Amazon, AI, and Author Strategy Shifts: What You Need to Know Now
Welcome to this week’s Author Update, where we break down what’s happening in the world of publishing, AI, and tech—so you can write better, market smarter, and keep ahead of the curve. In this episode, we covered sweeping changes at Amazon, unexpected shifts in how...
Are We in an AI Bubble? Plus Audiobook Strategy, Vellum Upgrades & Loving Your Readers
The tech world was shaken recently when British AI firm Builder.ai filed for bankruptcy—after it was revealed their “AI” was really 700 Indian engineers behind the curtain. It’s the Mechanical Turk all over again. In 1770, a man named Wolfgang von Kempelen built what...
Do 45% of Authors *Already* Use AI?! | Author Update
Thomas: Welcome to Author Update. I’m Thomas Umstead, Jr. And sometimes on this show, we don’t talk about AI even a little bit. And today is not one of those days. What’s our first story, Jonathan? Jonathan: And I’m Jonathan Scherger. This is...
KDP Royalty Changes & Invasion of the AI Audiobooks
Introduction (00:01.851) Thomas: KDP royalty changes and invasion of the AI audiobooks. This is Author Update. I’m Thomas Umstatt, Jr. Jonathan: I’m Jonathan Shuerger, and we’re just gonna jump right into it today. Spotify and Patreon Add Buy Buttons...
Author Update: Skype Dies, Romantasy Surges, and Mr. Beast Writes a Book
Introduction Thomas: Skype dies, Romantasy surges, and Mr. Beast starts writing the bestest, best-selling book ever. Or does he? Find out in this episode of Author Update. I’m Thomas Umstead, Jr. with Jonathan Sugar, and we have a lot of really surprisingly good...
Book Bans, Copyright Trolls Target Authors, and is Social Media Mostly Bots? | Author Update
Welcome to Author Update, your go-to source for the latest publishing industry news, marketing strategies, and author advice! In this episode, we dive into crucial developments affecting authors and their publishing journeys. Episode Highlights: 🔍 Social media AI bots...
Does Facebook Think Your Book is Worthless, Author Certification & AI Gets Religion
Introduction Thomas: Hello and welcome to Author Update. I’m Thomas Amstat Jr. In this episode we’re going to talk about Meta defending its LLM training by saying novels are worthless, AIs finding religion, OpenAI’s CEO claiming that...
Introducing Author Update
Learn about our new podcast and YouTube show called Author Update, where you can stay up-to-date on all the latest publishing headlines.
Tariffs Up & NaNoWiMo Closing Down | Author Update
Discover how rising tariffs and NaNoWriMo’s closure impact authors in this Author Media update. Get insights and strategies to navigate these challenges and thrive as a writer. Thomas: Welcome to Author Update! I’m Thomas Umstattd Jr. and today we are NOT...
Invasion of the AI Images | Author Update
Explore the rise of AI-generated images and their impact on authors in this Author Update. Learn strategies to adapt and leverage AI tools for your writing success. Outline Amazon Ads Expansion Amazon has recently expanded its sponsored ads, including Sponsored...
