Hello everyone, it’s been a while! 😃

I hope your health is good because mine – ain't. :D
A lot has happened lately, and this email is packed with valuable info - even if you don’t agree with everything, it's worth the read.

If some links aren’t working, try copy-pasting them into your browser.

CANVA’S LATEST MOVE

Canva is shaking things up in May/June 2025, making it easier for users to create digital products using PRO elements - but at the cost of Canva Creators losing revenue. Instead of any formal announcement, Canva simply replied to me: “Make more artwork, upload more, and you’ll earn more.” when I asked why are people getting information suddenly they can use PRO elements in products sold as digital items (books, PDF, PNG…) when it was never allowed before outside Canva template link.

What does this mean?

KDP publishers & Etsy sellers benefit from broader licensing terms.
Canva Creators are struggling with their work being used without proper compensation (which was not the terms we agreed upon when artwork was uploaded to Canva).

This change is affecting the passive income landscape - so keep an eye on how it unfolds. I would not recommend that you start using Canva Free or PRO elements in a more relaxed manner because Canva doesn’t own the images in its library.

LOW CONTENT BOOKS & AMAZON BLOCKING

My Fiverr service helps people understand why their books get blocked. So far, I haven’t charged anyone, because most reasons are covered in https://youtu.be/CUVOE43JO58.

However, lately, even books that follow guidelines are getting blocked - just because they belong to the low content category. It is happening randomly so we can’t say Amazon is starting to ban low content, but it is not something they like to accept as before, for sure.

Some "easy” low-content niches claim potential massive sales, but when you reverse search covers, you’ll find 100+ eBay listings for the same book (Amazon resellers), TikTok viral videos, and not to mention the trick of using spiral-bound illusion to trick the buyers https://www.ebay.com/itm/196740997680. This is just one example. It's not as simple as upload, run ads, and make money. That particular book has a lot of “tails”.

LAWSUITS & COPYRIGHT ISSUES

Etsy sellers are getting sued for using Creative Fabrica, and KDP publishers are losing their accounts for the same reason.

I know I said I will make a special video about it, but for legal reasons, I can’t yet. For two years, I’ve supported Creative Fabrica designers whose art was stolen. It’s an ongoing battle, and unfortunately, it’s like fighting against windmills.

What you need to know is that you can’t use CF files as-is anywhere if you are selling something made from them, not just for KDP. They must be edited and made unique.

AMAZON’S ROYALTY CUT

Amazon lowered royalties by 10% for books priced under $9.99 - but in reality, the loss ranges between 30–50%, depending on the book!

Check official details here https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GXFPA52P6ZJD2U3N

EDUCATIONAL & ACTIVITY BOOKS

Since lower royalties are not feasible if you are running ads, many creators are shifting to higher-priced books, like educational and activity books.
They need to be done properly, niched down (but not too extreme) and you need to think about your target audience.

🔹 Puzzle generators: Alicia from KDP Tools has affordable options:

🔹 Crosswords: Are always selling well but hard to create since you need a flawless clue database. It took me 3-5 months to build clue database using online data and my own writings, ChatGPT is NOT accurate. Gives wrong info, wrong dates... If you're serious about crosswords:

Crossword Compiler (great but requires manual grid confirmation, no bulk creation) → Check it out here https://www.crossword-compiler.com/cgi-bin/cooklink.pl?MarinaArtDesign
Mini Crossword Compiler (slower but bundled with a wordlist) → https://gumroad.com/a/513873011/xbvqnj?offer_code=affiliatebundle.

🔹 Sight Words Books: Luke has recently shared info about the new tool for creating educational Sight Words books that is going live soon http://bowespublishing.com/swwg

🔹 Math Crossword and Math Mazes: Hans recently released a new math puzzle generator → https://bookpublishertools.pxf.io/QjzJe6 and Math Maze https://bookpublishertools.pxf.io/e1JqBQ

💡 Coming Soon: Corvin from Self-Publishing Titans is adding new puzzles & activities soon. Hold off until the lifetime deal launches on 26th! Stay updated here https://affiliates.selfpublishingtitans.com/30181.html.

BOLD AND EASY COLORING

If you want to publish coloring books but can’t draw, don’t like AI, or can’t afford an artist, check out Huw Hughes Vault: 🔹 Hand-drawn art packs 🔹 Supportive community 🔹 Clear usage rules

Explore it here https://marinap--hhpurchases.thrivecart.com/the-publishers-vault/ . Make sure to read the introduction and rules, if something is not clear, send Huw a message before buying or paying for anything.

And if you need decorative patterns for background or main image, you can use Repper app https://repper.app/?via=marina

COMMUNITY MATTERS

Yes, you need one. For the news, for the updates, for the support. There is always a risk of scammers, and people stealing your ideas, and people targeting your account with false reviews to kill your book or brand.... the world is a nasty place.

But having a community helps you move forward faster.

All I can say from my experience is that social media works! Posting daily on Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter can build your brand without running ads.

AFFILIATE MARKETING – SHOULD YOU CONSIDER IT?

Most links above are affiliate links - mine and others I found, which means I may earn a commission, and you could as well.

If KDP isn’t progressing as you hoped, affiliate marketing might be worth exploring. When done right, it can become a solid side income.

Final Thoughts: Nothing above guarantees success without a solid plan. But these insights can help you navigate the ever-changing passive income world.

I will try to record and post some tutorial videos for the tools I mentioned above, and share some tricks on how to speed things up without losing quality. 😊

Take care and Stay safe!

Marina

Marina Art Design

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