In this episode, Lisa and I discuss publishing platforms for the independent author. Also, Melissa has a new Tip of the week about ISBNs. Listen in… EPISODE 9 - How to Choose the Right Publishing Platform.
First, Lisa and I discussed out weeks. I told her it seems like I've been thinking about publishing and writing 24/7. That will change soon with the start of the fall semester at my college. I'm really excited to be teaching a course in publishing pathways this semester! Lisa has been writing and working on Indie Chicks stuff too! I can't wait to read her new cyberpunk series, Motherboard!
Next, we dove into the main topic for this episode—Publishing platforms! Here's the skinny on what we covered: What are publishing platforms? What are the different types? Direct to retail options include KDP (Amazon), Apple, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo. Then you have aggregators, who will distribute your ebook to the big ebook retailers. Some options there include Smashwords Draft 2 Digital and Lulu. There are always more options coming available, but for a new author, we advise that you stick with the bigger ones.
We followed that with a discussion about why you need publishing platforms. A big part of your sales will come from e-books. It’s how many people are choosing to read now. Also, you can utilize e-books as gifts, giveaways, etc. BUT keep in mind many reviewers want a physical copy. Then we chatted about the different file types for ebooks:.epub for most online retailers and mobi files for Amazon.
Then we got into the nitty-gritty about the BIG publishing platforms. Here are some essentials:
Accounts for about 80% of ebook sales which is why it is so popular
70% royalty for ebooks priced between 2.99 and 9.99 at the net sale, 35% for books above and below that at the gross sale
Createspace for physical books as an option too.
BUT--now KDP is also doing paperbacks AND, drum roll please, they are finally, finally offering author copies!!!
Viable option for ebooks
Flat 70% royalty
Previously Nook Press
Can publish both ebooks (for Nook) and physical including hardbound copies
Royalties: .99-2.98 40% and 2.99 and up is 65%
Online retailer of ebooks
70% 1.99-12.99, outside of that is 45%
Great for international sales
Has been around a long time, since 2008
Takes 15% of your sales
Takes 15% of your sales
Newer platform, supposedly very user-friendly
Lastly, we closed with my Tip of the Week! To go along with this week’s discussion of publishing platforms, I reminded listeners that they would need SEPARATE ISBNs for each version of their book. So if you publish your book in paperback, hardback, and ebook (that includes both .epub and mobi files), that’s 3 ISBNs. If you have an audiobook, that’s 4! BUT- if you only want to publish on Amazon, the will provide you with a free ASIN. Can you guess what that 'A' stands for?
On our next podcast, Lisa will be reviewing Crystal Deception by Doug J. Cooper, and I will have another Tip of the Week!
One last reminder: We’re an indie author community, be kind and review your fellow indie authors’ books!
And…
Indie Chicks out.
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