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Author Copies- Do They Qualify as Sales on Amazon-

by liuqiyue

Do author copies count as sales on Amazon? This is a question that many authors often ask themselves when they receive their advance copies of their latest book. The answer to this question can have significant implications for an author’s royalties and sales rankings on the platform. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of this issue and provide a comprehensive understanding of whether author copies are considered sales on Amazon.

Amazon, as one of the largest online retailers, has a complex system for tracking sales and calculating royalties. According to Amazon’s policies, author copies are typically not counted as sales. This is because these copies are distributed to authors for promotional purposes, to review their work, or to send to reviewers and influencers. These copies are meant to be given away or used for promotional activities and are not intended for sale.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If an author decides to sell their author copies on Amazon, the copies will be counted as sales. This can happen when an author mistakenly lists their author copies for sale or when they choose to sell them at a discounted price. In such cases, the author will receive royalties based on the sales of these copies.

It is important to note that the primary purpose of author copies is not to generate revenue but to promote the book. As a result, authors are often given a limited number of copies to distribute. This is to prevent abuse of the system and to ensure that the copies are used for promotional purposes rather than sold as regular books.

For authors who are concerned about their sales rankings and the impact of author copies on their royalty calculations, there are a few strategies they can employ. Firstly, authors can request that their publisher not include their author copies in the total number of copies sold. Secondly, authors can monitor their sales rankings closely and report any discrepancies to Amazon. Lastly, authors can choose to sell their author copies at a significantly lower price or give them away for free, ensuring that they are not counted as regular sales.

In conclusion, do author copies count as sales on Amazon? The answer is generally no, unless the author decides to sell them. It is essential for authors to understand this distinction to ensure accurate royalty calculations and to maintain their sales rankings. By using author copies for promotional purposes and avoiding their sale, authors can maximize the impact of their promotional efforts without compromising their sales data.

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