If you've written a book and plan on self-publishing, you might wonder how to actually get your book on Amazon. Or sometimes, authors will assume that the only way to publish a book on Amazon is through a platform KDP. That's not true! There are actually several great ways to get your book listed in the world's largest online store.
Understanding Your Publishing Options on Amazon
Before we jump in, there are two important terms you need to understand: print-on-demand and offset printing. Print on Demand (POD) is when your book is only printed and distrubted after an order is placed by a customer. It is literally fulfilled "on demand". This keeps costs low and avoids large upfront investments for self-published authors but it also comes with limitations. Offset printing is when you order large quantities of your book directly from a printer, which is cheaper per book, but also means you'll need to handle that inventory and pay the printing cost upfront. Keep all this in mind as you're thinking about getting your book on Amazon.
1. Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is Amazon's popular print-on-demand platform for self-published authors. It acts as a distributor for your book files, allows you to publish eBooks and print books (paperbacks and hardcovers) and make them available to millions of readers worldwide.
Why Choose KDP?
No Upfront Costs: KDP is free to use. You don't need to pay anything to publish your book, making it a cost-effective option.
Global Distribution: Your book will be available on Amazon's global marketplaces, reaching readers around the world, rather than just your home country.
Print-On-Demand (POD): With KDP, your print books are produced on demand. This means you don’t have to worry about inventory or shipping costs. When someone orders your book, KDP will print and ship it to them.
2. IngramSpark
While KDP is fantastic for Amazon distribution, you might want to consider IngramSpark if you're aiming for broader distribution, especially in brick-and-mortar bookstores and libraries. IngramSpark is a print-on-demand distribution service that will list your book on Amazon, but also gives you access to Ingram’s global distribution network; this includes thousands of bookstores, libraries, and online retailers, unlike KDP, which is Amazon-centric.
Why Choose IngramSpark?
Broad Reach: IngramSpark allows you to distribute your book on Amazon and beyond (i.e. Barnes & Noble online, Target.com, etc).
More Trim Options: IngramSpark offers different trim sizes, paper types, and binding options. KDP doesn't do hardcover picture books at this time, but IngramSpark does!
3. Amazon Advantage
Amazon Advantage is ideal if you’ve already gone through an offset printer to print your book (or plan to) and want Amazon to manage the sales and shipping processes. This program works like a traditional distribution model, where you sell your book to Amazon at wholesale prices, and they take care of the rest. Here, you become a supplier to Amazon, and they handle the sales, fulfillment, and customer service. Right now, the cost is $99 for the year.
Why Choose Amazon Advantage?
More Control: You can print your book with extras like foil or a dust jacket, which is something you can't do with print-on-demand companies. You can list special editions, box sets, or autographed copies.
Cost Options: Books sold through Amazon Advantage are stored in Amazon’s warehouses, which often leads to better visibility on the site. Additionally, your book will be eligible for Prime shipping, coupons, discounts, and other promotions that you can't access with POD companies like KDP.
4. Amazon Seller Central
Seller Central is typically used by businesses to sell products (other than books) on Amazon, but authors can use it to sell their books as well. This platform is ideal if you want full control over your book sales, including inventory management, and shipping. I'll be honest though, Seller Central isn't as great for book listings compared to Amazon Advantage because it isn't as user-friendly. There are lots of options, boxes, questions, etc that don't apply to books and can be confusing to work around. Amazon Advantage is designed for books and media so it is more straightforward.
Why Choose Seller Central?
Complete Control: You manage every aspect of your book sales, including pricing, inventory, and fulfillment.
Direct Interaction with Customers: You can manage customer interactions and feedback directly, which can help build a loyal reader base. (If you use KDP, you'll never see the customer's names or details, for example)
5. Amazon Vendor Central
Vendor Central is an invitation-only platform where Amazon purchases your books wholesale and sells them directly to customers. This platform is more commonly used by larger publishers, but if you're lucky enough to get an invite, it's a powerful option for your offset print book.
Choosing the Right Amazon Publishing Platform
Each of these platforms offers unique advantages depending on your goals as an author.
KDP: Best for authors and those looking to publish without dealing with inventory.
IngramSpark: Ideal if you want a POD company but want to reach a broader audience beyond Amazon.
Amazon Advantage: Great for authors with physical, offset print books who want Amazon to handle sales and fulfillment.
Seller Central: Perfect for authors who want full control over pricing, inventory, and fulfillment, especially if you’re selling other non-book products.
Vendor Central: Best for established authors or publishers with high sales volumes, though it's by invitation only.
The Bottom Line
All this to say that there isn't a one-size-fits-all when it comes to publishing on Amazon. You may find that KDP is the way to go at the start of your career, but you move over to offset printing later on. Or perhaps you use multiple platforms simultaneously!
Personally, I use KDP and IngramSpark together, but you could also have a print-on-demand paperback with an offset print hardcover. As long as you have a strong strategy and do your research, the world is your oyster.