The 5 Worst Things Happening in Self-Publishing Right Now
October 8, 2025
The self-publishing world is full of opportunities, but it’s not without its challenges. While new tools, platforms, and recognition are making indie publishing more accessible than ever, there are also growing risks and pitfalls that authors can’t afford to ignore.
Here are five of the most critical issues every self-publisher should know about right now.
1. Amazon’s Algorithm Is Unpredictable
For many indie authors, Amazon remains the biggest sales channel. But its algorithms have become increasingly volatile.
Authors are reporting sudden ranking drops, disappearing reviews, unexpected category shifts, or titles being flagged with little explanation. A single algorithm change can derail months of marketing work.
Why it matters: Over-reliance on Amazon is dangerous. Building multiple income streams (direct sales, wide distribution, newsletters) is essential to stay resilient.
2. AI-Generated Spam Is Flooding Bookstores
AI writing tools have lowered the barrier to entry — and unfortunately, that includes bad actors. Some platforms, especially Amazon, are seeing a flood of low-quality, AI-generated content.
Entire categories are getting cluttered with titles designed to game the system rather than offer real value to readers.
Why it matters: Genuine authors have to work harder to stand out. Strong branding, better metadata, and niche positioning are becoming critical.
3. Advertising Costs Keep Climbing
Paid ads have long been a key discovery tool for indie authors. But Amazon Ads, Facebook, and BookBub costs are steadily rising.
Competition is fierce, click prices are up, and ad fatigue is real. What once worked on a modest budget now often requires far more investment to achieve the same results.
Why it matters: Authors who rely solely on paid ads are feeling the squeeze. Developing organic marketing strategies, like newsletters, communities, and SEO, is no longer optional.
4. Piracy and Illegal Re-uploads Are Growing
Piracy isn’t new, but it’s becoming more sophisticated. Many authors are discovering their books being scraped, repackaged, and re-uploaded to shady websites — and even legitimate platforms.
Sometimes, pirated versions are released before the official book goes live.
Why it matters: Vigilance is key. Set up Google Alerts, keep records of ISBNs, and periodically search for unauthorized versions of your work.
5. Platform Policies Can Change Overnight
KDP, ACX, and other major publishing platforms have made sudden changes to their terms of service, royalty structures, or payment timelines with little warning.
These shifts can affect revenue streams instantly — and authors have little recourse.
Why it matters: It’s crucial to read the fine print, keep backups of your entire catalog, and avoid putting all your eggs in one basket.
Final Thoughts
Self-publishing remains one of the most empowering paths for writers. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. These challenges are real — and staying informed is the best way to protect your work, your income, and your creative future.
If you’re navigating any of these issues, you’re not alone. Many authors are adapting by diversifying, building communities, and staying proactive.
Stay tuned — next week, we’ll look at the bright spots: the five best opportunities shaping self-publishing right now.