Self-publishing has revolutionized the book industry, allowing authors to take control of their work and reach a global audience. One popular platform for self-publishing is Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), which offers authors the option to enrol their eBooks in Kindle Select. Kindle Select is a program that provides exclusive benefits to authors who agree to distribute their eBooks exclusively through Amazon. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of enrolling in Kindle Select for self-publishers.
Pros of Enrolling in Kindle Select:
- Increased Visibility:
By enrolling in Kindle Select, your eBook becomes eligible for inclusion in the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library (KOLL) and Kindle Unlimited (KU) programs. These programs allow subscribers to borrow and read eBooks for free. This can significantly increase the visibility of your book, as it becomes accessible to a large pool of potential readers who are actively seeking new titles. - Higher Royalties:
Kindle Select offers a higher royalty rate for eBooks enrolled in the KDP Select program. Authors can earn a share of the KDP Select Global Fund based on the number of pages read by Kindle Unlimited and Kindle Owners’ Lending Library customers. This can be advantageous for authors who have engaging and lengthy books, as they have the potential to earn more royalties. - Promotional Tools:
Enrolling in Kindle Select gives authors access to various promotional tools offered by Amazon. These tools include Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions. Kindle Countdown Deals allow authors to offer their eBooks at a discounted price for a limited time, while Free Book Promotions enable authors to offer their eBooks for free. These promotions can help generate buzz, attract new readers, and potentially boost sales. - Simplified Distribution:
By enrolling in Kindle Select, authors can streamline their distribution process. Instead of managing multiple platforms and retailers, authors can focus solely on Amazon. This simplifies the publishing process and allows authors to concentrate their marketing efforts on a single platform.
Cons of Enrolling in Kindle Select:
- Exclusivity:
The main drawback of enrolling in Kindle Select is the requirement of exclusivity. Authors must agree to distribute their eBooks exclusively through Amazon for the duration of their enrollment in the program. This means that authors cannot sell their eBooks on other platforms such as Barnes & Noble’s Nook or Apple’s iBooks. For authors who value the freedom to distribute their work widely, this exclusivity requirement can be a significant limitation. - Limited Revenue Streams:
While Kindle Select offers higher royalties for eBooks enrolled in the program, it also limits authors’ revenue streams. By exclusively distributing through Amazon, authors miss out on potential sales from other eBook retailers. This can be a disadvantage for authors who want to maximize their reach and income by tapping into multiple distribution channels. - Dependency on Amazon:
Enrolling in Kindle Select means relying heavily on Amazon for book sales and exposure. While Amazon is the largest eBook retailer, this dependence can be risky if Amazon changes its policies or algorithms, affecting an author’s visibility and sales. Authors who prefer to diversify their distribution channels may find this reliance on a single platform concerning.
Enrolling in Kindle Select for self-publishers comes with both advantages and disadvantages. The increased visibility, higher royalties, and promotional tools offered by the program can be beneficial for authors looking to boost their eBook sales. However, the exclusivity requirement and limited revenue streams may not align with the goals of all self-publishers. It is essential for authors to carefully consider their publishing strategy, long-term goals, and target audience before deciding whether to enroll in Kindle Select or explore other distribution options.
