Kindle vs Kindle Unlimited is a recap of Understanding Kindle vs.Kindle Unlimited, a recent episode on our Book Marketing Tips & Author Success podcast.
Be sure to download and listen to the show for all the details, recommendations, and considerations!
Learn how to market a self-published book using Kindle vs Kindle Unlimited in this recap of a recent episode on our Book Marketing Tips & Author Success podcast!
There’s a lot of confusion around Kindle and Kindle Unlimited (KU). Here we break down the differences and explain why it matters–should your book be in Kindle Unlimited and if so, what does that exactly mean?
Often the terms Kindle vs. Kindle Unlimited (KU) are used interchangeably, but really, they are two different things. Anyone can publish to Kindle via the KDP dashboard, but it’s up to you if you want to do KDP Select, which then drops you into the KU system. When that happens, your book can get “loaned” and you get paid by the pages read.
How Kindle Unlimited Can Actually Limit You
With KU there are rules and restrictions for other retail sites. If your eBook is in KU, you can not be on any other eBook sites, not KOBO or iBooks, nowhere–but your print book can be anywhere.
So a lot of times authors wondering about how to market self-published books will say “well, I want my books to be everywhere” and they can still have their print book be in all the places if that’s what they want. However, the decision to enroll in KU isn’t a permanent one.
Every 30 days you can unenroll in KU but be aware, Amazon will keep auto-enrolling you unless you change it. If you roll your eBooks in and out of KU, it can be a really helpful strategy.
How to Use Kindle Unlimited to Your Advantage
I roll my eBooks in and out of KU to help spike sales. For example, for my 2020 edition of How to Sell Books by the Truckload, I leave it outside of KU at launch until the title starts to decline in sales and then I spike it in KU.
Amazon ads also play into a KU strategy. Should ALL of your books be in KU to improve your ads? Strategically, you really only need one book in KU, so if you have a series, do the first book and maybe focus your ads there.
When determining how to market a self-published book, it can be confusing to distinguish the difference between Kindle and Kindle Unlimited. But once you understand how both avenues can boost your book’s sales, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to be strategic.
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Resources and Free Downloads
How to Market a Book with Smart Planning
Podcast: Your First Critical First 30 Days on Amazon
Podcast: Changes to Amazon that Affect Your Search and Keyword Choices
Check Out All of our Book Marketing Tips and Author Success Podcasts
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For years I have tried to market to the world, but my mentor has redirected me to local marketing first. And guess what, your advice flows right into that!
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I’m so happy to hear that! The local media can is always a great avenue and I’m glad to hear that it’s working for you! Please reach out if you’re interested in more marketing help!
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