Navigating Amazon Publishing: A Comprehensive Guide for Authors

By B Alan Bourgeois

Are you a self-published author looking to expand your reach beyond Amazon? In "Beyond the Amazon Bubble," we uncover why Amazon exclusivity may not be the best path for every writer. Explore the world outside Amazon, where diverse platforms and bookstores await potential readers. Learn to stand out amidst Amazon's book saturation, navigate excl

• Language: English
• Publisher: Texas Authors Institute of History, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798869044051

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Navigating Amazon Publishing: A Comprehensive Guide for Authors

© B Alan Bourgeois 2023

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

The information and opinions expressed in this book are believed to be accurate and reliable, but no responsibility or liability is assumed by the publisher for any errors, omissions, or any damages caused by the use of these products, procedures, or methods presented herein.

The book is sold and distributed on an as is basis without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. The purchaser or reader of this book assumes complete responsibility for the use of these materials and information.

Any legal disputes arising from the use of this book shall be governed by the laws of the jurisdiction where the book was purchased, without regard to its conflict of law provisions, and shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of that jurisdiction.

ISBN  978-1-0880-7019-2

Publisher: Bourgeois Media & Consulting (BourgeoisMedia.com)

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Introduction

In Navigating Amazon Publishing, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive perspective that empowers you to make well-informed decisions about your publishing journey. Success in the world of publishing begins with a deep understanding of the Amazon landscape, aligning your goals, and tailoring your approach to suit your unique needs and objectives. We encourage you to explore the various options available, embrace the opportunities Amazon presents, and chart a course that paves the way for your publishing success.

As a published author myself, I hold the belief that exclusively publishing with Amazon may not always be the optimal choice for independent authors. However, I acknowledge that not all authors wish to delve into the intricacies of the business and marketing aspects of self-publishing. For some, the simplicity of exclusive Amazon publishing might be a more suitable and convenient path to publication.

Becoming a successful author requires a clear understanding of both the advantages and disadvantages of exclusive Amazon publishing, which I trust this book will help you navigate. The insights are presented through two distinct books: Beyond the Amazon Bubble: Expanding Your Reach as an Author and Amazon Advantage: Your Path to Publishing Success.

No matter which path you ultimately choose, always keep in mind that there are additional recommendations available to optimize your book's publication journey and enhance your chances of achieving greater success.

Contents

Book 1 – Beyond the Amazon Bubble:

Expanding Your Reach as an Author ​ ​6

The Pitfalls of Limited Distribution7

Navigating the Amazon Jungle10

Weighing the Pros and Cons13

Royalties in the eBook World17

Navigating the Shifting Sands21

The Amazon Conundrum24

Navigating Amazon's Review Policies27

Navigating Algorithm Dependency on Amazon31

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Amazon's

KDP Select Exclusivity Period ​ ​35

Navigating the Waters of eBook Pricing38

Book 2 – Amazon Advantage:

Your Path to Publishing Success ​ ​41

The Global Reach of Amazon42

The Ease of Self-Publishing with Amazon's

KDP Platform ​ ​45

Empowering Authors: Retaining Control with

Amazon KDP ​ ​48

Maximizing Profits: Amazon's Competitive eBook

Royalties for Authors ​ ​51

Rapid Results: Quick eBook and Paperback

Publishing with Amazon KDP ​ ​54

Amplify Your Reach: Amazon Advertising

for Authors ​ ​57

Unleash Your Earnings: Kindle Unlimited

for Authors ​ ​60

The Power of Print-On-Demand63

Harnessing the Power of Customer Reviews66

Amazon Author Central69

About the Author ​ ​72

More Books by the Author ​ ​73

Book 1

Beyond the Amazon Bubble: Expanding Your Reach as an Author

1

The Pitfalls of Limited Distribution

Why Exclusively Publishing on Amazon May Limit Your Reach

Amazon, with its vast reach and customer base, has become a go-to platform for many authors looking to self-publish their books. While Amazon is undeniably a powerful player in the book-selling industry, there's a growing concern about the potential downsides of exclusively publishing on this platform. One significant drawback is limited distribution. In this blog, we'll delve into why relying solely on Amazon might cause you to miss out on potential readers from other platforms and bookstores.

The Dominance of Amazon

Amazon's dominance in the online retail world is unparalleled. It boasts millions of customers and an extensive network of distribution centers worldwide. For authors, this means easy access to a global audience and a user-friendly platform for publishing and marketing books.

However, while Amazon's reach is impressive, it's essential to remember that it's not the only player in the book-selling game. Several other platforms and traditional bookstores cater to a diverse readership. Ignoring these alternatives can be a missed opportunity.

The Pitfalls of Exclusivity

Amazon offers a program called KDP Select, which encourages authors