How Amazon’s Latest Changes Are Reshaping Self-Publishing in 2025
Self-publishing on Amazon via Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) has been a powerful way for authors to take control of their careers. But as of early 2025, Amazon has rolled out several significant changes to its algorithm and platform rules and self-publishers need to pay attention.
Performance Now Beats SEO
In the past, keywords and titles played a major role in helping books surface in search results. But Amazon’s latest update shifts that focus. The platform now prioritizes performance based ranking, favoring books that generate consistent sales and high user ratings over those simply optimized for search.
What this means for you:
Early traction is critical. If your book launches to strong sales and reviews, it’s more likely to climb in Amazon’s algorithm. A well-planned launch strategy and reader engagement are now more essential than ever.
Mandatory Disclosure of AI-Generated Content
To address the growing wave of books written with AI tools, Amazon now requires authors to declare whether content was generated or assisted by AI. This policy is part of Amazon’s effort to maintain transparency and trust on the platform.
What this means for you:
If you use AI in your writing process, even partially, you must disclose it during the KDP submission or update process. Failure to comply may lead to removal or penalties. This doesn’t mean you can’t use AI, but being open about it is now part of the game.
Limits on Publishing Volume
To combat the flood of low-quality or automated content, Amazon has implemented a limit on how many books authors can publish within a set timeframe. While the exact numbers haven’t been made public, reports suggest that overly aggressive publishing schedules may be flagged.
What this means for you:
Quality matters more than quantity. Instead of mass-publishing several books at once, focus on producing thoughtful, well-edited work that can stand out.
Final Thoughts: Quality and Engagement Win
These updates send a clear message: Amazon wants quality, not just quantity. Authors who take the time to build their audience, craft strong books, and generate genuine reader engagement will thrive in the new system.
For indie authors, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. A more discerning algorithm levels the playing field, making it easier for serious writers to stand out, and harder for spam to dominate the rankings.
At 20Publishing, we’ll keep sharing the latest updates to help you navigate this evolving landscape. Stay tuned and as always, happy writing!