The self publishing market is booming today. Authors are reclaiming control of their careers. They are now discovering a way to go past the exhausting traditional publishing process.
Although the advantages of creative autonomy, rapid publication, and increased royalties may appear enticing, the financial potential of self-publishing books is worth considering.
Most new authors want to know how much does Amazon charge to publish a book. The question is almost haunting them. That’s because many can’t wait to share their stories. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Amazon, it is a platform for autonomous authors. It allows them to publish and distribute their books worldwide. Learning and mastering Amazon as a tool is not always easy.
Self-published books on Amazon can generate income in excess of $10,000/ month for an author. This is possible if you conduct sufficient research and employ a solid business plan.
How much does it cost to self publish a book on Amazon? You need to know this if you’re publishing your books on Amazon. This blog will spill the beans about selling self published books on Amazon.
Read on and find everything you need to know about how to sell self published books on Amazon.
What to Know About Selling Self Published Books on Amazon?
There are some things every author should know, especially first-time authors before they worry about how much to publish a book on Amazon. Self-published Kindle authors might earn anywhere from $150 to over $20,000 monthly. This depends on the book. Remember that your KDP profits depend on a number of factors, such as:
- The type of book you are selling (paperback, ebook, audiobook, etc.)
- The size of your audience
- The royalty scheme you pick
Not everyone can make it big on KDP. It’s vital to understand how much does it costs to self-publish on Amazon is:
- Amazon publishes over 2 million books/ year
Making money with your book will be challenging if you’re not using strategic marketing to attract potential readers.
Do Self Published Books Sell? – Why Choose Amazon KDP Publishing
Aren’t you more interested in knowing whether self-published books on Amazon sell? Find out more about how much it costs to publish a book on Amazon.
More books by independent authors are being sold on Amazon. Amazon KDP is a self-publishing service that offers many advantages for authors who don’t want to work with traditional publishers. One major benefit is the low cost of self-publishing with Amazon.
One of the most significant benefits of working with Amazon is Amazon’s self-publishing cost. It also has a vast customer base. Amazon has a larger market share than traditional publishing houses. It is responsible for:
- Over 50% of physical book sales
- 68% of U.S. ebook sales
How Much Does It Cost To Self Publish On Amazon?
Amazon has made self-publishing smooth. To get started:
- Create a KDP account
- Use the provided tools to format
- Upload your manuscript
- Hit the publish button once you’re ready
There are no middlemen in this process. So it’s hassle-free and free.
We recommend first-time Kindle publishers hire professional editors, designers, and marketers for top quality.
The two major benefits every author should know when considering the cost to self publish on Amazon are:
- Higher Royalties
- Print-on-Demand
Let’s discuss them in detail.
Higher Royalties
Kindle offers higher royalty rates compared to its competitors when it comes to self-publishing and Amazon publishing services costs.
- Draft2Digital pays 10% in royalties to self-publishers
- Smashwords pays 15%
- XinXii offers 30%
- Amazon allows 70% royalties on book sales
This is possible if your work is copyrighted and not in the public domain.
Print-On-Demand
Some online publishing platforms don’t allow print ebooks. Authors can opt for print-on-demand services if they choose to self-publish on Amazon. This allows them to avoid the extra costs and only print when required.
Mastering KDP Book Selling
Self-publishing books on Amazon to make money can be beneficial. You might think it’s easy. Many successful authors have made a lot of money through Amazon KDP. Amazon self publishing costs are affordable for many authors, but several factors affect the book’s success.
Being a good writer who can engage readers with compelling content is important. But you need to consider the following when self-publishing on Kindle:
- Pick a Demanded Niche
- Setting Book Price
- Enrolling in KDP Select
- Choose Different Formats
- Selling Multiple Books
- Creating Your Email List
- Utilize Amazon Advertising
- Say Yes to 70% Royalties
Let’s discuss them in detail.
1. Pick a Demanded Niche
Selecting the right niche for your self-published book can impact your KDP earnings. Choose a niche that attracts more readers if your goal is to make money. But be aware of the competition. Don’t sell your book in a category that already has hundreds or thousands of listings. Narrow down your search and pick a small and profitable niche.
It may seem challenging to compete with others as an upcoming author. You’ll notice recurring themes in bestsellers if you look closely. Popular nonfiction books include:
- Autobiographies
- Success tales
- Books on self-improvement
Some of the most popular types of fiction are:
- Political fiction
- Mysteries
- Criminal thrillers
Focus on your strengths when deciding on a specific audience to target with your self-published book.
2. Setting Book Price
Pricing your book on Amazon can impact the amount of royalties you earn. Books priced below $2.99 only receive 35% royalties. This means authors have to sell a lot of copies to earn a decent profit.
Setting the price point around $6 will optimize your earnings. So, you will be eligible for the 70% royalty scheme, increasing your earning potential.
3. Enrolling in KDP Select
You can join KDP Select for a large audience and earn more when you upload your ebook to Amazon KDP.
KDP Select offers 90-day enrollment periods with promo tools such as:
- Kindle Countdown Deals
- Free Promotions
KDP Select authors can lower the price of their books for 7 days without losing their royalties with the Kindle Countdown Deal. A timer is added to the book’s page to notify users of the discounted price.
Self-published writers can join KDP Select for at least 30 days to use Kindle Countdown Deals and reach Kindle Unlimited readers. But KDP Select requires you to sell your book only on Amazon during this time. A 90-day exclusivity isn’t a bad idea since Amazon has most of the ebook market.
4. Choose Different Formats
Consider the publishing formats you choose when it comes to self-publishing your book. Experts suggest that publishing your book in multiple formats can expand your audience and reach.
You can cater to those who prefer physical books by providing readers with options like:
- Hardcopies
- Paperbacks
Your sales can increase even though royalties on print versions of your book may be lower.
The ebook format also affects your reach. MOBI and AZW formats are popular, but they limit your book to Amazon Kindle readers. Publishing in EPUB format enables you to sell your book on most ebook marketplaces. These can include:
- Apple Books
- Google Play
- Barnes and Noble
- KOBO
You can also release an audiobook of your book for readers who listen to books. It’s also helpful for visually impaired individuals.
5. Selling Multiple Books
Publishing multiple books on Amazon KDP can increase your exposure and establish you as a credible writer. Use your professional network and social media to market your book after releasing it. Link your posts to your author’s page or book’s page. This will make it easier for people to purchase your book.
You can create a unique profile that highlights your books to attract readers with Amazon’s Author Central. It can feature:
- Images
- Videos
- Connects to your blog
You can easily reach those who are interested in what you have to offer if your audience is bigger.
Post book-related content, ask pertinent questions, and announce forthcoming events and releases to engage your social media followers.
6. Creating Your Email List
Once your book has gained popularity, start creating a mailing list. This will help you reach out to customers who have already bought your book before. The Pareto Principle is applicable to books, too. This is also called the 80/20 marketing rule. Only 20% of your customers will account for 80% of your sales. This will be your most dedicated readers.
Social media is a great place to start if you want to grow a devoted following of buyers.
7. Utilize Amazon Advertising
KDP Advertising is a useful tool for authors to reach a wider audience. You can easily spot KDP ads by clicking the “Sponsored” tag in the corner. You have complete control over your budget with KDP Advertising. This allows you to decide how much money you want to allocate to a campaign.
Amazon’s algorithm recognizes the keywords that are likely to convert into book sales. Therefore, when a user enters these same keywords, Amazon’s algorithm will prioritize your book, increasing your keyword ranking.
By using KDP Ads effectively, you can increase your book sales.
8. Say Yes to 70% Royalties
Authors need to price their eBooks between $2.99 and $9.99 to qualify for the 70% royalty option. They also need to ensure their books are copyright-protected. The eBook’s price needs to be 20% less than the physical copy’s pricing.
Have questions about how much is it to publish a book on Amazon? Get in touch with Maven Ghostwriters! You might end up getting published sooner than you expect, so beware.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Amazon book publishing cost?
Ebooks published on Amazon have no publishing costs. The publication of your book in both paperback and hardcover formats, though, will cost you. Amazon sets a minimum price of $0.85 for book printing.
How does Amazon pay authors who self-publish?
Amazon uses a variety of payment methods to compensate publishers, such as:
- Cheques
- Wire Transfers
- Direct Deposits
You will have to fulfill certain requirements If you want to receive your payment by wire transfer or cheque. Make sure you understand the guidelines for your region before you choose.
How do Amazon royalties work for paperback books?
Just like with ebooks, paperbacks can choose between two royalties systems on Amazon. One program pays out 60% and the other 40%. You can earn 60% royalties when your books are sold through Amazon’s regular distribution network. But you will only get 40% if you sell to retailers like Barnes & Noble through Amazon’s Expanded Distribution Network.
