KDP Select is a relatively new feature offered by the Kindle bookstore. It is a great option for those authors and publishers that are new to the scene or don’t publish very much. KDP Select is an optional service for any book that’s already in the Kindle Store. It is intended to help boost readership while also offering new titles to Kindle subscribers.
If you are new to the scene, KDP Select might be a very good option for you. This service costs nothing to sign up for but there are some criteria that you need to meet. So, let’s take a look at what you need to know about KDP Select and why this may be a very good option for you.
Criteria for KDP Select
For starters, your book already needs to be in the Kindle Store. This means that you should have already met all the criteria that are needed to get your book up there in the first place. Once your book is up and running, you can then apply to KDP Select.
When your book qualifies, there are three criteria you need to make sure you meet. Otherwise, your book will get booted off the list.
- Your book must not have a wide following or you must not have a wide readership. If you, or your book, has been successful on Amazon, then you can basically forget about getting selected. This is why this program is aimed at newcomers or authors struggling to gain momentum.
- Your book must be exclusive to Amazon for a 90-day time frame. You cannot sell your book elsewhere. You can’t even sell it on your website. This is only for the 90-day time frame. After that, you are free to do as you will.
- Your book must be classified under a “popular” genre such as fiction (mystery, romance, thrillers) or non-fiction categories such as inspirational and self-help. Niche books don’t work here as they don’t have a cross-cutting appeal.
These three criteria will get your book on the Kindle Unlimited suggestion list. So, subscribers to this service will see your title. This enables your book to get noticed. Hopefully, you’ll get the chance to gain momentum.
Your Book Becomes Part of a Vast Promotional Network
Books on KDP Select have the chance to become part of a vast network of promotions. To begin with, your book is part of Kindle Unlimited and Kindle Owners Library. This means that your book will be accessible to anyone who holds one of these subscriptions. Moreover, your royalties are based on how much a person reads by page. In the case of customers in Japan, Brazil, Mexico, and India, you get a 70% royalty.
Also, your book becomes a part of bundles, featured books, and other periodical promotions that Kindle runs from time to time. As such, it is a great way for your book to really get off the ground. Best of all, you get the lion’s share of the fee as the author.
There Is a Downside
While KDP Select is great for newcomers and authors struggling to gain traction, on the whole, your book could stand to make more money on the regular Kindle store. Also, your book might stand to make more money on other sites including your personal website. Therefore, this is an option that brand-new or first-time authors should consider. Nevertheless, if your book flies through the roof, the sheer volume of readers may help you surpass the income you’d otherwise make elsewhere. As such, it’s a question of giving it a try and taking it from there.
