KDP Print Enters Public Beta
Historically speaking Amazon has had two distribution platforms, Createspace (for POD paper books) and Kindle (for ebooks), but starting last summer Amazon has been beta-testing a combined platform called KDP Print.
The closed beta was limited to only KDP users who had been invited, but today Amazon told KDP users that the beta test is now open to all.
It can be accessed from the KDP admin pages, and yes you can create a print edition for a new title or a previously published ebook.
I just got the email from Amazon:
Publishing a paperback can help you reach new readers. KDP prints your book on demand and subtracts your printing costs from your royalties, so you don’t have to pay any costs upfront or carry any inventory. You can use the KDP website in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Portuguese or Dutch. KDP automatically updates your title metadata based on information (book description, categories, keywords) you’ve already provided when setting up your eBook and vice versa. It also enables you to receive consolidated royalty payments for paperback and eBook sales. You can view combined reports and manage your print and eBook publishing from one website.
Benefits of publishing paperbacks with KDP include:
• Reach paperback readers through Amazon websites in the US, Europe (amazon.co.uk, amazon.de, amazon.fr, amazon.es, amazon.it), and Japan (amazon.co.jp)
• Earn up to 60% royalties on the list price you set, minus printing costs.We’ll add more print features in the future, including the ability to order proofs and author (wholesale) copies at cost, and expanded distribution to bookstores.
Learn more about using the beta to publish paperbacks on KDP.
According to user reports, KDP Print doesn’t offer as many options as Createspace. I have been told that KDP Print doesn’t have color print options, and does not offer proof copies or expanded distribution.
So anyone who already has books in Createspace should probably leave them there.
But if you are a small publisher who has ebooks in the Kindle Store and no print edition, KDP Print is a way to add a print edition with minimal effort.
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