When you have something to say and need to get it in front of people, one of the best publishing avenues to look at is Kindle. This popular publishing entity is fast becoming the top resource authors turn to in order to get their books out into the world.
How Easy Is Kindle Publishing?
The reason it’s one of the top choices is because of how easy it is to set up a book in the Kindle program. If you’ve been looking at some self-publishing options, then you know by now that there are a ton of ways you can go about getting it done.
But as you check out the different options, you’ll see that some of them can be very difficult. Some of the steps are just too complicated. Using Kindle is easy because the program walks you through every single step.
You’re not on your own for any of it. Many guides will take you through each part of the process including the actual writing and set up of the novel before you upload it.
Plus It’s Free, Sort of…
People choose Kindle not only because of how easy it is to get a book uploaded but also because it’s free. If you look at other self-publishing venues, you’ll see a wide array of costs. Some of these costs can be quite shocking.
Since Kindle is completely free upfront (they do take a percentage of the sale for letting you use the platform) and widely recognized as being a great self-publishing avenue, there’s no need to pay for anything else.
Worldwide Marketing
Plus, Kindle is global. Your book can go all over the world in a matter of hours. It only takes 5 minutes to upload your manuscript and turn it into a novel and 12 hours for it to go live. There are even some authors who used Kindle’s service, got noticed by big-name publishing companies, and were offered cushy book deals.
Mo Money
Kindle goes above and beyond to help authors find success using their program and authors can be part of the Lending Library. When people in select countries download your book, you can make a big royalty – 70%. That percentage is much higher than the standard rate offered by traditional publishing companies.
Amazon’s KDP program actually offers two royalty rates:
- 35% royalty rate: This rate applies to books priced below $2.99 or above $9.99 and for sales to customers in certain countries.
- 70% royalty rate: This rate applies to books priced between $2.99 and $9.99, but only if the author meets certain criteria:
- The author must enroll their book in KDP Select.
- The book’s price must be at least 20% below the lowest list price for the physical book.
- The book must be sold to customers in select countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and many others.
It’s important to note that the 70% royalty rate is not available for sales to customers in all countries. In some countries, only the 35% royalty rate applies, regardless of the book’s price.
Also, the 70% royalty rate is subject to delivery costs, which are based on the book’s file size. These delivery costs are subtracted from the royalty payment.
So, while it’s true that you can earn a 70% royalty rate on Kindle sales in select countries, there are some conditions and limitations to keep in mind.
About the Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) Select Program
By enrolling your book in the KDP Select program, you gain access to promotional tools such as free book promotions and Kindle Countdown Deals. These tools can help increase your book’s visibility and potentially boost sales.
Kindle Unlimited
When you enroll your book in KDP Select, it automatically becomes part of Kindle Unlimited, a subscription service that allows readers to access a vast library of books for a monthly fee. As an author, you can earn royalties based on the number of pages read by Kindle Unlimited subscribers.
Paperback Option
In addition to digital publishing, Kindle also offers the option to create paperback versions of your book through KDP Print. This allows you to reach a wider audience, including those who prefer physical books.
Customizable Pricing and Royalties
Kindle allows you to set your own book prices and offers royalty rates of up to 70% for books priced between $2.99 and $9.99. This gives you more control over your earnings compared to traditional publishing.
Built-in Formatting Tools
Kindle provides built-in formatting tools that help you create a professional-looking book interior without the need for extensive technical knowledge. This makes the publishing process even more accessible to authors.
A Supportive Community
You’re not alone in your publishing endeavor. Unlike other self-publishing companies, Kindle has a forum set up for authors who have published through Kindle where people can gather as a sense of community and share knowledge.
So if you’re an author looking for a comprehensive, accessible, and cost-effective way to self-publish your work, Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing program is definitely worth considering. With its extensive reach, flexible pricing options, and robust set of tools, KDP provides a solid foundation for launching your publishing career and sharing your stories with the world.
