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Does Facebook Think Your Book is Worthless, Author Certification & AI Gets Religion

Does Facebook Think Your Book is Worthless, Author Certification & AI Gets Religion

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Apr 25, 2025 | Author Update

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...
How to Get More Book Reviews With Derek Doepker

How to Get More Book Reviews With Derek Doepker

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Feb 1, 2023 | Marketing Psychology, Promotion

Bestselling author and marketing strategist Derek Doepker shares tips to help you get more book reviews before, during, or after your launch.

Indies Win! Harlequin to Close Historical Romance Line

Indies Win! Harlequin to Close Historical Romance Line

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Feb 23, 2026 | Author Update, Promotion

Supreme Court tariffs ruling, Harlequin exits historical romance, BookFunnel adds digital signings, and major AI shifts from ElevenLabs, Perplexity Pro, and Google’s new Web MCP reshaping audiobook production and SEO.

How to Build a Rejection-Proof Platform in 2025

How to Build a Rejection-Proof Platform in 2025

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Nov 25, 2024 | Platform

To build an author platform, you need a method that works long term. Discover one method and five steps that will give you a solid author platform to stand on.

Substack for Authors: An Exciting Opportunity or Just Hype?

Substack for Authors: An Exciting Opportunity or Just Hype?

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Jul 12, 2023 | Blogging, Email Marketing, Platform

Find out the advantages and limitations of Substack for authors with various platform-building strategies.

Book Launch Secrets 

Book Launch Secrets 

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Mar 6, 2024 | Independent Publishing, Promotion, Strategy, Traditional Publishing

Registration for the final cohort of the Book Launch Blueprint course is now open. Check out these book launch secrets and register for the course while you still can.

Publishing Industry Secrets Revealed at the Penguin Random House Trial

Publishing Industry Secrets Revealed at the Penguin Random House Trial

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Jan 3, 2024 | News, Publishing, Traditional Publishing

These secrets of the publishing industry offer important points for all authors to consider as they choose a publishing path.

How to Deliver Your Book Baby

How to Deliver Your Book Baby

by Novel Marketing | Aug 28, 2024 | Promotion

What to expect when you’re publishing a book and what your “book baby” needs for a healthy gestation, birth, and life.

AI Book Covers & ChatGPT

AI Book Covers & ChatGPT

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Feb 15, 2023 | Book Design, Publishing, Writing Craft

Find out how authors use ChatGPT, Midjourney, and other AI tools to create book covers, characters, and plot ideas for their books.

Time-Saving Tools for Authors

Time-Saving Tools for Authors

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Nov 22, 2023 | Independent Publishing, Publishing

If you’re losing time or simply want to fine-tune your writing systems, check out these time-saving tools for authors.

Christian Author Assassinated, MailerLite Limits Free Plan, & Kit Raise Prices

Christian Author Assassinated, MailerLite Limits Free Plan, & Kit Raise Prices

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Sep 12, 2025 | Author Update

Thomas: Welcome back to Author Update, everybody. Today we’re going to talk about Charlie Kirk, a Christian author who was shot while giving a speech to his audience. We also have publishing news. MailerLite is reducing its free plan, Kit is raising prices, and...
How to Use QR Codes to Boost Book Sales & Grow Your Email List

How to Use QR Codes to Boost Book Sales & Grow Your Email List

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Oct 19, 2022 | Author Websites, Email Marketing, Promotion

Learn six ways authors can use book QR codes to connect with readers and promote their books online and offline.

Effective Book Cover Design

Effective Book Cover Design

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Mar 23, 2022 | Book Design, Publishing

A bad book cover can ruin all your marketing efforts. Learn what makes a good book cover in this interview with a top cover designer.

Amazon KU Books Allowed in Public Libraries, TikTok Deal, and Cancel Culture

Amazon KU Books Allowed in Public Libraries, TikTok Deal, and Cancel Culture

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Sep 19, 2025 | Author Update

Thomas: Welcome to Author Update! We have a major policy shift. Amazon KDP has confirmed that Kindle Unlimited books can be offered to public libraries. We covered this earlier, and now we have confirmation. We will also discuss what the TikTok deal from this morning...
AI Tools for Authors

AI Tools for Authors

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Aug 24, 2022 | Book Design, Publishing, Writing Craft

When you use artificial intelligence tools for writing, you can improve your craft and create books faster. Find out which AI tools will benefit you most.

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Recent Episodes

  • How to Become a Professional Writer With Joanna Penn
  • Indies Win! Harlequin to Close Historical Romance Line
  • Why Your Book Isn’t Selling: Metadata
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  • How to Format a Book With Vellum

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