If you’re a writer new to self publishing, it can be confusing when you’re hit with so many self publishing outlets. A lot of new writers get stuck here trying to figure out which platforms actually work for their needs.
Reedsy has been around since 2015 and offers writers a different way to get their work published and listed on the Amazon marketplace, one of the biggest booksellers in the world. For more information, check out their post on the best self-publishing companies
If you’re a writer with something to say, there are several solid reasons why Reedsy might be your best bet for self publishing.
Here’s what I’ve found about the pros and cons of KDP Select, and why it might be the right choice for your next book.
Pro: KDP Select gives you instant access to thousands of readers.
KDP Select connects you directly to thousands of readers through Amazon. This is exposure that almost no other self publishing company will give you right away. You can also list your work through the Lending platform, which lets people borrow your Kindle book and gets even more eyes on your work.
Yes, KDP Select asks for exclusive rights to your work, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. When you consider the massive exposure you get from signing up, especially if you’re a new author or trying to breathe new life into your work, the trade-off makes sense.
Pro: KDP Select isn’t hard to use.
Ten or twenty years ago, self publishing was much harder. You practically needed a degree in graphic design just to format for print. Today, things are simpler. KDP Select lets you format and upload your book directly to the platform. Their step-by-step guides walk you through the entire publishing process.
If you have questions (and most authors new to self publishing do!), tech support is there to help. You’ll find answers in their guides for pretty much everything.
Pro: KDP Select lets you control aspects like the cover.
KDP Select gives you total control over many parts of the publishing process. This is real power if you’re self publishing. Page size, cover art – it’s all up to you when you publish through KDP Select. These are things that your publisher would have controlled if you’d gone the traditional publishing route.
Pro: KDP Select offers publishing in both paperback and e-book varieties of your book.
KDP Select started as an e-book only platform, but later expanded to include print books too. Whether you want to see your book in print or online, KDP Select handles both. This makes it one of the stronger self publishing platforms for 2020, since many other platforms can’t offer you this flexibility.
Con: KDP Select asks for exclusive rights, but it’s not always a bad thing.
When you list your work through KDP Select, you’re giving Amazon exclusive rights to that copy while it’s listed. This sounds like a drawback if you want total control, but it’s actually a great way to get more people to see your work. Plus, it still pays better when your work sells than many royalty contracts from traditional publishers.