How to sell more books on Amazon

To sell more books on Amazon, we recommend optimizing your sales page for Amazon SEO, offering promotions and discounts, asking your readers to leave honest reviews, and using Amazon Ads campaigns.

In this article by Jordi Ordóñez, we discuss selling books on Amazon, how to get started, and how to increase your sales and become a best-selling author. If you're interested, keep reading.

How many books do you need to sell on Amazon to become a bestseller

For many authors, being considered a bestseller on Amazon seems like an unattainable goal. However, it’s not necessary to sell thousands of copies to achieve this status. Amazon’s best seller ranking depends on several factors, including the category in which your book is published, how quickly the copies sell, and the competition in that category.

Amazon categorizes books into different genres, so the requirements for becoming a bestseller in a specific category are much more attainable than in categories with higher sales volumes, like general best sellers. If you can sell a considerable number of copies in a short period of time within a less competitive category, it’s highly likely that you’ll achieve best seller recognition. An effective marketing strategy, like promotions or using Amazon Ads, can help you quickly boost your book sales.

How much do you earn from selling books on Amazon

Earnings from selling books on Amazon vary depending on the type of publication and the price of the book. Amazon offers two royalty models for books on its platform:

1. 35% royalty: If you choose this option, your earnings from each book sold will be 35% of the sale price. This is common for books with very low prices or in certain distribution programs. 
2. 70% royalty: For books priced between 2.99 and 9.99 USD, Amazon pays 70% of the sale price, but there are certain requirements to qualify for this rate, such as being part of its KDP Select program. Opting for the 70% royalty can result in higher earnings per sale, but it also involves more competition in some categories.

Earnings also depend on the book format. Kindle books (eBooks) usually have higher margins due to the absence of printing costs, while printed books may have a lower margin due to production expenses.

If you're looking to boost your sales on platforms like Amazon, you might find this helpful eBook on eCommerce Strategies by Jordi Ordóñez valuable.

How much does it cost to publish a book on Amazon

One of the biggest advantages of selling books on Amazon is that publishing your book is completely free. Amazon does not charge fees for publishing on its platform through Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing). The costs associated with publishing a book are mainly the work you do to prepare your manuscript.

• Cover design: An attractive cover is essential for standing out in a crowded marketplace. Hiring a professional designer can be an investment that makes the difference between selling or not selling. 
• Book formatting: Make sure your book is properly formatted for Kindle or physical printing. If you lack experience, hiring a formatter or using specialized tools can save you time and ensure a quality product. 
• Marketing and advertising: While publishing is free, marketing strategies like Amazon Ads campaigns, social media promotions, and other paid promotional methods can increase your chances of success.

If you’re looking to sell educational books, such as the Lectómetro Escolar for children aged 5 to 7, these types of resources can be an excellent option for catching the attention of parents and educators, in addition to being a great tool for teaching young children how to read.

How long does it take to sell a book on Amazon

The time it takes to start seeing sales on Amazon depends on many factors, such as the quality of your book, competition in your niche, and your marketing strategy. It’s possible that you won’t see immediate sales, but don’t get discouraged. Patience is key. Some authors achieve sales quickly due to their following or successful advertising campaigns, while others take more time to gain traction.

Visibility is crucial for generating sales. Be sure to optimize your Amazon page, including an attractive title, a well-written description with relevant keywords, and optimizing your reviews to build more trust with potential buyers.

Additionally, platforms like Quenarras can be helpful for increasing your book’s visibility and connecting with other authors and readers, allowing you to expand your reach and improve your sales strategy.

How to sell books on Amazon

Selling books on Amazon isn’t just about uploading a file and hoping sales will come. To sell more books on Amazon, it’s crucial to adopt smart strategies:

1. Optimize your sales page: Make sure your Amazon page is optimized for Amazon SEO. Use keywords your potential readers are searching for, and include an attractive, detailed description. 
2. Promotions and discounts: Limited-time offers and price reductions can increase sales, especially if you’re just starting. Amazon also offers tools like KDP Select, which allow you to run free or discounted promotions in exchange for increased visibility. 
3. Get reviews: Reviews are a deciding factor for many buyers. Encourage your readers to leave honest reviews and ensure your first reviews are positive to build trust. 
4. Advertising with Amazon Ads: Amazon Ads campaigns are a great way to increase your book’s visibility on the platform. With proper targeting, you can reach your ideal audience and boost sales significantly.

What is Amazon KDP and how can you leverage it to sell books

Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) is the platform Amazon offers to authors for self-publishing and selling their books. With KDP, you can upload your digital (eBook) and/or physical book and have direct access to millions of readers worldwide.

KDP is free, and you can set your book’s price and receive 35% or 70% royalties, depending on the format and price. Additionally, KDP provides tools to track sales, adjust prices, and get detailed reports.

Leverage Amazon KDP to put your books in front of a global audience, managing the entire process from one platform without intermediaries.

Selling on Amazon Spain is very similar to selling in any other country, but with some adaptations. The main difference is the need to tailor your keywords, description, and marketing to the interests and language of Spanish consumers. Most buyers in Spain prefer content in Spanish, so having your book well-translated is essential.

Additionally, if you’re selling physical books, make sure to account for shipping and distribution costs within Spain. Use Amazon’s tools to calculate taxes and shipping costs, ensuring your book reaches customers quickly and efficiently.

Requirements to publish a book on Amazon

To publish a book on Amazon, you must meet certain technical and legal requirements. Make sure your manuscript is well-edited, properly formatted, and doesn’t infringe on copyrights. You’ll also need an Amazon KDP account to upload your book, and it’s advisable to have a bank account to receive payments.

Amazon also has strict policies regarding book content, so make sure your material complies with their guidelines before publishing.

If you’re looking for help with digital marketing, Amazon advertising, or sales strategies, contact Jordi Ordóñez, an expert who will help you take your project to the next level. It’s time to grow your book business on Amazon!

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