Amazon Marketing Stream (AMS) is one of the go-to tools for self-published authors to get their books noticed. But a recent glitch is causing ebooks to appear as “out of stock,” even when they’re not. This isn’t just a small issue—it’s a big deal for authors who depend on AMS for sales, as it’s causing significant book sales drops across the board.
The problem seems to have started on July 25th, 2024. At first, we thought it was mainly affecting older books, but I recently launched a book and my AMS ads will not serve that book, either.
This is definitely a blow for any indie author using AMS ads, either to augment a launch or maintain sales for older books.
In this article, we’ll break down what’s happening with AMS, share some real-life examples of how authors are being affected, and give you some tips on what to do. Whether you’re a seasoned author or new to the game, it’s important to know about this issue and how to handle it.
Table of Contents
The Amazon Glitch Explained
On July 25th, I noticed that some ebooks, including my own, were no longer being served by AMS ads. Contacting customer service, I was told my ebook was “out of stock” on Amazon, even though they’re available for purchase.
It’s not just a small hiccup; it’s been causing real issues, especially for authors with new releases, including my own new release on July 30th.
In my case, I’d just released the fourth book in my series. It was going great, with strong sales and good visibility. But then this glitch hit. AMS stopped serving my ads to book 1 and my overall sales for the series dropped by close to 20%. Just look at the difference here, two weeks apart:
My dashboard on July 17th
My dashboard on July 31st
I didn’t change anything; this is Amazon automatically adjusting my campaigns because of the glitch.
And it’s not just me; several authors I know, and many of our students at Self-Publishing School, are facing the same problem with old or new books. There doesn’t seem to be a rhyme or reason as to which books are affected.
It’s not confined to any specific genre or category either; it’s happening across the board.
This glitch seems to mess with ASIN numbers, which are unique identifiers for books on Amazon. Even if your book is ready and available, the AMS platform seems to think the books are unavailable. It’s frustrating and confusing, especially because the timing suggests it could be impacting Amazon’s algorithm and rankings.
It’s clear that this rolling problem is causing uncertainty, particularly for those of us who rely heavily on Amazon for our book sales. While we wait for a fix, it’s a good reminder to consider other marketing options and not rely solely on Amazon to avoid putting all our eggs in one basket.
Beyond AMS: Diversifying Book Marketing Strategies
After experiencing the AMS glitch firsthand, I realized how risky it is to rely entirely on one platform for book marketing. While Amazon is a major player, it shouldn’t be the only tool in our arsenal. This situation has made me rethink my strategy and explore other ways to reach readers.
Here are some steps I’ve taken and recommend:
Running Ads on Different Platforms: I’ve started running ads on platforms like Facebook and Bookbub. These ads allow for precise targeting, reaching potential readers who might not be active on Amazon. It’s been a great way to broaden my audience and increase visibility.
Social Media: I’ve ramped up my presence on social media platforms. Engaging with readers on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook helps build a community around my books. Sharing updates, behind-the-scenes content, and engaging directly with fans keeps them interested and invested in my work.
Email Marketing: Building an email list has been a game-changer. It’s a direct line to readers who are genuinely interested in my books. Regular newsletters with exclusive content, updates, and special offers keep them in the loop and eager for more.
Cross-Promotion: Collaborating with other authors has opened up new opportunities. We share each other’s books with our audiences, which helps us all grow. It’s a win-win situation and a great way to introduce your work to new readers.
These strategies have helped me mitigate the impact of the AMS glitch and strengthened my overall marketing approach. It’s all about being adaptable and open to trying new things. While glitches and issues will come and go, having a diverse marketing plan ensures that you can keep moving forward, no matter what.
Tracking the Issue: Staying Updated
Given how unpredictable the AMS glitch has been, we need to do what we can to stay informed. I’ve found that keeping up with the latest news and connecting with other authors is key to navigating these kinds of challenges. Here’s how I’ve been tracking the issue and staying updated:
20Booksto50k Community: This group, led by Craig Martelle, has been a valuable resource. They regularly discuss ongoing issues and share experiences with platforms like Amazon. Following their updates has given me insights into how others are dealing with the AMS glitch.
Author Networks and Forums: Being part of author groups and forums, both online and offline, has been helpful. It’s a space where we can share our experiences, solutions, and strategies. These communities are supportive and often provide real-time updates that you might not find elsewhere.
Direct Communication with Amazon: Reaching out to Amazon support can sometimes provide clarity on what’s happening. While not always the fastest way to get answers, it can be useful to hear directly from the source.
Staying Active on Social Media: Following industry leaders, publishing news outlets, and other authors on social media helps me stay in the loop. It’s a quick way to catch up on the latest developments and responses to ongoing issues.
Being proactive and engaged with these resources has made a huge difference. It’s about not just reacting to problems as they arise but also preparing for future challenges. We’ll of course do what we can to keep you updated as things change, sharing new information and strategies as they come up.
Conclusion
Dealing with the AMS glitch has been a challenging experience, but it’s also been an important lesson in the unpredictable nature of book publishing. It’s important to not put all our eggs in one basket, especially when it comes to marketing and sales channels. The recent issues with Amazon’s platform have highlighted the need for a diversified approach.
Recapping what we’ve discussed:
The AMS glitch, starting around July 25th, is significantly impacting sales and visibility.
The problem has been widespread, affecting many authors and genres, with no clear pattern.
Relying solely on AMS or any single platform can be risky. Diversifying marketing efforts through different platforms, social media, email marketing, and cross-promotion can help mitigate these risks.
As we navigate through these challenges, we’ll need to stay informed and adaptable. The publishing world is always evolving, and staying connected with communities and resources will help us all better respond to these changes. Keep exploring new strategies, sharing your experiences, and supporting fellow authors. Together, we can weather these glitches and come out stronger.
We’ll continue to provide updates and insights as new information becomes available. Stay tuned, stay informed, and keep writing!
What is the July 2024 Amazon glitch affecting AMS ads?
The glitch causes ebooks to appear as “out of stock” on Amazon, even when they are available, preventing AMS ads from being served. This has led to a significant drop in book sales for many authors.
How are authors affected by the AMS glitch?
Authors have reported a sharp decline in sales, with some experiencing up to a 20% drop. The glitch has impacted both new releases and older books, disrupting marketing efforts and visibility.
What alternative marketing strategies can authors use during this glitch?
Authors can diversify their marketing by using other platforms like Facebook and Bookbub ads, engaging more on social media, building email lists, and cross-promoting with other authors.
How can authors stay updated on the AMS glitch and similar issues?
Authors should stay connected with online author communities, forums, and groups. They can also reach out to Amazon support and follow industry news and updates on social media.
What should authors do if they are experiencing issues with their AMS ads?
Authors should monitor their sales and ad performance closely, try alternative marketing channels, and stay informed about any updates or solutions to the glitch.
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