Amazon’s Little Secret—A Treat for Independent Authors

Just when you thought Amazon couldn’t do more for independent authors, it slaps us with KDP Print.

A new Print on Demand service right on your KDP dashboard.

The release of KDP Print happened back in September. But why haven’t you heard of it? Well, they’ve kept it under the radar because it’s still in its Beta phase. Authors are now able to create Print on Demand paperback versions of their Kindle books straight from Amazon. With limited features so far, they do plan on offering proof copies (not yet available) along with wholesale author copies. Even more exciting, expanded distribution to bookstores and non-Amazon websites are also in the future.

As we know, Amazon has offered CreateSpace as its POD distribution platform for many years. Though there’s little information on their future plans, it seems CreateSpace will continue to operate business as usual. There is, however, an option to move your CreateSpace paperback to KDP. As per Amazon:

“This would consolidate your paperback and eBook publishing on a single website. You will receive combined royalty payments for the marketplaces you sell your eBooks and paperbacks to. You do not need to do anything extra – your current account settings, payment information and tax details do not need updates.”

Here are a few key points on KDP Print. For more information, please visit their website.

Benefits of publishing paperbacks with KDP include:

• Distribution: Reach paperback readers through Amazon websites in the US, Europe, and Japan.
• Royalties: Earn up to 60% royalties on the list price you set, minus printing costs.
• Rights: Maintain creative control and own your copyright with our non-exclusive agreement.
• Get to market fast: Publish your paperback for international sale in just a few days.
• 100% availability: Printing on demand means your book will never be out of stock.

Personally, I’d like to wait till the Beta testing is over before giving it a try. And though I do like the service provided by CreateSpace, I’ll admit I wouldn’t mind seeing all my sales on one dashboard.

What are your thoughts on this new feature?

By

S. Katherine Anthony