Choosing between KDP Select vs Wide Distribution is one of the biggest decisions self-published authors face. Both options have their advantages, but the best choice depends on your goals, audience, and long-term strategy.
KDP Select is Amazon’s exclusive program that offers increased visibility, promotional tools, and access to Kindle Unlimited, but it requires a 90-day exclusivity commitment. On the other hand, wide distribution allows authors to sell their books on multiple platforms, including Apple Books, Kobo, and Google Play, providing more control and broader reach.
If you’re struggling to decide which publishing path is best, this guide will break down the key differences between KDP Select vs Wide Distribution, explore their pros and cons, and help you determine which strategy aligns with your publishing career.
📌 Need an in-depth guide on KDP Select? Check out our full breakdown: What is KDP Select?
What is KDP Select? (A Quick Overview)
KDP Select is an optional program for Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) authors that requires 90-day exclusivity to Amazon in exchange for promotional benefits. Here’s what you get:
Inclusion in Kindle Unlimited (KU) & Kindle Owners’ Lending Library (KOLL) – Readers can access your book through a subscription service, and you earn royalties based on pages read.
Promotional tools – Access to Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions.
Higher royalties in select countries – Earn 70% royalties in India, Brazil, Japan, and Mexico.
The catch? You cannot sell your eBook anywhere else during the enrollment period.
For more details on how the program works, check out our article: Understanding KDP Select.
What is Wide Distribution?
Wide distribution refers to selling your eBook on multiple platforms instead of being exclusive to Amazon. Popular platforms for wide distribution include:
Apple Books
Kobo
Google Play Books
Barnes & Noble Press
Draft2Digital or Smashwords (aggregators that distribute to multiple platforms)
IngramSpark (for print books and expanded eBook distribution)
This option allows you to reach a broader audience and have full control over pricing and promotions. However, you won’t have access to Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited audience or KDP-exclusive promotional tools.
KDP Select vs Wide Distribution: Pros & Cons
🟢 Pros of KDP Select
✅ Access to Kindle Unlimited (KU) readers – Millions of subscribers can discover and read your book.
✅ Amazon promotional tools – Run Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions.
✅ Potential for increased visibility – Amazon often prioritizes KDP Select books in search rankings.
✅ Higher royalties in select countries – Earn 70% instead of 35% in markets like India, Brazil, Japan, and Mexico.
🔴 Cons of KDP Select
❌ Exclusive to Amazon – You cannot sell your eBook anywhere else for 90 days.
❌ KU payouts fluctuate – Earnings depend on pages read, which can be unpredictable.
❌ Limited pricing control – Amazon requires pricing between $2.99 – $9.99 for 70% royalties in most markets.
🔵 Pros of Wide Distribution
✅ Sell your book everywhere – Reach readers on Apple Books, Kobo, Google Play, and more.
✅ More control over pricing – Set your own prices and run promotions freely.
✅ Diversified income streams – No reliance on one platform, reducing risk.
✅ Better for long-term growth – Expands your reach beyond Amazon’s ecosystem.
🔴 Cons of Wide Distribution
❌ No Kindle Unlimited exposure – Many readers prefer KU over buying eBooks individually.
❌ Harder to gain Amazon visibility – KDP Select books often rank better in Amazon’s algorithm.
❌ No access to Kindle promotions – You’ll need alternative marketing strategies to drive sales.
Which One is Right for You? Key Considerations
To decide between KDP Select vs wide distribution, ask yourself:
Where is my audience? If most of your readers are on Amazon, KDP Select may be the better option.
Do I want to sell on multiple platforms? If yes, wide distribution is the way to go.
Am I comfortable with exclusivity? If you want full control over where your book is sold, go wide.
Will I benefit from Kindle Unlimited? If your genre does well in KU (e.g., romance, sci-fi, mystery), KDP Select could be a strong choice.
What are my long-term goals? If you plan to expand beyond Amazon, wide distribution offers more flexibility.
Can You Try Both? (Hybrid Approach)
Yes! Many authors start with KDP Select for the first 90 days to gain Amazon traction, then go wide afterward. Others keep some books in KU while distributing others widely.
Want to see how KDP Select impacts sales? Learn more in our guide: Does KDP Select Increase Book Sales? (Coming soon!)
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice
Choosing between KDP Select vs wide distribution is one of the most important decisions an indie author will make. There’s no universal right or wrong answer—it all depends on your goals, audience, and publishing strategy.
If your primary focus is visibility and access to Kindle Unlimited readers, then KDP Select can be a powerful tool to increase exposure, boost rankings, and take advantage of Amazon’s promotional tools. However, it does come with limitations, particularly the exclusivity requirement, which restricts you from selling your eBook on other platforms.
On the other hand, wide distribution offers long-term benefits, more control, and revenue diversification. If you want to reach readers beyond Amazon, build a brand across multiple platforms, and set your own pricing and promotional strategies, then going wide might be the best fit. While it may take longer to gain traction, it provides greater independence and stability over time.
Many authors choose a hybrid approach—starting with KDP Select for the first 90 days and then transitioning to wide distribution. This allows you to test the waters, take advantage of Amazon’s promotional benefits, and later expand to a broader audience when ready.
Key Takeaways:
📌 KDP Select is ideal for authors who want fast visibility, Kindle Unlimited access, and Amazon promotions.
📌 Wide distribution is best for authors who want full control, broader reach, and long-term stability.
📌 A hybrid approach can offer the best of both worlds, especially for new authors testing the market.
🔗 For a deep dive into KDP Select, read: What is KDP Select?
