10/13/2025
Our client asked us “why do you emphasize distributing my books on my own website vs Amazon”…..
Our reply was:
1. Because you earn higher royalties
Amazon KDP pays only 35–70% royalties depending on factors like pricing, file size, and delivery fees.
When selling directly on your website (e.g., via Payhip, Gumroad, WooCommerce, etc.), you can earn 90–95% of the sale price after payment processing fees.
For example, a $10 ebook may earn you $5 via KDP, but closer to $9.50 on your own site.
2. You Have Full Control Over Pricing & Promotions
On KDP, Amazon enforces pricing limitations to qualify for 70% royalties (e.g., between $2.99–$9.99).
Authors can’t offer bundle deals, coupon codes, or dynamic pricing freely.
With your own site, you control every aspect of pricing, sales strategy, and timing, which lets you maximize profits and experiment with creative promotions.
3. Direct Customer Relationships (and Emails)
On Amazon, you don’t know who your buyers are, you get no email list, no customer data.
When readers buy directly from your site, you own the relationship, allowing for:
* Email list building
* Personalized upselling (e.g., audiobooks,
signed copies)
* Long-term customer engagement and increased lifetime value
4. Diversification & Platform Independence
Relying solely on Amazon KDP exposes you to:
* Algorithm changes
* Sudden account suspensions
* Royalty policy updates
* Selling on your site diversifies your income and builds a resilient author business. If Amazon changes its royalty structure or terms, you’re not entirely dependent.
Hope this helps you too!
