Do authors get royalties from Amazon?
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital publishing, one of the most common questions authors have is whether they can receive royalties from Amazon. The answer is both yes and no, depending on the specific circumstances and agreements in place. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this issue to understand how authors can earn royalties from Amazon.
Understanding Royalties
Firstly, it’s essential to clarify what royalties are. Royalties are payments made to authors or rights holders for the use of their work. These payments can come in various forms, such as a percentage of book sales, film rights, or licensing agreements. In the context of Amazon, royalties primarily refer to a percentage of the sales price of a book that is paid to the author.
Amazon Royalty Programs
Amazon offers several royalty programs for authors, including the KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) Select program and the KDP standard program. Both programs allow authors to earn royalties from their book sales on Amazon.
KDP Select Program
The KDP Select program is a unique program that offers authors various benefits, such as the ability to enroll their books in Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited and the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library programs. In return, authors must commit to exclusive distribution of their books on Amazon for a 90-day period.
Authors who enroll their books in KDP Select are eligible to earn a 70% royalty rate on all Kindle book sales, including Kindle Unlimited and the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library. Additionally, authors can earn a share of the KDP Select Global Fund, which is a pot of money distributed to authors based on the number of pages read by Kindle Unlimited subscribers.
KDP Standard Program
The KDP standard program allows authors to retain the rights to distribute their books outside of Amazon. Under this program, authors earn a 35% royalty rate on Kindle book sales, excluding Kindle Unlimited and the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library. While the royalty rate is lower than that of the KDP Select program, authors have the flexibility to sell their books on other platforms.
Other Royalty Streams
Apart from the standard and KDP Select programs, authors can also earn royalties from other sources through Amazon. For example, authors can opt into the KDP Print program, which allows them to sell print copies of their books on Amazon. This program offers a 60% royalty rate on print sales.
Furthermore, authors can earn royalties from audio rights, translations, and other licensing agreements. These agreements are typically negotiated between the author and the publisher or licensing agent.
Conclusion
In conclusion, authors do get royalties from Amazon, but the amount and type of royalties depend on the specific program they choose and the agreements they have in place. By understanding the different royalty programs and exploring additional revenue streams, authors can maximize their earnings and build a sustainable career in the world of digital publishing.
