As an indie author, one of your most crucial decisions is whether to publish exclusively with Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) Select program or to "go wide" by publishing on multiple platforms. This guide will help you understand the pros and cons of each approach, dive into the numbers, and make an informed decision for your author career.
Understanding KDP Select and Kindle Unlimited
KDP Select is a 90-day program that requires ebook exclusivity with Amazon. When you enroll, your ebook is automatically included in Kindle Unlimited (KU), Amazon's ebook subscription service.
Kindle Unlimited Benefits:
- Readers can borrow your book for free (as part of their subscription)
- You earn royalties based on pages read
- Potential for increased visibility and readership
KDP Select Exclusivity:
- Your ebook cannot be sold on other platforms like Apple Books, Kobo, or Nook
- This exclusivity only applies to ebooks; you're free to sell paperback and hardcover versions elsewhere
The Case for KDP Select
1. Access to Kindle Unlimited Readers: KU has a large subscriber base, potentially exposing your book to more readers.
2. Royalties from Page Reads: Authors earn from KU based on pages read, up to 3,000 Kindle Edition Normalized Pages (KENP) per title per customer.
3. Promotional Tools: KDP Select offers Free Book Promotions and Kindle Countdown Deals.
4. Simplified Process: Amazon's platform is user-friendly, making it ideal for new authors.
The Case for Wide Publishing
1. Broader Audience: Platforms like Kobo, Apple Books, and Barnes & Noble have their own loyal customer bases.
2. Diversified Income: Reduces dependence on a single retailer.
3. More Control: Greater flexibility in pricing and promotion across different platforms.
4. Building a Brand: Establishes your author presence beyond the Amazon ecosystem.
Earnings Breakdown: KDP Select vs. Wide Publishing
KDP Select Royalties:
- Ebooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99: 70% royalty rate
- Ebooks priced below $2.99 or above $9.99: 35% royalty rate
- Kindle Unlimited earnings: Based on pages read (KENP)
Wide Publishing Royalties:
- Apple Books: 70% royalty rate for most price points
- Kobo: 70% royalty for books priced $2.99 and above
- Barnes & Noble: 65% royalty for books priced $2.99 to $9.99
Kindle Unlimited: A Closer Look
- Authors earn from a shared KU fund based on pages read
- The per-page rate fluctuates monthly but often ranges from $0.004 to $0.005 per page
- A 300-page book fully read might earn $1.20 to $1.50
Earnings Potential: A Comparative Example
Consider a 300-page ebook priced at $4.99:
1. KDP Select:
- Direct sale: $3.49 (70% royalty)
- KU full read: ~$1.35 (assuming $0.0045 per page)
2. Wide Publishing
- average 60% royalty
- Direct sale across platforms: $2.99
Genre Performance
Genres that tend to perform well in Kindle Unlimited:
1. Romance (particularly contemporary, paranormal, and erotic)
2. Thriller and Mystery (especially series with recurring characters)
3. Science Fiction and Fantasy (especially series and longer works)
4. Young Adult (particularly in fantasy and contemporary categories)
Genres that often benefit from wide publishing:
1. Literary Fiction
2. Non-Fiction (especially business, self-help, and educational books)
3. Children's Books
4. Horror
Real-World Earnings Examples
- New Authors: Many report earning $500-$1000 in their first year
- Established Indie Authors: Some report earning $10,000-$50,000 annually
- Top Performers: A small percentage of indie authors earn six-figure incomes or more
For instance, romance author Bella Andre reported earning over $1 million annually by going wide, while thriller writer Mark Dawson found significant success with KU, earning over $450,000 in a single year primarily through the program.
Making Your Decision
Consider these factors when choosing between KDP Select and wide publishing:
1. Your Genre: Research how books similar to yours perform on different platforms
2. Your Marketing Strategy: Assess which option aligns best with your promotion plans
3. Your Long-Term Goals: Consider whether you want to build a presence across multiple platforms or focus on Amazon's ecosystem
4. Your Book's Length and Format: Longer books might benefit more from KU page reads
The Hybrid Approach
Some authors choose a hybrid approach:
- Publish some books in KDP Select/Kindle Unlimited
- Publish others wide across multiple platforms
- This strategy allows you to benefit from KU while also reaching readers on other platforms
Action Steps for Authors
1. Track Your Numbers: Use spreadsheets or author earnings tools to monitor your sales and royalties across platforms
2. Experiment: Try both KDP Select and wide publishing with different titles to see what works best for you
3. Engage with Author Communities: Join forums or groups to learn from other authors' experiences
4. Diversify Your Income: Consider creating multiple income streams (e.g., ebooks, paperbacks, audiobooks, courses)
Conclusion
Whether you choose KDP Select or wide publishing, success as an indie author comes down to producing quality books, understanding your audience, and effectively marketing your work. There's no one-size-fits-all approach, so be prepared to adapt your strategy as you learn more about your readers and the market.
Remember, this decision isn't permanent. Many successful authors experiment with both approaches before settling on what works best for them. Stay informed about industry trends, be willing to adapt, and continually work on improving your craft and marketing skills.
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