If you’re self-published author, you’re probably familiar with Amazon. They have a service called Kindle Unlimited, which has more than two million books available. It’s a place worth considering if you want more people to be able to know about your work.
But before you decide, you might wonder: Is Kindle Unlimited a good choice for authors like you? You’ve worked hard on your book, and you want it to be read by people all over the world. But is it the right way to go?
The answer to this question is entirely up to you, but I can help you out by touching on the following topics:
This is what you’ll find
Let’s start with the subjective and move on to hard facts.
Is Kindle Unlimited Worth It?
Kindle Unlimited presents a unique opportunity for authors to gain exposure to a vast readership. With subscribers able to borrow and read unlimited books from the Kindle Unlimited library, your work can reach thousands of potential readers.
However, it’s essential to be aware of how authors are compensated, as earnings are based on pages read. While it can be lucrative for captivating books, upfront income may not match traditional sales.
Genre plays a crucial role in Kindle Unlimited’s success. Certain genres, such as romance and science fiction, tend to perform well, while others may not see the same engagement. Additionally, authors must publish their eBooks exclusively on Amazon to participate in Kindle Unlimited, limiting their distribution on other platforms.
Furthermore, Kindle Unlimited provides marketing tools like Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotion, aiding book visibility. Ultimately, the decision to use Kindle Unlimited should align with your writing goals and genre, considering both its benefits and subscription costs. Making an informed choice that suits your needs as a writer is paramount.
What Is It
Kindle Unlimited is an online service owned by Amazon and allows you to read as many titles as you have time to. So, if you consider yourself a choosey reader, you’ll be happy to discover that Kindle Unlimited offers over two million titles to choose from.
If you prefer to read via listening, choose from various audiobooks. This subscription also allows you to subscribe to three different magazines.
With over two million titles, you can expect genres including but not limited to:
- Science Fiction
- Romance
- Poetry
- Politics
- Religion
- Humor
- Mystery
Perhaps one of the best options is that you can read your chosen title on any device. That’s pretty convenient considering the array of devices out there today. This seems like a steal at $9.99 US dollars a month (plus applicable taxes).
Kindle Untimited Pros
Now that you know what it is, it’s time to consider if the list of pros is enough to make Kindle Unlimited worth it for you.
First, you do not need a Kindle to unjoy thousands of books. In fact, you can simply download a free Kindle Reading App and enjoy your book on your tablet, phone, or computer.
Second, when it comes to audiobooks, you can enjoy a large selection on Kindle Fire HDX tablets, iOS or Android phones, tablets, or on Audible with a free listening app. To access it, simply locate the Kindle Unlimited With Narration icon or look through books with audiobook companions included.
Third, if there is a public domain title you would like to read on your device, there’s a good chance it’s on Kindle Unlimited. Amazon says, “Around 500 public domain titles are included in Kindle Unlimited, all of which we’ve synched with their free audiobook companions as a benefit to Kindle Unlimited subscribers.”
There are a variety of other privileges that come with your Kindle Unlimited subscription. For roughly ten dollars a month, you can access over two million titles for less than the cost of one hardcover book.
And if this isn’t enough to get you started, if you haven’t tried it yet, Kindle Unlimited offers a free 10-day trial. That’s definitely a pro!
Kindle Untimited Cons
Like every subscription, it’s essential to take the cons into account before submitting your billing information. If you are a reader outside the US, Kindle Unlimited may not be right for you.
In their FAQ section, they state that “Customers in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, India, China, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, Canada and Australia can sign-up for Kindle Unlimited in their local Amazon marketplace. We also plan to expand this service to other countries.”
While Kindle Unlimited is available to US customers on Amazon.com, you may have a difficult time accessing this subscription if you are outside the US.
While you can read as many books as you have time for, you can only read up to ten books at a time. For the reader who enjoys slowly reading through a book or two, this may not be a con. However, if you are an avid reader or want to use books to research a topic, this may present some difficulty.
Additionally, one writer says, “Kindle Unlimited tends to focus more on newer and lesser-known authors—as well as quite a bit on indie authors. That’s not to say you won’t find famous and best-selling authors on there—but you can’t guarantee it.”
Before signing up, make sure you take time to consider the above pros and cons.
Considerations
Let’s break it down into more digestible points on the topic of considering. Is Kindle Unlimited worth it for authors who want to read up-to-date, new releases regularly? Maybe not. However, if you are an author who wants to use Kindle Unlimited purely for pleasure reading, it may be an excellent investment to make.
If you prefer to stick to one primary genre and Kindle Unlimited offers this genre (a high possibility), you may want to consider a free trial and see how many titles you find and enjoy reading.
You may also want to consider signing up for a subscription during months you typically enjoy more leisure time and have more opportunities to read. Cancel your subscription during busy work periods or holidays when you find yourself hosting family and friends.
Another option to consider is that Kindle Unlimited is known for including many self-published books. Depending on how the book was published, this could be a great way to find your new, favorite indie author or immerse yourself in the self-publishing world.
However, many writers also self-publish books without hiring a professional editor, which shows in the quality of the manuscript. Before signing up for Kindle Unlimited, know the purpose behind what you want to read.
Kindle Unlimited Questionnaire
You know what it is, some pros and cons, and have considered different aspects of Kindle Unlimited. Ask yourself a few questions, and then make your decision:
- What genre do I want to read?
- Do I want to read new releases or older books?
- Do I prefer self-published or traditionally published?
- What is my goal for reading, and will Kindle Unlimited help me reach it?
Of course, only you can answer these questions. Remember that Kindle Unlimited can be a supplement to your daily reading and does not need to stand alone as an entire course. Also, knowing what types of titles it has may help you decide if this is the next place to put your book.
Whatever choice you make, rest assured that whether you do or do not sign up for this subscription, there are millions of titles for you to read, enjoy, and inspire your next book.
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