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Apple Books for Authors vs Kindle Direct Publishing
Last updated: October 21, 2023
Apple Books for Authors and Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) are both platforms that cater to authors who want to self-publish their books, but they have distinct differences in terms of platform compatibility, distribution reach, and pricing structure.
1. Platform Compatibility: Apple Books for Authors is designed for authors who want to publish and distribute their books exclusively on Apple Books, which is available on iOS and macOS devices. Publishing through Apple Books allows authors to reach a large customer base of readers who use Apple devices and the Apple Books app. On the other hand, Kindle Direct Publishing is specifically tailored for authors who want to publish and distribute their books exclusively on Amazon's Kindle platform. By using KDP, authors gain access to Amazon's vast customer base and the ability to have their books available for purchase and download on Kindle devices and Kindle reading apps worldwide.
2. Distribution Reach: Apple Books for Authors provides authors with the opportunity to distribute their books on the Apple Books Store, which has a significant presence in markets such as the United States, Canada, and various European countries. Publishing through Apple Books allows authors to reach a global audience of readers who use Apple devices. Kindle Direct Publishing, on the other hand, enables authors to publish their books exclusively on the Amazon Kindle platform. With KDP, authors gain access to Amazon's extensive customer base and the opportunity to have their books available for purchase and download on Kindle devices and Kindle reading apps worldwide.
3. Pricing Structure: Another key difference between Apple Books for Authors and Kindle Direct Publishing lies in their pricing structures. Apple Books for Authors offers a royalty rate based on the list price of the book, with options for a 70% or 35% royalty rate depending on certain factors. The exact royalty rate depends on variables such as the book's list price, file size, and the countries in which it's sold. On the other hand, Kindle Direct Publishing provides a royalty structure where authors can choose between a 35% royalty rate or a 70% royalty rate, depending on the book's price, file size, and availability in specific territories. The pricing structure and royalty rates offered by each platform can impact an author's earnings from book sales.
1. Platform Compatibility: Apple Books for Authors is designed for authors who want to publish and distribute their books exclusively on Apple Books, which is available on iOS and macOS devices. Publishing through Apple Books allows authors to reach a large customer base of readers who use Apple devices and the Apple Books app. On the other hand, Kindle Direct Publishing is specifically tailored for authors who want to publish and distribute their books exclusively on Amazon's Kindle platform. By using KDP, authors gain access to Amazon's vast customer base and the ability to have their books available for purchase and download on Kindle devices and Kindle reading apps worldwide.
2. Distribution Reach: Apple Books for Authors provides authors with the opportunity to distribute their books on the Apple Books Store, which has a significant presence in markets such as the United States, Canada, and various European countries. Publishing through Apple Books allows authors to reach a global audience of readers who use Apple devices. Kindle Direct Publishing, on the other hand, enables authors to publish their books exclusively on the Amazon Kindle platform. With KDP, authors gain access to Amazon's extensive customer base and the opportunity to have their books available for purchase and download on Kindle devices and Kindle reading apps worldwide.
3. Pricing Structure: Another key difference between Apple Books for Authors and Kindle Direct Publishing lies in their pricing structures. Apple Books for Authors offers a royalty rate based on the list price of the book, with options for a 70% or 35% royalty rate depending on certain factors. The exact royalty rate depends on variables such as the book's list price, file size, and the countries in which it's sold. On the other hand, Kindle Direct Publishing provides a royalty structure where authors can choose between a 35% royalty rate or a 70% royalty rate, depending on the book's price, file size, and availability in specific territories. The pricing structure and royalty rates offered by each platform can impact an author's earnings from book sales.
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Share your story with the world. Get the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to help the world read or listen to yours. Turn your book into an audiobook with digital narration.
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Publish your books independently with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) on the Amazon Kindle Store. Make changes to your book at any time. Publish once and reach readers worldwide. Publishing takes less than 5 minutes. Your book appears on Amazon within 24 hours. Make your book available on Kindle devices and on free Kindle apps.
Apple Books for Authors vs Kindle Direct Publishing in our news:
2023. Kindle Direct Publishing Launches ebooks to audiobooks using AI Voices
Kindle Direct Publishing has introduced a beta program in the United States aimed at easing the financial burden on authors during audiobook production. Through this initiative, authors can convert their ebooks into audiobooks using virtual voice narration and synthetic speech technology. Amazon plans to expand the beta program in the future after resolving any issues and extend it to other countries. Authors participating in the program will select one of their eligible ebooks on Kindle Direct Publishing, customize the audiobook by sampling voices and previewing the content, and then publish it. They can set a price between $3.99 and $14.99 and will receive a 40% royalty.
2023. Amazon limits self-published ebooks to only 3 a day because of AI
In response to the overwhelming influx of AI-generated ebooks, Amazon has taken action by implementing a new restriction. They now allow self-published ebooks to be uploaded at a maximum rate of three per day. The reason behind this change is the recent surge in notable incidents involving AI-authored books adversely affecting Amazon's platform. Just this past June, the bestseller lists on Amazon were inundated with ebooks authored by AI writing tools like ChatGPT, resulting in a significant outcry from customers due to the nonsensical content of these books. Moreover, as the year began, AI-generated books surpassed those created by human authors in terms of quantity. Among the ebooks available on Amazon, some purported to be guides for foraging wild mushrooms. However, upon scrutiny by mycology enthusiasts, it became evident that these guides, likely generated by AI, contained serious misidentifications of fungi, potentially posing lethal risks. When numerous news outlets sought comments from Amazon regarding this matter, the company responded by promptly removing the problematic books from their platform.
2023. Amazon released AI guidelines for Kindle Direct Publishing
In response to a surge in AI-generated books saturating the Amazon book market and infiltrating the Kindle Bestseller's list, Amazon KDP has recently implemented new guidelines. These guidelines mandate that authors disclose whether their books contain AI-generated content, encompassing images, text, or translations. This disclosure is now required when publishing a new book or editing and republishing an existing one through KDP, even if the edits involve AI assistance. Authors utilizing AI-based tools for content improvement but not content creation are exempt from reporting, but all authors must adhere to content guidelines, whether their content is AI-generated or AI-assisted. This move aims to enhance transparency and maintain the overall quality of books available to readers.
2023. Kindle Direct Publishing has updated category selection
Amazon has made some updates to the category selection process in Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). Previously, authors had the option to choose multiple categories for their books. However, the recent changes now restrict authors to selecting only three KDP book categories. This means that there is a possibility your book might get lost among the vast number of titles available. From now on, authors can only select up to three categories for their books. Along Amazon now reserves the right to change the categories of a book at any time to ensure a positive customer experience. To adapt to these changes, it's advisable to visit the KDP dashboard promptly and update the categories for your books. If you don't take action, Amazon will automatically implement the changes to your books, defaulting them into two relevant categories. To ensure the best possible categorization for your Kindle books, it's recommended that you take the initiative and choose the most suitable categories yourself.
2023. Kindle Direct Publishing to increase printing costs for authors
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is implementing modifications to printing expenses in order to reflect the current expenses associated with materials and labor. Consequently, there will be a change in the minimum list price for your paperback and hardcover print books. Although it is not mandatory, it is advisable to adjust your list prices for print books in order to preserve your current royalties once the revised printing costs take effect. Any modifications made to an existing print book after June 20 must adhere to the new minimum list price.
2021. Amazon is launching Kindle Vella, mobile first serialized fiction self-publish platform
Amazon is preparing to introduce a new system called Kindle Vella for the iOS Kindle app within the next few months. This system offers authors a fresh method to share serialized stories with readers, presenting one chapter at a time. Through the familiar Kindle Direct Publishing platform, authors can self-publish their Kindle Vella stories in a serialized format, with each episode ranging from 600 to 5,000 words. Readers will have the opportunity to purchase Kindle Vella stories directly on the iOS app using tokens. To allow readers to explore and evaluate new stories, the initial episodes of each story will be available for free. Subsequent episodes can be unlocked by purchasing and redeeming tokens.
2021. Amazon stops accepting MOBI books from authors
Over the years, Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) has had specific file format requirements, including MOBI, PDF, and Word documents. However, PDFs have been known to encounter conversion issues when transformed into reflowable ebook formats. Due to similar concerns, as of June 28th, Amazon will no longer accept MOBI files. Instead, authors can still utilize Word documents in both .doc and .docx formats, or alternatively, upload an EPUB version of their file. While this change may not affect some authors who directly upload their manuscripts as Word documents, others who have relied on their established processes will need to adjust to this new requirement.
2020. iBooks Author is being discontinued
Apple has recently made an announcement stating that iBooks Author will be discontinued in July. Consequently, the app will be removed from multiple platforms, including the Mac Store. However, books that have been previously published using iBooks Author will continue to be accessible. Going forward, Apple is promoting two alternative methods for distributing digital content. The first option involves directly uploading EPUB or audiobook files via iTunes Connect. To facilitate this process, Apple has developed a comprehensive publishing portal that provides detailed guidance on publishing with their platform. The second alternative involves utilizing Pages, their free word processing program, for content creation and distribution.
2020. Apple launched publishing portal Apple Books for Authors
Apple has recently unveiled a comprehensive publishing portal called Apple Books for Authors. This platform serves as a valuable resource for authors interested in self-publishing or for publishing companies seeking to submit content. It offers a wealth of instructions and guidance on various aspects of ebook creation, with contributions from bestselling authors, including videos that delve into their personal workflows. By exploring this portal, authors can gain insights into the sales reporting system and learn effective book marketing strategies. For those looking to directly submit an ebook to the Apple Book Store, a new publishing tool is now available. Simply log in to iTunes Connect or register a new account, upload the metadata and book files, and start selling without delay.
2018. Apple iBooks is making it easy for publishers to earn commission
Apple introduced a new toolbox for their iBooks program a few months ago, enabling book bloggers, YouTubers, authors, and content publishers to incorporate various elements such as audiobooks, books, badges, app icons, or basic text links into their websites, blogs, or newsletters. The recent addition to the Apple Books Toolbox is a valuable feature that allows users to easily create interactive audiobook preview widgets. Users can select any audiobook available on Apple Books, customize the dimensions, and obtain the embed code to display on a website or newsletter. These widgets enable users to listen to a sample of the audiobook, providing a glimpse into the production quality. Publishers earn a commission if someone purchases an audiobook from Apple.
2018. Amazon has merged CreateSpace with Kindle Direct Publishing
The merger of CreateSpace, a prominent print-on-demand (POD) service for self-published authors, with Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) has caused confusion and uncertainty among users. CreateSpace, which was widely relied upon by authors seeking to print their self-published books, offered convenient options for creating paperback versions, including expanded distribution and printed proofs. This made it a favored choice in the industry. However, after Amazon's acquisition of CreateSpace in 2005, the company continued developing its own POD service, KDP Print. The integration of CreateSpace with KDP left many authors in a state of uncertainty and seeking alternatives.
2017. Kindle Create is now available to all authors
Kindle Create is an innovative, user-friendly conversion tool designed to simplify the process of creating polished and well-formatted ebooks. With its "push of a button" simplicity, Kindle Create aims to provide authors with a familiar experience, much like using Microsoft Word, where they can effortlessly incorporate formatting themes and tables of contents. After successfully completing its beta phase, Kindle Create is now available to all authors. This tool allows you to work directly from your Word document, providing a preview of the final ebook without requiring a separate conversion process. Unlike a traditional publishing dashboard, Kindle Create is a desktop-based software that allows you to manipulate your file as much as needed before uploading it. Once you bring the finished document to the KDP dashboard, you still have the option to convert it into a MOBI file. Additionally, Kindle Create offers the advantage of formatting a "print replica" ebook, ensuring a professional look and feel to your publication.
2017. iBooks Author gets new tools
Apple has recently rolled out an update for its ebook creation software, iBooks Author, introducing several new features. Notably, users can now easily incorporate images and videos from the Mac photo management app, Photos. Additionally, the update includes minor changes, such as support for wide color gamut images. Despite these improvements, many individuals have transitioned to alternative digital publishing applications. The primary reason for this shift is that iBooks Author is exclusively compatible with Apple products and does not function with online retailers like Amazon and Google. Consequently, some have criticized Apple for seemingly neglecting the digital publishing sector. Furthermore, the latest iOS update has removed the subcategories within the "Magazines & Newspapers" section, making it exceedingly challenging to discover new digital edition apps.
2015. Kindle Scout Publishing platform expands internationally
Amazon has made an exciting announcement regarding the expansion of its reader-powered publishing platform, Kindle Scout, to authors and readers worldwide. Previously available only in the U.S., Kindle Scout is now open to authors in various locations including Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, India, and more. Authors from these regions can submit their never-before-published, full-length English-language manuscripts for consideration by Amazon's digital publishing division, Kindle Press, with a publication decision expected within 45 days or less. Readers from around the world can also participate by previewing excerpts from these unpublished books, nominating their favorite stories for publication, and receiving complimentary early copies of the nominated books released by Kindle Press.
2014. Amazon launches reader-powered publishing program Kindle Scout
Amazon has officially launched its "reader-powered" publishing program, known as Kindle Scout. This innovative initiative operates on a crowdsourcing model, utilizing feedback from readers to determine which books should be published. Authors whose works are chosen through Kindle Scout will receive book contracts. In a recent communication to authors, Amazon outlined the program's terms, stating that selected books will be published by Kindle Press and will enjoy renewable 5-year terms, a $1,500 advance, a 50% eBook royalty rate, flexible rights reversions, and the benefit of being featured in Amazon's marketing efforts. In a few weeks' time, readers will be invited to participate by joining Kindle Scout and nominating books for consideration. The current focus on the Kindle Scout homepage is on English-language books in the Romance, Mystery & Thriller, and Science Fiction & Fantasy genres, as indicated by the call-out.
2014. Amazon unveiled kids book creator software for Kindle Direct Publishing
Amazon is expanding its Kindle Direct Publishing business to cater to the requirements of children's book authors through the introduction of a new program called "KDP Kids." This program aims to assist authors in preparing, publishing, and distributing their books in the Kindle Store. In conjunction with this program, Amazon is launching a new tool known as the Kindle Kids' Book Creator. This tool enables aspiring children's book authors to create chapter books and illustrated children's books that can leverage Kindle features such as text pop-ups. According to Amazon's announcement about these new services, once the book is finalized, authors can utilize the tool to upload their book to KDP. They can also specify the appropriate category, age group, and grade range filters to ensure correct listing. The book creator tool is not limited to new authors seeking entry into Amazon's Kindle platform; it can also assist established authors in converting their books into Kindle format, thereby expanding their reader base.