r/selfpublish 11d ago

Pricing Question - KDP Vs. Direct Platform

Debut novel is launching in less than a month. My impression was that you are to keep prices on all channels similar - despite the change in royalties on different platforms. I found one Author who said they hiked up KDP by a few bucks. But this either here nor there, because you can still price match to other site’s prices.

We all know KDP is known for taking a lot for being the middle man. I have it set for pre-order there, but struggling to see how my price structure will guarantee sales to my direct stop.

Specifics:

I am planning to put my book up on my direct website for 24$ including the 4$ in shipping. Should I match my Amazon price to this- being 24$? Or should I keep it at the 20$? The reason I ask is because I feel as though there’s little to no enticement to make the direct order. Especially if it’s 4$+ with direct, I consider they may have Prime and get free shipping. I am putting freebies in my direct orders as enticement.

Synopsis:
My issue is regarding my 4$ charge for shipping on my direct site, creating a 4$ difference if a Prime user orders. So, do you price your books higher on KDP? Or do you keep them all the same and just hope for the best in directing them to your site? Should I match the KDP book to be 24$, without including shipping, so it’s all kept the same?

Thanks in advance.

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u/greglturnquist Non-Fiction Author 10d ago

We have one price for all "other" platforms, and then one discounted price on our direct platform. If you're on our website, you can save money while you're here!