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FastPencil vs Kindle Direct Publishing
Last updated: October 21, 2023
FastPencil and Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) are two platforms that offer self-publishing services, but they have distinct differences in terms of features, distribution, and pricing.
1. Features and Tools: FastPencil provides a comprehensive suite of tools for authors, including writing and collaboration tools, customizable book templates, and professional formatting options. It offers features like automatic version control and the ability to invite collaborators to work on a manuscript. FastPencil also provides marketing tools such as author websites, social media integration, and the option to order printed copies of your book. Kindle Direct Publishing, on the other hand, offers a simpler and more streamlined set of tools focused on e-book publishing. KDP provides an easy-to-use interface for uploading and formatting e-books, as well as tools for setting pricing, managing metadata, and tracking sales. While FastPencil offers more extensive features for writing and collaboration, KDP specializes in e-book publishing.
2. Distribution and Reach: One of the significant differences between FastPencil and Kindle Direct Publishing lies in their distribution and reach. FastPencil primarily focuses on assisting authors with self-publishing and providing tools for creating and formatting books. However, it doesn't offer a direct sales platform or a dedicated e-book store. Authors using FastPencil have the option to distribute their books through third-party retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple iBooks. Kindle Direct Publishing, as the name suggests, is a platform specifically designed for publishing e-books on Amazon. By publishing through KDP, authors gain access to the vast customer base of Amazon and can have their books available for purchase and download on Kindle devices and Kindle reading apps worldwide.
3. Pricing and Royalties: FastPencil offers various pricing options depending on the author's needs. It provides a range of packages, including free options with limited features, as well as paid packages with additional tools and services. The pricing structure varies based on the specific requirements, such as formatting, cover design, and marketing support. FastPencil also offers different royalty options, allowing authors to choose between a revenue-sharing model or higher royalties with an upfront fee. Kindle Direct Publishing, on the other hand, offers a straightforward pricing model with no upfront fees. Authors can set their own book prices within certain limits and receive royalties based on the sales. KDP provides options for both Kindle e-books and print-on-demand paperbacks, each with its own royalty structure.
1. Features and Tools: FastPencil provides a comprehensive suite of tools for authors, including writing and collaboration tools, customizable book templates, and professional formatting options. It offers features like automatic version control and the ability to invite collaborators to work on a manuscript. FastPencil also provides marketing tools such as author websites, social media integration, and the option to order printed copies of your book. Kindle Direct Publishing, on the other hand, offers a simpler and more streamlined set of tools focused on e-book publishing. KDP provides an easy-to-use interface for uploading and formatting e-books, as well as tools for setting pricing, managing metadata, and tracking sales. While FastPencil offers more extensive features for writing and collaboration, KDP specializes in e-book publishing.
2. Distribution and Reach: One of the significant differences between FastPencil and Kindle Direct Publishing lies in their distribution and reach. FastPencil primarily focuses on assisting authors with self-publishing and providing tools for creating and formatting books. However, it doesn't offer a direct sales platform or a dedicated e-book store. Authors using FastPencil have the option to distribute their books through third-party retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple iBooks. Kindle Direct Publishing, as the name suggests, is a platform specifically designed for publishing e-books on Amazon. By publishing through KDP, authors gain access to the vast customer base of Amazon and can have their books available for purchase and download on Kindle devices and Kindle reading apps worldwide.
3. Pricing and Royalties: FastPencil offers various pricing options depending on the author's needs. It provides a range of packages, including free options with limited features, as well as paid packages with additional tools and services. The pricing structure varies based on the specific requirements, such as formatting, cover design, and marketing support. FastPencil also offers different royalty options, allowing authors to choose between a revenue-sharing model or higher royalties with an upfront fee. Kindle Direct Publishing, on the other hand, offers a straightforward pricing model with no upfront fees. Authors can set their own book prices within certain limits and receive royalties based on the sales. KDP provides options for both Kindle e-books and print-on-demand paperbacks, each with its own royalty structure.
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FastPencil enables authors to independently create books online, collaborate, publish and distribute from one engaging, simple, cost-effective solution. Plus, you only pay when you publish and buy books! Write, design, publish & sell books and ebooks on Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Ingram, Kindle, Nook and more...
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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.
FastPencil 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.
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.
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.
2014. FastPencil integrates with Evernote so users can self-publish ebooks
Self-publishing service FastPencil has introduced a new feature that grants all Evernote users the convenient option to instantly self-publish their notes using the FastPencil platform. This streamlined process encompasses the ingestion of notes, book creation, transitioning to print and eBook formats, online distribution, and the ability to sell the final book. Starting today, Evernote users can seamlessly transfer their notes to FastPencil and generate an eBook or PDF within seconds. The resulting work can then be easily shared online or distributed through FastPencil's comprehensive publishing packages.