Wide vs. Exclusive: Should You Publish Beyond Amazon?

As an author, looking at the pros and cons of both options can make the difference when reaching your audience

One of the first big decisions you’ll make as a self-published author is where your book will be available.

Do you go exclusive with Amazon (through Kindle Unlimited), or do you publish wide, making your book available on multiple retailers like Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, and libraries?

Both paths have benefits, and both have trade-offs. The key is to understand what’s at stake so you can make the right decision for your publishing career.

What Does Exclusive Mean?

When authors say “exclusive,” they usually mean enrolling in KDP Select, Amazon’s exclusivity program.

Here’s how it works:

You agree to sell your eBook only on Amazon for 90 days at a time.
In return, your book is included in Kindle Unlimited (KU), Amazon’s subscription reading service.
You earn royalties per page read from KU subscribers, plus normal royalties from sales.

What Does Wide Mean?

Publishing “wide” means making your eBook available on multiple platforms instead of just Amazon.

This can include:

Barnes & Noble Press
Apple Books
Kobo Writing Life
Google Play
Libraries via distributors like Draft2Digital, Smashwords, or IngramSpark

Wide distribution means you own your independence — you’re not tied to one retailer’s system.

Benefits of Going Exclusive with Amazon

Access to Kindle Unlimited Readers
KU has millions of subscribers, especially strong in genres like romance, fantasy, sci-fi, and thrillers. If your audience reads in KU, exclusivity gives you immediate reach.
Higher Visibility in Amazon’s Algorithm
KU page reads count toward your sales rank. That means more chances to hit bestseller lists and appear in “Also Boughts.”
Promotional Tools
KDP Select gives you access to Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions — handy tools to boost visibility.
Simple
Managing one platform is easier than juggling multiple distributors. If you’re just starting out, this can reduce overwhelm.

Benefits of Going Wide

Diversified Income Streams
If Amazon changes its payout rates, ranking system, or policies, your whole income isn’t at risk. Wide authors protect themselves by spreading across retailers.
Global Reach
Kobo is big in Canada. Apple dominates iPhone/iPad users. Some international readers can’t even access Amazon easily. Wide puts you in front of them.
Libraries & Subscription Services
Through distributors, wide books can reach libraries, Scribd, and other subscription services — opening up brand-new audiences.
Long-Term Growth & Branding
Going wide is often a slower build, but it can create a broader, more sustainable author career over time. You’re not just tied to one retailer’s ecosystem.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Deciding

What genre am I writing in?
(Romance and fantasy often thrive in KU; literary or nonfiction often does better wide.)
Do I want quick visibility or long-term reach?
KU can provide faster traction, while wide builds slowly but steadily.
Am I prepared to market outside Amazon?
Wide requires you to send readers to multiple platforms. If you have no mailing list yet, KU may be simpler.
Do I want control or convenience?
Wide gives you freedom but requires more work. Exclusive gives you tools but ties you to Amazon’s rules.

Can You Switch?

Yes.
KDP Select runs in 90-day terms. Once a term ends, you can remove your book and go wide. Likewise, if you publish widely and find it’s not working, you can always revert to Amazon exclusivity.

The important thing: plan your launch strategy carefully. Changing too often can confuse readers.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

If you’re a brand-new author, short on time, or writing in KU-friendly genres, exclusive with Amazon may be the right starting point.
If you’re playing the long game, want more freedom, and see yourself as a “career author,” going wide might serve you better.

The best part? You’re not locked in forever.

As an indie author, you have the flexibility to experiment — and choose the path that aligns with your goals.