Starting June 10, 2025, Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) will implement significant changes affecting authors of print books. For the first time in nearly two decades, KDP is adjusting the royalty rate for low-priced books and reducing color printing costs in select markets. These updates aim to address rising operational expenses while offering authors new opportunities. This article explores what these changes mean, how they impact earnings, and steps authors can take to adapt.
New Royalty Rates for Print Books
As of June 10, 2025, KDP will reduce the royalty rate from 60% to 50% for print books priced below specific thresholds in the following currencies:
- 9.99 USD
- 9.99 EUR
- 7.99 GBP
- 13.99 CAD
- 13.99 AUD
- 99 SEK
- 40 PLN
- 1000 JPY
Books priced at or above these amounts will retain the 60% royalty rate. This change applies to both paperback and hardcover books. According to Amazon, low-priced books pose unique operational challenges, and this adjustment ensures their continued availability without affecting other titles.
Tools to Assess the Impact
Amazon KDP provides resources to help authors evaluate the impact of the royalty change:
- Royalty Calculator: Use the KDP royalty calculator to estimate how the new rate affects your earnings.
- Affected Titles List: Visit your KDP Bookshelf to download a list of books subject to the 50% royalty rate. This feature is available only if you have impacted titles.
- Marketplace-Specific Rates: Review royalty rates for different prices and currencies on the KDP help page.
- Price Adjustments: If you set global prices based on a primary marketplace, verify royalty rates across all regions. You can also set individual prices per marketplace.
Note: Any updates to book details or content after June 10, 2025, will require adjusting the list price to meet the new minimum requirements.
Reduced Printing Costs for Color Paperbacks
Alongside the royalty changes, KDP will lower printing costs for certain color paperbacks starting June 10, 2025. The reductions apply to:
- All standard and large trim size paperbacks in standard color sold via Amazon.com.
- All standard and large trim size paperbacks in premium color sold via Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Amazon.fr, Amazon.es, Amazon.it, and Amazon.nl.
Lower printing costs will make it easier for authors to publish visually rich books, such as those with color illustrations, potentially increasing their appeal to readers.
Why Is Amazon Making These Changes?
Amazon cites rising operational costs, particularly for low-priced books, as the reason for the royalty rate reduction. This change helps maintain the availability of these titles. Meanwhile, reduced color printing costs encourage authors to explore high-quality, visually engaging formats.
How Authors Can Prepare
To minimize the impact on earnings, authors should take these steps:
- Review Affected Titles: Download the list of impacted books from your KDP Bookshelf.
- Calculate Earnings: Use the royalty calculator to assess the financial impact and consider adjusting prices.
- Check Regional Pricing: Ensure your prices meet the minimum thresholds for 60% royalties in each marketplace.
- Explore Color Printing: Take advantage of lower printing costs to create color editions.
- Visit the Help Page: Find detailed FAQs and resources on the KDP help page.
Conclusion
Amazon KDP’s changes effective June 10, 2025, will affect authors of low-priced print books but also open opportunities with reduced color printing costs. By reviewing affected titles, adjusting prices, and leveraging KDP’s tools, authors can adapt to these updates and continue earning from their work. Stay informed by visiting your KDP Bookshelf and the help page for the latest details.
5 Alternatives to Amazon KDP for Self-Publishing
If you’re considering other platforms for self-publishing, here are five reputable alternatives to Amazon KDP:
- IngramSpark: Offers global distribution and high-quality print options, ideal for authors targeting bookstores and libraries.
- Lulu: Provides flexible printing and distribution options with no upfront costs, suitable for niche projects.
- Blurb: Specializes in visually rich books, such as photo books and magazines, with easy-to-use design tools.
- Draft2Digital: Focuses on eBooks but also offers print-on-demand services with wide distribution.
- Smashwords: A leading eBook publishing platform with print-on-demand options and extensive distribution channels.
For more details on these platforms, research their pricing and distribution options to find the best fit for your publishing goals.
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