John Doppler, Author at The Self-Publishing Advice Center

AI Art: How Will It Affect Indie Authors?

Illustrators, commerical artists, stock photographers, game art developers, and book cover designers are eyeing the dramatic debut of AI art with considerable alarm. Is the pushbutton simplicity of artificial intelligence about to replace professional artists?

New Year, New Opportunities: Author Tips for 2022

As the old year comes to a close and we peek cautiously around the corner at the new year, the world tends to slow down a bit for a sip of rum or holiday eggnog. For me, this is the perfect time to take stock of my projects and prospects.It's become a yearly ritual for me, and I enthusiastically recommend it.

Cover Image: Is This Publisher Email Legit?

Is That Publisher Email Legitimate?

A famous publisher wants to publish your book? Not so fast. Scams about in the publishing industry, and that email may not be what it seems. Learn how to identify the fakes.

Recovering From a Bad Publishing Experience

Recovering from a failed publishing experience is not only possible, it's far easier than most suspect. And it's an opportunity for authors to republish their book more professionally and profitably than before.

Adelaide Books: A Watchdog Advisory

The most vital obligation a publisher has is to provide timely and accurate statements, and to pay royalties without delay. The Watchdog Desk has received multiple complaints about late or missing statements from Adelaide Books. In several instances, authors stated that no payment was ever received.

Interview: Adam Croft on IngramSpark and Amazon KDP Print Problems for Indie Authors

A perennial problem for indie authors is the interplay between Amazon and IngramSpark, where POD titles by Ingram are marked on Amazon as requiring days, weeks, or even months for fulfillment; or they are shown as "out of stock" entirely. Today, John Doppler ALLi's Watchdog and Adam Croft, discuss the issue of Amazon and IngramSpark delays.

Pearson Media Group: A Watchdog Advisory

Prolific spammer Pearson Media Group boasts of their expertise and connections, but like much about the company, these claims ring false.

June 10, 2021
John Doppler
Process 3 & 4: Production & Distribution, Watchdog
33 Comments

Are Self-Publishing Services Silencing Authors with Nondisclosure Terms?

It's no coincidence that nondisclosure clauses in publishers' terms and conditions protect the elements most likely to be cited in complaints.

Audiobook Publishing Alternatives to ACX: A Comparison

ALLi's Watchdog Desk contrasts ACX and Audible with six rival audiobook distribution services — Author's Republic, Findaway Voices, Kobo Writing Life, Lantern, PublishDrive, and Soundwise — to explore options for authors who wish to reach a wider audience beyond Amazon's walls.