Author Update

The hosts dive into the surge of traditional publishing and the rise of audiobooks over e-books. They discuss how indie authors can benefit from audiobooks and the potential losses from missing out. A fascinating examination of the paranormal romance genre reveals that a staggering 62% of new titles are likely low-quality AI creations. Shifting tropes reflect changing reader sentiments, with a blend of genres emerging as a successful strategy. The episode wraps up with reflections on the escapism books provide and the evolving landscape of publishing.

Dive into the intriguing clash between AI and publishing as hosts tackle the nuances of sexism in hiring within the industry. Explore how the Supreme Court's decision on Little v. Yanes impacts publishers and the evolving debate over library bans. Discover the rise of LitRPG and the secrets behind premium audiobooks that dominate sales. The conversation takes a turn as they discuss Amazon's DRM-free strategy and the implications of AI on authors. Lastly, compare masculine versus feminine growth narratives in storytelling that shape our cultural landscape.

The hosts unveil their new channel and explore rising print costs from IngramSpark. They discuss Smashwords' simplified royalty structure and when to choose IngramSpark over KDP Print. The conversation shifts to AI's role in publishing, highlighting how it's reshaping jobs and boosting profits. They analyze the rapid adoption of ChatGPT and the impact of specialized AIs. A humorous take on a Patreon AI tier adds levity, while a Kinder-focused PR crisis showcases the importance of strategic communication.

Discover the latest on Amazon's new video advertising for authors and what makes an effective trailer versus a TikTok-style teaser. Learn about the crackdown on the Amazon Associate program and how to navigate compliance effectively. The discussion also dives into Black Friday deals on hardware and software for authors, including essential tools like Publisher Rocket and Plottr. Unpack complex themes from Dune, debating whether Paul Atreides is a hero or villain and how adaptation choices impact storytelling.

The discussion dives into Google's Gemini training opt-ins, alarming many authors about privacy. They explore the misleading nature of Gmail settings and the consequences of opting out. A comparison of Gemini and Grok 4.1 reveals intriguing trade-offs in functionality. The hosts also delve into the cozy mystery genre, highlighting its comforting tropes and growing market. Ethical concerns about AI in writing spark a lively debate, while new tools like Sudowrite and Vellum 4.0 promise exciting advancements for authors.

Updates on how the publishing and music worlds are adapting to AI, as well as exciting developments from the industry. 

Find out how to plan for this year's holiday season, as well as how changes to the X algorithm change your marketing strategy.

This week we're covering Spotify's game-changing Audiobook Selects program for indie authors, the collapse of traditional publishing sales with trade books down 9.4%, and major industry closures including Mango Publishing and Knights Of children's books. Plus, we analyze groundbreaking research showing readers prefer AI writing to MFA graduate writing, discuss the rise of three-tier audiobook pricing, and explore massive layoffs hitting traditional publishing. Whether you're an indie author, traditionally published, or just starting your writing journey, get the publishing news that matters for your author career. Don't miss our insights on Novel November replacing NaNoWriMo and the shifting landscape between AI and human creativity in publishing.

Get the latest on scams affecting the author world, a detailed data report on the state of Mysteries, Thrillers and Suspense, and why Americans are reading less than ever.

Welcome to the Grid. We're covering the Amazon algorithm, the sales reports, the Yoast SEO Update and the advent of Tron: Ares.