🕒 Read time: 5 minutes
So, you’ve written your book. Congratulations! Now comes the real challenge: Where should you sell it?
Yes, Amazon is king. But here’s the thing: it’s not the whole kingdom.
In this post, we’re breaking down:
- The pros and cons of Amazon KDP (and why it dominates the self-publishing world)
- The best platforms for audiobooks (it’s not just Audible)
- Why you shouldn’t ignore Google Play Books, Kobo, and Apple Books
- Whether direct-to-reader sales are worth your time
- The big debate: wide distribution vs. exclusivity (like Kindle Unlimited)
Ready to unlock the secrets that could skyrocket your book sales? Let’s dive in!
Amazon KDP: The Giant You Can’t Ignore
First, the obvious choice: Amazon KDP. It’s the giant of the self-publishing world, and for good reason:
- Massive audience: With millions of users, Amazon offers unparalleled visibility for indie authors.
- Ease of use: The platform is straightforward, and you can publish both eBooks and paperbacks within hours.
- Kindle Unlimited: A game-changer for authors willing to go exclusive with Amazon.
But, there are some trade-offs you should consider:
- Exclusivity requirement: If you opt into Kindle Unlimited, your book can only be available on Amazon.
- Competition: With so many authors on Amazon, it can feel like your book is just another drop in the ocean.
Pro Tip: If you want a big slice of the pie, KDP is essential. But don’t forget there are other pies you can eat from.
Audiobooks: More Than Just Audible
Audiobooks are growing fast, and Audible might be the first thing that comes to mind. But here’s the reality: Audible is great, but it’s not the only game in town.
Audible / ACX
- Pros: Largest audiobook marketplace in the world, millions of listeners, and a huge affiliate network.
- Cons: You have to go through ACX to distribute, which has royalty-sharing and exclusivity requirements.
But what if you don’t want to play by those rules?
Other Audiobook Platforms
- Google Play Books: Offers audiobook sales with no DRM, allowing you to reach Android users directly.
- Findaway Voices: One of the best ways to get your audiobook onto multiple platforms like Apple Books, Kobo, and more.
- Storytel: A huge platform in Europe and growing internationally—worth considering for global reach.
Pro Tip: Don’t put all your eggs in the Audible basket. Your audiobook can do well on multiple platforms, and each one reaches a unique audience.
Google Play Books, Kobo, and Apple Books: Your Global Reach
While Amazon KDP is dominant, there are still big players out there that offer great advantages for self-published authors.
Google Play Books
- Pros: Google’s massive reach means access to Android users worldwide, plus you’re not locked into exclusivity. You get a global audience without paying extra fees or royalties to Amazon.
- Cons: It’s not as author-friendly as KDP, and the interface isn’t as intuitive. But with the right tools, you can make it work.
Kobo
- Pros: A huge market in Canada, Europe, and Asia. Plus, they don’t have exclusivity requirements, meaning you can sell your book elsewhere, too.
- Cons: It’s not as easy to navigate as Amazon, and the audience is smaller, but it’s still a solid platform for wide distribution.
Apple Books
- Pros: If you’re targeting iOS users (iPhone, iPad, Mac), Apple Books is a must. Plus, they pay authors 60-70% royalties, much higher than Amazon’s cut.
- Cons: You’ll need to go through BookBaby or Draft2Digital for distribution, which means extra fees.
Pro Tip: If you want to go global and reach more readers without limiting yourself to Amazon, these platforms are a great choice. Don’t miss out on international markets just because you’re focused on one platform.
Direct-to-Reader Sales: The Power of Owning Your Audience
Selling your book through third-party platforms is great, but what if you could sell directly to readers? It’s not as complicated as it sounds.
Gumroad & Payhip
Both are platforms that let you sell your eBooks directly to readers without going through Amazon or any other platform.
- Pros: You keep 100% of the royalties and have full control over pricing and distribution.
- Cons: You’ll need to drive traffic to your website or social media to get sales. Plus, you’re responsible for handling taxes and payments.
Your Own Website
- Pros: Full control over pricing, promotions, and customer data. You can sell bundles, offer discounts, and build an email list.
- Cons: It’s hard work to generate traffic unless you’ve already built a strong platform or audience.
Pro Tip: Direct sales can be lucrative, but it requires you to focus on building an audience. If you’re in it for the long haul, this could be a game-changer.
Wide Distribution vs. Exclusivity
Should you go wide, or should you go exclusive with Amazon?
This is a major decision every self-published author faces. Here’s the breakdown:
Wide Distribution
- Pros: Reach more platforms, more readers, and more countries. You get the freedom to publish anywhere, anytime.
- Cons: It can be harder to track sales and royalties across multiple platforms.
Exclusivity (Kindle Unlimited)
- Pros: You get a bigger cut of the royalty pie for every page read. Plus, Kindle Unlimited subscribers are voracious readers, meaning your book can be discovered more easily.
- Cons: You’re locked into Amazon, and you can’t sell anywhere else during your exclusivity period.
Pro Tip: If you’re just starting, exclusivity can help you build momentum faster. But if you want global reach, wide distribution is the way to go.
What To Do Next
Ready to make your book work smarter, not harder? Whether you want to dive into global distribution, audiobook sales, or direct-to-reader platforms, we’re here to help you navigate the self-publishing world.
Get in touch with us at Genius Authors
And of course, don’t forget to follow us on social media: @geniusauthors.
We’re always sharing tips, strategies, and author success stories to help you grow your book sales worldwide.
Let’s get your book into the hands of readers—and start seeing those royalties roll in! 🌍📚
