Author News Weekly Nick Thacker

On this episode of Author News Weekly, we discuss the challenges indie authors face when it comes to reporting sales and income. We explore the trustworthiness of self-reported income and how it can affect financial integrity. Additionally, we touch on the concerns surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and how it impacts the job market. We also discuss the use of AI-generated voices and its potential to spread false information. Finally, we address the idea that AI-generated literature is on the horizon and how authors can use AI tools to improve the quality and speed of their book production while maintaining professionalism.

Authors Direct, a website that allowed authors to sell books directly to readers, is closing down. The site is discontinuing service on May 31, 2020.

Book Depository, an online bookseller owned by Amazon, is closing its US and Australian warehouses. The company will no longer ship orders to those countries.

Audiobooks could be the next frontier for advertising. Brands are starting to experiment with sponsoring audiobooks, and some publishers are even creating custom content for advertisers.

Brandon Sanderson is a best-selling fantasy author. He has published over 40 novels, including the Mistborn series and The Stormlight Archive.

In light of recent censorship concerns, many are taking a closer look at the work of beloved children's author Roald Dahl. Dahl's books have come under fire for their insensitive and sometimes violent content.

ChatGPT, a startup that uses artificial intelligence to generate e-books, has launched on Amazon. The company's goal is to create realistic, well-written stories that can be produced quickly and cheaply.

A concerning trend in the publishing industry is the increasing use of sensitivity readers. Sensitivity readers are hired to flag potentially offensive content in books before they are published.

Facebook has come under fire for censoring authors and disappearing their posts. The company has been accused of censoring conservative voices and stifling free speech.

Don't quit social media just stop using it. Authors should consider the benefits of social media, such as connecting with readers and building an audience, but be aware of the negative effects it can have on their mental health.

- https://www.theguardian.com/books/commentisfree/2023/mar/09/roald-dahl-censorship-sensitivity-readers-books
- https://www.reuters.com/technology/chatgpt-launches-boom-ai-written-e-books-amazon-2023-02-21/
- http://neil-clarke.com/a-concerning-trend/
- https://author.amazon.com/help/GA4B2P8YR6H9DCA3
- https://www.authorecosystem.com/p/facebook-disappeared-me
- https://indestructibleauthor.com/dont-quit-social-media-just-stop-using-it/

The Authors Guild has introduced a new model clause that prohibits the use of authors' works in artificial intelligence training. This would protect authors' intellectual property and ensure they get compensated for their work.

The recent trend of "sensitivity readers" censoring children's books has caused a stir in the literary world, with many arguing that it goes against Roald Dahl's legacy of writing for children.

Finally, Amazon's use of automated piracy detection has led to numerous authors being wrongfully accused and punished for copyright infringement. This has caused a lot of frustration and confusion for those authors and calls for better protections.

https://authorsguild.org/news/model-clause-prohibiting-ai-training/
https://www.theguardian.com/books/commentisfree/2023/mar/09/roald-dahl-censorship-sensitivity-readers-books
https://www.plagiarismtoday.com/2023/03/01/how-amazon-is-punishing-victims-of-piracy/

Apple TV Plus has released a trailer for their new drama, Silo. The show is set in a future where the last humans left on earth are living in a silo underground, and follows their fight for survival.

Bookshop.org, an online retailer for indie bookstores, is now selling e-books and plans to publish its first print title. The company has partnered with Ingram Content Group to make its e-books available to libraries and schools.

Publishers Weekly has announced their 2021 Publishing Industry Awards winners. Bookshop.org won the award for Retailer of the Year, while Ingram Content Group won the award for Distributor of the Year.

- https://www.tvfanatic.com/2023/03/silo-apple-tv-plus-drops-riveting-trailer-for-new-drama-about-a/
- https://www.digitalpw.com/digitalpw/20230220/MobilePagedArticle.action?articleId=1858669&app=false&cmsId=4079860#articleId1858669
- https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/91598-bookshop-org-to-sell-e-books-publish-first-print-title.html

The Authors Guild has announced that Amazon is changing its ebook return policy. Previously, ebooks could be returned for a full refund within seven days of purchase. Now, ebooks can only be returned for a partial refund within 30 days of purchase.

In a recent blog post, publishing industry veteran Mike Shatzkin concludes that authors do not need publishers. He argues that publishers are no longer necessary to distribute books or provide editorial feedback.

Book Idea Validation Mastery is a new course from Kindlepreneur that promises to teach students how to validate their book ideas and make sure they are profitable before investing time and money into writing and publishing them.

- https://authorsguild.org/news/amazon-changing-ebook-return-policy/
- https://thenewpublishingstandard.com/2023/01/08/do-authors-need-publishers-shatzkin-concludes-not/
- https://kindlepreneur.com/book-idea-validation-mastery/