{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Amazon\u2019s Category Problem Is GETTING WORSE | Self-Publishing News (March 19, 2026)","description":"Amazon\u2019s latest updates are raising concerns for self-published authors, as hundreds of new KDP categories may actually be hurting book discoverability instead of helping it. In this Self-Publishing News update, we break down the growing issue of ghost categories, along with what authors can do to stay visible. We also cover Amazon\u2019s push into AI-powered ads, new metadata guidance from Barnes &amp;amp; Noble Press, and a cover design case study from CraveBooks with surprising results.  Publisher Rocket - https:\/\/DaleLinks.com\/Rocket (affiliate link)&amp;nbsp; Novel Report - https:\/\/DaleLinks.com\/NovelReport (affiliate link)&amp;nbsp;  Use code GETMYREPORT for $20 off - Amazon Advertising -&amp;nbsp;https:\/\/advertising.amazon.com   Barnes &amp;amp; Noble Press: 7 Steps to Spring Clean Your Book Metadata! -&amp;nbsp;https:\/\/press.barnesandnoble.com\/bnpress-blog\/spring-clean-your-book-metadata\/ CraveBooks - https:\/\/DaleLinks.com\/CraveBooks (affiliate link)&amp;nbsp; CraveBooks Marketing Hub (on Discord) -&amp;nbsp;https:\/\/discord.gg\/AYYbKKWGDJ The Alliance of Independent Authors - https:\/\/DaleLinks.com\/ALLi (affiliate link)&amp;nbsp; ALLi: The Indie Author Bookstore -&amp;nbsp;https:\/\/bookstore.allianceindependentauthors.org\/ My ALLi Author Page -&amp;nbsp;https:\/\/bookstore.allianceindependentauthors.org\/author\/dale-l-roberts  Rapid Fire News Flash  Writer Beware: Deadline Approaching to File a Claim in the Anthropic Settlement -&amp;nbsp;https:\/\/writerbeware.blog\/2026\/03\/13\/deadline-approaching-to-file-a-claim-in-the-anthropic-settlement\/ Authors Guild: From Manuscript to Marketplace: WE DESERVE TO HEAL -&amp;nbsp;https:\/\/authorsguild.org\/event\/from-manuscript-to-marketplace-we-deserve-to-heal\/ Book Brush -&amp;nbsp;https:\/\/BookBrush.com  Platinum members: Contact Book Brush about the Level Up Your Author Business webinar with Seth Norris &amp;amp; Mel Jolly&amp;nbsp;   Reader Views Book Awards -&amp;nbsp;https:\/\/readerviews.com\/literaryawards\/winners\/sponsored\/ Outstanding Creator Awards 2025 Clash of Champions -&amp;nbsp;https:\/\/www.outstandingcreator.com\/winners--2025-clash-of-champions.html&amp;nbsp; Subscribe to my email newsletter - https:\/\/DaleLinks.com\/SignUp&amp;nbsp; Join Channel Memberships - https:\/\/DaleLinks.com\/Memberships&amp;nbsp; Join Me on Discord - https:\/\/DaleLinks.com\/Discord Check out my main YouTube channel - https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@dalelroberts My Books - https:\/\/DaleLinks.com\/MyBooks&amp;nbsp; Wanna tip me? Visit https:\/\/dalelroberts.gumroad.com\/coffee.  Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts ","author_name":"The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/selfpublishingwithdale.com","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/40539110\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/40539110"}