02May 24
Self-Publishing News: Legal Changes Impacting Authors, from Noncompete Agreements to Payment Regulations
This feels like a week of legal and related stories. The big news, which I reported on earlier, is, of course, the move closer to a TikTok ban in the United States. But a few other stories caught my attention. First up is the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voting to ban noncompete agreements.
01May 24
Finding ARC Reviewers and More Self-Publishing Questions Answered by Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black: Member Q&A Podcast
In the latest instalment of the AskALLi Member Q&A podcast, hosts Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black discuss effective strategies for finding ARC (Advanced Review Copy) reviewers for manuscripts.
30Apr 24
Self-Publishing News: US Passes Law That Might Ban TikTok
The United States’ longstanding quest to ban TikTok took a significant step forward in the past week. Headlines of the app’s imminent disappearance remain, however, somewhat premature.
29Apr 24
We Need to Talk About… Indie Author Independence with ALLi Director Orna Ross
This week in our regular Alliance of Independent Authors opinion post, we take a closer look at what it really means to be independent as a self-publishing author. What motivates us to go it alone, what are the real benefits of independent creative control and how could our indie author independence evolve in the future? Read on for thoughts from ALLi Director Orna Ross and our author member community…
28Apr 24
Overcoming the Challenges of Being a Multi-Genre Author: Creative Self-Publishing Podcast with Orna Ross
This episode focuses on the unique challenges faced by multi-genre authors in the self-publishing sector. ALLi Director Orna Ross provides practical solutions and personal examples for targeting different readers, establishing a cohesive brand, maintaining quality across genres, managing reader expectations, and building genre-specific expertise, along with tips for optimizing your time.
27Apr 24
Submitting Your Book Series to Literary Awards: Book Award Update for Indie Authors April 2024
In this Alliance of Independent Authors post, we'll share updated guidelines to be aware of when submitting your series for an award. Welcome to the Book Award Update April 2024 with Hannah Jacobson from Book Award Pro.
27Apr 24
Self-publishing News: IBPA Maps out Current Author Publishing Paths and Booksellers Seek New Models
The IBPA has launched its outline of eight publishing models, an interesting companion piece to Jane Friedman’s different publishing models guide.
26Apr 24
Manga Publishers Win Major Piracy Case and AI Narration Advances: Self-Publishing News Podcast with Dan Holloway
In this episode of the Self-Publishing News Podcast, Dan Holloway discusses a significant legal victory in Japan where three manga publishers won $10 million in damages from a piracy site, potentially setting a precedent for how lost earnings are calculated in copyright infringement cases. This ruling could reshape the global debate over the impact of piracy on sales. Dan also touches on HarperCollins' partnership with Eleven Labs for AI-narrated audiobooks, exploring the balance between technological advancements and traditional publishing ethics.
25Apr 24
Self-Publishing News: Meta Considered Buying Simon & Schuster to Train AI
The New York Times received leaks from a former employee at Facebook’s parent Meta that show the company were spending a lot of time at the start of 2023 discussing the possibility of buying Simon & Schuster. The purpose of the acquiring Simon & Schuster would have been to acquire the rights to the catalogue so as to use it for AI training.
24Apr 24
Five Reasons Authors Need an Email List: Reaching More Readers Podcast with Dale L. Roberts and Holly Greenland
In the Reaching More Readers podcast, Dale L. Roberts and Holly Greenland discuss five compelling reasons why authors should maintain an email list. They address the common perception that email marketing is crucial for an author's business despite some authors' reluctance to embrace it. The hesitations often stem from concerns about time and effort, technical challenges, fear of spamming, and a lack of understanding or concern over costs. However, Dale and Holly argue that email marketing does not demand excessive time, expertise, or financial investment. With a plethora of online tutorials and free email marketing services available, the primary barrier for many is simply inexperience—a starting point for everyone.
23Apr 24
Self-Publishing News: Manga Publishers Win Record Compensation in Piracy Ruling
Courts in Tokyo ruled that piracy site Manga-Mura should pay 1.7bn yen (US$10m) to three manga publishers in Japan for lost revenue.
22Apr 24
Stress Management for Indie Authors: ALLi Member Guest Post
This week ALLi member, fiction writer and author productivity advisor Delaney Diamond shares her advice for stress management for indie authors. Members from our ALLi member community over on SelfPubConnect have also shared their tips for stress reduction to support building a sustainable author career.
