In keeping with the theme of my blog posts, have I just hit another bump in the road? Or should I be thankful that a pothole hasn’t ended my journey already?
The Kindle ecosystem in 2026 is mature, highly competitive, still growing, and still dominant. The boom days may be long gone, but with global eBook revenues of over twenty billion dollars predicted for this year, things aren’t too shabby. Indeed, that revenue is expected to continue growing over the next five years. Amazon controls roughly two-thirds of the U.S. eBook market and a substantial global share. Indie authors are uploading over a million titles annually. Publishers have to respond to the challenges or die. Competition has changed significantly. Discoverability is the core problem. Authors aren’t just competing on story anymore; they’re competing on packaging, branding, and reader expectations. Readers expect fully professional products regardless of publishing route.
Demand has been spiked by younger readers from platforms like BookTok. They are now major sales drivers, capable of reviving backlist titles and launching unknown authors into bestseller territory almost overnight. That represents a major shift after a decade in which Twitter (X) and Facebook were graveyards for authors seeking to drive book sales. Kindle book sales are stabilising into a professionalised, crowded market. There is still plenty of opportunity, but success will only come if you’re running a disciplined, long-term business. How does that affect the way I’ll operate going forward as a small cog in a big wheel? A complete change from the days when I started on this Long Hard Road.
(1) I believe that the series still wins over standalone titles. Readers look for strong characters they want to return to time and again. Gus Freeman and The Phoenix fit the profile.
(2) Whether they’re on their phone, tablet or desktop, readers scroll rapidly, so my cover and positioning matter more than ever. If a book doesn’t scream police procedural or vigilante justice from the start, it will be overlooked. Vinci’s design team provided the right tools for the job.
(3) Consistency is the key. Nothing changes; slow but steady wins the race. Even a short story for my newsletter can keep readers warm and feed the ecosystem. I’m about to tick that box.
I believe I’m actually in a stronger position than most. The opportunity for my back catalogue is in spin-offs, shorts, reader magnets, maybe even bundling older titles to refresh them. Do I have a plan to achieve my goals? This is what I’ve pondered over since the beginning of the month.
- Core Goal: Stay Visible Without Burning Out
Regular signals to readers and Amazon that I’m active. Think: one meaningful touchpoint per month.
- Use What You Already Have (Big Advantage)
Established characters and a backlist. Bundle an extended set (6 Freeman titles). Refresh metadata (keywords/categories).
- Newsletter Strategy (Low Energy, High Return)
Instead of forcing novels, lean into short fiction. 1 short story (1,500–2,000 words) each month. Feature a known character (Gus, Phoenix, etc.) Soft sell at the end: “If you enjoyed this…”
Over 6 months, the aim will be to gather a collection I can later have published. Stronger reader loyalty. A consistent presence.
- Series Leverage
Readers follow characters, not titles. Keep returning to familiar names. Cross-link everything (“If you liked this, try…”)
- Marketing with a Gentle Touch
Occasional Facebook post when something goes live/or gets promoted.
The bottom line is my depth of catalogue and character continuity gives me an edge.
I need to: Stay visible. Feed my readers regularly. Build toward one solid release.
Well, that’s what I think.
Another book related topic in next month’s blog. A short story in the newsletter exclusive to members. To join them is only a few keystrokes away.
Fingers crossed for a blockbuster promotion before we meet again.
Best wishes
Ted Tayler