Self-Publishing with ALLi News: Amazon's New Algorithm Shakes Up Book Discoverability While Substack Offers Steadier Path for Authors
Oct 31, 2025
Explore the impact of Amazon's new discovery algorithm on indie authors and their sales stability. Learn how algorithm changes create volatility in visibility and planning. Discover the benefits of direct sales through platforms like Substack, which offer a more reliable income stream. Delve into the importance of clear metadata for better book positioning. Understand how newsletters can lead to predictable earnings, with insights on subscriber economics and automation techniques that reduce friction for writers.
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Amazon's New Discovery Algorithm
- Amazon rolled out a new discovery algorithm (A10) that appears to change how books are recommended and affects authors' ability to plan.
- Algorithm shifts make it harder to create repeatable launch systems that reliably replicate past success.
Create Repeatable Publishing Systems
- Break publishing work into repeatable chunks (metadata, description, cover) to create systems you can replicate.
- Use operating procedures so algorithm changes don't force you to reinvent your process each release.
Author Report: Rank Volatility, Not Sales
- Rachel McLean reported sales stayed steady while bestseller rank became more volatile after the algorithm change.
- This suggests rank fluctuations may not always reflect actual sales volatility.
