Kindle Direct Publishing announced two major updates that authors need to understand. Changes to digital rights management are raising questions, while a new ebook pre-order feature could reward authors who are prepared. We also cover AI entering the reading experience, audiobook discovery tied to BookTok, platform updates, and opportunities authors should watch heading into 2026. YouTube Channel Memberships – https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships KDP: New eBook Download Options for Readers Coming in 2026 - https://www.kdpcommunity.com/s/article/New-eBook-Download-Options-for-Readers-Coming-in-2026?language=en_US TechCrunch: Amazon changes how copyright protection is applied to Kindle Direct's self-published e-books - https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/10/amazon-changes-how-copyright-protection-is-applied-to-kindle-directs-self-published-ebooks/ KDP: eBook pre-orders will soon show a reading sample on Amazon – Update - https://www.kdpcommunity.com/s/article/eBook-pre-orders-will-soon-show-a-reading-sample-on-Amazon-Update DigitalTrends: Google Play Books may soon let you ask Gemini questions while you read - https://www.digitaltrends.com/phones/google-play-books-may-soon-let-you-ask-gemini-questions-while-you-read/ Amazon's New Kindle Feature Raises Concerns | Self-Publishing News (Dec. 16, 2025) - https://youtu.be/ozboaJlwhiw Bookvault – https://bookvault.app – Use coupon code BVDALE to waive three upload fees PublishDrive – Save 25% off all annual distribution plans - https://publishdrive.com/save-25-on-publishdrive-annual-plans-forever?fpr=dale10 (affiliate link) – Offer ends December 31, 2025 Audible and TikTok Bring Best of #BookTok Sensations Direct to Listeners - https://www.audible.com/about/newsroom/audible-and-tiktok-bring-best-of-booktok-sensations-direct-to-listeners Get Authentic Book Reviews – https://GetAuthenticBookReviews.com Spoken – https://Spoken.press Payhip: Ecommerce Payment Gateways for Digital Products - https://payhip.com/payment-gateways?fp_ref=lym89 (affiliate link) Authorbase – https://DaleLInks.com/Authorbase (affiliate link) Written Word Media: Author Branding for Self-Published Authors: How to Build a Brand Readers Love (Without Feeling Icky About It) - https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/author-branding-for-self-published-authors Outstanding Creator Awards: 2025 Clash of Champions Contest (results) – https://www.outstandingcreator.com/winners--2025-clash-of-champions.html Reader Views Awards: "Email Marketing for Authors" by Dale L. Roberts - https://readerviews.com/reviews/email-marketing-for-authors-roberts/ Self-Publishing with Dale (book series) – https://DaleLinks.com/SelfPubWithDale Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord Check out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@dalelroberts My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee. Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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