How to Earn with High Royalty eBook Publishing Platforms ?

Authors can earn up to 70% royalties on eBooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99. For books priced outside this range, authors receive 35% royalties.

Royalties play an instrumental role in self-publishing authors' earnings. Now more than ever, authors can exert more control over their income thanks to various publishing platforms allowing them to publish and distribute their works - especially given eBooks' increasing demand. Understanding royalty structures across different platforms is critical to maximizing earnings. In this blog, we explore book royalties, their working mechanism, and which eBook publishing platforms provide high royalties - whether or not one is a new writer.

What Are Book Royalties? 

Book royalties refer to a percentage of book sales revenue paid directly to authors for their works sold via traditional publishing; self-publishing platforms typically pay much lower royalties than self-publishing platforms. eBook publishing services have grown increasingly popular as they allow authors to keep more royalties than print book deals would.

Self-publishing allows authors to earn anywhere between 35%-70% of the sale price for their book, depending on which platform they select, compared with traditional publishing, where authors often only receive a portion. Publishing eBook platforms allows for global distribution that increases earnings by reaching international readers.

How Can Book Royalties Work? 

Royalty calculations typically depend on a percentage of the sale price of each book sold through certain platforms and distribution options available; for instance, Amazon KDP offers 70% royalty rates for eBooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99, while outside this range, it drops down to 35%; other platforms have similar structures, but authors must read their terms and conditions thoroughly to understand exactly how royalties will be calculated and paid out.

Royalty payments depend on each platform's payment schedule; most tend to pay royalties monthly, though this could change. Furthermore, some may charge fees for distribution or offer discounted royalty rates in specific markets or promotional programs; therefore, it's crucial to consider all potential fees and payment structures as they arise when publishing an eBook.

How Much Book Royalty Does an Author Get Per Book?

The amount of book royalty an author receives per sold book depends upon their platform's royalty rate as well as the price set on Amazon KDP for eBook sales - for instance, if they set their eBook at $5.99 with a 70% royalty rate, they would earn $4.19 on each sold copy on KDP; outside this range royalty rates drop significantly (35% is typical) so this author would only receive $2.09 on each sold.

Apple Books provides an industry-standard royalty rate of 70% across eBooks regardless of the pricing structure; by contrast, Google Play Books typically offer lower royalty rates (52%, to be precise) but greater pricing flexibility and promotion possibilities for authors publishing eBooks there. When selecting their publishing platform for eBook publishing purposes, authors should carefully consider both the royalty rate and distribution reach before making their choice.

Authors looking to increase earnings should carefully compare royalty rates across platforms and select one with optimal pricing and marketing strategies. Working with ebook publishing services may assist authors in selecting an optimum platform and thus optimizing earnings.

Top eBook Publishing Platforms

Finding the optimal platform is critical to increasing royalties. There are various popular eBook publishing platforms to consider when searching for royalty increases; each offers different benefits and royalty structures that authors should explore further below. Here, we present several top eBook publishing platforms offering lucrative royalty structures.

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

KDP is one of the world's most widely used self-publishing platforms and boasts one of the best royalty structures for eBook authors. Up to 70% royalties can be earned when their book costs between $2.99 and $9.99, with KDP royalty rates dropping to 35% once outside this price range is breached. Also, KDP allows for extra royalties on subscriber use. Authors also get extra revenues according to the views of pages based on subscribers or even authors.

This applies when the authors enroll their books within either Kindle Unlimited or select programs. In these, the authors gain extra royalties on page reads by the subscribers or the readers enrolled. The royalties that the authors garner are determined this way.

According to how often subscribers read pages within those programs or subscriber programs enrolling books within these two programs enrolled within these two services as well. KDP provides access to an expansive global distribution network and user-friendly eBook publishing and promotion features, making KDP an attractive option for authors seeking global reach.

Apple Books

Apple Books provides authors looking to increase royalties with an outstanding platform. Apple provides a 70% royalty rate on eBook sales regardless of the book's price, making this platform particularly suitable for authors targeting Apple device users like iPhones, iPads, and Macs globally. Apple Books allows more control of the pricing of books while opening up access to an audience in many parts of the globe.

Apple Books stands out as an appealing platform because it doesn't impose exclusivity restrictions like Amazon Kindle Select, enabling authors to distribute their work elsewhere while reaping substantial royalties from Apple Books.

Google Play Books 

Google Play Books provides authors with a 52% royalty rate, making them one of the more competitive options among book publishing platforms while still providing competitive profits due to Google Play's global reach and author-controlled pricing features and promotional programs available within its platform.

Although its royalty rates might not match Amazon or Apple Books, Google Play still provides ample customer reach. It integrates seamlessly into Google's advertising system - two features that may make this platform attractive to authors.

Smashwords

Smashwords, an eBook distribution platform, allows authors to publish and distribute their work across numerous online retailers such as Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo - with royalty rates that typically range between 60-82% depending on retailer and method of distribution. Smashwords provides authors with a royalty rate between 60% and 80%.

Smashwords offers authors who wish to expand their book distribution network without being limited by one retailer an ideal platform that provides flexible pricing structures and tools that support marketing initiatives.

Blurb

Blurb is a platform dedicated to visual books such as photo books, art books, and graphic novels. Authors in these genres can use Blurb's 70% royalty rate for eBooks published through them; Amazon and Apple Books platforms also make Blurb an attractive solution for producing visually striking books with higher royalty rates.

Ingramspark

IngramSpark is an established platform offering eBook and print book publishing services, boasting author royalty rates that range between 45%-70% depending on the distribution method selected. Their global network can assist authors who wish to reach libraries, bookstores, and retailers around the globe with their books.

Though IngramSpark may offer slightly lower royalty rates than some other platforms, its broad reach and ability to offer print and digital formats make it a smart choice for many authors.

Lulu

Lulu offers eBook publishing services and print-on-demand options, offering authors up to 80% royalties when sold through its platform and 60% for any book sold elsewhere through other retailers. Lulu's generous royalty structure makes them an excellent option for authors seeking higher royalties while maintaining control of their work while remaining financially sustainable. 

Benefits of Book Royalties

Book royalties provide authors with a steady stream of passive income, allowing them to earn from their work long after it's been published. These royalties offer financial stability and the potential for ongoing earnings as your book continues to find new readers.

Higher Earnings Potential

One of the primary advantages of publishing eBooks through platforms with higher royalties is increased earnings potential for authors. They can retain more of the sale price for each book, potentially creating a significant income boost.

Control Over Pricing and Distribution

Some platforms allow authors to control pricing and distribution, giving them greater autonomy in setting prices and controlling how their books are distributed. This gives authors more room for experimentation with various price points and promotions or to adapt their strategy as necessary.

Global Reach and Passive Income

Royalty payments provide authors with passive income; once an eBook has been published, it generates sales as long as its availability continues. Platforms offering global distribution enable authors to collect royalties from readers worldwide without actively managing the book themselves.

Conclusion

Selecting the optimal eBook publishing platform is vital for authors who aim to maximize royalties and reach an international readership. Platforms like Amazon KDP, Apple Books, and Google Play Books provide competitive royalty rates and a global distribution that gives authors multiple ways to generate income through books they write or self-publish themselves. By understanding royalty structures properly and choosing an optimal platform to publish on, authors can ensure their books become successful while earning maximum royalties from their efforts—whether this means working with publishing services or self-publishing directly. 

Additionally, utilizing services like Pen Publishing Services can provide authors with expert guidance and support, helping them navigate the complexities of eBook publishing while maximizing earnings and exposure.

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