KDP Select or Wide? Decoding the Distribution Dilemma for Self-Published Authors

Maximise your book’s potential with a strategy that fits your publishing goals.

I get asked this question a lot:

Should I sell my ebook exclusively on Amazon or distribute it across multiple platforms? It’s a critical decision for self-published authors, but here’s the good news - it’s not set in stone. Your strategy can evolve as your career progresses, shifting between exclusivity and wide distribution as your goals, audience, and priorities change.

For debut authors, starting with Amazon’s KDP Select programme is often the best choice. Why? Amazon commands a staggering 80% market share of the ebook market in the UK and US, making it the dominant platform for digital book sales. By focusing exclusively on Amazon, you can harness their reach and leverage their tools to build an audience quickly. But for authors seeking long-term stability and a broader global presence, going wide offers a powerful alternative.

This article focuses on ebooks, comparing the pros and cons of going Amazon-only versus wide. We’ll also explore why you should take a different approach for paperbacks, with a detailed strategy that includes platforms like IngramSpark and Draft2Digital.

What Does “Amazon Only” Mean for Ebooks?

Enrolling your ebook in Amazon’s KDP Select programme means agreeing to sell it exclusively on Amazon for at least 90 days. In return, you gain access to several exclusive benefits:

• Inclusion in Kindle Unlimited (KU): Your book becomes part of Amazon’s subscription service, allowing KU readers to access it as part of their monthly fee. Authors are paid based on the number of pages read.

• Promotional Tools: Features like Kindle Countdown Deals and free promotions can help boost visibility and sales.

• Higher Royalties in Select Regions: KDP Select offers 70% royalties in countries where the standard rate is only 35%, such as India, Mexico, and Japan.

However, exclusivity comes with limitations—you cannot sell your ebook on other platforms, including Apple Books, Google Play, or even your own website, during the 90-day term.

What Does Going Wide Mean?

Going wide involves distributing your ebook on multiple platforms. This strategy enables you to reach new audiences, diversify your income, and take control of your pricing and distribution. Key benefits include:

Photo by Samuel Scrimshaw on Unsplash

• Broader Audience Reach: Platforms like Apple Books, Google Play, and Kobo allow you to connect with readers who don’t shop on Amazon.

• Global Reach: Services like Kobo dominate markets in Canada, while Tolino is a major player in Germany. Going wide ensures your book is available in regions where Amazon isn’t as strong.

• Stability and Control: Diversifying your income streams reduces reliance on Amazon’s algorithms and payment structure, giving you more financial stability.

• Direct Sales Opportunities: Platforms like Payhip allow you to sell directly to readers, keeping more of the profits while fostering closer connections with your audience.

Pros and Cons: KDP Select vs. Going Wide

KDP Select

Pros:

• Access to Kindle Unlimited readers, who form a significant market for genres like romance, thrillers, and science fiction.

• Easier to market by focusing on a single platform.

• Ideal for authors with multiple-book series, as KU readers are known to binge-read.

• Suitable for debut authors with limited social proof, as KU readers can take a low-risk gamble.