Amazon KDP Select vs Wide: Which is Better for Authors?

One of the most critical decisions authors face is choosing the right distribution strategy. Two primary options dominate this discussion: Amazon KDP Select vs Wide distribution. Each comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks, making the decision a pivotal one for authors seeking to maximize their reach and revenue potential.

In this post we’ll break down the pros and cons of going wide or enrolling in KDP Select to help you make an informed decision. Read on or click the links below to jump to the section that most interests you.

 

The Pros and Cons of Amazon KDP Select
The Pros and Cons of Wide Distribution
Comparing Benefits and Drawbacks
Hybrid Distribution
Reader Preferences and Behavior
Making the Decision

 

The Pros and Cons of Amazon KDP Select

Amazon KDP Select is a program offered by Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) that provides authors with specific benefits in exchange for enrolling their eBooks exclusively in the program. The key benefits of KDP Select include:

Kindle Unlimited (KU) Inclusion

Kindle Unlimited is Amazon’s subscription service that allows readers to borrow and read as many eBooks as they want from a vast library. Authors enrolled in KDP Select earn royalties based on the number of pages read by subscribers to Kindle Unlimited. This means authors get an additional revenue stream, as they also get paid for non-KU subscribers who purchase their eBooks.

Promotional Tools

KDP Select offers exclusive promotional tools to KDP Select authors such as Kindle Countdown Deals and KDP Free Days. 

Kindle Countdown Deals allow authors to offer their eBooks at a discounted price for a limited time, while Free Days enable authors to make their eBooks free for a specified period. These promotions can help authors attract new readers, boost sales, and improve visibility on the Amazon platform.

Higher Royalty Rates

The standard royalty rate for eBooks sold on Amazon is 70% for eBooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99 or 35% if priced below $2.99. However, eBooks enrolled in KDP Select can qualify for higher royalty rates for sales made in select countries.

One way KDP Select authors can earn a higher royalty rate and attract more readers is by running a Kindle Countdown Deal on a book that is normally priced between $2.99 and $9.99. If you choose to discount your book below $2.99, you will still earn the original 70% royalty rate throughout the discount period.

Without a Kindle Countdown Deal, this discount would result in a decrease in royalty rate on Amazon.

The Downside of KDP Select

Enrolling in Amazon KDP Select comes with a significant caveat: exclusivity. Authors must agree to distribute their eBooks exclusively through Amazon during the enrollment period, which can be a deterrent for authors seeking to reach readers on other platforms.

Each enrollment period lasts for 90 days, so authors can always opt-out should they choose.

 

The Pros and Cons of Wide Distribution

Wide distribution refers to making eBooks available across multiple platforms and retailers beyond Amazon. This includes platforms such as Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and many others. The benefits of wide distribution include:

Reach a Broader Audience

By distributing eBooks widely, authors can reach readers who prefer alternative platforms or who may not be Amazon customers. This allows authors to tap into new markets and demographics, which helps increase visibility and expand their readership.

Diversify Income Streams

Wide distribution allows authors to diversify their income streams by tapping into various revenue sources across different platforms. Instead of relying solely on sales from Amazon, authors can generate revenue from multiple channels, reducing their dependence on any single retailer and mitigating the risk of fluctuations in sales.

No Exclusivity Requirements 

Unlike Amazon KDP Select, wide distribution does not require authors to commit to exclusivity. Authors have the freedom to distribute their eBooks wherever they choose, whether it’s through Amazon, Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, or other platforms. This flexibility allows authors to maximize their reach and revenue potential without sacrificing control over their work.

Authors who choose wide distribution will also be able to set up their own direct sales stores.

The Downside to Going Wide

Wide distribution also presents challenges, including the need to manage multiple platforms, varying royalty rates, and the potential for lower visibility on Amazon. Authors must weigh these factors carefully when deciding whether to pursue wide distribution.

 

Comparing Benefits and Drawbacks

When weighing the benefits and drawbacks of Amazon KDP Select versus wide distribution, several factors come into play:

Revenue Potential 

Amazon KDP Select may offer royalties per page read for eBooks enrolled in Kindle Unlimited, but wide distribution provides the opportunity to generate revenue from multiple platforms. Authors must consider their revenue goals and weigh the potential earnings from each distribution option.

Audience Reach 

Amazon has a massive customer base and a dedicated Kindle Unlimited subscriber base, but wide distribution enables authors to reach readers on Amazon and beyond. By distributing eBooks widely, authors can expand their reach and attract readers who may not shop on Amazon.

Marketing and Promotional Opportunities 

KDP Select offers exclusive promotional tools like Kindle Countdown Deals, but wide distribution provides access to promotional opportunities on multiple platforms. Authors must evaluate their marketing and promotion strategies and determine which distribution option best supports their goals.

Exclusivity Requirements 

KDP Select requires exclusivity, while wide distribution allows authors to distribute their eBooks freely across platforms. Authors must decide whether the benefits of KDP Select outweigh the drawbacks of exclusivity or if the flexibility of wide distribution better suits their needs.

Control Over Pricing and Promotions 

Authors have more control over pricing and promotions with wide distribution compared to the restrictions imposed by Amazon KDP Select. By distributing eBooks widely, authors can set their own prices, run promotions on multiple platforms, and experiment with different marketing strategies.

 

Hybrid Distribution

While many authors like to pick a side between KDP Select and Wide, there is another option, hybrid distribution. This combines the best of both worlds by leveraging the advantages of both Amazon KDP Select and Wide distribution strategies. By being selective and flexible, authors can maximize their reach and revenue potential while mitigating some of the drawbacks associated with each option.

Flexibility and Control

Unlike full exclusivity with Amazon KDP Select, hybrid distribution offers authors greater flexibility and control over their work. Authors can choose to enroll some eBooks in KDP Select for exclusive benefits while simultaneously making other titles available through wide distribution channels. This flexibility allows authors to tailor their distribution strategy to fit the unique needs of each book and audience.

Maximizing Reach and Revenue

By adopting a hybrid distribution model, authors can tap into Amazon’s vast customer base and Kindle Unlimited subscriber pool while also reaching readers on alternative platforms like Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and Google Play. This dual approach enables authors to cast a wider net and attract readers who may prefer different purchasing channels.

More Promo Opportunities

Authors employing a hybrid distribution strategy can take advantage of the promotional tools offered by Amazon KDP Select, such as Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotion, to boost visibility and sales on the Amazon platform. At the same time, they can explore promotional opportunities available on other platforms to attract readers outside of Amazon’s ecosystem.

Diversifying Income Streams

Hybrid distribution allows authors to diversify their income streams by earning royalties from Kindle Unlimited reads and sales on Amazon, as well as sales on other platforms like Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and Google Play. This diversified revenue approach helps mitigate the risk of relying solely on one distribution channel and provides more stability in income generation.

Challenges and Considerations

Managing a hybrid distribution model comes with its own set of challenges, including logistical complexities, varying royalty rates across platforms, and the need for effective marketing strategies tailored to different audiences. Authors must carefully balance these factors and allocate resources effectively to ensure the success of their hybrid approach.

 

Reader Preferences and Behavior

Understanding the preferences and behavior of your target audience is crucial when deciding between Amazon KDP Select and Wide distribution. Here are some key factors to consider when thinking about how your audience reads.

Platform Preferences

Readers often have preferred platforms for purchasing and accessing eBooks. While Amazon dominates the eBook market, some readers prefer alternative platforms like Apple Books, Kobo, Google Play, or Barnes & Noble. By understanding where your target audience prefers to shop for eBooks, you can tailor your distribution strategy to maximize visibility and accessibility.

Subscription Services

The rise of subscription services can influence reader behavior. Some readers prefer the convenience and value of subscription services, while others prefer to purchase individual eBooks. Authors enrolled in Amazon KDP Select benefit from Kindle Unlimited’s large subscriber base, but wide distribution allows access to readers who may prefer alternative subscription models or à la carte purchasing.

Device Compatibility

Different eBook platforms may be more compatible with certain devices or e-readers. For example, Kindle eBooks are optimized for Amazon Kindle devices, while ePub format is compatible with a wide range of e-readers and devices. Consider whether your target audience primarily reads on Kindle devices or prefers other e-readers, and choose distribution channels that cater to their device preferences.

Discoverability and Recommendations

Amazon’s algorithm and recommendation system plays a significant role in driving eBook sales and discoverability on the platform. Authors enrolled in KDP Select may benefit from increased visibility within Amazon’s ecosystem, including recommendations to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. However, wide distribution can also lead to discoverability opportunities through algorithms and recommendations on alternative platforms.

 

Making the Decision

Ultimately, the decision between Amazon KDP Select and wide distribution hinges on individual goals and priorities. Authors can make an informed decision by considering the following questions:

• Who is my target audience, and where do they prefer to purchase eBooks? What are other authors in my genre doing? And should I do the same?
• What marketing and promotion strategies am I most comfortable with, and which distribution option best supports those strategies?
• Am I willing to commit to exclusivity with Amazon, or do I value the freedom to distribute my eBooks widely across platforms?
• What are my long-term career goals as an author, and how does each distribution option contribute to those goals?

By carefully evaluating these questions and considering their individual circumstances, authors can make an informed decision that aligns with their objectives and values.

Remember, whatever you choose, it isn’t permanent. You can always change your distribution at a later date. Just remember, building a wide audience can be a little slow. So jumping in and out of KU every 90 days likely isn’t the best strategy.

For more information on going wide, we recommend visiting Wide for the Win, which is a fantastic organization of authors dedicated to selling wide.

 

Conclusion

Choosing between Amazon KDP Select and wide distribution is a crucial decision for self-published authors. While each option offers unique benefits and drawbacks, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Authors must assess their goals, audience, and long-term strategy to determine which distribution option is right for them.

As the self-publishing landscape continues to evolve, authors have more opportunities than ever to reach readers and build successful careers. Whether opting for the exclusivity of Amazon KDP Select or embracing the diversity of wide distribution, authors can chart their own path to success by staying informed and adapting to change.