How to Market a Self-Published Book Using Kindle vs Kindle Unlimited: Book Marketing Podcast Recap

by | Aug 19, 2021 | Amazon Updates & Marketing Tips, Podcast for Authors

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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 Market a Kindle Book

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.

If you found this post helpful please use the social buttons below the Resources and Free Downloads to share on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn and tag me, or you can email this post to a friend or colleague!

Resources and Free Downloads

Sell More Books on Amazon

Amazon Cheatsheet

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

Check out the IBPA for publishing industry news  

4 Comments

  1. R. Frederick Riddle

    I have purchased your books and followed your blog. I have gained a great deal of knowledge from you and others. Plus, I think my marketing efforts are on the verge of success.
    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!
    Thanks for providing information I can use locally and on the internet.

    Reply
    • Penny Sansevieri

      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!

      Reply
    • Penny Sansevieri

      Hi, there-great idea! There are so many ways to showcase your work. Feel free to reach out if you’re looking for more marketing strategies.

      Reply

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  1. Do I Really Need to Get More Book Reviews? | IBR Book Marketing Series (Part 4) - Independent Book Review - […] Page reads on Kindle Unlimited. People spending their time reading a thing you care deeply […]

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