Should You Self Publish with Amazon KDP?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 มิ.ย. 2024
- Amazon KDP is the go-to for a lot of self published authors, after all, Amazon has a clear monopoly on the book market. But, that doesn't mean that Amazon KDP doesn't have its pros and cons. In this video, we're looking at the reasons why you may, or may not, want to self publish with the Amazon platform.
LEARN MORE:
-How to Set Up Your Amazon Author Central Page: blog.reedsy.com/amazon-author...
-How to Publish with KDP: blog.reedsy.com/amazon-self-p...
-KDP's Costs and Royalties: blog.reedsy.com/amazon-self-p...
-All You Need to Know About Amazon Algorithms: blog.reedsy.com/learning/cour...
-Is KDP Select Right fo You?: • Is KDP Select Right fo...
-How to Sell More Books with KDP: • Is KDP Select Right fo...
-ePub to MOBI Converter: blog.reedsy.com/epub-to-mobi-...
-Self Publishing vs Traditional Publishing: • Self-Publishing vs Tra...
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Intro
1:08 - What is KDP?
1:45 - Benefits
3:49 - Drawbacks
5:52 - Summary
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Just a small point of clarity since you mentioned KDP Select requires exclusivity a few times, but that's specifically ebook exclusivity. It's okay to have your hardcovers, paperbacks, large print editions, and audiobooks everywhere. I don't want anyone getting confused thinking they can't have every other edition wide while being in KDP Select =]
Thanks for clarifying
Thank you for this clarification
And am I right to understand that the drop to 30% royalty after 10$ is only on e-books as well? Or is that in any format?
I use KDP for my books, but I opt for the non-exclusive royalty deal so I can distribute literally everywhere else. The sales from GooglePlay Books doesn't make up the difference, but I end up with more copies out there than I otherwise would. Unless you're already very established... the higher royalties you get for exclusivity aren't worth the opportunity cost IMHO.
Interesting. I've wondered.
Would you like to explain exclusively?
And by chance, do you receive 0.2 cents or 0.6 cents like I do if not .45 cents????
Because THAT is the problem I am having with them. At the moment I am pricing my books $45 to $60 dollars.
@Fabrina Glitchblade is it “free” to publish on KDP.
@@WillowCreekGamesLLC yes
Used KDP for my debut children's book, and it worked wonders. I'm working on the sequel and I'm going to continue using Amazon KDP.
Hi, I'm about to publish for the first time and will be using Amazon. Someone told me that Amazon creates super large files and then charges per MB for the download and therefore the author might end up losing money if the file is too large and the price of the book is modest. Is this true? And if I use Amazon to publish, can I choose NOT to have a Kindle version, just paperback and hardback? Many thanks!
I was thinking at morning about self-publish a children book on kindle and now I receive this notification WOW :))
I am VERY happy you mentioned the ethical concerns.
Could you also do a video about the other choices that are not KDP? Thanks!
That's a great idea.
Awesome video! I love how it covers ethics. Pretty rare with sales oriented videos!
Another very useful ,concise video. Keep up the great work. Much appreciated.
Hi, I am a self - published author on Amazon and 100% agree with your analysis.
kalingakishore, Are you happy with them? Are you happy with the pay? Can I get the name of your book?
Another informative vid. Loving your hair, btw!
Thank you for sharing this information. I selected a number of videos but your information answered all my questions about Amazon kdp.
You voice is awesome and the way you explained stuffs is extra-ordinary. I like the video.
Very informative and helpful video,
Thanks
Very informative. Thanks.
Great info and nice presentation style. Thanks.
Thanks so much for this
Great video!
I published my first book A New Dawn using KDP. Thus far I have no issues.
Published my first novella last month. Haven't sold many copies, yet. Need more guidance on marketing.
Can you guide me to how to find which places do Print on demand?
I think Amazon is very good for ebook sellers, but in case you just want to just sell comics for example is not a good option because the printing cost is too high and you don't profit from it.
You can publish anything on KDP. I seen a lot of weird exotic books sold there. 🤣
Great content thank you. I have a quick question. Does the book that we need to publish with KDP have to be edited, and if so how many editors?
Amazon isn’t going to edit your book.
I'm thinking if publishing my book, but I don't know if I should go with Amazon or bookbaby
I'm writing a science(physics) book and looking to be a hybrid publishing.
Is the drop from 70 percent to 30 percent on books over $9.99 only apply to ebooks or does it also apply to print and audio books?
Thanks for the info!! Do you have a video talking about Amazon's algorithm?
Here's a question: What if you get lucky and your book gets picked up by a movie or show producer? Does Amazon have a "We can devour your profits" clause in the fine print? Btw, great presentation here and on your other videos. Your work is very appreciated.
No, the copyrighted material remains of the author, amazon cannot claim other profits outside what is written in the terms and conditions. Amazon can profit from your book only if you sell it on their platform.
@@madameversiera Indeed! I was pretty pleased when I found that out later. Thanks for taking the time to write this response, though!
is the exclusive rights still happening today?
Hi.... I watched your video and it was very informative. I just have one question for you. Can you please explain that how can we influence Amazon algorithm in our way.
What are the steps required for it to work.
I think pre-sales, ARC reviews, that type of thing influences the algorithm.
what if someone already wrote my story? will my book become almost a copyright of theirs?
hey, I have a quick question for you. can I submit my book to traditional publishing companies like Penguin, harper after I unpublish it from amazon kdp? and is it okay to do this? I mean the book was on both paperback and ebook in kdp for almost about a year now...
You can, but it may make the book less appealing to publishers if it's been previously self-published. However, to submit to traditional publishing companies you'd need an agent first, and the can advise you on how to proceed with a previously published book.
What about IngramSpark?
Some other drawbacks include: cannot do pre-orders for print (so you'll need to go elsewhere such as IngramSpark to set that up, which I hear, is a pain), they don't print hardbacks, and your proof copies have a hideous band printed across the top, which may be a drawback if you're sending copies for ARC reviewers and want an attractive cover.
@Debbie M This is taken from How to get ARCs - A Guide on the Devouring Books site.
"An ARC is an advanced readers copy, it is a copy of a book prior to release intended for marketing and review purposes. Advanced readers copies can’t be sold and are given to bloggers, reviewers and booksellers for review and to help generate buzz about a book before it comes out."
I hope that helps.
@Debbie M Think of them as prereleased movies that certain people get to view before the release date. People then watch, or read, and review or talk about it. It's for creating buzz for the release.
Pre-orders for print are available on KDP. Pre-orders for eBooks is not. ARC reviewers are getting a free paperback if you do hard copies--most aren't worried about the "proof" band across the top.
If I go with Amazon, who does my cover art and book design, and how does that work??
If you self-publish with Amazon, you're responsible for your design, meaning you either have to do it yourself, or, what most people do, hire someone to do the design for you. We have a design marketplace where you can hire cover designers if you're self publishing, its linked in the description of all our videos!
I was just reading about their UK writing contest. lol
@Nikki B It was mentioned in a writing mailing list I'm subscribed to. I subscribed just to see what kinds of contests and other writing opportunities are out there. But I haven't written anything in a long time and I've not submitted writing anywhere. :)
@Nikki B You can look up Storyteller 2020
Very good, as always. You might want to change, "...after all, Amazon has a clear monopoly..." After appearing before the US Senate, that is part of what some consider the problem, and your post doesn't help their case. I know this isn't a politcs post but Amazon's corporate behavior gives me pause.
I have published on Amazon - is there a way to get a promotional code for my own books?
Telling a debut author that they can influence Amazons algorithms with their yet-to-be-published book strains credibility. Advertising, email marketing and key reviews influence Amazon placements.
That doesn't strain her credibility. You simply added some detail to her statement of HOW they can make that influence.
I want to get into poetry and fiction, but I'm not sure kdp is a good option for me. Any thoughts?
Don’t ask for one cent over the cost of 9.99.
And it sounds like a Great idea I wld like to add!!
If I use Amazon select or amazon exclusivity, then is it for that title only or it is tied to me as a person and author like even future books would have to be amazon exclusive?
That title only. I have both available right now.
That title only and you can "opt out" of Select after 90 days. Lots of authors move in and out of Select.
I have the thought of self-publishing through the same media (KDP).
Now, I need a professional who can assist and guide me through it. I'd be grateful for such offer.
@Debbie M alright Debbie. Thanks for the info.
I have just started writing and illustrating children's books. I am finally at the tail end on one book. Something in my gut is telling me not to publish though Amazon. Could I publish though a local publisher, but still sell my books on Amazon as a seller? I am a newborn in terms of being an author/illustrator, would the company I print though have some rights to my book?
Hi, I'm in the same boat as you a year ago. Did you have any success geting answers to this question? What did you decide in the end? BTW, what's the title for your book?
@@xcarxcar hi there, I am 1 week away from print, I completely redid my book. I am going through Amazon, I never really spent the time to investigate. Amazon is so easy. The title of my book is “Trashy”. What type of book are you contributing into the book pool? Mine is about an alien promoting sustainability
Great video I like to chat with you when you have a minute
I've read that there's been issues with the royalty aspect of KDP and that Amazons services haven't been helpful, I've seen bad reviews, anyone who has used KDP what are your thoughts or have you experienced anything like this
Gilbert, That's what I'm worried about! Newman Springs Publishing prostituted my book, and I have no way of knowing how my book sold, plus, I got paid nothing! Now, I want to try again with Amazon Self-Publishing, but, I am afraid they will do the same thing.
@@KingofPepsi oh wow, I'm so sorry about that. I'll say I used KDP and haven't had any issues so far I published back in December, only issues I have with my book are getting it out there like advertising which is more challenging than I'd thought it'd be 😬
@@MistaGibbs That sounds exactly like Newman Springs. They promised me that they would sell my book nationally and internationally and printed $11.95 on the back of my book. I thought, "Wow, I'm gonna do very well for myself!". It turned out that everything they told me was a lie. I got paid nothing. Now Amazon Self-Publishing are promising the same things for just a little over $800. I would be a fool to fall for the same thing twice, especially when they are not advertising your book. Newman Springs has made me leery and cynical about all publishers.
Yeah you don't want to buy groceries on amazon due to you being unable to tell who is amazon and who is not those who are not can dumpster dive and sell you what they find once they brush it off you wouldn't know the difference and yes there are still some vendors who do this tactic for 2021! But more on topic does Jeff really need more money? He & Disney are competing for universal black hole.
Another thing, my FB fans cant give me stars because Amazon won't let them.
Amazon forces them to spend $50 to anything at Amazon and then they can give me the stars.... that`s why I have no stars but lots of FB likes instead.
How can this be resolved?
Oh wow that’s crazy. Why can’t they give you stars?
I was planning on publishing with our future overlord Amazon but the royalty cut from 70% to 30% makes me want to just game the system rather than publishing actual art
You control the royalty rate based on your pricing. There is no "cut" here--instead it is a variable rate depending on your pricing strategy.
@@AngelicRodgers So, it seems that "chopping" a $15.99 book into Part 1 at #8.99 and later releasing Part 2 at $8.99 would be the workaround? Of course Part 2 would have to be as good or slightly better to maintain the volume of sales.
@@malcolmstephenson556 It's not really a wise decision to price an ebook at $15.99. Even $8.99 is not likely a good price point for independent fiction/self publishers. Those price points are not likely to have big sales. But you do you.
@@AngelicRodgers Thank you for responding! Either you miss understood my question or I worded it poorly. However, I do appreciate your time.
@@malcolmstephenson556 I didn't misunderstand. Yes, that would be a workaround to keep 70% royalty rate, but most likely you're not going to sell well at those price points.
ethical issues?...did i miss the memo on amazon?
Bezos treats his employers very poorly, underpays them and over works them. I heard it’s awful to work for amazon sadly. I believe there’s more to it, but this is what I’m aware of at the moment
You didn't miss anything, it's just the standard blowback against any large company. You've heard the same about eg:
Walmart-especially employee treatment & supplier squeezing;
Apple, especially under Jobs-employees were almost penalized for taking time off to sleep;
Google-push towards 'family atmosphere' which blurred the lines between work and non-work;
Any large game company-savage hours required to meet release schedules;
Military-employees can find themselves in harms way, maimed, or dead;
Government agencies-employees being used against the citizenry;
Any oil or coal company-climate change;
Big pharma-gouging the public;
Large media-misleading public;
Etc etc.
It's been fashionable to dogpile on Amazon for the last few years, plus Bezos owning The Washington Post has added political blowback on top of the usual anti-corporate stuff.
I don't understand your reasoning. You state more drawbacks for KDP, yet your emails I get from Reedsy is telling me the exact opposite. What should I believe? Very confusing and contradicting info from you guys.
What is Reedsy?
Please take advantage of the 152,000 international refereed scientific papers ready to be sent to specialists
You're so beautiful
Girl ..carefully listening makes you sound like an ANTI-AMAZON speaker while carefully highlighting its PROS to maintain neutrality.
you're soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cuteeeeeeeeeeee
I'm sorry. I appreciate the info presented on Reedsy, but why does this girl ALWAYS sound like she's on the verge of crying?