Selling your book on Amazon has never been easier for indie authors, and I am genuinely grateful for all Amazon has done to support the self-publishing community. However, in working with over 500 authors over the last seven years, I can confidently say that dealing with Amazon KDP has never been more challenging than it is right now. If you’re wondering what issues to watch out for before uploading your book to Amazon KDP, this blog is for you.
The Top 3 Issues with Amazon KDP in 2024
1. Publishing Rights Verification
Amazon has stepped up its efforts to verify whether authors have the rights to publish their books. This means that authors are now frequently asked to provide proof of their publishing rights. While this might seem straightforward, it can be quite tricky and upsetting, especially if your account is suspended while you’re gathering the necessary documentation. To avoid this hassle, it’s crucial to file for copyright as soon as your book is complete rather than waiting until after launch. Promptly responding to Amazon’s requests with the right documentation can prevent delayed responses that might trigger an account suspension.
2. Delays in Processing
Over the past few months, we’ve noticed significant delays in the processing times for book submissions on KDP. What used to take 48 hours can now take weeks due to technical glitches within Amazon’s system. This can leave your book stuck in processing purgatory, with nothing you can do but wait. These delays are incredibly frustrating, especially if you have set timelines based on years of experience. To cope with this, we advise our authors to allow for weeks more time than they think they need. Avoid promoting a specific launch date until your book is live to prevent any last-minute disappointments.
3. Account Suspensions and Terminations
Amazon maintains the right to suspend or terminate KDP accounts at any time, often withholding any outstanding royalties. While this policy isn’t new, 2024 has seen an increase in account suspensions and terminations without clear reasons. This can be a nightmare for authors who find themselves caught in the crossfire. Resolving these issues can be arduous and may require legal intervention, which can be costly. If your account is terminated, and other resolution methods fail, hiring a lawyer might be necessary to get back in business on Amazon.
What Can You Do?
While Amazon KDP offers incredible opportunities for self-publishing, these challenges highlight the importance of being prepared and having a backup plan. Here are a few recommendations:
- File for Copyright Early: Ensure you have all the necessary documentation to prove your publishing rights.
- Plan for Delays: Allow extra time for the processing of your book and avoid promoting a specific launch date until your book is live.
- Diversify Your Distribution: Consider using IngramSpark to sell your print books on Amazon and other platforms. Selling directly to your readers is also a great option to maintain control over your sales and distribution.
Remember, self-publishing, owning your own rights, and making more money per book is now largely possible thanks to platforms like Amazon. While they could do more to support authors, they aren’t the enemy. However, it’s wise to set yourself up to be wide, ensuring you have multiple channels for selling your books.
If you’re looking to avoid these pitfalls and need professional guidance, contact Skinny Brown Dog Media. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of self-publishing and ensure your book reaches its full potential. Visit [Skinny Brown Dog Media( https://skinnybrowndogmedia.com) to learn more.
Navigating Amazon KDP can be daunting, but with the right preparation and support, you can successfully publish and promote your book. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Reach out to experts who can guide you through the process and help you achieve your publishing goals.
