Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers 2025: Year in Review for Authors - Part I
Dec 9, 2025
Douglas Pratt, an innovative author and podcaster, teams up with Nicholas Harvey, a marketing-savvy writer, to dive into the evolving landscape of publishing in 2025. They discuss diverse marketing strategies, from Patreon experiments to engaging reader bonuses like music and vinyl. The duo shares insights on navigating Amazon advertising changes, the challenges of book sales, and the impact of AI on the industry. Plus, they explore how to use social media effectively and the importance of building a loyal reader base!
AI Snips
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Transcript
Episode notes
A Year Of Experimentation, Not Collapse
- 2025 felt like steady experimentation rather than seismic shifts for many authors.
- Authors reported overall sales pressure with pockets of opportunity, especially for those trying new formats.
Reassess Ads To Protect Revenue
- Revisit ad strategy and costs as a core part of planning for higher revenue.
- Increase focus on ROI because rising costs require higher sales to sustain a writing business.
Special Editions Launched On Author Store
- Sara sold special editions directly from her store to avoid Kickstarter complexity.
- She offered color interiors, sprayed edges, and extras then moved to a wide preorder after a month.