Is It Better to Publish on Amazon or Kindle Unlimited?

Both Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and Amazon's Kindle Unlimited are popular platforms for authors. This article explores the benefits and drawbacks of each, helping authors make an informed decision on where to publish their books.

Understanding Amazon KDP and Kindle Unlimited

Amazon KDP is the platform that allows authors to self-publish their books in various formats, like paperback and Kindle. Kindle Unlimited, on the other hand, is a subscription-based program that offers readers access to a wide range of books in exchange for a monthly fee. It functions as a service and promotional tool for authors who wish to see their books included in the Kindle Unlimited service.

Signing Up to Kindle Unlimited

Authors must tick a box to sign up to Kindle Unlimited if they want their books included in the program. However, the author stresses that Amazon isn’t in the business of selling books; their primary goal is to sell Kindles. With Kindle Unlimited, the more books they can provide for free, the more users are encouraged to buy their e-readers. This aligns with their broader strategy to expand the Kindle ecosystem.

Options vs. Constraints

Similarities between Amazon KDP and Kindle Unlimited lie in the aspects of publication options. Amazon KDP offers the flexibility of publishing directly through the platform, while Kindle Unlimited provides promotional benefits that can boost book exposure. However, the downside is that Kindle Unlimited authors are constrained by the terms of the contract and can’t sell their books elsewhere through the standard KDP channels.

Flexibility and Future Publishing

The author mentions that with the end of Amazon's print-on-demand service 'CreateSpace,' KDP now handles print-on-demand (POD) for authors. Despite the limitations of KDP Print compared to CreateSpace, the author suggests keeping books on both platforms for maximum reach and flexibility. Moving forward, the author plans to publish future print-on-demand books with alternative platforms, such as Lulu in the UK or Ingram Spark, to ensure broader distribution.

Success and Personal Experiences

The author’s personal experience with KDP and Kindle Unlimited highlights the importance of individual outcomes. While some authors have seen success through Kindle Unlimited, the author themselves has not. Their advice is that authors should do what works for them, as each author's success can be different based on factors such as genre, marketing efforts, and platform capabilities.

Conclusion

Finalizing the decision between Amazon KDP and Kindle Unlimited depends on an author’s goals, flexibility, and personal satisfaction. Amazon KDP offers broader control and options for authors, while Kindle Unlimited provides promotional benefits and a wider audience. Ultimately, authors should weigh these factors and consult their own experiences and goals before making a decision.