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The Wide World of Publishing: KDP Select vs. Distributing Wide
If you are self-publishing your first book and getting ready to release it, you have an important decision to make. Do you distribute wide or go exclusive with KDP? If you do not know what distributing wide means then this article is for you. We will cover the advantages and disadvantages of going wide.
As a first-time author, you're standing at a crossroads. One path leads to the exclusive realm of Amazon's KDP Select, while the other opens up to the vast world of wide distribution. Which route should you take? Let's delve into the advantages and disadvantages of each.
KDP Select: The Exclusive Amazon Avenue
Advantages:
- Royalties and Reach: Enrolling in KDP Select allows authors to tap into the Kindle Unlimited (KU) and Kindle Owners' Lending Library (KOLL) ecosystems. As readers consume your book, you earn from a global fund based on pages read.
- Promotional Tools: KDP Select offers Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions, helping to boost your book's visibility.
- Initial Momentum: For authors with a single book and minimal marketing plans, KDP Select can provide an initial push. The promotional tools, combined with Amazon's vast user base, can help garner early reviews and traction.
Disadvantages:
- Exclusivity: Your eBook must be exclusive to Amazon for the duration of your 90-day KDP Select contract. This means you can't distribute it elsewhere, including libraries.
- Unpredictable Payouts: Amazon determines the rate they pay authors for pages read in KU, which can fluctuate.
- Ethical Concerns: Some authors feel uneasy about Amazon's market dominance and practices, such as the potential for scammers to manipulate the system.
Going Wide: Diversifying Your Distribution
Advantages:
- Diversification: Spreading your book across multiple platforms reduces dependency on a single income stream. Platforms like Kobo, Apple Books, and others have a significant presence in various global markets.
- Global Reach: While Amazon dominates in the US and UK, other platforms lead in different countries. For instance, in Germany, Apple Books and Tolino command a significant share.
- Loyal Readership: Some authors believe that readers outside of KU are more discerning and loyal, willing to follow and support their favorite authors more consistently.
Disadvantages:
- Slower Initial Growth: Building a readership across multiple platforms can take time. It's a long-term strategy that may not offer the immediate gratification that KDP Select can.
- Increased Effort: Going wide requires a different mindset. It involves understanding the nuances of each platform, seeking cross-promotion opportunities, and staying updated with various promotional tools.
So, Which Path to Choose?
- Consider Your Goals: If you're looking for a quick start and immediate visibility, KDP Select might be the way to go. However, if you're planning a long-term writing career with multiple books, going wide could offer sustained growth and income.
- Genre Matters: Some genres perform exceptionally well in KU, while others might find a more dedicated audience on platforms outside of Amazon.
- Flexibility: Remember, the choice isn't permanent. Many authors start with KDP Select and later transition to a wider distribution strategy as their catalog grows.
The journey of self-publishing is deeply personal. Whether you choose the exclusivity of KDP Select or the expansive horizon of wide distribution, the most crucial factor is to stay informed, be adaptable, and always prioritize your readers. After all, they are the reason we write.
