Amazon and beyond

[A.L.]

Hi

I currently have my book on Amazon only- in select. I have no actual gripes with them. Select runs out at the end of Feb and I am wondering if it is worth branching out. Now I was considering Lulu- who I have used before as I had the paperback there but am now changing to CS as I can sell the book for cheaper via Amazon and get better royalties on a lower price. I have sold a grand total of 1 (excluding author copies)through Lulu itself.

Anyway I have been hearing mixed reviews about how secure Lulu and other such platforms are regarding E-Books. Lulu I can have their Global Reach and get onto Barnes and Noble and I books as well as Lulu and I think for e-books this is free.

Now I am lazy and I am not sure I want to fuss with setting it up for the other formats, having to monitor multiple revenue tables etc. Out of people here who have their work on platforms other than Amazon where are the majority of your sales? is it worth it?
How difficult are they too set up and have you had issues with security, reports being sent etc.

Obviously I can see some benefits, as people with Nooks can buy it etc and wider field to sell but what is the market like there?

Thanks
Alex

[Michael]

Rosen Trevethick over on the UK Amazon group is a good person to ask about this.

Some people have had success with Select, whilst others haven't. From the few discussions I've followed, it seems that it's effect is on the wane due to the amount of people using it.

If you use Smashwords, they will push your ebook out to a number of other retailers and they deal with the format issues too. You upload a Word document, and they convert it to the various formats.

[A.L.]

Oh thanks, I may do that then. I hear all sorts of mixed reviews about all the different platforms. To be honest the only reason I renewed my select last time was because I am lazy;)

I have had a few borrows and one promo which didnt result in any lasting sales so I don't get much out of select. I have seen people say its great so as you say depends really.

I might look into Smashwords.

[Michael]

A handy thing about Smashwords is that you can create coupon codes to use for discounts, or even give away free copies for review purposes.

Smashwords is quite well-known on Goodreads.

[Sharon]

Alexandra wrote: "Hi

I currently have my book on Amazon only- in select. I have no actual gripes with them. Select runs out at the end of Feb and I am wondering if it is worth branching out. Now I was considering L..."

Discoverability is key. I cannot say enough good about Smashwords; I do far better in ePub format (via their distribution network) than I do on Amazon.

Honestly, I think that KDP Select is a slap in the face to those who have chosen to use ePub readers. It says "This author does not want you in their audience." Why anyone would want to send that kind of message is beyond me.

[A.L.]

Hmm something to think about. I guess once my select runs out I can have a look. If I decide against it I can stay in Select. I seem to recall having set up an account before. I am not so bothered about the free things as that is a pain with getting Amazon to keep up but I guess the vouchers are quite nice.

Can't hurt to look and extra sales are extra sales:)