Yes, Most of My Books Are Now Off Amazon.com
Please be patient as I place original versions (and remixes) of my books on Draft2Digital and update my author website
In recent years, many authors have started moving away from Amazon and seeking alternative platforms to sell their books. While Amazon has long been a dominant player in the publishing industry, providing authors with easy access to a global audience, several factors are driving this exodus.
1. Author Royalties and Payment Structures
One of the most significant concerns for authors is Amazon’s royalty system, which, while seemingly generous at first glance (offering up to 70% royalties), comes with many restrictions. Authors must price their books within specific ranges to qualify for higher royalties, and there are additional delivery fees for ebooks that eat into profits. Furthermore, authors in Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited program are paid based on the number of pages read rather than book sales, leading to unpredictable and often lower earnings for many writers.
2. Control Over Pricing and Distribution
Amazon’s rigid pricing structures and exclusivity demands through programs like KDP Select have frustrated many authors. KDP Select requires exclusivity, meaning authors cannot sell their ebooks on other platforms, limiting their reach and potential revenue. In contrast, other platforms such as Gumroad, Smashwords, and independent online bookstores offer more flexible pricing options and allow authors to retain full control over where and how their books are sold.
3. Ethical Concerns and Labor Practices
Amazon has faced ongoing scrutiny for its labor practices, environmental impact, and monopolistic business strategies. Some authors are uncomfortable supporting a corporation with such a controversial track record. By choosing smaller, independent platforms, they feel they are contributing to more ethical business models and supporting fairer treatment of workers and the publishing ecosystem.
4. Better Audience Engagement Independent platforms often provide authors with more direct control over marketing and audience engagement. Authors can build email lists, engage in more personalized interactions with readers, and offer exclusive content or merchandise directly from their websites or through platforms like Patreon. This level of connection with their audience is harder to achieve on Amazon, where the platform itself controls most of the reader data and communication.
5. Diversification and Long-Term Strategy
Many authors see diversification as a smart long-term strategy. Relying solely on Amazon makes authors vulnerable to policy changes or algorithm shifts that could drastically affect their sales. By expanding to other platforms, they can build a more sustainable and resilient author career. This diversification allows them to tap into different audiences, experiment with alternative pricing models, and ensure they aren’t putting all their eggs in one basket.
In conclusion, while Amazon remains a powerful platform for authors, growing concerns about royalties, pricing control, ethics, and long-term sustainability are prompting many to explore other options. As the landscape of online publishing continues to evolve, more authors are seeking platforms that align better with their values and career goals.
But until Jeff Bezos and company treat their authors (AND WORKERS!) better, I will do my best to avoid using Amazon.com.