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 

👉 CLICK HERE to get the first draft of your nonfiction or memoir written in 33 days!

...even if you don't have a cabin in the wilderness, 4 uninterrupted hours a day to write, or confidence that you're a "real" writer. No overwhelm, no confusion. Just simple, actionable steps.


Is 2025 the year you start your own podcast? Let's make it simple!

Get 35% off the Podcast Starter Pack with code PODCAST35 at https://publishaprofitablebook.com/podcast101

"I got my podcast launched in 3 days thanks to this great mini-course!"
--Dr. Diana Naranjo, The Characterist podcast host

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

20 ratings


More shows like Write the Damn Book Already

View all
The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers by Joanna Penn

The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers

613 Listeners

The Amy Porterfield Show by Amy Porterfield

The Amy Porterfield Show

4,569 Listeners

10% Happier with Dan Harris by 10% Happier

10% Happier with Dan Harris

12,513 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

111,785 Listeners

Totally Booked with Zibby by Zibby Owens

Totally Booked with Zibby

613 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

1,431 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

753 Listeners

The Ezra Klein Show by New York Times Opinion

The Ezra Klein Show

15,237 Listeners

ReThinking by TED

ReThinking

611 Listeners

How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy by Lizzie Smiley

How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy

294 Listeners

Etsy Seller Success: Tips for Starting, Growing and Scaling Your Etsy and E-Commerce Shop by Dylan Jahraus | Etsy Business Coach and E-commerce Expert

Etsy Seller Success: Tips for Starting, Growing and Scaling Your Etsy and E-Commerce Shop

130 Listeners

Open Book with Jenna by TODAY, Jenna Bush Hager

Open Book with Jenna

999 Listeners

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams by Crooked Media

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

1,512 Listeners

Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways by NerdWallet Travel

Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways

103 Listeners

Good Hang with Amy Poehler by The Ringer

Good Hang with Amy Poehler

7,290 Listeners