Author Update
Thomas Umstattd Jr.
Here’s what you can expect from Author Update:Publishing News: Stay in the loop on what’s happening in the industry.Advice That Matters: Learn how to make your book irresistible to readers.Live Q&A: Bring your questions and get answers from Thomas Umstattd and Jonathan Shuerger.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 24, 2025 • 1h 10min
Scam Alert! The Nigerian Bot Army Has Arrived!
Get the latest on scams affecting the author world, a detailed data report on the state of Mysteries, Thrillers and Suspense, and why Americans are reading less than ever.
Oct 17, 2025 • 1h 15min
Massive Amazon Algorithm Changes and the Grid
Welcome to the Grid. We're covering the Amazon algorithm, the sales reports, the Yoast SEO Update and the advent of Tron: Ares.
Oct 10, 2025 • 55min
Publisher's Cancellation Backfires, What's Selling Now and Are Libraries Going Under?
Welcome to a special episode of Author Update! Thomas is sick, so Jonathan takes the reins and does a solo episode on library news, X drama and ZEITGEIST!
Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 8min
US Copyright Office Closes, Piracy Surges Again and the Anthropic Settlement Website Goes Live
Join Thomas and Jonathan on Author Update as we tackle the government shutdown, the surge in online book piracy sentiments and how the military's pivot toward more lethality and less DEI impacts your writing.
Sep 27, 2025 • 58min
Updates in Anthropic Case, NanoWriMo Replaced and How To Write First Aid
Payouts approved in the Anthropic case, Novel November comes to authors and Jonathan and Thomas talk about how to write first aid properly in your content.
Sep 19, 2025 • 1h 1min
Amazon KU Allowed in Public Libraries, the TikTok Deal and Cancel Culture
Join us on Author Update to learn more about using libraries with KU books, the TikTok deal between US and China, and how cancel culture has changed.
Sep 12, 2025 • 57min
Christian Author Assassinated, Mailer Lite Adjusts Its Free Plan and Kit Raises Prices
A somber reflection upon Charlie Kirk's life and ministry and how authors can emulate his success in their own careers, as well as industry news regarding email services.
Sep 8, 2025 • 1h 15min
Anthropic to Pay Authors $3000 Per Book, Zeitgeist, and Author Arrested for Tweets
We uncover shocking news about publishers failing to register copyrights, potentially leaving authors vulnerable in the Anthropic class-action lawsuit. We also explore the arrest of Irish author Graham Linehan for tweets posted from America. Plus, discover exciting developments in AI audiobook publishing with ElevenLabs' new 60% royalty marketplace, learn about AuthorCraft.ai's manuscript analysis tools, and dive deep into the zeitgeist of Mary Poppins. Patron Toolbox: https://www.PatronToolbox.com/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/novelmarketingConference: https://www.NovelMarketingConference.com/
Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 3min
New International Shipping Rules Hit Authors and Libraries Acquire KU Books?
Join us on Author Update as we talk the latest news in publishing!
Aug 22, 2025 • 1h 6min
Spotify Upgrades Audiobook Accessibility and George R.R. Martin Told To Step Down
Check out our commentary on the past week's events with news on Spotify, Harper Collins and WorldCon.
