for indie authors seeking engagement.
book-awards
Pulse
Maria Nazos's 'Pulse' explores complex relationships through evocative language, urging indie authors to infuse emotional depth into their poetry.
audiobooks
Spotify Opens Free Digital Narration for Indie Audiobooks
Spotify for Authors has opened Audiobook Creation Tools to U.S. self-published writers: turn an English EPUB into a digitally narrated title — free for up to five books.
Writing Craft
How to Write a Prologue That Hooks Readers in 2026: A Blueprint for Indie Authors
Many self-published books suffer from prologue syndrome: an unnecessary history lesson, an info-dump of world-building lore, or an overly poetic scene that has …
Industry Analysis
The 2026 Print Landscape: How KDP Authors Can Leverage Short-Run and Perfect Binding Innovations
Discover how the 2026 print landscape offers independent authors advanced short-run and perfect binding innovations to compete with legacy houses.
Author Marketing
AI and the Publishing Industry: How Major Publishers Are Using and Fighting Artificial Intelligence in 2026
The intersection of artificial intelligence and commercial publishing has created a complex landscape where traditional houses act as both eager adopters and fi…
industry
How to Get a Traditional Publishing Deal in 2026: Query Letters, Agents, and Advances
The publishing industry has undergone massive digital transformation over the last decade. While platforms like [Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.
Industry Analysis
The Physical Revolution: Why Niche KDP Print Formats Are Saving Memoir and Cookbook Publishing
Legacy houses ignored the physical details, but independent creators are leveraging niche KDP print formats to redefine memoirs and cookbooks.
industry
BookTok's Biggest Books of 2026: How Social Media Is Reshaping What Gets Published
The landscape of social reading has matured drastically since its breakout years. In 2026, BookTok is no longer a chaotic frontier of random breakout hits; it i…
industry
The State of Traditional Publishing in 2026: Big Five Mergers, Layoffs, and What Authors Need to Know
The traditional publishing ecosystem has undergone a radical structural transformation.
Industry Analysis
The Death of the Priesthood: Why Indie Book Awards Are Winning the War
Traditional literary gatekeeping is crumbling as indie book awards take center stage, validating self-published authors and rewriting the rules of industry prestige.
industry
Literary film and TV rights sales for indie authors in 2026: How Hollywood adapts books
For decades, the journey from a published book to a screen adaptation followed a rigid, traditional pipeline.
How-To Guides
How to Use CraveBooks, StoryOrigin, and BookFunnel Together for Maximum List Growth in 2026
The modern self-publishing landscape demands that indie authors own their direct audience rather than renting space on social media feeds or volatile retail alg…
Email Marketing
Author Email Deliverability in 2026: How It Works and Why It Matters for Indie Book Sales
Many indie authors confuse "delivery" with "deliverability." Delivery simply means that the receiving mail server (such as Gmail, Yahoo, or Apple Mail) accepted…
Industry Analysis
Navigating Niche KDP Markets: Why Specialty Print Guides Outperform General Fiction
General fiction on KDP is a bloodbath of vanity and low margins. Smart publishers are pivoting to specialty print guides for high-intent buyers.
Industry Analysis
The Untapped Goldmine: Why Niche Corporate and Community Book Printing is Saving Indie Authors
Forget algorithmic lottery tickets on Amazon. Smart self-publishers are cashing in on bespoke corporate and community book printing.
Industry Analysis
The Death of Broad Appeal and the Rise of Niche KDP Print Markets in 2026
Generalist publishing is gasping for air. In 2026, the real fortunes are built by authors dominating hyper-specific KDP print niches.
Industry Analysis
The Death of the Legacy Gatekeeper in Modern Fiction
Traditional publishing houses are clinging to an outdated monopoly on taste. It is time to dismantle the legacy gatekeeper for good.
Writing Craft
Satisfying Endings: How to Write a Book Conclusion That Earns Its Emotional Payoff in 2026
Every indie author knows the sinking feeling of reading a brilliant 80,000-word novel only to stumble through a rushed, confusing, or unearned conclusion.
Writing Craft
Deep Point of View: How to Write Fiction That Pulls Readers Inside Your Character's Head in 2026
Deep point of view represents a fundamental shift in how readers experience a novel.
Writing Craft
How to Write a First Chapter That Agents and Readers Cannot Put Down in 2026
Modern readers navigate an ocean of content, entertainment options, and digital distractions.
Platform Comparisons
How to Outline a Novel in 2026: 7 Proven Plotting Methods Compared
Indie publishing in 2026 demands velocity and consistency. Readers expect rapid-release series, and algorithms favor authors who publish multiple books per year…
Writing Craft
How to Write Compelling Dialogue That Sounds Natural and Reveals Character in 2026
Many debut indie authors make the fatal mistake of transcribing real-life speech onto the page.
Writing Craft
Show Don't Tell: The Complete Guide for Fiction Writers in 2026
The phrase "show, don't tell" has echoed through creative writing workshops for decades, yet its application remains one of the most elusive challenges for fict…
industry
What a Literary Agent Is Paid, and When You Are
The Authors Guild calls fifteen percent of gross standard on U.S. book and performance deals, and twenty percent when a foreign sub-agent is used. The AALA's archived canon sets the payment clock.
industry
Celebrity Book Deals 2026: Why Publishers Pay Millions for Memoirs That May Not Sell
The traditional publishing landscape has undergone a radical transformation. When major houses like Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and Simon & Schuster fo…
industry
ACX's Two Royalty Cards, and Spotify's Free Audiobook Tool
ACX's legacy table still shows 40% exclusive and 25% non-exclusive. As of May 26, 2026, the new model is 50% and 30%. Spotify's September 9 tool makes five English audiobooks free, non-exclusive.
industry
Hybrid Publishing in 2026: What It Is and Whether It's Right for Your Book
The hybrid publishing model sits directly between traditional publishing and independent self-publishing.
Tips & Lists
8 Author Marketing Tools That Work Seamlessly With BookFunnel in 2026
BookFunnel has long been the gold standard for secure file delivery, ARC distribution, and group promos.
industry
How Indie Authors Have Sold Film Rights in 2026: Real Success Stories and Strategies
The barrier between self-publishing and Hollywood has completely dissolved. In the past, studios relied exclusively on literary agents pitching Big Five manuscr…
Book Advertising
How to Lower Your Amazon Ads ACoS in 2026: Advanced Optimization Strategies for Authors
To effectively lower your ACoS (Advertising Cost of Sales), you must first master the mechanics of how Amazon's ad auction evaluates your book.
Industry Analysis
The Rise of Indie Book Awards and the Commercialization of Prestige
Pay-to-play accolades are transforming the literary landscape. We examine the commercialization of indie book awards and what it means for authors.
Platform Comparisons
Edelweiss+ vs NetGalley: Which ARC Platform Is Right for Your Book in 2026?
The modern self-publishing landscape demands rigorous preparation months before a title hits virtual shelves.
Platform Comparisons
Barnes & Noble Press vs Amazon KDP: The 2026 Indie Author Strategy Guide
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) remains the undisputed giant of the self-publishing industry.
Platform Comparisons
Amazon Ads vs BookBub Ads: Which Delivers Better ROI for Indie Authors in 2026?
When independent publishers evaluate promotional tools on platforms like [Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.
Platform Comparisons
Vellum vs Atticus for Book Formatting in 2026: Which Is Worth the Investment?
When you self-publish a book through platforms like [Amazon KDP](https://kdp.amazon.com), the interior design can make or break your professional credibility.
Platform Comparisons
MailerLite vs ConvertKit (Now Kit) for Authors: The 2026 Deliverability, Pricing, and Feature Showdown
For indie authors operating in today’s competitive publishing landscape, relying solely on Amazon algorithms or social media algorithms is a recipe for low roya…
Platform Comparisons
IngramSpark vs KDP Print: Which Print-on-Demand Service Is Better in 2026?
Print-on-demand (POD) technology has revolutionized the publishing industry, allowing indie authors to print physical books one copy at a time as customers orde…
Platform Comparisons
NetGalley vs StoryOrigin for ARC Distribution: An Honest Comparison (2026 Guide)
When indie authors plan a book launch, securing early editorial and reader reviews is the single most important pre-order conversion driver.
Platform Comparisons
BookFunnel vs StoryOrigin: Which Platform Should Indie Authors Use in 2026?
The self-publishing landscape has evolved dramatically over the last decade, making list-building a non-negotiable pillar of a sustainable author career.
Platform Comparisons
KDP Select vs Wide Publishing in 2026: The Complete Guide for Indie Authors
KDP Select is an optional 90-day enrollment program offered by Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.
Writing Craft
How to Write a Series Bible: The Complete Guide for Multi-Book Authors in 2026
Writing a standalone novel is an exercise in managing a single contained ecosystem, but scaling a multi-book universe introduces exponential complexity.
Book Advertising
Amazon Ads Keyword Harvesting: How AI Tools Find Profitable Long-Tail Keywords in 2026
The architecture of Amazon advertising relies on matching customer search queries to product metadata, categories, and explicit keyword bids.
Writing Craft
The Scene-Sequel Framework: How to Structure Every Scene for Maximum Tension in 2026
In the fast-paced reading environment of 2026, indie authors competing on Amazon KDP and Kindle Unlimited face unprecedented reader distraction.
Industry Analysis
The Format Revolution: Why Niche KDP Print Is Eating Legacy Publishing's Lunch
Standard paperbacks are yesterday's news. Smart KDP publishers are minting fortunes in puzzle books, hymn books, and hyper-targeted print formats.
Industry Analysis
The Death of the Generic Memoir and the Rise of Niche Memoir
Readers are ditching celebrity ghostwritten fluff for hyper-specific lived-experience guides. Here is why niche memoir is dominating modern publishing.
Author Marketing
The Sorites Paradox, the Heap Problem, and Why Vague Questions Make the Best Stories in 2026
The ancient Greek paradox of the heap, formulated by Eubulides of Miletus, asks a simple yet baffling question: If you have a heap of sand and remove one grain,…
Publishing Basics
What Is the Paradox of Identity? A Deep Dive for Curious Readers (2026 Edition)
The paradox of identity has fascinated thinkers since antiquity, from the Ship of Theseus to John Locke’s treaties on consciousness and memory.
Author Marketing
Artificial Intelligence Consciousness and the Chinese Room Argument in 2026
When philosopher John Searle first proposed the Chinese Room argument in 1980, he sought to refute "Strong AI"—the hypothesis that a computer running a program …
Author Marketing
The Ship of Theseus Paradox Explained: What It Means for Identity, Change, and Your Life in 2026
The legend of the Ship of Theseus is recorded by ancient writers like Plutarch. According to the myth, the Athenian hero Theseus returned from Crete on a ship f…
Reader Magnets
Why Your Reader Magnet Is Not Converting in 2026 (And How to Fix It in a Weekend)
When an indie author notices their landing page traffic is high but their subscriber count remains flat, the root cause is almost always friction or misalignmen…