I started self-publishing in 2015 with Amazon KDP, with Smashwords – which is now Draft2Digital, so I’ve been doing this a while. And I get this exact question from time to time. And I think it comes from a place of panic. Of a new author who is juggling all the things for writing, editing, cover design, launch strategy, etc. So I will preface all of this with there is no bad question. Ok.

In the question itself, if the answer. If you SELF-publish, YOU are the publisher. So let’s break down the definitions here so we can identify what role Amazon is then playing with your book.

Define publisher
The publisher has the right to exploit your IP. Right? Publish it as a book. Make different editions. Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, Special editions. They do the legwork of editing, pay for the cover design, register for the ISBN, and all the tedious behind-the-scenes things.

So when you self-publish – that’s you.

As I’ve self-published in the past, that’s been me.
For my next book, where I have a publishing deal, it’s InkRoad books at Bonnier. Right? They paid me for the right to produce my book.

Define printer and distributor
Separate from that is your printer and your distributor. In some cases, these will be separate entities. Let’s say I want to only sell my books at local markets. I go to a local print shop and pay for the books. And then I personally distribute and sell them.

For traditional publishers, they sometimes work with one or many print houses in different regions to make the books, print and bind them, and then they are shipped to a distributor who will get them to Barnes & Noble, Target, physical book stores in that area, or Amazon or Walmart warehouses in the area for online orders.

When you self-publish, sites like Amazon KDP, Draft2Digital Print, and IngramSpark print-on-demand. They print the book and distribute it as orders come in. All-in-one print and distributor.

So when you self-publish with Amazon KDP, they are your printer and distributor.

Define retailer
But also the retailer. Because Amazon is a hydra with many heads.

The retailer for your book is where the reader buys it. It could be a local bookstore. Could be Amazon.com. It could be the Libby app through their library. Could be any number of physical or online stores, right?

So in the case of self-publishing on Amazon KDP:
YOU are the publisher.
Amazon KDP is your printer and distributor
Amazon.com is your retailer.

There are multiple ways to get your book listed on Amazon.com, I have a video for that, because, believe it or no,t other self-publishing platforms can print and distribute to Amazon. To make it more confusing, I mean convenient. But at the end of the day, when SELF-publishing, YOU the publisher, decide which route to go.

I hope this helped. Never hesitate to ask a question.

Self-Publishing for the First-Time Author: https://1mkwilliams.com/self-publishing-for-the-first-time-author/

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