In what surprises no one, Amazon released a new feature on some Kindle apps that allows readers to ask a book a question with a response from an AI chat bot.

Within the last month or so, Amazon has released a new product feature in some Kindle apps called Ask This Book. So we ask each other what the Ask This Book feature is and why some authors and publishers are not too happy with this new feature.

Biz Buzz Segment: Amazon's Ask This Book Feature

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Amazon is always changing and evolving and we're staying updated with all those changes so you don't have to. In the latest big change, Amazon is changing how authors work with DRM in their e-books. We talk about all fo that and more in this week's Biz Buzz segment.

There is one BIG massive change coming soon to Amazon that will effect both authors AND readers. Beginning in late January 2026, Amazon is changing the way authors will grant DRM permissions for their e-books. We talk about what that change is, what DRM is, and how this change will change both the author and reader experience on the Amazon Kindle.

Biz Buzz Segment: DRM and Amazon (3:14)

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This week, we are kicking off the new year with a double episode! We're looking back at what we accomplished in the year 2025 and also looking forward to what is coming up in the new year of 2026. From some great celebrations like our 2 year anniversary of the show to our future endeavors that we'll be sharing more about in the future, we've been busy helping authors and publishing professionals move ahead.

Taking a Look Back to Review 2025

We kick off the episode with the three of us looking back at what we did both personally and professionally in the last year. From our favorite reads to bug accomplishment at The Author's Voice, we have a lot to celebrate with you!

What We're Looking Forward to in 2026

Our second segment of this week's show features us taking a closer look at what's to come in the new year. We talk about exciting adventures in the business and share a few personal goals and ambitions for 2026.

Biz Buzz Segment 1: Taking a Look Back to Review 2025 ()

Biz Buzz Segment 2: What We're Looking Forward to In 2026 ()

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Memories of Our First Clients

The three of us, Peter, Colleen, and CaZ look back at some of our first clients and how e each got into the industry. We cover each of our starts, how we have maneuvered through an ever-changing industry, and how the three of us came to meet.

Biz Buzz: Memories of Our First Clients (4:11)

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This week we begin with a quick overview of our upcoming holiday schedule. We're planning on having a normal schedule until the week of Christmas where we'll release our latest episode of the year on December 23. We're planning to take the next week off and then hop back into the swing of things beginning January 6, 2026(!).

In our Biz Buzz segment this week Peter is joined by CaZ to talk about BookBub and why both readers and authors love the platform.

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What is BookBub and why is it so beloved? BookBub is a great place for readers to purchase their next book at a discount so why do authors love putting their book on BookBub? Peter and CaZ talk all about BookBub, CaZ from the author's perspective and Peter from the reader's!

Biz Buzz: What is Copyright and Why Do I Need It? (3:27)

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What does it mean to have copyright protection? Copyright protection helps authors (and other creatives and businesses) protect their creations from other people stealing their work. We talk about the true ways authors need to copyright their book to guarantee they can receive the proper protections for their book no and in the future.

Copyright is something many first-time authors do not understand. Many believe that simply writing your book provides you protection. Others believe mailing yourself a copy of your manuscript secures a copyright. We take a look at what copyright is and why authors need to register their book with the proper authorities to lock in the protections they need.

Biz Buzz: What is Copyright and Why Do I Need It? (3:27)

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With the upcoming holiday season (literally days away now!), we wanted to talk about the ways authors can maximize their sales and marketing impact. We talk about some of the tactics and metrics you should know in the Biz Buzz segment this week. Then, Colleen and Peter talk with Sarah Rose about the importance of a brand voice for business owners.

Authors, we're supposed to write and write and write. But why is it so hard to write our own marketing? In this week's Biz Buzz, we talk about some of the tactics and metrics writers should know when they market their book. With the right idea of what to look for in the marketing side, you can tailor your time and effort to maximize your results.

Sarah Rose joins Colleen and Peter to talk about a little writing. Specifically, Sarah Rose works with businesses to create a nd share a proper brand voice. we also talk a little about the use of AI in writing, how we all have a catchphrase and some about her time working with Bark Box!

Biz Buzz: What Metrics Should I Know When Marketing? (3:19)

Guest Interview: Sarah Rose (35:33)

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How can you get paid for your book before you even finish writing it? We talk about crowdfunding options in this week's Biz Buzz segment with a special focus on Kickstarter. Then, Peter talks with author assistant Doreen DeJesus-Harper about the publishing industry, marketing, and how it all ties together.

Plus, Doreen, is one of our first members of The Author's Voice Association, if you are looking for an expert in publishing, check out our online directory of Association members.

This week, we take a deep dive into how authors can use crowdfunding sites to raise money for their writing projects. There are a variety of places authors can begin crowdfunding but we talk about one place in particular - Kickstarter.

How can you set up a successful campaign? What do you need in place to reach your funding goal? How can readers support authors in a crowdfunding campaign?

Doreen joins Peter to talk about the publishing industry as a whole but in particular how the Author Assistant Training Course fits into the industry. Doreen was part of the first course offered by Jan King and we talk about what has changed and what has stayed the same over her time in the industry.

Biz Buzz: Understanding Crowdfunding (2:46)

Guest Interview: Doreen DeJesus-Harper (31:16)

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Learn more about The Author's Voice on our website: theauthorsvoice.org