Authors: Time to Find-Your-Way in the Publishing Industry Storm

Unfiltered Insights on Recent Publishing Controversies, including FindawayVoices and Amazon.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the publishing industry, staying on top of the latest developments is crucial for authors seeking success. Recent waves of controversy have hit the community hard, leaving many authors feeling betrayed and uncertain about their futures. I’ll dive straight into the latest tea, sparing no details, and explore what these industry shifts mean for you.

FindawayVoices’ Contract Controversy: Red-Handed Betrayal

When it comes to distributing audiobooks, FindawayVoices has been a go-to platform for many authors. However, they recently stirred up a storm by altering their contract terms, leaving authors feeling blindsided and betrayed. FindawayVoices sparked outrage within the community when they again altered their contract, prompting many to reassess their audiobook distribution strategies. They slipped a clause in that gave them the rights to take “derivatives” of books and republish them using AI. Of course, the authors protested.

Authors, take note: trust is a fragile currency in the publishing world, and companies that compromise it risk alienating their most valuable assets—the creators themselves.

Amazon’s Algorithmic Rollercoaster: Self-Published Authors Short-Changed

Amazon, the behemoth of the self-publishing world, has once again tweaked its algorithm. Self-published authors, who have long relied on Amazon for visibility and sales, find themselves short-changed as the algorithm undergoes yet another transformation.

In this unpredictable game, adaptability is key. Authors must pivot and find alternative strategies to navigate the ever-shifting sands of Amazon’s algorithmic whims.

Pivot or Perish: Insights from Troy and Stacey

Enter Troy and Stacey, two industry insiders unafraid to mince words and call out the industry’s shortcomings. In their latest podcast, these friends dissect the recent controversies and discuss the necessary pivots authors must make to survive and thrive in this challenging climate.

The mantra is clear: PIVOT – PIVOT – PIIIIVOOOOOOTTTTT! (If you know, you know.)

Direct Sales, Bestseller Lists, and Outdated Strategies: A Candid Conversation

Troy and Stacey share their candid thoughts on changing directions, exploring direct sales channels, dissecting bestseller lists, and addressing outdated strategies. The publishing industry is a dynamic beast, and these two friends provide valuable insights on how authors can adjust their plans to stay ahead.

So, what does this mean for you?

Authors, it’s time to reassess your game plan. Embrace change, be flexible, and consider alternative avenues to ensure your success in the ever-evolving world of publishing. Troy and Stacey have the insider knowledge to guide you through these turbulent times—listen in, pivot wisely, and thrive in the face of adversity.

Watch the latest episode of Pros Talking Prose to get the skinny on the news.

Stacey Smekofske

Stacey Smekofske is an editor and author coach for award winning and best-selling authors. She specialized in indie published authors and helps them publish beautiful and marketable books. Stacey’s editing style is energetic, versatile, and responsive while helping authors craft compelling stories and build their influence. She graduated magna cum laude with a degree in communications and English from BYU Idaho and has been an educator and editor for over 18 years. She is a member of the Idaho Writers Guild, board member of the Idaho Writers and Editors Association, member of the Northwest Editors Guild and the American Copy Editors Society (ACES). She has a certificate in copy editing with Poynter University and ACES. Stacey has a myriad of life experiences and knowledge that allows her to edit many novel genres including fantasy, thriller, historical, horror, children’s literature, memoir, business, and self-help. With fortitude and compassion, Stacey labors with zealous writers to produce passionate and inspiring writing.

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