How Self-Publishing Wide Can Be a Game-Changer

In the sea of digital content, where thousands of new books hit digital bookshelves every day, standing out as a self-published author requires more than just talent and persistence. It calls for a strategic approach to where and how you publish your stories. Beyond the allure of Amazon’s exclusive publishing platform lies a world of opportunity through wide publishing—a strategy that empowers authors to cast their nets across multiple digital storefronts. 

But why go wide, and how can it help your books succeed? We hope to shed some light on that in this article. 

What is Wide Publishing?

Wide publishing is the strategic approach of distributing your books across multiple digital platforms, rather than limiting your presence to a single retailer, such as Amazon. This allows you to reach whole new audiences that use the platforms, spanning the Big Five digital marketplaces (Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Google Play Books), and beyond. It’s about accessibility, making your book a readily available to be discovered by readers on their preferred platform.

Going Wide vs Amazon Exclusive

Before we get into the benefits of going wide, it’s important to consider the alternative: exclusive publishing with Amazon Kindle. Arguably the largest distributor of eBooks worldwide, Amazon Kindle offers significant benefits to authors who opt for exclusivity through their KDP Select program. This choice means granting Amazon exclusive rights to your book, thereby restricting its availability on any other digital platform.

So, before you put all your digital book eggs in one basket, you may want to know some of the top reasons authors decide not to publish on KDP Select. 

Let’s get into it…

Benefits of Going Wide for Self-Published Authors

1. Diversified Income Streams: By going wide, you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket. Each platform offers unique revenue-sharing models, promotional opportunities, and special programs, allowing you to maximize your earnings from different sources.
2. Expanded Global Reach: Different platforms have strongholds in various markets. Wide publishing gets your book in the hands of readers that otherwise wouldn’t have discovered it.
3. Flexibility in Promotions: Exclusive agreements often come with restrictions on pricing and promotions. Going wide frees you from these constraints, enabling more dynamic marketing strategies across different platforms.
4. Connection with a Diverse Readership: Some readers prefer specific ecosystems for their digital libraries. Wide publishing ensures you don’t miss out on connecting with audiences that actively explore new ways to find authors and books.

At Booksprout, we understand the crucial role reviews play in promoting your book. Our platform facilitates review submissions across these “Big Five” and other sites like BookBub and Goodreads, simplifying the review process for both authors and readers. 

To learn more about these platforms, check out our article: Choosing the Right Digital Platform: A Guide to the Big Five in Self-Publishing

Building Your Author Brand Across Platforms

Consistency is key in establishing a strong author brand. Whether it’s through your cover designs, book descriptions, or author bios, presenting a unified image across platforms helps in building recognition, credibility, and trust with your audience. This consistency not only aids in reader retention, but also in attracting new readers as they come across your work in different storefronts.

Going wide is a calculated step in determining where you plan to take your author career. Many authors have found success with both exclusive and wide strategies. Making the right choice for you is a process of understanding your options and then taking steps to achieve your goals.

Understanding the Challenges of Wide Publishing

While using a wide publishing strategy opens doors to a larger audience, it’s not without its challenges. Authors will need to juggle various platform-specific marketing tools, manage distinct promotional schedules, and work with unique sales reporting systems, which can be a complex and time-consuming task. All this while still ensuring consistent branding across platforms.

Additionally, authors will need to learn how to optimize revenue on platforms with different pricing models. With the increased administrative load, authors may find themselves investing more time in logistics than in the writing and creative processes, making it essential to stay organized and possibly seek additional support to streamline their efforts.

Choosing Your Path: Wide vs Exclusive

Taking the next step on wide publishing can seem daunting, but the rewards—creative freedom, diversified income, and a global readership—may be worth the effort. Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting out, going wide is worth exploring. It’s important to understand what you’re getting into, and to have the right tools and strategies in place to navigate the different marketplaces successfully.

When done right, wide publishing means not being limited to just one platform. And in this way, authors can tap into a broader audience and increase their visibility. Overall, embracing a wide distribution strategy can open up new opportunities for self-published authors and lead to long-term success in the ever-evolving world of self-publishing.