Buying Direct from Authors…what’s it all about?
You may have noticed a new trend beginning. That is, many authors are making their books available for direct purchase on their website. A third of the surveyed authors began their online stores within the last year. You can expect to see this trend increase with time. Typically, these books are also still available on the usual book outlets online.
Most of these authors publish their work independently, but some traditionally published authors have begun to sell their books from their own websites. One of my favorite authors has recently made that decision. I downloaded her book as an eBook and easily transferred it to my Kindle.
80% of authors who have an online store sell both eBooks and paperbacks and sometimes audiobooks. I started my online store within the last year or so with eBooks, but have since added paperbacks. (I’m still working on audio. For the moment, they are only available on Amazon.)
Romance and nonfiction are the most popular in direct sales, followed by fantasy and historical fiction.
Why are authors creating online stores to sell their books directly?
Building a reader community is one big reason. When readers buy a book directly from the author, the author knows who bought which book. With that knowledge, there’s more understanding of what particular readers want and like to read. Readers in that community can receive deals or bundles, for example, and be aware of other community events. It’s hard for an author to make special offers or host reader events if they have no idea who bought the book!
As for authors trying to build a business and make a living from their work, it’s appealing to pay fewer fees to platforms and receive higher royalties. It’s a win-win for authors and readers!
Authors can also have more creative control over how to present their books as well as organize special events and other offers.
If you haven’t bought a book directly from an author, you should experience it. You might never go back! My direct prices are lower than those of the bigger platforms. If there’s any disadvantage, it might be waiting 2 weeks for a paperback to arrive. But that might occur anyway with bigger retailers or special orders from a physical bookstore. (And it’ll be worth the wait!)
If you order an eBook from my store, you’ll first get a PDF receipt and confirmation by email. Then you’ll get a second email with the book link from Bookfunnel, who distributes my eBooks. They give detailed instructions on downloading the book. (It’s easier than you may think!) If you encounter any difficulties, they will walk you through it until you receive your book.
And of course, my books are also available on other stores like Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, etc.
Here’s what my online store looks like (the top of it, anyway!) You click on the book cover, and it’ll take you to the description.
You can also access the store from my website. Just look on the top toolbar (upper right) where it says “Buy Direct”.
Then, once you choose a book to learn more about, you’ll see the various buttons to choose a retailer. The top one will be for the direct store where you’ll be immediately connected.
I hope you’ll drop in and visit if you haven’t already!
It’s a new way to buy books and a trend that’s growing all the time. It’s no mystery why many authors want to offer their books Direct to readers. It’s a great way for authors to connect with readers while the reader gets the same, satisfying story to enjoy!
Happy Reading!
Kyle