Knowing what Kindle Unlimited offers authors as well as what it keeps from authors is important to know before enrolling

Kindle Unlimited (KU) is Amazon’s subscription-based reading service that allows readers to access an extensive library of books for a monthly fee.

For authors, enrolling in KU through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) Select offers both opportunities and limitations.

If you’re wondering whether KU is the right choice for your book, here’s a breakdown of its pros and cons.

Pros of Kindle Unlimited for Authors

1. Increased Visibility and Reach

KU books are often prioritized in Amazon’s algorithms, which can boost rankings and make them more discoverable in search results. Readers who subscribe to KU may be more likely to take a chance on a lesser-known author since they don’t have to pay for each individual book.

As an author, showcasing your book as available on Kindle Unlimited can be a great marketing option.

2. Potential for Higher Earnings Through Page Reads

Authors enrolled in KU earn money based on the number of pages read rather than outright sales. For books that are highly engaging and keep readers flipping pages, this can be a lucrative model, sometimes outperforming royalty earnings from sales.

Authors who have a book series enrolled in the KU program tend to see a higher page reads as readers binge read through the series.

3. Access to Promotional Tools

KU enrollment comes with exclusive promotional benefits, such as:

• Kindle Countdown Deals, which allow authors to offer limited-time discounts while retaining full royalties.

• Free Book Promotions, enabling authors to give away their book for up to five days every 90-day enrollment period, is a useful strategy for attracting new readers. And if used strategically, it can raise your book’s ranking for a short period of time, allowing it more visibility on Amazon.

4. A Loyal Reader Base

KU subscribers are often avid readers who consume multiple books per month. If they enjoy your book, they’re likely to continue reading your series or check out other works in your catalog.

5. Easier Entry for New Authors

For indie authors just starting out, KU provides an opportunity to gain exposure without competing in the wide market. Readers who wouldn’t normally purchase an unknown author’s book may be more willing to give it a try through their KU subscription.

Cons of Kindle Unlimited for Authors

1. Exclusivity Requirement

To participate in KU, your eBook must be exclusive to Amazon for at least 90 days. This means you cannot sell your digital book on platforms like Apple Books, Kobo, or Google Play, limiting your potential audience.

2. Earnings Depend on the KU Global Fund

Authors in KU are paid from a global pool of funds that Amazon allocates each month. The payout per page read fluctuates, meaning you don’t have control over your per-page earnings, which can make income unpredictable.

For example, I have had a stroke of luck in the past, where I managed to earn $2 in page reads through KU at the beginning of the month. However, over the rest of the month, when I didn’t receive any more page reads, my earnings went down as the allotted funds for page reads through KU were distributed to other authors.

3. Lower Royalties for Short Books

Since KU payments are based on page reads, shorter books often earn less compared to full purchases. If you write short stories or novellas, KU may not be as profitable as selling at a flat price.

4. No Control Over Pricing

Authors in KU cannot set the price for their books the same way they would when selling outside of the program. KU readers “borrow” books instead of purchasing them, meaning the standard 35%-70% royalty structure doesn’t apply.

5. Limited Reader Base Outside of Amazon

By going exclusive with KU, you may miss out on readers who prefer other platforms or physical copies. While Amazon dominates the eBook market, some readers are loyal to other retailers, and you could be losing sales by not distributing widely.

Should You Enroll in Kindle Unlimited?

Deciding whether KU is right for you depends on your goals as an author.

If you primarily want exposure and increased visibility on Amazon, and you write longer books that keep readers engaged, KU might be a great choice.

However, if you prefer to reach a wider audience and maintain control over pricing and distribution, staying out of KU and publishing across multiple platforms may be a better fit.

Ultimately, some authors experiment with KU by enrolling certain books while keeping others wide. Analyzing your earnings, audience, and overall goals will help determine the best path for your publishing strategy.