Understanding Author Copies and Resale on Amazon

Self-publishing is a growing trend in the world of literature, and one of the many challenges faced by authors is managing their book inventory. This article aims to clarify the legal aspect of reselling author copies of books on Amazon, providing a clear understanding for both self-published authors and potential third-party sellers.

Physical Books: Author’s Copies and Resale Rights

When it comes to physical books published on Amazon, authors have significant flexibility. You are perfectly entitled to order your own copies of a book and either resell them or give them away. This practice is quite common among self-published authors who may host giveaways for book reviewers, where they distribute signed or hardcover author copies.

However, some author copies may carry specific markings indicating they are ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) versions or rough drafts. These copies often feature typos, grammatical errors, and incomplete content, and may be printed on cheaper paper. As these versions are not intended for resale, their sale can be illegal and should be avoided.

It's important to note that reselling author copies requires transparent communication with potential buyers about the nature of the copies being sold. Buyers should be aware that these are not final versions and that any issues with content or paper quality should be communicated upfront.

Kindle Books and KDP Select

The situation changes a bit with Kindle books. Kindle books on Amazon are digital versions of the same content, but the sales environment differs significantly. If you have your book registered with KDP Select, you agree not to sell digital copies of your books on other platforms for 90 days following the contract period. However, if you choose to opt out of KDP Select, you are free to sell your digital books on Amazon as well as other platforms.

Self-publishing authors often use KDP Select to gain benefits in terms of exposure and promotional tools, but also to restrict the sale of digital copies on other platforms. This ensures that authors can effectively build a readership within the Amazon ecosystem.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

It's crucial to understand the legal and ethical implications of reselling author copies and digital books on Amazon. Selling physical copies of a book you own is not illegal, provided you communicate the nature of the copies being sold clearly to potential buyers.

In contrast, selling digital copies of a book as a separate entity from its sale on Amazon is considered piracy and illegal. Distributing unauthorized digital copies of a book would be unethical and could result in legal consequences, including damages and fines.

As an ethical practice, it is recommended to focus on the legal sale of author copies of printed books rather than unauthorized digital copies. This approach supports fair remuneration for the authors who have invested time and effort into creating their work.

Final Thoughts

In summary, when publishing a book on Amazon, self-published authors have the right to resell their author copies of physical books, as long as they clearly communicate the nature of these copies to potential buyers. For Kindle books, the situation is more nuanced, and authors should adhere to the terms of KDP Select if they choose to register their books.

Understanding these nuances is crucial for maintaining ethical practices and ensuring a fair and balanced ecosystem for all parties involved in the publishing industry.