Are you an author looking for an independent book publishing service? While surveying the web for cost-effective service, you will likely stumble upon Amazon Book Publishing Services and Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). As Kindle belongs to Amazon, they both have the same rights. Both are publishing platforms that deal with books, so they must be the same, right? But, in reality, it isn’t. Both aren’t the same thing.
Both services are completely separate entities that have their key differences. The following blog offers deep insight into both publishing platforms to clear up this confusion. We will explore Amazon Publishing and KDP more to better understand how they differ. We’ll do some digging to uncover their history, what makes them popular, and whether they benefit authors. So, stick around to clear things up before you consider any of these services.
What is Kindle Direct Publishing?
Let’s first explore the most common one, Kindle Direct Publishing.
History of KDP:
When it comes to independent publishing services, KDP takes the cake. Launched in 2007, it was made with the vision to empower writers. KDP started as an independent writing service that allowed writers to take the eBook publishing process into their own hands. With it, writers could turn their final draft into a complete eBook without dealing with any third-party sources.
Apart from the publishing service, Amazon also launched the Kindle reader device. Both services changed independent publishing forever. Writers could own up to 70% royalties of their creations while retaining the right to their work. Then, in 2016, KDP expanded its domain from eBooks to hardbacks.
Why is it Popular?
KDP was able to kick off and grow in popularity because of two reasons. First, they offered a convenient solution for publishing a book. Before KDP, writers often had to deal with the hardships of getting in touch with traditional publishers, which would be a troublesome bunch to deal with, from the high service cost to unfair author royalty distribution.
Writers often find themselves in a pinch to get their books into the market. But with KDP, everything changed. Writers who couldn’t meet the demands of traditional publishers could now publish their books at a fraction of the cost.
Second, with the introduction of affordable e-readers, KDP writers already had a prominent market to share their stories with. Reports indicate that the e-reader was so popular, in fact, that it sold in just a matter of hours. As eBook was a growing market at the time, more writers were focusing on creating physical books and digital eBooks. Leading to more books being published in eBook format, mostly through KDP services.
So, is Amazon Publishing the Same?
Now let’s go over the next one which is Amazon Publishing Service
History of Amazon Book Publishing Services:
Two years after KDP was launched, Amazon launched its newest publishing service, Amazon Publishing. The publishing platform was made to assist authors in their book publishing journey. The publishing service helped authors with books related to fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books, providing all the services that any traditional publisher offers. By 2011, the publishing service had launched five imprints under its name that dealt with publishing different genres and types of book publishing.
Why is it Popular?
Amazon Publishing might confuse some as people may relate it to Kindle Direct Publishing. However, the publishing service did make a name of its own. One of the reasons why the publishing service became renowned was because the many award-winning authors relied on
Amazon Book Publishing service for publishing their books. Some renowned authors that Amazon has served include Mindy Kaling, Colleen Hoover, and Anne Charnock. With high-profile writers under its name, it made it a strong competitor for experienced traditional publishers.
The Debate Over Amazon and Traditional Publishing:
Although Amazon Publishing covers traditional publishing practices, some disagree with the statement. Rather than believing they are traditional publishers, they argue Amazon stands somewhere in between. The reason is that Amazon doesn’t entirely fall under the definition of traditional publishers.
Although Amazon does provide publishing, retailers often refuse to sell Amazon-published books in their bookstores. And as Amazon-published books aren’t available in bookstores, they can’t be considered traditional publishers. But although their books might not be on retail store bookshelves, it doesn’t mean they don’t sell. Amazon has a worldwide distribution, and they can be ordered via the platform itself. So, although it’s rare to find them on shelves, they still are traditional publishers.
What’s the Main Key Difference Between Amazon Publishing and Kindle Direct Publishing?
Now that you have your facts straight, you might identify how both publishers are separate entities offering diverse services compared to what you initially thought. KDP is a publisher that offers self-publishing services to authors who don’t want to deal with traditional publishers. Although they started with eBook publishing, they also branched out to the print field.
Whereas Amazon Book Publishing is a separate entity created by Amazon in 2009. It focused on offering traditional publishing services to authors. Its name gained traction as high-profile authors relied on its service. So far, the publishers have helped the authors publish their books in various formats, from digital to print to audio.
Final Note:
In conclusion, although a single company made KDP and Amazon Book Publishing services, both are separate publishers. KDP covers the self-publishing domain, mostly dealing with eBooks, while Amazon Publishing reigns supreme over traditional publishing practices. If you’re an author looking for an affordable service to get your eBook into the market, KDP is your best bet. If it’s a traditional service you need, turn over to Amazon Publishing as your traditional publisher.
FAQs
1- What is Amazon Book Publishing?
Amazon Book Publishing service is a traditional publisher. It was launched in 2009 and helps authors with publishing their books. It can take care of publishing, from print to audio
1- What is Kindle Book Publishing?
Kindle Book Publishing is an older publisher launched by Amazon in 2007. It is a self-publishing service that helps authors publish at a fraction of the cost. Although it started with eBooks, the platform now also helps writers with publishing print books.
2- Which Option Offers Better Royalties?
The author can have up to 70% of their book royalties with Kindle Book Publishing. On the other hand, Amazon Publishing focuses on negotiations with authors to determine royalties.
3- Do I Retain My Right to My Work When I Use Either Service?
In Amazon Publishing, the right to the book varies, whereas in Kindle Book Publishing, the author does retain the right to their work.
