The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast

Dale L. Roberts

The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast is devoted to teaching you relevant and up-to-date information in the world of self-publishing. Subscribe today!

  1. 4d ago

    AI Audiobooks Versus Human Narration: Listeners Have Spoken | Self-Publishing News (July 16, 2026)

    Spoken commissioned Edison Research at SSRS to compare how fiction audiobook listeners responded to AI and human narration. The results raise some major questions about what listeners value and where audiobook production may be heading. Kindlepreneur also uncovered a growing issue with Amazon categories, while Miblart, GetCovers, Book Brush, ProWritingAid, and more shared new tools and opportunities for authors. Dibbly Create - https://DaleLinks.com/DibblyCreate (affiliate link) Spoken - https://Spoken.press Edison Research at SSRS - https://www.spoken.press/edisonsurvey Variety: Surprise: Many People Prefer AI Audiobooks, New Study Finds - https://variety.com/2026/digital/news/spoken-ai-audiobooks-preferencenew-edison-research-study-1236810295/ What Audiobook Listeners Want Now: A Spoken Roundtable - https://variety.com/2026/digital/news/spoken-ai-audiobooks-preferencenew-edison-research-study-1236810295/ Kindlepreneur - https://kindlepreneur.com Publisher Rocket - https://DaleLinks.com/Rocket (affiliate link) Novel Report - https://DaleLinks.com/NovelReport (affiliate link) Miblart - https://DaleLinks.com/Miblart (affiliate link) Use coupon code DALE10 to get 10% off your next order Miblart: Book Cover Design 101 (guide) - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mwZP1pIiuECd2SzkHoD6_qvtnUQypyp9/view  GetCovers - https://DaleLinks.com/GetCovers (affiliate link) Use CHEERS20 for 20% off till July 17, 2026 GetCovers: Does Your Book Cover Perform at Its Best? - https://getcovers.com/cover-performance-quiz/  Rapid-Fire Newsflash ProWritingAid: Character Analysis - https://prowritingaid.com/features/character-analysis?afid=6615 The Indy Author Podcast: Chart Your Course Consulting - https://www.theindyauthor.com/chart-your-course Book Brush: BookMARCon 2026 - https://bookbrush.com/bookmarcon/ Book Brush - https://BookBrush.com Inside Scoop Live: EMAIL MARKETING FOR AUTHORS by Dale L. Roberts - https://youtu.be/gxVwwmf14ic?si=9Q1FnvPy9wUdQAsc Bradley Charbonneau | Repossible: I Asked a YouTube Expert What's Working in 2026 (TTS7E28) with @DaleLRoberts - https://youtu.be/Q-3pntcDaxs?si=CDYZJOlI3E2xk_h5 Smashwords Summer/Winter Sale - https://www.smashwords.com/shelves/promos Self-Publishing with Dale series (Smashwords) - https://www.smashwords.com/books/byseries/113712   Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord Check out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@dalelroberts My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee. Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

  2. Jul 9

    KDP Finally Expands a Long-Hated Royalty Limit | Self-Publishing News (July 9, 2026)

    KDP expanded the 70% ebook royalty pricing range, giving authors more room above the old $9.99 limit. Kindlepreneur updated two solid refreshers on KDP keywords and categories, Authors Guild shared another scam warning, Laterpress upgraded its Assistant feature, Voices by INAudio shared audiobook marketing tips, and Miblart is celebrating 10 years with a limited-time discount. Dibbly Create - https://DaleLinks.com/DibblyCreate (affiliate link)   KDP Community: The 70% eBook Royalty Option price band has expanded to $2.99–$12.99 - https://www.kdpcommunity.com/s/article/The-70-eBook-Royalty-Option-price-band-has-expanded-to-2-99-12-99?language=en_US&forum=KDP%20Forum Kindlepreneur: How to Fill in Your 7 KDP Keyword Boxes (My Secret Tactic) - https://kindlepreneur.com/7-kindle-keywords/ Kindlepreneur: How to Find Amazon Book Categories Most Authors Miss - https://kindlepreneur.com/how-to-choose-the-best-kindle-ebook-kdp-category/ The Authors Guild: Publishing Scam Alerts - https://authorsguild.org/resource/publishing-scam-alerts/ Laterpress: Collaborative Writing with the Enhanced Laterpress Assistant - https://www.youtube.com/live/K5LyKUtU850?si=XGRsF-697QiqJQM5 Voices by INAudio: Audiobook marketing tips you haven't already heard a million times - https://voicesbyinaudio-newsletter.beehiiv.com/p/audiobook-marketing-tips-you-haven-t-already-heard-a-million-times Miblart: Miblart Is Turning 10! - https://miblart.com/mibl-anniversary/?ref=daleroberts5 (affiliate link) Use coupon code MIBLBDAY20 for 20% off. Offer good through July 13. Rapid-Fire Newsflash Booklinker: Getting More from StoryOrigin: Tips from Its Creator - https://www.thebookmarketinglab.com/StoryOrigin_Webinar The Authors Guild: Narrating Your Own Audiobook - https://authorsguild.org/event/narrating-your-own-audiobook/ Bryan Cohen presents: Booked for Life (Kickstarter) - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bestpageforward/booked-for-life Smashwords Summer/Winter Sale - https://www.smashwords.com/shelves/promos/1 Self-Publishing with Dale Series (Smashwords) - https://www.smashwords.com/books/byseries/113712   Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships  Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord Check out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@dalelroberts My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee. Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

  3. Jul 3

    Fake IngramSpark Sites Are Targeting Authors | Self-Publishing News (July 2, 2026)

    Fake IngramSpark websites are targeting authors, and one case hit close to home in my own Discord community. IngramSpark also shared updates on AI, metadata, schools, libraries, and publishing fraud. We'll also cover the Smashwords Summer/Winter Sale, Kindlepreneur's latest keyword advice, new indie author survey data from Written Word Media, and so much more. Dibbly Create - https://DaleLinks.com/DibblyCreate (affiliate link) IngramSpark: Why Children's Book Authors Need More Than Just a Great Story to Reach Schools & Libraries - https://www.ingramspark.com/blog/why-childrens-book-authors-need-more-than-just-a-great-story-to-reach-schools-and-libraries IngramSpark's AI Strategy: What It Means for Authors and Publishers - https://www.ingramspark.com/blog/ingramsparks-ai-strategy-what-it-means-for-authors-and-publishers  IngramSpark: Publishing Fraud Alert - https://www.ingramspark.com/fraudalert Writer Beware: The First Clue to an Email Scam May Be the Address - https://writerbeware.blog/2026/06/30/the-first-clue-to-an-email-scam-may-be-the-address Smashwords Summer/Winter Sale - https://www.smashwords.com/shelves/promos Self-Publishing with Dale series on Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/books/byseries/113712 Keywords for Books by Dale L. Roberts - https://DaleLinks.com/KeywordsBook Marketing and Promotion for Authors by Dale L. Roberts - https://DaleLinks.com/PromoBook Reviews for Books by Dale L. Roberts - https://DaleLinks.com/ReviewsBook Kindlepreneur: How to Find Keywords That Sell Books: Broad vs Niche Keywords - https://kindlepreneur.com/broad-vs-niche-keywords/ Written Word Media: What 600 Indie Authors Just Told Us About 2026 (Mid-Year Survey) - https://youtu.be/-twI11KNYWI?si=GF1ynSrMWPuGmm33 CraveBooks - https://DaleLinks.com/CraveBooks (affiliate link) Rapid-Fire Newsflash Spotify for Authors: - https://authors.spotify.com/ Hidden Gems Books: Turn Your Book Into a Trophy with a Special Edition - https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/turn-book-into-trophy-with-special-edition/ Miblart: How to Choose the Right Cover Design Style for Your Genre - https://miblart.com/blog/how-to-choose-cover-design-style/ Spoken - https://Spoken.press   Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord Check out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@dalelroberts My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee. Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

  4. May 28 ·  Video

    AI Just Hit More Publishing Platforms | Self-Publishing News (May 28, 2026)

    AI tools are showing up across more self-publishing platforms, and authors need to know what is changing. In this Self-Publishing News update, we cover new AI tools from IngramSpark, Laterpress, and Spoken, along with audiobook updates from Audible and Voices by INAudio. We also look at Bookvault pricing changes, author events, and a quick mid-year survey from Written Word Media. Dibbly Create - https://DaleLinks.com/DibblyCreate (affiliate link) ACX: Audible's New Royalty Model - https://help.acx.com/s/article/audible-s-new-royalty-model  IngramSpark Assist FAQs (Metadata Assistant) - https://help.ingramspark.com/hc/en-us/articles/41627826665997-IngramSpark-Assist-FAQs-Metadata-Assistant Bookvault - https://bookvault.app Use BVDALE to waive three upload fees Bookvault: Quote Tool - https://quote.bookvault.app/  Laterpress - https://Laterpress.com  Voices by INAudio - https://www.voicesbyinaudio.com/  Spoken: Spoken Studio V2 — Magic Mode & Turnkey Full-Cast Audiobook Creation - https://www.spoken.press/the-spoken-chronicle/spoken-studio-v2-magic-mode-amp-turnkey-full-cast-audiobook-creation Rapid-Fire Newsflash Apple Books for Authors - https://authors.apple.com  AppSumo: DepositPhotos Deal - https://DaleLinks.com/DepositPhotos (affiliate link) Cooling Tiger Media Podcast w/ W.A. Blinko - https://open.spotify.com/show/4HNUrH8YLI8VpMiof0c4zY?si=0c4dffce16e34f6e&nd=1&dlsi=ac35936844ea4d3d Contact Wayne at info@wayneblinko.com Self-Publishing Made Simple w/ April Cox: The 5 Biggest Mistakes First-Time Authors Make (And How to Avoid Them) - https://selfpubmadesimple.com/why-authors-dont-publish  Twin Flames Studios: Pitching Your Book for Film & TV - https://twinflamesstudios.com/pitching-book-film-tv?partnerid=r1249 (affiliate link) Written Word Media Podcast: How Authors Are Winning On YouTube Right Now - https://youtu.be/qJu6uK-Dy2A?si=mKsbjapgX9y0KJfe Written Word Media Mid-Year Survey - https://writtenwordmedia.typeform.com/to/CCvrkXxE   Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp  Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord Check out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@dalelroberts My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee. Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

  5. May 8

    ACX Royalty Changes Are Here | Self-Publishing News (May 8, 2026)

    Audible is rolling out a new ACX royalty model, and indie authors need to understand what's changing. We'll cover the new audiobook royalty rates, concerns around pooled payouts, Spotify for Authors distribution terms, IngramSpark metadata research, AI audiobook tools, and author scams. Stay informed before you make your next publishing move. Dibbly Create - https://DaleLinks.com/DibblyCreate (affiliate link) Audible's New Royalty Model Screws Authors - https://open.substack.com/pub/selfpub/p/audiblegate2?r=1nx44v&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true ACX: Audible's New Royalty Model - https://help.acx.com/s/article/audible-s-new-royalty-model Spotify for Authors Opt-In Audiobook Distribution Terms - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/spotify-for-authors-opt-in-distribution-terms/  IngramSpark: Study Finds Improved Metadata Could Boost Sales by Up to 9%* - https://www.ingramspark.com/blog/study-finds-improved-metadata-could-boost-sales-by-up-to-9-percent  Rapid-Fire Newsflash Apple Books for Authors - https://authors.apple.com Spoken - https://spoken.press Spoken: Become a Producer - https://www.spoken.press/producers GeniusLink - https://DaleLinks.com/Genius (affiliate link)  StoryVox (beta) - https://storyvox.app/ D2D's Self-Publishing Insiders: Scammers are Coming for You! - https://www.youtube.com/live/2EPOnKdNNDY?si=VLm5hPmpPA1httTl This Scam Could Cost Authors Real Money - https://youtu.be/pEbnC9PRGgw?si=RUNcHKkoekTMvgf-  Electric Lit: Author AI Scams Bingo - https://electricliterature.com/author-ai-scams-bingo/   Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp  Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships  Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord  Check out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@dalelroberts My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks  Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee. Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

  6. Apr 29

    FTC Cracks Down on Misleading Author Income Claims | Self-Publishing News (Apr. 29, 2026)

    The FTC just hit Publishing.com and the Mikkelsen Twins with a $1.5 million settlement, and that is only part of this week's self-publishing news. I also cover impersonation scammers targeting authors, Spotify expanding deeper into audiobooks and print discovery with Bookshop.org, a helpful new KDP Select calculator from Kindlepreneur, and more rapid-fire updates authors need to know. If you care about self-publishing news, author scams, audiobook growth, and the latest publishing industry shifts, this one is worth your attention. Dibbly Create - https://DaleLinks.com/DibblyCreate (affiliate link) Publishing.com to Pay $1.5 Million for Misleading Consumers about How Much Income They Could Earn Using the Company's Products and Services - https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2026/04/publishingcom-pay-15-million-misleading-consumers-about-how-much-income-they-could-earn-using Kindlepreneur: KENP Calculator: Know What a Kindle Unlimited Reader Is Actually Worth - https://kindlepreneur.com/kenp-calculator/?aff=18 Spotify Expands Audiobook Features, and Printed Book Sales Go Live in the US and UK - https://newsroom.spotify.com/2026-04-15/audiobook-charts-recaps-page-match-bookshop-update/  Spoken: What Did the "Your Story" Winner Webinar Reveal? - https://www.spoken.press/the-spoken-chronicle/your-story-grand-prize Rapid-Fire Newsflash ProWritingAid: Plot Analysis - https://prowritingaid.com/features/plot-analysis?afid=6615 Book Brush: Launch Smarter: Build Your Newsletter, Website, and ARC Team Before Your Book Hits - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/gr1FVJtBSzOwv4qYost18Q#/registration Twin Flames Studios: Great Books Aren't Written—They're Edited - https://twinflamesstudios.com/book-editing-authors/  The Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast: Marketing Your Books Using Video, with Dale L. Roberts and Matty Dalrymple - https://selfpublishingadvice.org/podcast-marketing-your-books-using-video/ Indie Author Magazine: Email Marketing That Turns Readers Into Fans (and Buyers) - https://webinars.indieauthortraining.com/replays/   Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp  Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord Check out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@dalelroberts My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks  Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee. Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

  7. Apr 16

    [BREAKING] Draft2Digital Just Added New Fees | Self-Publishing News (Apr. 16, 2026)

    Draft2Digital just rolled out new fees, Barnes & Noble Press tightened its print book rules, and more self-publishing platforms are making changes that authors need to watch closely. In this Self-Publishing News update, we cover the latest Draft2Digital changes, Barnes & Noble Press policy updates, Bookvault shipping increases, Apple Books updates, and more. If you are a self-published author, this is the kind of industry news that can affect your books, your publishing options, and your business. Stay informed so you can make smarter decisions as the market keeps shifting.  Dibbly Create - https://DaleLinks.com/DibblyCreate Draft2Digital: Understanding D2D's Activation and Maintenance Fees - https://draft2digital.com/blog/understanding-d2ds-activation-and-maintenance-fees/ Draft2Digital: Terms of Service - https://draft2digital.com/terms-of-service/ Barnes & Noble Press: Print Book Pricing and Printing Costs - https://help-press.barnesandnoble.com/hc/en-us/articles/5358788362907-Print-Book-Pricing-and-Printing-Costs  Bookvault - https://bookvault.app ALLi: When Amazon Closes Your Account: Member Q&A with Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black - https://selfpublishingadvice.org/podcast-when-amazon-closes-your-account/ The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) - https://DaleLinks.com/ALLi (affiliate link) Get Authentic Book Reviews - https://GetAuthenticBookReviews.com  Rapid-Fire Newsflash Apple Books for Authors: New BISAC subject headings - https://www.bisg.org/complete-bisac-subject-headings-list Apple Books for Authors: Manage book rights and pricing - https://itunespartner.apple.com/books/support/30-manage-book-rights-pricing  Writer Beware: Anthropic Copyright Settlement: April Update - https://writerbeware.blog/2026/04/10/anthropic-copyright-settlement-april-update/ GetCovers - https://DaleLinks.com/GetCovers (affiliate link) GetCovers: 10 Tips for Designing a Business Book Cover That Sells - https://getcovers.com/blog/business-book-cover-design/ Bradley Charbonneau: How Fiction Authors Make Money on YouTube (Without Selling Books) with Lainey Davis - https://youtu.be/M72H0tZ62Lg?si=vS60HFvkZ_JkCJcv Email Marketing for Authors by Dale L. Roberts - https://DaleLinks.com/EmailBook 2026 American Legacy Book Awards - https://www.americanlegacyawards.com/2026awardannouncement.html Indie Author Training: Replays - https://webinars.indieauthortraining.com/replays/ Side note: The hosts shared my replay will be up by next week.   Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord Check out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@dalelroberts My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks  Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee. T Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

  8. Apr 8

    Amazon KDP Rolled Out New Features | Self-Publishing News (Apr. 8, 2026)

    Amazon KDP quietly rolled out a few new updates, and authors should take notice. I cover the new dashboard changes, the updated Rights and Pricing page, and the new ability to download your latest manuscript or cover file. Plus, I break down The New York Times expanding audio best-seller lists, a scam warning from Writer Beware, cautionary notes from Book Bounty, and a rapid-fire newsflash featuring ProWritingAid, Miblart, and Book Brush.  My Discord Community - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord  KDP - https://kdp.amazon.com New York Times: Announcing Updates to Our Best-Seller Lists - https://www.nytco.com/press/announcing-updates-to-our-best-seller-lists/  Writer Beware: Watch Out For This Scam Impersonating Editors at Major Publishing Houses - https://writerbeware.blog/2026/03/27/watch-out-for-this-scam-impersonating-editors-at-major-publishing-houses/ Book Bounty - https://DaleLinks.com/BookBounty (affiliate link) Rapid-Fire News Flash ProWritingAid - https://DaleLinks.com/PWADeal (affiliate link) - 25% off annual plans; offer good through April 13, 2026 ProWritingAid Story Credits - https://dalelinks.com/storycredits  (affiliate link) - Up to 73% off; offer good through April 13, 2026 Miblart Cover Design - https://DaleLinks.com/Miblart (affiliate link) - 20% off with EASTER20; offer good through April 9 Did you miss the deal? Then take 10% off with DALE10.  Book Brush: Automate the Boring: A Beginner's Guide to Author Automations with Chelle Honiker - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ct5GIzSoTmqMcLZ7U6Bh2w#/registration   Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord Check out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@dalelroberts My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee. Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

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