Amazon Strikes Again: Audible’s New Plan Could Gut Your Audiobook Royalties

Amazon’s Audible just pulled a move that could quietly slash indie author earnings, and they’re selling it like it’s a gift to creators. Spoiler: it’s not.

In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy rip the shiny wrapping off Audible’s “Premium Plus” rollout to reveal the fine print that could leave authors earning less than ever. Think Kindle Unlimited for audiobooks… but with even more ways for Amazon to keep the cash.

We’re exposing:

• How the new royalty pool works, and why you’ll be splitting your earnings with hundreds of other books.
• The truth about Findaway Voices, Spotify, and why Audible might be sweating the competition.
• Why exclusivity is a trap that benefits Amazon more than you.
• The simple shift that could put more audiobook money back in your pocket.

If you’re an author—or plan to become one—you can’t afford to miss this breakdown. Before you sign away exclusivity or cheer for Audible’s “creator-centric ethos,” you need to know whose pocket it’s really filling.

Hit play, subscribe, and make sure your audiobook profits don’t get swallowed whole.

We refer to the following references in this video: Daniel Greene: The Audible Situation Got Much Worse https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H0ivgubPtI&t=1s

Audible's Article: Audible’s New Royalty Model: More Opportunities for Authors and Publishers https://www.audible.com/about/newsroom/audibles-new-royalty-model-more-opportunities-for-authors-and-publishers?srsltid=AfmBOooElBqgE1y2BBeEO8IoaPdwDbaQK-4L3wXem4FWNi-xHPrm1CP6

Midia: What Audible's New Royalty Model Means for its Audiobook Battle with Spotify: https://www.midiaresearch.com/blog/what-audibles-new-royalty-model-means-for-its-audiobook-battle-with-spotify

Lean Media: The Truth About Audible's New Audible's New Pooled Royalty Scheme https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MP66KI7txg4 Here is the Newscast I mentioned with the beautiful Madeline White when she was with Boise's News 6 https://www.kivitv.com/finding-hope/finding-hope-local-bestselling-horror-author-inspires-resilience-empathy

#Amazon #Audible #Audiobooks #IndieAuthor #SelfPublishing #WritingCommunity #IndiePublishing #BookMarketing #AuthorTips #KindleUnlimited #ACX #SpotifyAudiobooks #AuthorLife #PublishingTips #WritersLife #BookTok #AuthorsOfInstagram #WritersOfInstagram #IndieAuthorLife #BookBusiness #NarratorLife

True crime fans and thriller writers, beware: your story might be committing a felony. In this hilariously unfiltered episode, Stacey and Troy dive into the crime-writing crimes that make editors weep and readers rage-quit.

From interrogations without Miranda rights to chairs jammed under hospital doorknobs (yes, that happened), we dissect the rookie mistakes authors make when writing police procedurals, murder mysteries, and true crime-inspired fiction. Whether you're spinning a serial killer saga or just tossing in a body for tension, we’ll help you avoid turning your plot into a cautionary tale. Topics we interrogate: Why your crime novel needs structure, not just shock value The difference between a coroner and a medical examiner (and why readers will notice) Respecting the victim—even when they're fictional How not to glorify your villain (unless you're really trying to be problematic) The ripple effect of crime and why empathy still matters

If you write thrillers, mysteries, or crime fiction—or just binge Dateline and call it research—this episode is your alibi for better writing.

#CrimeWritingTips #TrueCrimeWriters #HowToWriteCrime #WritingThrillers #MysteryWriters #CrimeFictionWriters #WritersOfInstagram #SelfPublishingTips #AuthorLife #WritingPodcast

Subscribe. Laugh. Learn. And stop breaking the literary law. Follow Print to Pro and Prose Talking Prose for more writer rants, industry truth bombs, and professional-grade writing advice—served with sarcasm.

Are you writing for algorithms or for actual humans? In this refreshingly honest episode of Pros Talking Prose, we’re joined by indie author legend Johnny B. Truant to talk about his upcoming book, The Artisan Author, a rebellious, soul-restoring manifesto for authors who are done with burnout and ready to love writing again.

We dive into: The myth of rapid release Why chasing bestseller lists is killing your creativity How to attract 1,000 true fans (and why that’s enough) The “Bookstore of You” philosophy Bringing back the FUN in your author business

Whether you're drowning in marketing hacks or wondering if AI is about to replace your voice, this episode is your permission slip to slow down, find joy, and build a sustainable, art-first author career.

Are you ready to quit the rat race and write on your own terms? You’re not alone. Besides keeping Austin weird, Johnny helps Troy and Stacey discover why being an artisan author is the revolution we all need.

Grab Johnny’s book and learn more: Join his Kickstarter Here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/johnnybtruant/the-artisan-author-your-way-out-of-the-self-pub-rat-race or just buy his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Artisan-Author-Low-Stress-High-Quality-Fan-Focused-ebook/dp/B0DPCV96XZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1GVE2LM1Q10SJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-oCp-rbTAtnOMexXoBlVHIwuyywzhdTfVTGnI-KfT_4.4c4-FRu4e4CUavUKXd3cgM-msuXZ9VBF6jki1H5i934&dib_tag=se&keywords=johnny+b+truant+artisan+author&qid=1753401625&sprefix=johnny+b+truant+%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-1

Follow: Johnny B. Truant: https://johnnybtruantbooks.com/ Troy Lambert: https://theplotabides.com/ Stacey Smekofske: https://printtopro.com/

#ArtisanAuthor #JohnnyBTruant #IndieAuthor #AuthorBusiness #ProsTalkingProse #WritingTips #SelfPublishing #TrueFans #SlowAuthoring #CreativeBurnout #AIandAuthors #IndiePublishing

Is AI the villain in the author’s downfall—or are readers, publishers, and even fellow writers part of the problem? In this fiery episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy and Stacey unpack the emotional, ethical, and legal minefield of AI-generated content in publishing. From TikTok's “100% Human” trend to copyright battles and the philosophical death of the author, we ask the hard questions: What is authorship in the age of machines? Can a bot tell a human story—or just mimic one? And what happens when you can’t tell the difference?

Prepare to get fired up, challenged, and maybe just a little uncomfortable.

This isn’t just about AI. It’s about what readers demand, what creators surrender, and where the soul of storytelling really lives.

#Author #HumanCreated #DeathOfTheAuthor #PublishingEthics #BookTokDebate #SelfPublishing #WritersLife #ProsTalkingProse

Think your book is getting picked up for a Netflix deal out of the blue? Think again. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy dive headfirst into the glittery garbage fire of scams targeting indie authors. From fake PR packages and “guaranteed” bestsellers to shady Netflix pitches and vanity publishers masquerading as the real deal, we’re calling B.S. on the most common traps in your inbox.

What We Cover:

How scammers find your author info (hint: it’s not witchcraft, it’s public databases) Why “Congratulations! You’ve been selected…” should send you running Red flags in marketing, awards, publishing contracts, and pay-to-play podcasts The truth behind those $20,000 “promo packages” (spoiler: we’ve seen what’s inside) How to protect your privacy without becoming a hermit with no brand

This episode is part cautionary tale, part scam-swatting workshop, and full of hard-earned insights that could save you thousands. Whether you're a newbie author or a seasoned pro, this one’s required listening if you want to market your book without getting mugged on Main Street.

Mentioned tools & tips: PO boxes, reCAPTCHA, double opt-ins The ALLi Self-Publishing Watchdog list: https://selfpublishingadvice.org/self-publishing-services-watchdog/

Why authors should Google everything and trust nothing that starts with “Dear Author…” Listen in, laugh a little, and get scam-savvy. Your author dreams deserve more than snake oil and empty promises.

Subscribe and check out more at: PrintToPro.com ThePlotAbides.com

#AuthorScams #SelfPublishingTips #BookMarketingFails #VanityPress #PublishingScams #WritingPodcast #AuthorMarketing #IndieAuthorHelp #ProsTalkingProse #Scambaiting #authorbusiness #authorproblems

Haters gonna hate, and trolls gonna troll—but what does that mean for authors? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy dive into the dark, weird, and sometimes hilarious world of negative reviews, trolls, hate mail, and DM drama. From a grandma’s unexpected 3-star critique to a one-star reviewer who can’t spell "plagiarism," they share real-life stories (some absurd, some serious) and offer seasoned advice on how to handle criticism without spiraling.

You’ll hear: How to respond (or not!) to negative reviews The difference between trolling and constructive criticism Why not all bad reviews are actually bad When to take feedback seriously—and when to laugh it off The importance of separating your author persona from your private life How to protect your mental health and boundaries as a public-facing creative

Whether you're a debut novelist or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you build thicker skin, spot toxic feedback, and use real reader insight to become a better writer.

👉 Like, subscribe, and drop your weirdest review or troll story in the comments—we might feature it in a future episode!

#WritingCommunity #AuthorLife #BookReviews #TrollsBeGone #NegativeReviews #IndieAuthorTips #SelfPublishing #AuthorAdvice #WritersOfYouTube #ProsTalkingProse

Diversity in fiction doesn’t mean tossing in a rainbow cast like it’s a checklist. In this episode, Stacey and Troy tackle the awkward, over-the-top, and downright cringey ways authors attempt diversity—and how to actually write inclusive stories that don’t scream “I’m trying too hard.”

We break down: When and why to include diverse characters How to avoid stereotypes, soapbox moments, and tokenism What makes representation authentic (vs. performative) Real-world writing tips, research advice, and sensitivity reader hacks Why your story—not your social agenda—should lead the way

Plus, we roast some “oops” moments we’ve seen in published books and celebrate examples like To Kill a Mockingbird that get it right without preaching.

If you’ve ever asked: “How do I write diverse characters without getting it wrong?” “What counts as performative representation?” “Am I overthinking this or just avoiding the cringe?”

This episode is for you.

Like, subscribe, and drop your own examples of cringe or excellence in the comments! Let’s help authors write better, deeper, and more human stories—without the awkward virtue signaling.

#WritingTips #DiversityInBooks #InclusiveWriting #AmWriting #AuthorTube #SelfPublishing #WritersOfYouTube #RepresentationMatters #BookIndustry #CharacterDevelopment

Ever woken up at 3 AM with a plot twist so good you were convinced it wasn’t entirely your idea? Yeah—same.

In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy go full woo (but keep it grounded) as they explore the mysterious, magical, and mildly unhinged side of the creative process. From dream downloads to possessed plotlines, sacred rituals to intuitive writing, we’re pulling back the veil on the stuff authors don’t always admit out loud. Is it the muse? Is it your subconscious? Or are you just finally letting your brain breathe for five minutes?

We discuss: The science and spirituality behind where ideas come from Writing rituals that work (even if you don’t believe in crystals) Flow state, gut writing, and other weirdly effective methods What it really means to “channel” a character Why your best ideas come in the shower (and what to do about it)

Whether you're a full-on mystic or just mystified by your own imagination, this episode gives you permission to embrace the mystery and trust the process. No altar required. Just light a metaphorical candle and press play.

#authorlife #CreativeFlow #WritingPodcast #IntuitiveWriting #WriterProblems #MuseMagic #WritingRituals #PlotTwistsFromTheVoid #WooWooWriters #ProsTalkingProse