Tag Archives: self-publishing

📚 “Pennies No More: Why I’m Raising My Book Prices (and Still Fighting for Fairness)”

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By A.L. Childers
Author | Advocate | The Freckled Oracle™

If you’ve loved supporting indie authors like me, you may notice a small change starting this June: some of my print book prices will go up. And I want you to hear directly from me why this matters—not just for me, but for thousands of other creators trying to survive in a system that keeps changing the rules.

💸 What’s Changing?

On June 10, 2025, Amazon KDP is changing its royalty structure for print books priced under $9.99. That means:

  • Instead of earning 60% of royalties after print costs…
  • Authors will now only earn 50%.
  • And some books will earn zero—yes, nothing—if they remain under that threshold.

That’s not a typo.

Books I lovingly priced affordably to make them accessible—because I care about my readers—will now cost me money to sell unless I raise the price.

🧾 Real Talk: What That Looks Like for Me

Let’s break this down:

  • A $6.99 book (once a helpful budget title) used to earn me around $0.66 after costs.
  • After June 10th? $0.00.

Even on a $9.99 book, I’m only netting $1–2 after printing, distribution, and taxes. That’s before counting:

  • Editing
  • Layout
  • Time spent researching
  • Original photography or design
  • Marketing

So when I say I’m raising prices to $10.99, $12.99, or higher, know this:
🧡 It’s not about greed. It’s about survival.

✍️ Why It Hurts (But Has to Happen)

I love writing for y’all. I truly do.
But I can’t keep pouring heart, truth, and time into my books and walk away with pennies.

And while Amazon also announced reduced color printing costs for some titles (finally), the royalty shift will affect the entire indie author economy, especially for:

  • Wellness guides
  • Journals
  • Coloring books
  • Budget-friendly gift books

These are the very books we keep affordable on purpose.

💬 What You Can Do to Help

If you’ve ever loved one of my titles, I ask this from the bottom of my freckled heart:

  • Buy directly through Amazon at the new list price
  • Leave a review (it’s free and makes a world of difference)
  • Tell a friend about a book you loved
  • Follow my blog at TheHypothyroidismChick.com for updates and deals
  • Join The Freckled Oracle mailing list for flash sales and sneak peeks

This isn’t just about one author. It’s about supporting truth-tellers, healers, survivors, and storytellers who refuse to sell out—even if platforms try to silence our worth.

🙏 Thank You

Raising prices feels weird. I know what it’s like to count every dollar. But I also know the value of our stories, our healing, and the time we pour into our creative work.

Your support helps me keep writing books that challenge, uplift, and empower.
Not for algorithms. But for you.

With gratitude and grit,
A.L. Childers
☀️ Truth, Wit & Wearable Wisdom™
Author of Archons, Silent Struggles, The Hidden Empire, The Happy Hound Cookbooks, and more

📘 Want to Browse My Books?

Visit my author page on Amazon

🔒 Disclaimer:

This blog is for educational and informational purposes only and reflects the current royalty policy changes communicated by Amazon KDP as of May 2025. This content is not financial or legal advice. Authors and readers are encouraged to review the full royalty structure updates at kdp.amazon.com or consult with publishing professionals. A.L. Childers and The Freckled Oracle™ are not responsible for platform changes beyond our control—but we sure do talk about them. #SouthernWink