Kindle Direct Publishing vs Kobo Writing Life

2023. Kindle Direct Publishing Launches ebooks to audiobooks using AI Voices



In a move that can only be described as a cocktail of ambition, technology, and a dash of synthetic wizardry, Kindle Direct Publishing has launched a beta program in the United States, likely in the hopes of helping authors save money—or at the very least, keep their hard-won royalties from evaporating in the sonic void of audiobook production costs. This experiment, a blend of virtual voice narration and synthetic speech that could make even a toaster sound intelligent, enables authors to transform their cherished ebooks into fully narrated audiobooks. The beta program will, of course, expand as Amazon irons out the inevitable quirks of talking computers and extends its reach beyond U.S. borders. Authors jumping on board will choose an eligible ebook, indulge in the alchemical task of sampling synthetic voices (preferably before they develop opinions), and preview their creation before hitting publish. With prices ranging from a modest $3.99 to a princely $14.99, they’ll pocket a 40% royalty—hopefully enough to keep the lights on in the intergalactic author’s lounge.


2023. Amazon limits self-published ebooks to only 3 a day because of AI



In a move that would likely be approved by the Intergalactic Bureau of Moderation (if such an entity existed, which fortunately it doesn’t), Amazon has decided to grapple with the tidal wave of AI-generated books by implementing a rather humbling new rule: self-published authors may now only upload a maximum of three ebooks per day. This restraint isn’t without reason. You see, Amazon recently found itself in a spot of cosmic disarray when its bestseller lists became rather uncomfortably thick with ebooks crafted by, of all things, AI language models like ChatGPT. The machines, in their infinite yet deeply flawed wisdom, produced works that led readers on baffling journeys through pages of nonsense—much to the outrage of many. Earlier this year, things got stranger still: AI books outnumbered those written by their organic counterparts, with some titles offering the unwitting reader guidance on such innocent topics as mushroom foraging. Unfortunately, these guides, lacking the knowledge only a genuine fungi fan could possess, made errors of the type one should only make if hoping to achieve permanent oblivion. When asked by numerous media outlets to comment on this peculiar infestation, Amazon promptly deleted the offending titles, preferring not to explore the risk of unintentionally cultivating an interplanetary mushroom crisis.


2023. Amazon released AI guidelines for Kindle Direct Publishing



In an effort to tackle what can only be described as an intergalactic flood of AI-generated books elbowing their way onto Amazon’s virtual shelves and sneakily cozying up to the Kindle Bestseller's list, Amazon KDP has unveiled a set of guidelines with the kind of fanfare usually reserved for the unveiling of a new starship model. These rules, in their infinite wisdom, now require authors to fess up if their literary offspring happen to feature AI-generated anything—be it imagery, prose, or the odd translation mishap. The great galactic catch is that this applies not only to new books but also to any tweaked and re-released editions, even if the tweaking involved a bit of AI wizardry. However, if an author merely uses AI as a well-mannered assistant to polish their prose rather than conjure it from thin air, they’re off the hook—mostly. Everyone, AI-inclined or not, must still adhere to Amazon’s all-important content guidelines. The mission? To restore a semblance of order and elevate the literary galaxy’s standards, ensuring readers aren’t accidentally downloading the next "AI tries to write Shakespeare and somehow invents Vogon poetry" disaster.


2023. Kindle Direct Publishing has updated category selection



In a move that some might find ever-so-slightly reminiscent of a Vogon bureaucrat’s notion of efficiency, Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) has cheerfully re-engineered the book categorization process—because why shouldn’t things be a bit more confusing? Previously, authors enjoyed the bewildering luxury of selecting multiple categories for their literary masterpieces. Now, in the spirit of simplifying complexity, Amazon has kindly limited this choice to three. Yes, just three. Which, in a galaxy of countless books, raises the delightful specter of your magnum opus vanishing into the nebulous mists of "other titles." But wait, there’s more! Amazon has also reserved the thrilling right to reshuffle your book’s categories whenever it deems necessary, all in the name of a "positive customer experience." So, to avoid Amazon making these mystifying decisions for you, it would be wise to dash over to your KDP dashboard and personally select these elusive three categories. Failing that, Amazon will helpfully assign two categories it finds relevant, with a certain unspoken shrug of inevitability. Yes, authors, now is the time to grasp the reins of categorization destiny, lest your literary gem drift into the void, classified by algorithms with all the empathy of an automated tea dispenser.


2023. Kindle Direct Publishing to increase printing costs for authors



Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is implementing modifications to printing expenses in order to reflect the current expenses associated with materials and labor. Consequently, there will be a change in the minimum list price for your paperback and hardcover print books. Although it is not mandatory, it is advisable to adjust your list prices for print books in order to preserve your current royalties once the revised printing costs take effect. Any modifications made to an existing print book after June 20 must adhere to the new minimum list price.


2021. Amazon is launching Kindle Vella, mobile first serialized fiction self-publish platform



Amazon is introducing a new feature on the iOS Kindle app called Kindle Vella in the coming months. It offers a fresh way for authors to present serialized narratives to readers, one chapter at a time. Authors can self-publish Kindle Vella stories in a serial format, with each episode ranging from 600 to 5,000 words, using the same Kindle Direct Publishing platform they have always utilized. Kindle Vella stories will be available for purchase directly through the iOS app using tokens. The initial episodes of each story will be free, allowing readers to sample a new story and decide if they are interested. To access further episodes, readers will need to buy and redeem tokens.


2021. Amazon stops accepting MOBI books from authors



For years, Amazon has had specific formats accepted for upload on Kindle Direct Publishing—namely MOBI files, PDFs and Word documents. PDFs can be problematic, as the conversion to a reflowable ebook format can become distorted. Now, for similar reasons, Amazon will no longer accept MOBI files starting June 28th. Instead, authors can still upload their Word documents in both .doc and .docx formats, or an EPUB version of their file. For some authors, this is not an issue. Many authors don't bother with file conversion and simply upload their manuscripts as Word documents. However, some authors who have relied on this process will need to adjust to this new requirement.


2019. Kobo Writing Life now accepts Audiobook submissions



Writing Life is the self-publishing division of Kobo and when authors submit an ebook, it is sold across all the various markets where Kobo distributes digital content, which covers most of the globe. Independent authors can now easily upload, promote and sell their audiobooks, adjust prices, or select the countries in which they want to sell through the user-friendly dashboard. The rollout is currently in beta testing and will be accessible to all accounts soon. Audiobook features are currently available in English and will be offered in additional languages by the end of 2019. Kobo Writing Life is one of several self-publishing platforms that accept audiobooks. They are competing with Audible, Findaway Voices, Draft2Digital and others.


2018. Amazon has merged CreateSpace with Kindle Direct Publishing



CreateSpace, one of the leading print-on-demand (POD) platforms for self-published writers, has merged with Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing. Since CreateSpace was a popular option for anyone looking to print a self-published book, the transition left many people feeling stranded and perplexed. CreateSpace used to offer POD services for self-publishing writers — and as far as POD platforms went, it was quite good. CreateSpace made it simple to produce paperback versions of books and even offered extended distribution and printed proofs, making it a favored option among writers. In 2005, Amazon acquired CreateSpace but continued developing its own POD platform (KDP Print).


2017. Kindle Create is now available to all authors


Kindle Create is a new free conversion tool designed to be “one-click” simple for creating a polished, formatted ebook. It operates similarly to Microsoft Word, providing authors with a user-friendly, familiar interface for adding features like formatting styles and tables of contents. Now, Kindle Create has exited beta and is available to all authors. The design allows you to work directly from your Word document and preview the finished product without undergoing the conversion process. Instead of a process or dashboard for your publishing needs, this software runs on your desktop and enables you to adjust your file as needed before uploading. Once you move the completed document to the KDP dashboard, you can still convert it to a MOBI file. Additionally, Kindle Create allows you to format a “print replica” ebook for a professional appearance.


2015. Kindle Scout Publishing platform expands internationally



Amazon has announced that it is broadening Kindle Scout, its reader-driven publishing platform, to include more authors and readers globally. Now, in addition to the U.S., writers in regions such as Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, India and more can submit unpublished, novel-length English-language manuscripts to be considered for publication within 45 days or less under Amazon’s digital publishing imprint, Kindle Press. Readers worldwide can also preview excerpts from unpublished books, nominate the stories they wish to see published and receive a free early copy of every book they nominate that is released by Kindle Press.


2014. Amazon launches reader-powered publishing program Kindle Scout



Amazon officially launched Kindle Scout - the “reader-powered” (crowdsourcing) publishing initiative. Kindle Scout will be guided by readers’ feedback and result in book deals for selected authors. Amazon’s letter to authors today outlined the terms. Chosen books will be published by Kindle Press and receive 5-year renewable agreements, a $1,500 advance, a 50% eBook royalty rate, straightforward rights reversions and prominent Amazon marketing. We will be inviting readers to join and nominate books in a few weeks. The Kindle Scout homepage currently highlights a call for English-language books in the Romance, Mystery & Thriller and Science Fiction & Fantasy genres.


2014. Amazon unveiled kids book creator software for Kindle Direct Publishing



Amazon is broadening its Kindle Direct Publishing division to address the needs of children’s book authors with a new initiative called “KDP Kids.” This program, designed to assist authors in preparing, publishing and distributing books in the Kindle Store, comes alongside the release of a new tool, the Kindle Kids’ Book Creator. This tool enables aspiring children’s book authors to craft chapter books and illustrated children’s books that can utilize Kindle features like text pop-ups, according to Amazon's announcement about the new services. Once the book is completed, authors can also use the tool to upload it to KDP while specifying the appropriate category, age and grade range filters to ensure proper listing. The book creator tool is not only for new authors seeking entry into Amazon’s Kindle platform but can also help established authors convert their works into Kindle format to reach a broader audience.