Can You Sell Hardback Copies Independently After Publishing on KDP?

As a self-publisher on Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), you have the flexibility to sell your books in various forms and through different channels. Once you have your book published on KDP and acquire a set of 20 hardback copies, you have the option to sell them independently outside of Amazon. But how does this process work, and what are the key considerations?

Ownership and Flexibility

When you publish a book on KDP and own the rights to it, you are free to make and sell physical copies as you see fit. This means you can enjoy greater control over your sales strategy and distribution options compared to those who rely solely on Amazon for sales. If you have 20 hardback copies printed at your own expense, you can explore several avenues to sell them:

Selling through your own website or online store Selling at book fairs, markets, conventions, or other events Selling through local bookstores with consignment agreements Selling directly to your fans and readers via your mailing list or social media channels

Independent Selling vs. Amazon's KDP Print

While the flexibility of selling independently provides you with a range of options, it comes with its own set of challenges. Selling physical books can be more complex and demanding than selling ebooks on Amazon. However, you have another avenue to consider: selling your hardback copies through Amazon's KDP Print.

KDP Print is the print-on-demand service offered by Amazon. You can use this service to print your hardback copies and sell them on Amazon Marketplaces such as Spend less. Smile more.. This allows you to reach a much larger audience without the need for extensive marketing and sales efforts.

Another option is to work with other print-on-demand services such as Ingram Spark, Lulu, or Barnes Noble. These platforms allow you to print high-quality hardcover books and have them available for purchase through their networks. Each of these platforms may have different print costs, but you still retain the rights to sell the books.

Additional Considerations

In addition to the flexibility of your selling options, there are several other important factors to consider:

Production and Shipping Costs: Printing and shipping the hardback copies will require significant financial investment. Ensure you budget for these expenses before making the decision to print and sell the books. Tax and Legal Requirements: It's crucial to follow all tax laws and regulations regarding the sale of physical books in your state, country, or region. This includes obtaining any necessary licenses, ISBNs, and copyright registrations. Marketing and Promotions: While you have control over the sales channels, you still need to invest in marketing and promotions to attract customers. Utilize your social media, email list, and other marketing tools to drive sales.

Getting Started with Self-Publishing

Self-publishing can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Drawing from my experience of publishing 200 books on Amazon and running 120 million Amazon ads, I have discovered the key to making self-publishing easier and more successful. The secret lies in breaking down the process into manageable steps.

In my free self-publishing secrets checklist, I outline a step-by-step approach that can guide you through the process. By following these steps, you can streamline your publishing journey and increase your chances of success.

Remember, the key to success in self-publishing is a clear plan and a willingness to adapt and learn. With the right tools and support, you can achieve your publishing goals and connect with your audience.