Selling Self-Published Books

Finding the Right Platform

Jumping into self-publishing can feel like diving headfirst into a sea of options. Figuring out which platform to choose was my first big decision. With so many choices out there, I knew I'd have to weigh the perks of each to find the perfect fit for me. Here's what I learned about three top contenders for selling self-published books.

Amazon KDP

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the big kahuna of self-publishing. It handled over 91.5% of all self-published books in the U.S. in 2018 (Reedsy Blog). With KDP, I could pop out both paperbacks and ebooks right onto Amazon’s shelves. The royalty options—either 35% or 70%—give a sweet deal. Plus, I kept full control over my book's pricing, promos, and rights.

Feature	Details
Format	Ebook and Paperback
Royalty Options	35% or 70%
Exclusivity	Exclusive to Amazon
Control	Author retains rights

So, if you're eyeing a big-name, trustworthy spot to self-publish, Amazon KDP is a no-brainer.

Barnes & Noble Press

Next up was Barnes & Noble Press. This platform is a breeze to use and lets you upload your book for free. A standout perk is the 70% royalty on ebooks priced above $0.99 without any exclusivity rules (Reedsy Blog). It gave me the freedom to reach readers without being tied down to one platform.

Feature	Details
Format	Ebook and Paperback
Royalty Rate	70% on ebooks > $0.99
Exclusivity	No exclusivity requirements
Control	Author retains rights

If Amazon's not your thing, Barnes & Noble Press offers a solid alternative.

Draft2Digital (D2D)

Lastly, I checked out Draft2Digital (D2D), which is praised for its distribution reach. It spreads your ebook far and wide while keeping 10% of the retail price per copy sold (Reedsy Blog). D2D's help with customer service and formatting is a godsend, especially for newbies.

Feature	Details
Format	Ebook
Royalty Rate	D2D takes 10% per copy sold
Distribution	Wide distribution to major ebook stores
Support	Customer support and formatting assistance

For those wanting a less hands-on experience and broad distribution, Draft2Digital is a gem.

Choosing the best platform is a personal choice that hinges on what fits an author's needs. Each of these platforms brings unique strengths to the table, making it easier to get started on my self-publishing adventure. With these insights, I felt ready to move forward and share my fiction with the world.

Picking the Right Self-Publishing Platform

Choosing how to sell your self-published books is crucial for genre fiction authors like me. Each platform has its own perks, and knowing these can steer you towards the best choice. Let's break down three big names: IngramSpark, Lulu, and Apple Books.

IngramSpark

IngramSpark is your go-to for getting your book out there globally. Whether you want a paperback, hardcover, or ebook, this platform's massive distribution catalog can get your book in front of readers worldwide. Great for indie authors aiming for broad exposure.

Format	Distribution	Royalties	Notes
Paperback	Global	Varies	Offers print options
Hardcover	Global	Varies	Higher production costs involved
Ebook	Global	Varies	Needs a strategic pricing plan

IngramSpark shines in distribution, but don’t count on seeing your book at the local bookstore unless it's already popular. Libraries and physical stores prefer known titles, making it tough for newbies.

For more tips on selling your self-published book, check out our article on selling self published books.

Lulu

Lulu stands strong with great print quality and a user-friendly way to get hardcovers. Their distribution reaches over 150 countries, and you could pocket up to 50% royalties by selling directly on Lulu’s site.

Format	Distribution	Royalties	Notable Features
Paperback	Lulu, Amazon, B&N	Up to 50%	High-quality prints, easy-to-use platform
Hardcover	Lulu, Amazon, B&N	Up to 50%	Great for high-end presentation
Ebook	Lulu	Up to 50%	Available on major platforms

Lulu’s global reach and print quality give you flexibility. Plus, they list your book on major sites like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Get the lowdown on writing and selling your book here: how to write and sell a book.

Apple Books

For the tech-savvy author, Apple Books offers a focused approach for ebooks, boasting a solid 70% royalty rate. You’ll need a Mac to upload your files, but Apple’s reach is a bit more niche compared to others.

Format	Distribution	Royalties	Notes
Ebook	Apple Books	70%	Only for ebooks

While Apple's royalty setup is tempting, they don't have the same reach as platforms that distribute to multiple channels.

For tips on marketing your self-published book, take a look at marketing your self published book.

By weighing each platform’s features and distribution reach, I can make a smart choice for my self-publishing path. Knowing your audience, understanding the royalty structures, and being aware of production options will set you up for a successful launch.

Getting into Audiobook Publishing

Jumping into self-publishing, audiobooks are hard to miss. They’re on the rise, offering a fun way for folks to enjoy stories. Let's dive into Amazon ACX and audiobook royalties.

Amazon ACX

Amazon ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) is the go-to spot for authors wanting to publish audiobooks separately from their print and ebook versions. ACX helps authors tap into big names like Amazon and Audible, reaching millions of listeners.

Using ACX, I can earn royalties from 25% to 40%, all depending on how my audiobook is sold (Launch My Book). This setup gives me options to maximize my earnings, much like other self-publishing routes.

Royalty Type	Percentage
Standard	25%
Exclusive	40%

Choosing between these depends on whether I want wider exposure or higher royalties with fewer outlets.

Audiobook Royalties

Getting audiobook royalties right is a must. They’re the cut I get from each sale. Just like with print and digital books, these rates vary based on my distribution choice.

For Amazon ACX:

• Standard rate: 25% when my audiobook is distributed widely.
• Exclusive rate: 40% if it’s sold only through ACX, limiting its availability elsewhere.

Traditional publishing doesn’t usually offer this level of control. Authors often earn less with fewer choices, making ACX and other self-publishing platforms appealing for newbies aiming to boost their income.

Exploring more about selling self-published books and tweaking those royalties? Check out resources on how to write and sell a book or get tips for marketing your self-published book.

Cracking the Code on Book Royalties

So, you're an author ready to step into the self-publishing arena, huh? It's exciting, but let's get one thing straight—you need to know your book royalties if you want to cash in on your hard work. We'll dive into the moolah you can expect from traditional publishing, self-publishing, and book aggregators.

Traditional Publishing Royalties

Traditional publishing is a mixed bag when it comes to royalty rates. Generally, you're looking at around 7.5% on paperbacks and 25% on eBooks. Some bigwig publishers might sweeten the deal with graduated royalties—think 10% for the first 5,000 hardcover copies, 12% for the next 5,000, and 15% for every copy after that (Scribe Media).

Here's a no-nonsense breakdown:

Format	Average Royalty Rate
Paperback	7.5%
eBook	25%
Hardcover	10%-15%

Most of the time, royalties are based on the retail price of your book. You get a cut of the sales price per book, known as “list royalties.” Sometimes, it's “royalties on net sales,” which means the payout comes after accounting for discounts and price differences.

Self-Publishing Royalties

Self-publishing is where you call the shots. Platforms like Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) let authors choose between a 35% or 70% royalty rate. Flexibility with pricing and promos is a massive win over traditional publishing, where you might lose out on your print license (Scribe Media).

Check out how royalties stack up:

Platform	Royalty Options
Amazon KDP	35% or 70%
Other platforms	Around 60%-70%

With self-publishing, you have more control and can tweak your strategy to fit the market vibe.

Book Aggregators and Royalties

Book aggregators are like your super-organized middlemen. They distribute your self-published book across multiple online stores like Amazon and Apple Books. Typically, they skim an extra 10% off your royalties, but you still end up with more dough compared to traditional publishing (PublishDrive).

Some aggregators, like PublishDrive, let you keep all the royalties from the stores by working off a subscription model. You pay a monthly fee, and voila, you keep the green.

Aggregator royalty cheat sheet:

Aggregator	Royalty Cut	Subscription Model
General Aggregators (D2D)	10% extra	No monthly fee
PublishDrive	None	Monthly subscription

The royalty scene in self-publishing can be a dizzying carnival ride. But, knowing the ropes means you can make smart choices for your publishing path. Want more juicy details? Dive into our guides on how to write and sell a book and marketing your self-published book.

Legal Considerations in Self-Publishing

Navigating the legal maze of self-publishing is a must for any writer wanting to protect both their work and themselves. Here are some key legal pointers that I always keep in mind during my self-publishing journey.

Copyright and Intellectual Property

Knowing the ins and outs of copyright is a no-brainer for self-publishers. Did you know that 300 million self-published books are sold each year? Each one of these books is protected by copyright. I always make sure I hold the rights to my original content and register my work to add an extra layer of protection against potential infringement (Source: Law Stack Exchange).

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is another biggie, especially if you're dealing with giants like Amazon. They have a “safe harbor” policy protecting them from liability if they unknowingly infringe on a copyright. However, I'm the one who has the exclusive right to challenge any infringement (Source: Law Stack Exchange).

I always stay alert to issues like trademark infringement and plagiarism. It’s my job to protect my intellectual property while avoiding nasty legal headaches.

Publishing Contracts

Signing contracts can be nerve-wracking. It's critical for me to grasp the legal mumbo jumbo before agreeing to anything that impacts my self-publishing. This includes dealing with platform contracts, haggling over royalty rates, and getting cozy with non-disclosure agreements (Spines).

Here's my go-to checklist for contract reviews:

Key Contract Element	What to Look For
Royalty Rates	Are they fair and industry-standard?
Distribution Rights	Do I control where my book is sold?
Term Length	How long am I tied to this contract?
Termination Clauses	How can I exit if things go south?

I always ask questions if something’s unclear before putting pen to paper. Knowing what’s in these contracts stops me from giving away my rights by mistake.

Legal Responsibilities

As a self-published author, I hold some serious legal responsibilities. I need to make sure my book doesn't contain defamatory junk, private info about folks without their okay, or anything else that could land me in court. Laws are different worldwide, so I keep an eye on these differences to dodge any legal mess (Source: Law Stack Exchange).

I strive to respect privacy laws in my storytelling, pondering the possible fallout of sharing personal tales. Being clued-in on these aspects helps me craft my stories while keeping my back covered.

By staying sharp on these legalities, I can move forward with my self-publishing with confidence. I never stop learning and adjusting my methods to stay safe and lawful as I work toward successfully selling self-published books.

How to Promote Your Self-Published Book Without Going Crazy

You’ve poured months into writing, editing, and perfecting your book. Now it’s time to share your masterpiece with the world. Here’s how you can promote your self-published book and actually sell some copies!

Need Those Amazon Reviews? No Problem!

Amazon reviews are gold. They can make or break sales. Good ones can boost credibility and visibility.

So, how do you get them?

Ask folks you know: Reach out to friends, family, and work buddies. Tell them how much it’d mean if they left a review.

The big guns: Amazon’s top reviewers are influential. Politely ask if they'd read and review your book. A positive nod from them can seriously help.

Social buzz: Engage with your social media circles. Ask your followers for reviews. People love helping authors they feel connected to.

Who to Ask	Why?
Friends & Family	They support you and can give you those initial, precious reviews.
Top Reviewers	They hold sway and their opinions are trusted.
Social Media Pals	They spread the word and boost your book’s reputation.

Facebook Groups: Your Secret Weapon

Facebook groups can be treasure troves for writers, especially those doing it on their own. Dive into groups that fit your book’s genre or themes.

Quick tips:

Join the right groups: Look for groups centered around your genre or general reading and writing communities.

Be cool, don’t spam: Actively participate. Share your expertise. People will notice you without you having to yell “BUY MY BOOK!”

Type of Group	Why Join?
Genre-Specific	These folks already like what you’re writing about.
Writing Groups	Get feedback and share experiences.
Reader Groups	Directly reach those who buy books.

Amazon Ads: Get Your Book Seen

Amazon ads can work wonders. They're not free, but they can reach people who are already looking for books.

Smart spending: Don't throw money around. Start small. See what works, adjust, and scale up.

Track and tweak: Keep an eye on ad performance. Adjust your keywords and copy to get the best results.

Ad Type	Use It For…
Sponsored Products	Getting your book in front of potential buyers.
Product Display Ads	Visibility on pages of similar books.
Lockscreen Ads	Eye-catching ads on Kindle screens.

These strategies are your toolkit for successfully promoting your book. Do it with a mix of heart and smarts, and you'll see those sales grow.

Remember, every reader counts – one review at a time, one like at a time. Happy promoting!