Is Amazon KDP Select worth it in 2023?
tl;dr – Is Amazon KDP Select worth it in 2023 for your eBook? KDP Select is a program offered by Amazon for self-published authors to sell their eBooks exclusively through the Kindle Store.
Amazon KDP Select is a program offered by Amazon for self-published authors to distribute their ebooks exclusively through the Kindle Store. By enrolling in KDP Select, authors can take advantage of several promotional tools, such as Kindle Countdown Deals, Free Book Promotions, and the option to include their book in Kindle Unlimited (KU), Amazon’s subscription service that lets readers access a library of ebooks for a monthly fee.
By enrolling in KDP select, only Amazon can sell your books. If you plan to sell in other markets, like Nook, Barnes & Noble or other brick & mortar or online venues, Amazon KDP Select is not for you.
So, is Amazon KDP Select Worth It in 2023?
It all depends on your goals as an author and how you want to reach your audience. Here are a few points to consider:
- KU readers: If you’re looking to attract readers who are part of Kindle Unlimited, enrolling in KDP Select is a no-brainer. KU readers are only able to access ebooks that are enrolled in KDP Select, so if you want to reach this audience, you’ll need to enroll.
- Promotional tools: KDP Select offers several promotional tools that can help you reach a wider audience and increase sales. The Kindle Countdown Deals allow you to offer your ebook at a discounted price for a limited time, while the Free Book Promotions allow you to give away your ebook for free for up to 5 days. These tools can be a great way to generate buzz and get your book in front of more readers.
- Exclusivity: One potential concern of enrolling in KDP Select is that you’ll need to make your ebook exclusive to the Kindle Storefor at least 90 days at a time. This means you won’t be able to sell it on other platforms, such as Nook, Kobo, or Apple Books. If you’re comfortable with this distribution, then KDP Select may be a good fit for you.
- Audience: Kindle Select can be a great way to reach a wider audience and earn additional royalties, but it’s important to consider whether the KU and KOLL programs are a good fit for your ebook. If you’re publishing a niche ebook that might not benefit as much from the programs, it might not be worth enrolling in Kindle Select.
- Pricing: While you’ll have the option to offer your ebook for free for a limited time, you won’t be able to sell or give away your ebook for free anywhere else during the Kindle Select enrollment period. This can be a drawback for authors who want to offer their ebooks for free or discounted prices through other channels, such as their own website or email list.
- Royalties: Enrolling in KDP Select also means that you’ll earn royalties through the Kindle Edition Normalized Page Count (KENPC) system, which pays authors based on the number of pages read in their ebook. While this system has been controversial among some authors, it can be a good way to earn additional income if you have a book that’s being heavily read in KU.
One of the main reasons authors choose Kindle Select is for the opportunity to earn additional royalties. The KU and KOLL programs allow Amazon Prime members to borrow books for free, and participating authors receive a share of the KU/KOLL fund based on the number of pages read. In addition, you’ll have the option to offer your ebook for free for a limited time, which can be a great way to attract new readers.
So the answer to the question: “Is Amazon KDP Select worth It in 2023,” means you have to decide if KDP Select is worth enrolling in. It really depends on your goals as an author and how you want to reach your audience. If you’re looking to attract Kindle Unlimited readers and take advantage of promotional tools, it may be a good fit. However, if you’re not comfortable with exclusivity or the KENPC royalty system, it may not be the right choice for you.