Posts by RIch Carnahan
How Much Does It Cost to Self-Publish in 2026?
Self-publishing gets more popular every year, but the costs can still feel confusing. One author might say they paid almost nothing. Another might say it cost more than a used car. The truth sits somewhere in the middle, and it depends on the choices you make. In 2026, self-publishing is easier than ever, but…
Read MoreIngramSpark 2026 Price Changes
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the company, IngramSpark is a self-publishing platform that offers print-on-demand services similar to Amazon KDP. The company sent out an email about a week ago saying they will be adjusting their print costs as of February 1, 2026. As a self-published author, what does this mean for…
Read MoreHow to Maintain an Author Website
Your author website is more than just a place to show off your books. It helps readers learn about you, gives them a way to buy your books, and can even get you invited to events. But none of that works if your website is out of date or broken. If you’re a writer who…
Read MoreHow Will Amazon’s Latest Changes Affect Your Book Sales?
Amazon recently announced that as of June 10, 2025, royalty rates and color printing costs on some books will change. Here’s how these changes may affect your KDP book sales on Amazon.com. Amazon Royalty Rates Decreasing In less than a month, Amazon is lowering the royalty an author receives on a paperback book priced below…
Read MorePalmetto Publishing vs. Publish Pros
When it comes to self-publishing, choosing the right partner can make all the difference. If you’re weighing your options between Palmetto Publishing and Publish Pros, it’s important to understand what sets them apart. Team Palmetto Publishing operates from a large office in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, with a team of over 50 employees. While having…
Read MoreAuthor Spotlight: Shawn LaTorre
Shawn LaTorre is a retired educator living in Austin, Texas. Her work was primarily with students struggling to learn English as a second language and English-speaking students in gifted and talented programs. As a child, Shawn and her large family spent time in the fields with migrant workers from Texas and Arizona, picking blueberries and…
Read MoreStandard Paperback vs Mass Market Paperback
The term “paperback” is often used to describe any book without a hardcover, but not all paperbacks are created equal. Two common formats—standard paperbacks and mass market paperbacks—serve very different purposes. Understanding the difference is important, especially for authors planning to self-publish. The format you choose affects everything from print quality to pricing and distribution.…
Read MoreWhat is a Self-Publishing Coach?
Navigating the world of self-publishing as a new author is often challenging. As a result, the intricate and often confusing journey from start to finish can be overwhelming. This is where the involvement of a self-publishing coach (or multiple coaches) can be of great benefit. The expertise of a coach becomes your guidebook. Their role…
Read MoreIngramSpark Change Means More Dollars in Authors’ Pockets
IngramSpark has introduced an ecommerce option they call Shareable Purchase Links (SPL) which allows books produced by Ingram to be purchased directly from Ingram. When you use Ingram for your book production and distribution, you can sell your book directly to readers without involving a third-party book retailer. That means the monetary difference between your…
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