If you’re a self-published author looking to maximize your book’s reach and earnings, you’ve probably come across KDP Select as an option. But what exactly is it, and should you enroll your book?
KDP Select is Amazon’s exclusive program for Kindle eBooks that offers several benefits, including access to Kindle Unlimited (KU), Kindle Owners’ Lending Library (KOLL), and promotional tools like Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions. But there’s a catch: exclusivity. If you enroll, you can’t sell your eBook anywhere else for at least 90 days.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—what is KDP Select, how it works, its perks, its pitfalls, and whether it’s the right choice for you. By the end, you’ll have all the information necessary to decide if KDP Select aligns with your publishing goals.
If you’re looking for a way to increase visibility and boost your eBook sales, KDP Select may be a valuable tool—but only if it aligns with your long-term publishing strategy. Let’s explore the details and help you make the best choice for your book!
1. So, What is KDP Select, Exactly?
KDP Select is Amazon’s exclusive eBook program within Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). When you enroll, you agree to keep your eBook exclusive to Amazon for 90 days—which means no selling it on Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo, or anywhere else during that time.
Quick Facts About KDP Select:
It’s completely free to enroll.
Only applies to eBooks—print books aren’t affected.
The 90-day exclusivity auto-renews unless you opt out.
You’ll get access to Kindle Unlimited (KU), Kindle Owners’ Lending Library (KOLL), and special promo tools.
Sounds interesting, right? But let’s see what’s actually in it for you.
2. Get More Eyes on Your Book With Kindle Unlimited & KOLL
One of the best things about KDP Select is that it gets your book into Kindle Unlimited (KU) and Kindle Owners’ Lending Library (KOLL) Now Prime Reading.
Here’s how that works:
📚 Kindle Unlimited (KU)
KU is like Netflix for books—subscribers pay a monthly fee and can read as much as they want.
Instead of earning per sale, you get paid based on how many pages readers actually read.
Your earnings come from the KDP Select Global Fund, which Amazon distributes each month.
📖 Kindle Owners’ Lending Library (KOLL)
If a Prime member borrows your book, you get a share of the KDP Select Fund.
It’s a great way to gain exposure to new readers without requiring them to buy your book outright.
3. Boost Your Sales With KDP Select Promotions
Amazon gives KDP Select authors two powerful promotional tools to help boost visibility and sales:
🎯 Kindle Countdown Deals
Let you temporarily discount your book while still earning up to 70% royalties.
A countdown timer creates a sense of urgency, making people more likely to buy.
🎯 Free Book Promotions
Make your book free for up to 5 days in every 90-day enrollment.
A great way to gain reviews, increase rankings, and get more visibility.
If you’re launching a new book or trying to boost engagement, these tools can be a game-changer!
Curious how Amazon’s promotions compare to wide distribution strategies? Find out in our guide on KDP Select vs Wide Distribution.
4. Earn Higher Royalties in Select Countries
One of the lesser-known perks of KDP Select? You get higher royalties in some international markets. While non-KDP Select books typically earn 35% royalties in certain regions, enrolled books get 70%!
Countries Where KDP Select Pays 70% Royalties:
🌎 India 🌎 Brazil 🌎 Japan 🌎 Mexico
If your book is popular in any of these places, this could significantly boost your income!
5. But Wait… What About the Exclusivity Clause?
Now, here’s the catch—you can’t sell your eBook anywhere else while it’s enrolled in KDP Select. For some authors, that’s a deal-breaker. For others, it’s no biggie. Let’s break it down:
What You CAN Do:
✔ Sell print and audiobook versions wherever you like.
✔ Offer sample chapters on your blog or email list.
✔ Publish a different version (like an expanded edition) on other platforms.
What You CAN’T Do:
❌ Sell your enrolled eBook on Apple Books, Kobo, Google Play, or any other platform.
❌ Offer it as a direct download or PDF from your own website.
For authors who want the flexibility to sell on multiple platforms, this could be a serious downside.
Not sure if exclusivity is the right choice? Learn more in our guide on KDP Select vs Wide Distribution
6. The Good, The Bad & The Ugly: Pros and Cons of KDP Select
Why Authors Love KDP Select
✅ More visibility with Kindle Unlimited readers.
✅ Exclusive promotions like Free Book Days and Countdown Deals.
✅ Higher royalties in select countries.
✅ Better ranking potential on Amazon (since KDP Select books often get prioritized).
Why Some Authors Stay Away
❌ Exclusivity limits distribution options.
❌ KU earnings are unpredictable—payouts fluctuate month to month.
❌ Less pricing flexibility since you’re tied to Amazon’s ecosystem.
So, is it worth it? That depends on your publishing strategy.
7. Should You Join KDP Select? Here’s How to Decide
Still on the fence? Ask yourself these questions:
Is my audience mostly on Amazon? → ✅ Go for KDP Select.
Do I plan to sell on multiple platforms? → ❌ KDP Select may not be for you.
Do I want the benefits of Kindle Unlimited? → ✅ It’s a good choice.
Do I prefer full control over pricing and sales? → ❌ Consider going wide instead.
If you’re new to self-publishing, KDP Select can be a great way to gain traction before deciding whether to distribute more widely.
Final Thoughts
KDP Select is a powerful tool for authors who want to increase visibility, reach Kindle Unlimited readers, and use Amazon’s exclusive promotions. However, the decision to enroll should not be taken lightly. While the marketing benefits and higher royalties in select countries can be a major draw, the exclusivity requirement may limit your ability to expand your readership beyond Amazon.
If your goal is to maximize exposure within Amazon’s ecosystem, KDP Select can provide valuable tools to boost visibility and potential earnings. It’s especially useful for authors writing in genres that perform well in Kindle Unlimited, such as romance, sci-fi, and thrillers.
On the other hand, if you prefer to distribute your book widely across multiple platforms like Apple Books, Kobo, and Google Play, KDP Select may not be the best option. Authors who rely on diverse revenue streams or who already have an audience outside of Amazon might find exclusivity too restrictive.
Before enrolling, ask yourself:
Where is my audience? If most of your readers are on Amazon, KDP Select makes sense.
Do I plan to sell my book elsewhere? If yes, exclusivity could be limiting.
Will I benefit from Kindle Unlimited readers? If your book is suited for subscription-based reading, KDP Select could be a great fit.
Ultimately, what is KDP Select? It’s a strategic choice—one that works well for some authors but not for everyone. Take the time to evaluate your publishing goals and decide if the benefits of KDP Select align with your long-term success.
