Selling books on Amazon is an exciting way to share your work with the world while tapping into one of the largest online marketplaces available. Whether you're a self-published author, a small publisher, or someone looking to sell second-hand books, Amazon offers a variety of options to help you reach a global audience. In this article, we'll explore the best practices and steps to successfully sell books on Amazon.
A Guide to Selling Books on Amazon
Amazon is the largest online retailer in the world, making it a prime platform for authors, publishers, and booksellers. By listing your book on Amazon, you gain access to millions of potential customers. One of the key benefits is Amazon’s built-in customer base, who trust the platform and shop for books regularly. Additionally, Amazon's services make it easy to manage your inventory, pricing, and shipping, allowing you to focus more on your book's marketing and content rather than logistics.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Sales Model
Before listing your book, it's important to understand the different selling models Amazon offers. These options help you determine how you'd like to sell your book and what services you'll need.
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
For authors interested in self-publishing, Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the most popular and straightforward route. KDP allows you to publish both eBooks and paperbacks without upfront costs. Once your book is uploaded, Amazon handles the distribution and sales, paying you royalties on each sale. KDP is especially beneficial for authors because it provides a high royalty rate, with authors earning up to 70% in royalties on eBook sales depending on pricing and market conditions.
With KDP, you can set your own price, control your book’s rights, and have the flexibility to update your book at any time. Additionally, you can enroll your eBook in Kindle Unlimited, Amazon’s subscription service that offers readers access to millions of titles, further expanding your book’s reach.
Amazon Seller Central for Physical Books
If you are a seller offering physical copies of books, Amazon Seller Central is your next best option. Seller Central allows you to sell new or used books, either through fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) or by fulfilling orders directly (FBM). This platform is suitable for both individuals selling used books and businesses looking to sell new titles.
With Seller Central, you have the ability to list books individually or in bulk. You can also track sales, monitor inventory levels, and set specific pricing and shipping terms. If you opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), Amazon takes care of storage, packaging, and shipping for you, which saves time and effort.
Step 2: Preparing Your Book Listing
Once you’ve chosen your selling model, the next step is preparing your book listing. This is one of the most important aspects of selling books on Amazon because it directly influences how customers will find and view your book.
Creating an Eye-Catching Book Cover
A well-designed book cover is critical for attracting potential buyers. It’s often the first thing people see, so make sure it reflects the book’s content and tone. Amazon offers a Cover Creator tool for KDP users, but you can also hire a professional designer or use other graphic design platforms. A high-quality cover will help establish credibility and encourage more clicks.
Writing a Compelling Book Description
Your book’s description is the key to convincing readers to buy. Write a clear, concise, and compelling description of your book. Focus on the benefits the reader will gain from reading it, and include keywords that will make your book easier to find in search results.
Include relevant information such as:
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The genre or category of the book.
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Key themes or lessons the book covers.
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A brief summary of the plot (for fiction) or highlights (for nonfiction).
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Any notable achievements, reviews, or awards the book has received.
Choosing Keywords and Categories
Choosing the right keywords and categories for your book can make a huge difference in how easily people can find it. Amazon allows you to select up to seven keywords and two categories that best describe your book. Consider words that potential readers would search for when looking for books similar to yours. Do some research to identify which keywords are commonly used for your genre, and take advantage of Amazon's categories to ensure your book appears in the most relevant search results.
Step 3: Pricing Your Book
One of the most challenging aspects of selling books on Amazon is determining the right price. If you price your book too high, it may not sell. If you price it too low, you could lose out on potential profit.
Consider the following tips when pricing your book:
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Research the price range for similar books in your genre.
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Take into account your production costs (if you're using KDP, the printing costs will vary depending on the number of pages and trim size).
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Factor in Amazon’s royalty percentage and any additional fees (such as FBA storage or shipping costs).
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Consider offering promotions, like discounts or free days for your eBook on KDP.
KDP offers different royalty options (35% or 70%), and the choice depends on the price of your book and which regions you're targeting. Higher-priced books are often better suited for the 35% royalty rate, while lower-priced books can benefit from the 70% royalty option.
Step 4: Promoting Your Book
Once your book is listed on Amazon, you’ll want to make sure it gets noticed. The more visibility your book has, the more likely it is to sell. There are several strategies you can use to promote your book:
Amazon Advertising
Amazon offers a variety of advertising tools that can help increase the visibility of your book. Sponsored Products and Sponsored Brands allow you to advertise your book within Amazon’s search results and product pages. These ads are targeted based on keywords, so make sure you choose relevant terms for your ad campaign. You can also set a budget for your ads and monitor their performance to optimize results.
Author Central
If you're selling books on Amazon, you should create an Author Central account. This free service allows you to customize your author profile, track your sales, and update your biography. By adding personal information and images, you can make your profile more engaging for readers, encouraging them to check out your other works.
Leverage Social Media and Blogging
Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook can help you connect with potential readers. Share updates, behind-the-scenes content, and engage with your audience. Blogging about your book and related topics can also help increase your book's visibility. By building an online presence, you create a community of followers who may be more likely to purchase your book.
Step 5: Managing Sales and Reviews
Once your book starts selling, it's important to track your progress. Regularly monitor your sales data and reviews to ensure your book is performing as expected. Pay attention to customer feedback, as reviews can greatly influence future sales.
Encourage satisfied readers to leave reviews, as positive feedback can boost your book’s credibility and visibility on Amazon. Keep in mind that building a steady stream of positive reviews takes time, so focus on providing great content and engaging with your readers.
Selling books on Amazon can be a lucrative and rewarding venture, but it requires careful planning, effort, and strategy. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively list, market, and sell your books on Amazon, reaching a global audience and generating income. Whether you're a new author or an established one, Amazon provides the tools and platform to help you succeed. So, take the leap, and start your journey as a book seller today!
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About the author
Jordi Ordonez
I’m an independent eCommerce and Amazon consultant.
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I've worked with brands like Estrella Damm, Intersport, Bella Aurora, Lladró, Textura Interiors, Nice Things Palomas, Castañer, Due-Home, and many others.
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I’ve spoken and taught at events such as Meet Magento, PrestaShop Day, SEMrush, Cambra de Comerç Barcelona, ClinicSEO, EcommBeers, EcommBrunch, Ecommercetour.com, EcommFest, EOI, ESIC-ICEMD, Foxize, Generalitat de Catalunya, Inesdi, Quondos, and The Valley. I’ve also delivered in-company training sessions for major brands like Orange and Adidas.
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I regularly contribute articles to the Helium 10 blog, Shopify, SEMrush, La Vanguardia, eCommerce News, Marketing4ecommerce, and others.
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