Distribution: what “wide” actually gets you

What is the difference between wide and exclusive distribution? #

Wide distribution involves making your book available on multiple platforms and retailers, such as Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Google Play. This approach aims to reach a broader audience and diversify your income streams. In contrast, exclusive distribution typically means enrolling your book in a program like Amazon’s KDP Select, which requires you to commit to selling your book only on Amazon for a specified period (usually 90 days). In return, you gain access to promotional tools and features, such as Kindle Unlimited and Kindle Owners’ Lending Library, which can increase your book’s visibility and income.

How does wide distribution affect reach and income? #

Wide distribution can significantly increase your book’s reach by making it available to a wider audience across different platforms and regions. This can lead to higher overall sales, especially if your book appeals to a diverse readership. However, the income impact is less straightforward. While you may sell more books, the royalty rates on some platforms can be lower than the 70% offered by KDP Select. For example, Apple’s standard royalty rate is 70% for books priced within certain ranges, but it drops to 35% for books priced outside those ranges. Additionally, marketing your book across multiple platforms can require more effort and resources, which may affect your overall income.

What are the advantages of exclusive distribution? #

Exclusive distribution through programs like KDP Select offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides access to promotional tools and features, such as Kindle Unlimited, which can significantly boost your book’s visibility and income. Secondly, the 70% royalty rate for books priced within specific ranges can be more lucrative than the rates offered by other platforms. Thirdly, exclusive distribution can simplify your marketing efforts by focusing your attention on a single platform. However, the trade-off is that your book will not be available on other retailers, which may limit your reach and potential sales.

How do editing and production costs differ for wide vs. exclusive distribution? #

The editing and production costs for your book remain largely the same whether you choose wide or exclusive distribution. According to the Editorial Freelancers Association, the cost of editing an 80,000-word novel can range from $2,400 to $4,000 for a copyedit, depending on the level of editing required. Cover design costs, as per Reedsy marketplace data, average around $880 for most fiction covers. Interior formatting and print formatting can cost between $200 and $800, depending on the complexity and length of your book. These costs are independent of your distribution strategy and are essential investments to ensure your book is of high quality and professionally presented.

What are the marketing implications of going wide vs. exclusive? #

Marketing your book can differ significantly depending on whether you choose wide or exclusive distribution. With wide distribution, you need to consider marketing your book across multiple platforms, which can require more time, effort, and resources. You may need to tailor your marketing strategies to suit the specific audience and features of each platform. In contrast, exclusive distribution through KDP Select allows you to focus your marketing efforts on a single platform, leveraging Amazon’s promotional tools and features. However, you may miss out on potential readers who prefer other retailers or platforms.

Frequently asked questions #

What is the cost of ISBNs for self-published authors?

In the US, a single ISBN costs $125, while a block of ten ISBNs costs $295, which works out to about $29.50 each. This cost is the same regardless of whether you choose wide or exclusive distribution.

How much does audiobook production cost?

Audiobook production costs about $200–$400 per finished hour. ACX, a platform for audiobook production, suggests a cost of roughly $300–$400 PFH for retail-ready audiobooks. These costs apply to both wide and exclusive distribution strategies.

What are the royalty rates for e-books and audiobooks?

E-book royalties are typically 25% of the publisher’s net receipts, which is the de-facto standard. The Authors Guild argues that 50% is a fair royalty rate. For audiobooks, the common royalty rate is about 25% of net. These rates are generally consistent across different distribution platforms.

How do advances work in self-publishing?

Advances are less common in self-publishing compared to traditional publishing. In traditional publishing, advances can range from “nice deals” up to $49,000 to “major” deals of $500,000 or more. However, most self-published authors do not receive advances. Instead, they earn income through book sales and royalties. Reliable public data on advances in self-publishing is limited.