Write the Damn Book Already

Ep 98: Wide vs. Amazon Exclusive: Understanding eBook Distribution Strategies


Listen Later

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!

In this episode, we explore the critical decision of whether to distribute your ebook "wide"—across multiple platforms—or stay exclusive to Amazon through their KDP Select program. 

Going wide means your ebook is available on platforms beyond Amazon, such as Kobo or Google Play, giving you access to a broader audience globally. This approach can increase visibility, particularly in countries where Kindle isn't the dominant e-reading platform.

On the other hand, exclusivity with Amazon through KDP Select offers perks like participation in Kindle Unlimited, higher royalties in certain regions, and access to exclusive promotional tools. However, this exclusivity comes with restrictions, including a 90-day lock-in period and the inability to sell your ebook elsewhere, even on your own website.

The right choice depends on your genre, goals, and audience. Romance, mystery, sci-fi, and fantasy often perform well on KDP Select due to the voracious reading habits of their audiences. However, if your readership spans multiple countries or platforms, going wide might be the better option.

Top questions tackled: 

  • What does it mean to go wide or stay exclusive to Amazon for ebook distribution?
  • What are the pros and cons of enrolling in Amazon's KDP Select program versus going wide?
  • How should an author decide which distribution strategy is best for their genre, audience, and goals?


MENTIONED RESOURCES

Ep 90: Creating Audiobooks with Drew Linsalata 

🗞️ The Damn Good "Can't Stop Writing" Formula

Grab the free nonfiction or memoir kickstart that's helped hundreds of authors get out of their heads and into the flow: 

👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/chapterone

Your readers are waiting! Let's get your book published!

PublishAProfitableBook.com/Publish (use code AUTHOR25 for 25% off!)

Support the show

******

Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.

Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube

Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website

Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com

The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.

To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Write the Damn Book AlreadyBy Elizabeth Lyons

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

22 ratings


More shows like Write the Damn Book Already

View all
Writing Excuses by Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler

Writing Excuses

1,293 Listeners

Helping Writers Become Authors by K.M. Weiland

Helping Writers Become Authors

1,008 Listeners

Pivot by New York Magazine

Pivot

9,529 Listeners

The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers by Joanna Penn

The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers

625 Listeners

That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs by That Sounds Fun Network

That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs

10,443 Listeners

The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience by Kelton Reid

The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience

223 Listeners

10% Happier with Dan Harris by 10% Happier

10% Happier with Dan Harris

12,719 Listeners

Writer's Routine by Dan Simpson

Writer's Routine

311 Listeners

The Peter Attia Drive by Peter Attia, MD

The Peter Attia Drive

9,152 Listeners

Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips by Savannah Gilbo

Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips

1,464 Listeners

SmartLess by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett

SmartLess

57,921 Listeners

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing by Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

773 Listeners

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel by James Thayer

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel

360 Listeners

The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

The Mel Robbins Podcast

20,104 Listeners

Self-Conscious with Chrissy Teigen by Chrissy Teigen

Self-Conscious with Chrissy Teigen

267 Listeners