Self Publish

12/23/2025

I've been getting flooded by questions from authors regarding this email that Amazon KDP sent out earlier this month.

Here's my response:

No action required for the majority of you - because we ALWAYS turn on DRM.

“If you take no action, the DRM-status of your previously published titles will not change”

We don’t want to give readers the ability to download your book and definitely not the PDF. I always turn on DRM. Most authors will likely opt out because it gives others too much access to your work... but this could be an opportunity to capitalize on a new marketplace, so we'll keep a close eye on it.

I’m actually very surprised at this new strategy of Amazon’s. I suspect there will be a change coming … or this is an indication that ebook sales are down and they are getting desperate to offer more value. No doubt this is throwing a lot of authors into a tailspin trying to understand what Amazon's strategy is for 2026 and beyond - and how to adapt - given they pretty much defined the indie marketplace from the start.

I suspect this reflects a big drop in Kindle demand as 'digital first' readers like myself are no doubt going to AI first and not buying Kindle books anymore.

Happy Holidays,
~ Brian

11/06/2025

Why is the lead time at IngramSpark is now pushing 2 weeks?
And in some cases, to process new titles can take a week or longer.

Given AI is making it easier than ever for anyone to write & publish a book, the demand on the services at KDP & IngramSpark are also under increased strain.

Let me try to shed some light... as I just spoke to a representative at IngramSpark. The current state of print-on-demand:

Several major book printers and related companies have ceased operations in the past three years, reflecting significant changes in the industry due to shifts toward digital publishing, print-on-demand, and economic challenges. These closures reflect consolidation in the printing industry, the impact of digital alternatives, and ongoing changes in publishing demand.

Notable Book Printer Closures (2023–2025):

Offset Paperback Manufacturers (OPM): Once one of the world’s largest paperback book printing plants, OPM (owned by Bertelsmann Printing Group USA) closed its Dallas, Pennsylvania, facility in May 2024. At its peak, OPM produced over 250 million books per year and employed nearly 1,000 workers. The closure followed a dramatic decline in demand for mass-market and digest books, and the transition to newer, more efficient plants.

CJK Group (Webcrafters Plant, Madison, WI): In early 2024, CJK Group announced the closure of its Madison, Wisconsin plant (formerly Webcrafters/Democrat Printing), which specialized in educational book printing. The shutdown was due to decreased post-pandemic demand for printed educational materials and continued growth in digital publishing.

Book1One: This Rochester, NY-based on-demand book printing and bindery service is closing in 2024, with its equipment set for auction. Book1One served many small publishers and provided personalized printing using digital technologies.

Boundless Publishing Group / Neem Tree Press: In 2025, Boundless Publishing Group and its imprint Neem Tree Press ceased operations and entered liquidation after failing to secure investment, leaving many authors and creditors with unpaid debts. While not a traditional printer, this closure affected the broader ecosystem of book production and distribution.

Baker & Taylor (Library Content Supplier): While not a printer, Baker & Taylor—a top U.S. wholesaler and distributor serving more than 5,000 libraries—was on the brink of shutting down and was recently acquired by Lakeside Book Company. It's unclear exactly how that might impact operations as they need to turn it into a profitable company.

~ Brian

09/18/2025

If you will be in San Luis Obispo on Friday, Sept 26 and want to get a crash course on self-publishing from someone who has been doing it for over 15 years, here's your opportunity! Only $150 for a 3 hour workshop - pretty sweet deal considering my one-on-one consulting rate is $200/hour. Limited to 20 authors.

08/26/2024

I would LOVE your input on which of these cover designs you like best. They are all winners in my opinion, but we have to pick one! Thanks in advance. Simply star your favs & thanks so much for sharing your opinion.

I’m running a book or magazine cover contest on 99designs. Designers have submitted 144 designs so far. Please vote on your favorite as I’d love to receive your feedback.

01/02/2024

Would love your opinion on a new book cover. These are the 8 finalists from 60 designs and it'll just take a minute of your time (no login required). Note the poll link expires this Friday (1/5). Thank you in advance!

I’m running a book or magazine cover contest on 99designs. Designers have submitted 66 designs so far. Please vote on your favorite as I’d love to receive your feedback.

01/30/2023

Painful lesson learned... and while I know about this problem, we were chasing the wrong rabbit, down a long rabbit hole... Maybe this is why my 'Fancy' text page is one of the most visited pages on my website! https://pubwriter.com/fancy

08/04/2021

Please friends... before you put your hard earned money out there, do your due diligence. Ask for references. If they can't give you clients who are willing to talk to you, buyer beware! A client was recently conned by these guys who apparently have been scamming authors for over 8 years. If your name is on any publicly available directory, they will probably use it to find you. A one minute google search for 'close-up tv & radio scam' revealed what I suspected :(

Writer Beware shines a bright light into the dark corners of the shadow-world of scams, schemes, and pitfalls that prey on authors.

07/31/2021

A ray of hope for poetry authors! Yung Pueblo's book of poetry just hit the New York Times bestseller list. https://amzn.to/3ldFmOd