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I've been getting flooded by questions from authors regarding this email that Amazon KDP sent out earlier this month.Her...
12/23/2025

I've been getting flooded by questions from authors regarding this email that Amazon KDP sent out earlier this month.

Here's my response:

No action required for the majority of you - because we ALWAYS turn on DRM.

“If you take no action, the DRM-status of your previously published titles will not change”

We don’t want to give readers the ability to download your book and definitely not the PDF. I always turn on DRM. Most authors will likely opt out because it gives others too much access to your work... but this could be an opportunity to capitalize on a new marketplace, so we'll keep a close eye on it.

I’m actually very surprised at this new strategy of Amazon’s. I suspect there will be a change coming … or this is an indication that ebook sales are down and they are getting desperate to offer more value. No doubt this is throwing a lot of authors into a tailspin trying to understand what Amazon's strategy is for 2026 and beyond - and how to adapt - given they pretty much defined the indie marketplace from the start.

I suspect this reflects a big drop in Kindle demand as 'digital first' readers like myself are no doubt going to AI first and not buying Kindle books anymore.

Happy Holidays,
~ Brian

11/06/2025

Why is the lead time at IngramSpark is now pushing 2 weeks?
And in some cases, to process new titles can take a week or longer.

Given AI is making it easier than ever for anyone to write & publish a book, the demand on the services at KDP & IngramSpark are also under increased strain.

Let me try to shed some light... as I just spoke to a representative at IngramSpark. The current state of print-on-demand:

Several major book printers and related companies have ceased operations in the past three years, reflecting significant changes in the industry due to shifts toward digital publishing, print-on-demand, and economic challenges. These closures reflect consolidation in the printing industry, the impact of digital alternatives, and ongoing changes in publishing demand.

Notable Book Printer Closures (2023–2025):

Offset Paperback Manufacturers (OPM): Once one of the world’s largest paperback book printing plants, OPM (owned by Bertelsmann Printing Group USA) closed its Dallas, Pennsylvania, facility in May 2024. At its peak, OPM produced over 250 million books per year and employed nearly 1,000 workers. The closure followed a dramatic decline in demand for mass-market and digest books, and the transition to newer, more efficient plants.

CJK Group (Webcrafters Plant, Madison, WI): In early 2024, CJK Group announced the closure of its Madison, Wisconsin plant (formerly Webcrafters/Democrat Printing), which specialized in educational book printing. The shutdown was due to decreased post-pandemic demand for printed educational materials and continued growth in digital publishing.

Book1One: This Rochester, NY-based on-demand book printing and bindery service is closing in 2024, with its equipment set for auction. Book1One served many small publishers and provided personalized printing using digital technologies.

Boundless Publishing Group / Neem Tree Press: In 2025, Boundless Publishing Group and its imprint Neem Tree Press ceased operations and entered liquidation after failing to secure investment, leaving many authors and creditors with unpaid debts. While not a traditional printer, this closure affected the broader ecosystem of book production and distribution.

Baker & Taylor (Library Content Supplier): While not a printer, Baker & Taylor—a top U.S. wholesaler and distributor serving more than 5,000 libraries—was on the brink of shutting down and was recently acquired by Lakeside Book Company. It's unclear exactly how that might impact operations as they need to turn it into a profitable company.

~ Brian

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