The publishing world changes faster than I write.

I think something that still can’t be emphasized enough in 2026 is how despite all the market analysis tools and distribution technologies now available to authors, you still need to write a good book if you hope to be successful.

For anyone who doubts audiobooks, there’s a huge audience you’re overlooking.
Many people, myself included, work alone or spend long hours on the road. Audiobooks aren’t a luxury for us; they’re how we read.
I listen to books every day and have built a library of over 500 audiobooks. There are plenty of readers like me.
If you ignore audio, you’re not protecting the “purity” of your book, you’re simply choosing not to reach a massive, engaged audience.

Not dwelling on AI and just doing an actual useful and human writing advice is actually one of the things that made me really appreciate your channel and to stick around. And you didnt drop the ball here, but handled this theme in the most tasteful manner. Thank you

I’ve just recently found out about this thing called ‘immersive reading’ (where you read a book and listen to an audiobook at the same time) and it was a massive help to me whilst reading fantasy books, it somehow stimulates my imagination better and also keeps my attention span in check, helping me read with no interruptions. This got me out of a pretty bad reading slump 😄

My issue with direct sales is that it carries the same burden as starting a business. You have to be all the things: the marketer, the accountant, and the writer. There is no guarantee you will be able to get your book seen by the world in the end unless you spend $$$, even if you do everything right because of the algorithm. I’m on my own journey to write and publish and the idea of having to think about direct sales just makes my heart sink. You can have the best idea in the world, but if self promotion is not your strength and you’re broke, fat chance anyone is going to see it.

When I was driving a truck, I listened to more books that I had ever read to that point.

I write the way I want. Do not care what other people think.

It's funny how the suggestions to combat AI writing can essentially be summarized as writing something good.

Isn’t selling direct really ridiculously hard if you don’t have a following? Like a first time author is gonna struggle hard to direct sell aren’t they?

Like it sounds awesome financially… but, getting people to want a first time authors book is a huge hurdle?

As a person who is always on the move and constantly driving, I NEED audiobooks—not to mention the fact that I take more in when I listen—and don’t forget, there are so many people with learning differences that need to take in words this way. Please don’t ignore your audible readers.

0:15 THANK YOU! Selling direct is exactly where I want to put my efforts.

Selling direct sounds like it needs a lot of time investment.

17:00 Blind readers for a long time use audiobooks (I have been recording some for them) - they speak about 'reading' when they listen to an audiobook.

The most important advice that emerges from this discussion is that writers need to understand the "business" of writing. It's easy to say "sell your books yourself", than to actually market and sell it. The same with booktoks or audiobooks. The number of people who can actually write well and at the same time be a good marketer of their books is incredibly small. So far, it looks like good marketing and support system trumps good writing. Sanderson wouldn't be a good example to go by if one doesn't understand marketing. Selling is transactional part.

I’m an Indie Author in figuring things out as I go. Out of all of the videos that I’ve watched. You’ve actually have some great ideas that I will apply nicely done.

One major downside of audiobooks is the way Audible has seriously harmed writers over the last few years with changes to their royalties and terms, along with encouraging listeners to submit fraudulent refunds. Audiobooks are definitely booming, and the medium itself is awesome for expanding the audience for stories, but the vast majority of those profits isn't going to the authors.

You went all "Yo, dawg," and put a list in your list. Love it.

Out of all the writing advice on YouTube I've seen so far I feel Bookfox has the best I hope I'll write a story worthy of it's discussion

One other comment from "back then", the 80s,  audio books of any lenght were almost exclusively available at the library AND you had to prove that you were sight impaired to be allowed to take them out. Very exclusive club ❤