I thought I’d share a few facts (and myths) about ebooks and the Amazon equivalent; a Kindle edition. (Kindle being the device you read it on, not the thing you’re reading).
One of the common myths with becoming an author is you have to make your book available in ALL the formats.
Whilst this may be true for fiction, other books might not need anything other than a physical version. For instance, the majority of business how to books don’t have much demand to be available as a kindle edition (or ebook).
Did you know that a kindle edition of your book does NOT require an ISBN?
Yes, you can attribute one to your kindle edition if you wish, but you don’t have to.
Is a Kindle the same as an ebook?
The word kindle has become interchangeable with the meaning ebook.
An ebook is any book that is readable on a device, like a computer, tablet or phone.
A kindle edition is a specific type of ebook that is available to buy from Amazon only and can be read on a specific kindle reader – or any device that has kindle reader software (like an ipad or tablet) or through the kindle app.
Kindle edition ebooks are exclusive to Amazon.
EPUB or other ebook versions are available on platforms like smashwords or can be read on Apple books or other readers like Kobo.
The most common ebook format are EPUB – as well as Amazon’s own KPF format (Kindle create).
Creating your ebook file
You can create your own ebook by converting your document into a PDF – I offer a service where I add the front cover and back cover to the file. However, PDFs can be edited (ebooks can’t) so bear that in mind when you’re making them available for sale. If you need help with this, just send me an email – alexa@thebookrefinery.com
You can have two types of ebook layouts.
Reflowable – which means the text reflows depending on the size of the screen, or
fixed, where the pagination stays the same regardless of what device you’re reading it on.
Fixed kindles are best suited for kids books and anything that has complex formatting or pictures that need to stay in a particular place within your book. But a fixed layout is much more expensive to get converted.
When it comes to pricing your ebook, remember most people expect quite a big reduction in price compared to the physical version.
Selling your Kindle on Amazon
Amazon will give a minimum price you can set your kindle edition at depending on how large the file is. So if you have a large file size you’ll be given the minimum price you can set it at. Not all books can be sold for 99p.
If you want to be able to put your ebook on sale at any time on Amazon, then you’ll need to be enrolled in KDP select and have had your book on sale for a month before you can do this. You can enroll in KDP select at any time.
There are other platforms you can sell you EPUB – places like Smashwords and Apple books, so take a look at these options as well.
So next time you’re thinking of an ebook, remember, kindle editions are only available on Amazon, and you don’t necessarily need one for your publication.
If you need any help with uploading your books to KDP, drop me an email at alexa@thebookrefinery.com or take a look at my Kindle and KDP services here.
Alexa Whitten is…
Authormaker at The Writers’ Refinery
Cohost of The Pen to Published Podcast
Get in touch Contact Alexa
