Amazon, AI, and Audiobook Chaos | Self-Publishing News (Aug. 26, 2025)

Authors are buzzing over a new discovery in Audible's terms—and it could mean major changes to royalties and transparency. From audiobooks and AI tools to record-breaking sales and hidden fine print, this week's news covers it all. Don't miss your chance to act on limited-time offers and stay ahead of the curve. One overlooked line in KDP could explain everything.

Sources:

• My Kickstarter Campaign - https://dalelinks.com/thefinal3
• Daniel Greene: Nail in Audible's coffin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BJIZA_OpDw&list=PLXCkkWHluK4Cr5gtRbFDrnkix22aFLwQI&index=1&t=2s
• Convince Audible to revise it's New Royalty Model - https://www.change.org/p/convince-audible-to-revise-it-s-new-royalty-model
• Jane Friedman's The Bottom Line - https://janefriedman.com/the-bottom-line-janes-publishing-industry-newsletter/
• Voices by INAudio - https://www.voicesbyinaudio.com/
• Fast Company: Spotify just redesigned the way you'll 'listen' to audiobooks - https://www.fastcompany.com/91383062/spotify-follow-along
• Spoken - https://ihave.spoken.press/
• Writer Beware: Author Complaints, Conflicts of Interest at Fortis Publishing - https://writerbeware.blog/2025/08/22/author-complaints-conflicts-of-interest-at-fortis-publishing/
• ALLi News Podcast: AI-Generated Fake Books Resurface on Amazon - https://selfpublishingadvice.org/podcast-ai-generated-fake-books/
• Latest Smashwords Sale Breaks Records - https://www.smashwords.com/about/updates 
• Tax updates for books sold in Brazil and Romania. - Apple Books for Authors - https://authors.apple.com
• ALLi: Why Amazon Book Launches Fall Flat—and What to Do Instead: Publishing for Profit with Joe Solari - https://selfpublishingadvice.org/podcast-amazon-book-launches/ 
• Author Nation – https://DaleLinks.com/AuthorNation (affiliate link)
• ProWritingAid Storyteller's Sale - https://DaleLinks.com/ProWritingAid offer good through August 28, 2025 (affiliate link)
• Dibbly Summer Sale - https://DaleLinks.com/Dibbly - use SUMMERSALE12 for 12% off - good until September 8, 2025 (affiliate link)
• Get Authentic Book Reviews - https://GetAuthenticBookReviews.com - $1 sale is good ONLY in August 2025
• Booklinker: Fix Your Book Description in Four Steps - https://booklinker.mykajabi.com/Book-description
• Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - https://TheSelfPublishingHub.com
• Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp
• Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships
• Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord
• Check out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@dalelroberts
• My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks
• Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee. 

Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding!

- Dale L. Roberts