Get the Word Out! Marketing your self-published book

Get the Word Out! Marketing your self-published book

by | Jul 11, 2024 | Book Marketing

Marketing a self-published book presents both challenges and opportunities. Without the backing of a traditional publisher, authors must take control of their promotional efforts. However, this also allows for a more personalized and flexible marketing approach. Here’s how to craft an effective strategy to ensure your book reaches its target audience.

Planning your success

Every effective marketing strategy follows a plan. It’s important to know where you start, where you want to go, and how to get there. Keep in mind though that anything can come up, so you must always remain flexible to the current situation.

Developing the main marketing strategy

Before we get into the specific details, it’s crucial to establish a clear marketing strategy. 

Get real with yourself. What are your goals and objectives? What do you hope to achieve with your book? Who is your main audience? What do you want people to take away after reading? Understanding your purpose will guide your marketing efforts and ensure they align with your overall vision.

Our tip is to get specific! The clearer your vision is about where you want to take your book and who you want it to reach, the easier it will be to act in alignment with those goals.

Make the right moves

Once you’ve set down your strategy, it’s time to choose tactics that align with your goals and, don’t forget, your budget! 

Think about different marketing channels such as social media, email marketing, and book reviews. Choose methods that will effectively reach your target audience without straining your resources. 

Create a timeline

Integrate your marketing activities with your publishing schedule. Having them working together at the same time will create an effective space where excitement is built around your book as it’s being released! 

A detailed timeline helps you stay organized and ensures that all tasks are completed on time. From the initial promotion to post-launch activities, having a timeline will keep you on track.

Use branding to your benefit

We have mentioned branding before and will continue to because it is one of the most crucial parts of the marketing plan. If you have a clear brand, people know exactly who you are and what you bring to the table. 

Define your author identity

Your branding or author identity is not just your message, or mission and vision but it encompasses how you present yourself as an author and business. It includes your communication style, website design, social media presence, and more. 

Ask yourself what aspects of your persona you want to share. Think about how you speak to your audience and the level of personal information you’re comfortable sharing with them.

Consistency and memorability

A consistent brand presence makes you recognizable and helps build trust with your audience. From social media posts to your website, ensure your branding is cohesive and reflects your identity as an author.

Some people don’t realize it but design elements like colors, fonts, and even content you post is all part of the branding and remaining consistent in using these styles while staying true to yourself will help people remember you.

Get social: Make an online presence

Nowadays, everyone and everything is online. So much so that if someone can’t find you in a Google search, they’ll be quick to dismiss you, your book, and everything you worked so hard to achieve!

Build an author website

Most self-published books are sold online, making an author website essential. Think of your author website as your homebase. It should be where people can learn about you, your book, and how to reach out to you. 

You can also customize it depending on what you have decided to share. Did you want to add a blog? Are you offering other special services? Make all of that information clear on your website!

Consider using a platform like WordPress which offers affordable options for building a professional website. If budget is a concern, create a free page on platforms like Medium or Tumblr.

Get social!

Engage with your audience, let them know you’re around, and that you’re human!

Create dedicated social media accounts to promote your book and get in touch with your audience. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and even YouTube could be some of your best options. Try out different platforms and find the one where your target audience is most active.

People like connecting with what’s real so remember to stay true to yourself! 

Metadata optimization is key…words

Now that you have your online platforms set up, it’s time to get people to notice you. Keywords are your best friend in this case. 

Learn how to use metadata

Metadata is all the data about data but not the content itself. Allow us to explain.

Metadata includes the title, subtitle, pen name, series name, blurb, categories, keywords, and pricing of your book. It is NOT, however, telling the story or idea of your book, nor does it provide any actual information. Think about it as certain words and phrases that allow the internet to categorize you and your book into a specific space online. 

Optimized metadata helps your book get discovered in store algorithms. Accurate categories and keywords ensure your book reaches the right audience.

Blurb lines

Catch your audience’s attention with a clear and strong blurb. The blurb is one of the first things potential readers see. Craft a memorable and emotional hook in the first few sentences. Include any awards or reviews to add credibility.

Your blurb shows your audience who you are, what the book is about, and makes your mark in their minds. It’s your chance to show them, with just a few sentences, why your book is something they need.

Find your allies: Collect reviews

Book reviews can make or break you. No matter how much we want our audiences to try and experience the story for themselves, we can’t help it. People will always be swayed somehow by the opinion of others. So, find the people who are on your side!

Importance of reviews

Positive reviews are crucial for building credibility and encouraging sales. Before launching any major marketing campaigns,make sure you have a handful of positive reviews. 

Your audience will probably want to know what other people are saying about your book. Plus isn’t it just fun to show off sometimes?

Find sources

How can I get reviews if I haven’t launched my book? Well, ask family and friends to review it first. You can rest assured that with people you trust, you’re getting honest feedback but also encouragement. It’s also a nice way to ease yourself into getting used to people reading your work.

Once you’re ready, you can also reach out to influential bloggers in your genre and participate in online writer forums to swap reviews.

With review swaps, you can build a community and gather many more reviews while also seeing what material is out there in your genre. It’s like sharing notes with a friend back in school!

Making contact: Use an email list

Email lists are one of your most powerful marketing tools. That’s you in direct contact with your audience, giving them special offers and updates.

Direct promotion

How are email lists different from social media promotion? You’re in direct contact with your audience through your socials too right?

Yes, but with emailing, it’s like having a smaller, more concentrated group of people. With your email list, you are sure that these people are interested in your book, your service, and what you have to say. With social media, it’s more general public and they may just scroll past your content.

Email marketing lets you get more in-depth with your readers. You can use it to update them on new releases, share exclusive content, and maintain engagement.

Email tools

Use technology to your advantage and look up mailing platforms like Mailerlite to manage your email list efficiently. You can always start with a free plan and scale as your list grows.

Our tip is to research, research, research until you find the one best suited to your needs. There’s no reason to sign up to any platform blindly.

Sign-up links

Include sign-up links on your website, author pages, and social media bios to encourage readers to join your email list.

Make some noise: Run a pre-order period

Marketing your book before you launch is just as important as marketing as it launches. You want to get people excited about your book so make some noise with pre-order options!

Maximize Launch Day impact

Include the pre-order period as part of your marketing plan. A thorough plan will include pre-launch, launch, and post-launch plans to ensure that you have people always looking for your book!

Pre-orders can significantly boost your book’s ranking on launch day. Getting people hyped about your upcoming book will only help you and your book sales in the future. 

Setting up a pre-order period helps in building anticipation and gathering early sales, which can contribute to higher rankings and visibility. 

Use platforms like PublishDrive to set up pre-order campaigns across major stores.

You’re ready now!

Now that you have the basic information you need to get started on your marketing plan, it’s time to get out there and get started!

Making a marketing plan is never easy and it will often change depending on your needs and how a certain launch pans out. Start early, stay organized, and be persistent in your efforts to promote your self-published book.

Remember to be kind to yourself through this process, stay flexible, and be true to who you are – this will be the cornerstone to your success!

Reach out to us

Marketing a self-published book requires careful planning, consistent effort, and a strategic approach.

If you feel like you need more help, reach out to us or schedule a complimentary Clarity Call with our CEO and Founder, Leesa Ellis!

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Write Through the Rut: Using Stream of Consciousness for writer’s block

Write Through the Rut: Using Stream of Consciousness for writer’s block

by | Jun 26, 2024 | Writing

It’s happened to the best of us, on days when we least expect it: Writer’s block. The dreaded wall in between you and the progress you need to make with your work. It’s more often talked about with fiction writers and novelists but we know that whether you’re writing an epic fantasy or a how-to guide, all kinds of writing requires some level of storytelling. 

One technique that can help overcome this hurdle is stream of consciousness writing. This method involves writing continuously without self-censorship, allowing ideas to flow freely. While it has both benefits and drawbacks, stream of consciousness writing can be a valuable tool for breaking through writer’s block and reigniting your creativity.

What is Stream of Consciousness Writing?

You need to get your point across but how can you do that if you can’t even get out of your own head? Stream of consciousness might be just what you need. 

This method of writing is a narrative technique that captures a character’s thoughts (in this case yours) in a continuous flow. It’s often used in fiction to provide a deeper, more intimate look into a character’s mind. 

However, for you – the nonfiction writer, this technique can help you come up with new ideas, content, or creative ways to thread together your thoughts without the constraints of structured writing. By allowing your thoughts to spill onto the page unfiltered, you can bypass the inner critic that often contributes to writer’s block.

The perks of your subconscious

In thinking less, there is less judgment, and when you allow yourself to simply write like no one’s watching, you may find you come up with the best ideas!

Here are a few reasons why we think stream of consciousness could help!

Speed

The writing process sometimes seems endless. From thinking about what to write, to planning the flow, to getting the words on the page, then finally editing, three days will have gone by and you wouldn’t even notice.

Herein lies the strength in stream of consciousness writing. Without the need to stop and edit, you can write much faster, capturing ideas as they come. This rapid production can help you get past the initial hurdle of a blank page and build momentum in your writing process.

Uniqueness

Without a clear message and a distinct voice, your words can be drowned out in the thousands of written works that have already been published. 

Stream of consciousness writing allows you to capture your raw thoughts and emotions, making your writing more authentic and relatable. This uniqueness can set your work apart from more traditional, structured nonfiction.

Engagement

Since you’re writing off of the top of your head, you filter yourself less and this creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy with readers. By sharing your open, honest, and candid thoughts, you invite readers into your mind, making them feel more connected to your work. This engagement can be particularly valuable in nonfiction, where personal insights and experiences can enhance the overall narrative.

Potential pitfalls

It is important to remember that, as with everything else, stream of consciousness writing does have some downsides. Let’s discuss:

Significant editing

Unless you’re an extremely exceptional writer or just highly confident, you’re probably aware that first drafts rarely make the cut. This rings even more true with stream of consciousness writing. 

As you write without any rhyme or reason other than the goal to get all your ideas and thoughts onto a page, you will run into grammatical and structural issues. You may come up with a plethora of winning ideas, but be prepared to use a lot of time and energy to refine, revise, and polish your first few drafts.

Difficulty in revisiting

With stream of consciousness writing, you can expect to write, write, write and then it’s gone. You go from one thought to the next, not allowing yourself to stop, so once you try to return to what you were thinking of it doesn’t have quite the same hold on you as it did just moments ago. 

You can never recreate a moment of writing that you did, you can simply start over and allow yourself to try again. Returning to a previous mindset can be challenging, making hard to continue or expand on earlier ideas seamlessly.

Possibly “shallow” writing

Stream of consciousness is great for coming up with new ideas and topics you may skip over, but it is “top-of-mind” writing. While not necessarily bad it may not provide the depth needed for a comprehensive nonfiction work. The lack of structure can result in a shallow exploration of topics. 

However, a bit of research after the fact can always help. The first ideas you find can serve as a starting point, helping you overcome writer’s block and later refining your ideas into more detailed content.

Get into the flow

To start with stream of consciousness writing, set a timer for a short, focused session. If you’re scared even five or 10 minutes will work. 

Our top tip? Don’t think. Just write.

Write continuously without stopping to edit or censor your thoughts. Use prompts or questions related to your nonfiction topic to kickstart the process. Let your writing flow freely, capturing all ideas and thoughts as they come. As much as possible try not to stop and try not to think about what you’ll write next. You’ll likely surprise yourself with what comes up.

Refine, refine, refine

Once you’ve finished your stream of consciousness session, take a break before reviewing your writing. Editing right after finishing your work might make it hard for you to see everything you wrote in its entirety. 

When it’s time to edit, think of it as trimming the edges and getting to the core of what you’ve actually written. Does there seem to be an overarching theme? Is there a storyline that you gravitated to naturally that helps push your message? Did you notice what topics might stand out to you to make your nonfiction writing more unique?

Take note of all of this, then structure your work. Organize your writing, research for deeper information, and do what you need to make it coherent, clear, and captivating. 

Remember nonfiction content need not be boring to be informative. Keeping people engaged in your writing while remaining true to your topic, though a fine line, is all it takes.

Make writing fun!

More than anything, you should remember why you’re writing in the first place. Whether you’ve always loved it or you really believe you have something important to share with others, hold onto that and writing will be fun and simple.

Stream of consciousness writing can be so powerful for getting you out of your head and back into the zone of your writing. It’s not about reviews or reception, it’s about you and what you have to say about something you are so passionate about.

Anytime you find yourself in a writing rut, set a timer for 10 minutes, and write whatever you want. You’ll find that you had a lot more to say than you thought!

Start your publication now

Self-publishing a book and sharing your message has never been simpler or more effective than it is right now.

Remember that while there are countless strategies for brand-building in today’s digital age, few offer the same level of impact and authority as publishing a book. Whether you’re an aspiring author or a seasoned entrepreneur, it’s time to get unstuck and get started!

 

Schedule a complimentary call with Leesa to find out more about building YOUR brand with a book.

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The Power of Print-On-Demand for Self-publishing

The Power of Print-On-Demand for Self-publishing

by | Jun 18, 2024 | Book Printing

Let’s face it, if you’re reading this, you likely want to self-publish something. You’ve probably heard about Print-on-Demand books and you’re ready to deepen your understanding.

Well, luckily, here at 3 ferns, our goal is to demystify and help you navigate your self-publishing journey with confidence and ease.

In this blog, we’ll explore what Print-on-Demand is, why it could be beneficial for you, and some cautions to keep in mind.

What is Print-on-Demand?

Print-on-Demand is a publishing model where, unlike traditional publishing deals that require an author and a publishing company to contract for a set number of books, you get to choose how, when, and how much of your books will be printed at a certain time.

Just as the name says, Print-on-Demand books are books that are only printed as they are ordered. Think of it like food at a restaurant that’s made to order, it’s not a fast food chain that has your food ready to go, but it’s made for you when you ask for it.

In recent years, Print-on-Demand books have been growing in popularity. More and more people are wanting their stories heard but sometimes the traditional publishing can be rather restrictive, and it may be difficult to get anyone to pick up your book.

Self-publishing may seem like a daunting task but the Print-on-Demand  model can make it easier for people wanting to start their publishing journey.

Why it could be beneficial

Let’s go over a few of the reasons why Print-on-Demand is an option that many self-published authors choose.

Ease and accessibility

Print-on-Demand platforms are designed to be user-friendly. There’s a plethora of services you can choose from, which means that you can find the platform best suited for you and your needs.

Print-on-Demand platforms streamline the process from uploading your manuscript to printing and even handling the logistics to get the books to customers. This takes the pressure off of authors who might not be tech-savvy.

With this, you can focus on the more creative aspects of your book journey, such as the actual writing and the ever so infamous and important marketing strategy.

Illustration of a hand with a megaphone inside a cellphone. Yellow background with green leaves.

Inventory

Say goodbye to towers and towers of books waiting to be sent off!

One of the biggest pros people might share when it comes to Print-on-Demand, is that there is no need to worry about inventory management. You won’t be staring at unopened boxes full of your precious writing. Since books are printed as orders come in, you don’t need to store large quantities of books, saving you space and the hassle of managing unsold stock.

Scalability

Print-on-Demand offers excellent scalability. Whether you need a single copy for a proof or hundreds of copies for a book launch, Print-on-Demand can accommodate your needs without any additional setup costs.

You can start with small print runs to gauge interest and gradually increase production as demand rises. With this kind of flexibility, you’ll make sure that you never overextend your resources or face the challenge of managing excess inventory. 

When your book starts gaining popularity, you can seamlessly scale up production without the delays or costs associated with traditional printing methods. This dynamic approach enables you to respond quickly to market trends and reader preferences, ensuring your book is always available when needed

Profitability

This model typically has a higher per-unit cost compared to traditional printing methods (up to 60% profit per unit!). This means that while the initial investment is lower, the profit margins per book sold can be thinner. It’s crucial to factor this into your pricing strategy where you can make the best profit while ensuring it’s fair to your readers.

With the rise of niche markets and readers getting more and more specific about what they want to read – the exclusivity and interest has allowed a slight price increase for certain books with specific topics. With the right strategies, good marketing, optimized pricing, and quality assurance, Print-on-Demand and self-publishing can be very lucrative!

Cautions

As wonderful as it is, Print-on-Demand is definitely not a walk in the park. Here are some things to look out for when considering this option.

Price

Print-on-Demand may be cost effective. You only pay for what you print every time you need to make an order, which can help you manage your costs better. 

However, it is important to note though that some Print-on-Demand services may ask for a “joining” or “setup fee”. This does not apply to some of the more popular options like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or Barnes & Noble Press. You will also need to allocate a budget for editing and design services. 

Where traditional publishing would cover all of these things, including marketing, with Print-on-Demand, and self-publishing in general, this part is up to you.

Quality control

While Print-on-Demand technology has improved significantly, there can still be variability in print quality. It’s essential to review proofs and be aware that the quality might not always match that of traditional offset printing.

We recommend batch testing by ordering one or even small batch orders to see how your books look when they have been shipped out.

It’s rather a common issue with Print-on-Demand that with very large batches, there may be some pieces that have printing errors or have been damaged in the shipping process. Usually though, self-published authors manage this by doing smaller orders at a time.

What do we think?

With Print-on-Demand, the trade-off for the convenience is really just accepting that the print quality is variable and out of your hands. However, if you’re open to this flexibility, it’s absolutely a cost-effective and easy to start solution. Starting with small orders can help minimize potential printing errors, allowing you to address any issues before scaling up.

Get in-depth guidance!

If you’re considering Print-on-Demand for your self-publishing journey, personalized guidance can make all the difference. Schedule a complimentary Clarity Call with Leesa Ellis to explore how Print-on-Demand can fit into your publishing strategy and get expert advice specific for your needs!

Leesa’s experience and insights will help you navigate the world of self-publishing with confidence.

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Build Your Brand: The power of self-publishing

Build Your Brand: The power of self-publishing

by | Jun 11, 2024 | Brand-building

It’s undeniable, we are deep in the digital age. It seems every day we are faced with a new option on how to build a brand. Whether you want to post on social media platforms, tell your story through blogs, or talk to a dedicated group through podcasts, there’s a place for you to start. However, one medium stands out as highly effective, and tried and true: the book.

Why books?

With the rise of short form video content, books can seem old fashioned but there is a reason that books have remained on our shelves both physically and digitally throughout the centuries. There’s nothing quite like the published word.

There has been a massive shift in the publishing landscape and it’s called print-on-demand technology. Self-publishing is an effective tool in making all kinds of books even more accessible and getting different stories and ideas out into the public. Now, anyone with a story to tell or knowledge to share can become a published author.

That said, what is it about books that makes them the top choice?

Being a published author, especially in the West, holds a lot of weight. You’re seen as someone with authority on a certain topic and are viewed with a level of respect. People can easily believe that you have expertise in your field because you have physical proof.

Books are easy, straightforward, and simple. You don’t need to have taken a course or booked a complicated class. All you need is a copy of the publication and you just start. This makes it an affordable and accessible entry point for people looking to learn about your niche topic.

More than that, a book offers the maximum opportunity for global distribution. With the rise of online marketplaces and eBook platforms, authors can reach audiences around the world with one swipe. This level of exposure is invaluable for building brand recognition and expanding your reach.

Brand-building and leveraging

Whether you’re a CEO, executive, or a professional in your own right, having a personal brand can make or break your career. With a book, you are establishing an avenue for people to know exactly who you are and what you bring to the table. This will make it that much easier for you when it comes to negotiating salary increases, seeking new opportunities, or solidifying your reputation as an industry and thought leader.

With a well-curated and specific brand, any blogger, podcaster, or small business owner can build their business brand for Impact, Money & Authority™. When you have a clear brand, you become impactful and able to reach the audiences who will resonate with your message. This clarity boosts your sales potential because your content is always valuable. Most importantly, it positions you as a leading authority in that niche. You know what you’re talking about because you wrote a book about it – you’re an authority because you’re an author!

Get your message out there

Beyond building your brand and getting your book published, it’s important for your words to have some reach.

Find opportunities, outside the pages of your publication, for people to hear more about what you have to say. Many authors, especially those in the picture book space, choose to create merchandise based on their book.

We’ve seen baseball caps, tee shirts, tote bags, hoodies, coffee mugs, posters, downloadable printables and more! Anything that comes to mind that supports a need of a certain niche can be turned into merchandise to bolster your brand!

Outsourcing production has never been easier with print-on-demand providers ready to help at the touch of a button, you can, as an author, focus on marketing your book – and the merchandise – to maximize your royalties.

By outsourcing production and fulfillment to expert providers, authors can focus on marketing their products and maximizing royalties. This extra source of income not only increases earnings but also strengthens brand identification and encourages better reader interaction.

Be inspired

Let’s take a look at two case studies to show the success that comes from properly building your brand when you self-publish:

CASE STUDY #1: Dawn Reeby

When Dawn started her career in Law Enforcement, Crime Analysis wasn’t a discipline in Law Enforcement.

Over the last few years, Dawn has built a coaching business to help Law Enforcement professionals use Data Analytics in

How Leesa and 3 ferns helped

Dawn engaged 3 ferns to help self-publish her second book, Building a Crime Analysis Legacy. This book was to help the leaders of Data Analysis in Crime Analysis to provide the organizational structures and infrastructure that would enable the Data Analysts to perform at their best.

Leesa’s approach to self-publishing helped Dawn by laying out the self-publishing process and guiding Dawn through each step, spending as much time as Dawn required.

Leesa was able to understand what Dawn was trying to accomplish with the book, and provide the necessary support and guidance. For instance, Leesa was able to communicate what Dawn’s objectives were for her book to the 3 ferns’ Book Cover Designer, and the designer came up with a book cover in the first take!

The outcome

Towards the end of the engagement, Dawn’s business gained the attention of some educational institutions and when she shared this with Leesa, Leesa was able to make some suggestions on how the book could be further edited, which would help gain the attention of these institutions. Dawn’s book was then included in some educational courses.

  • Opened up a Leadership School – gave Dawn the courage to open up a 9-month program with the book.
  • Teaching at conferences – and allowed Dawn to share the book.

The book provides great value to the industry.

CASE STUDY #2: Shelley Loving

After starting and growing a successful business in nutrition, Shelley decided to write a cookbook about inflammation and anti-inflammatory cooking.

While Shelley knew she wanted to write the book, she didn’t have any idea of what to do to get the book published. Shelly needed someone who would hold her hand through the book writing process. Shelley needed to know how to bring her vision for the book .

Shelley found Leesa and 3 ferns through other book authors and connections who had worked with Leesa and were happy to make the introduction.

How Leesa and 3 ferns helped

Leesa was a great support to Shelley. Shelley was clear on the vision she had for her book and Leesa quickly came to understand Shelley’s vision and supported Shelley every step of the way.

Leesa made the process of self-publishing her book seamless and her service was “invaluable”.

Leesa was always available to answer any question Shelley had and very accessible throughout the process.

In particular, when it was time to hit the “publish” button, Leesa walked through the whole process as Shelley finalized the publication.

The outcome

Writing this book enabled Shelley to open doors to new publicity and opportunities. As an example, Shelley met with a media producer who included Shelley’s business in his newsletter which has a 47% open rate. This resulted in 4 TV interviews and 8 radio interviews.

He included Shelley a few more times in his newsletter throughout the next year and each time, this gave Shelley the opportunity to do more TV and radio interviews.

Shelley gifted her book to an acquaintance whose husband experiences health challenges.

This person asked Shelley if she would do a book signing at her boutique and be the featured guest for the holiday season. This allowed Shelley to expand her customer base even more.

Start your publication now

Self-publishing a book and sharing your message has never been simpler or more effective than it is right now.

Remember that while there are countless strategies for brand-building in today’s digital age, few offer the same level of impact and authority as publishing a book. Whether you’re an aspiring author or a seasoned entrepreneur, it’s time to get unstuck and get started!

 

Schedule a complimentary call with Leesa to find out more about building YOUR brand with a book.

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Maximize Your Reach, Minimize Your Stock: Amazon Advantage

Maximize Your Reach, Minimize Your Stock: Amazon Advantage

by | Jun 8, 2024 | Book Distribution

As a self-published author, or an aspiring one, you’re likely exploring ways to get your book out there. The vast array of options and resources can be daunting, leaving you wondering where to even start.

In this article, we will explore some of the options available in the publishing space to help you understand what some publishers use to get their books distributed. Companies like Amazon offer several programs to manage distribution and sales, including Amazon Advantage, Seller Central, and Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).

While Amazon Advantage isn’t necessarily ideal for self-published authors, it’s important to understand the different options available. In this article, we talk about Amazon Advantage and compare it with other Amazon programs, giving you a better understanding of available options out there.

What is Amazon Advantage?

Amazon Advantage is a consignment program aimed at publishers and producers of physical media like books, music, and videos. Here’s how it works:

Order Fulfillment: Once under Amazon Advantage, your inventory becomes part of Amazon’s stock. Amazon handles order fulfillment, shipping, and customer service. Essentially, it is an Amazon item. A book, for example, would ship with Prime’s free two-day shipping if the customer is an Amazon Prime member. You are responsible for initially shipping your inventory to Amazon warehouses.

Fees and Payment: Choosing Amazon Advantage would run you $99 annually. For each item sold, Amazon pays you 45% of the list price.

Amazon Visibility: With Amazon Advantage, the company will promote or feature your product on their site. People will not necessarily need to search for it, it will become easily visible all over the Amazon site. However, Amazon retains control over the pricing of Advantage items.

Exploring Amazon Seller Central

Amazon Seller Central, or also called Marketplace, provides a more hands-on approach compared to Amazon Advantage. Here’s what you need to know:

Order Fulfillment: With Seller Central, you are responsible for shipping books directly to customers when an order comes in. There is also an option to use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) where you ship inventory to Amazon’s warehouses and they handle fulfillment and shipping when an order is placed.

Fees and Payment: Seller Central offers two plans:

  • Individual Plan: $0.99 fee per item sold, plus a 15% referral fee and $1.80 closing fee per book. Amazon provides reimbursements for shipping costs.
  • Professional Plan: $39.99 monthly fee, plus the same 15% referral and $1.80 closing fees per book. Shipping reimbursements also apply.

Amazon Visibility: Customers will need to search for your book on Amazon and you will be marked as a third-party seller. Some people may see this as a disadvantage, but that’s really up to the buyer’s perception. The upside of using Seller Central is that you can control the pricing of your books, ensuring consistency with other sales channels.

Try out Kindle Direct Publishing

What about Kindle Direct Publishing? KDP is Amazon’s self-publishing platform for Kindle e-Books,  paperbacks, and hardcovers. Here’s how it differs from Amazon Advantage and Seller Central:

Print or Digital: KDP finds its strength in publishing e-Books and print-on-demand books. This is a little to no inventory option but does not have the convenience that pre-printed books may have.

Payment and Fees: KDP does not offer any subscription because it takes a percentage of the sales revenue. This percentage starts at 35% and tops off at 70% for e-Books and from 40% to 60% for print-on-demand books, depending on the options chosen.

Order Fulfillment: Under KDP, all of the printing and order fulfillment will be handled automatically by Amazon.

What’s the best option?

For self-published authors, it’s important to know that currently, Amazon Advantage only has a pre-order option for print edition publications while self-published authors can only have Kindle pre-orders.

The way we see it, as a self-published author, these options may not be the best avenues for you to look into. However, if you decide to get your book to a publisher, this option may be more applicable to them.

That said, let’s get into what they have to offer so that you can know, should you choose to continue on your journey of becoming a self-published author or not, for whom these programs might be ideal.

Amazon Advantage: This is perfect for publishers who want to offload inventory and let Amazon handle fulfillment and customer service, but don’t mind a lower royalty in return.

Amazon Seller Central: For the more meticulous type. This is best if you prefer more control over pricing and don’t mind handling fulfillment or paying for FBA. This option provides more flexibility but requires more involvement.

Kindle Direct Publishing: This option is suitable for those focusing on e-Books and print-on-demand books. It offers higher royalty rates and no upfront fees but lacks the immediacy of pre-printed books.

Must-have or Nice-to-have?

Currently, direct sales are also a growing trend, with many authors selling and offering pre-orders on their own websites. By setting up direct sales, you can offer pre-orders and get 100% of the profits, unlike the 60% you get through Amazon or the 10% with a traditional publisher. At 3 ferns, we can help you set up direct sales, allowing you to maximize your profits.

Ultimately, whether Amazon Advantage or any of these options is a must-have or a nice-to-have depends on your specific needs and goals as a self-published author. By understanding the pros and cons of each, you can make an informed decision that best supports your publishing and distribution strategy.

Learn More With Leesa

Whether you’re well into your self-publishing journey or just starting to explore the idea, schedule a complimentary call with Self-publishing Mentor Leesa Ellis today. She’ll help you navigate the path to successful self-publishing.

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