Balancing international readership and Kindle Unlimited benefits

One question every author struggles with is whether to put up books on loads of retailers or to go with just the one. And that 'one' is Amazon, the world's largest retailer.

I'm developing a marketing strategy and I'd appreciate you taking a look and letting me know what you think.

Basically, I make more money in one day on Amazon than I do from all the other retailers put together in a month.

That sounds amazing but actually we’re talking about $5 or less.  I’m really small fry so my sales are like, four books a day.  (HINT: please, please, please tell your friends about me!!!)

Kindle Unlimited people pay a fixed fee and then 'read for free'. That means they're more willing to try a new author.  So with Kindle Unlimited, I’m reaching new readers. Good, right?

Now here's the down side.

The money I get from Kindle Unlimited is less than half a cent per page - so almost nothing. After Amazon and the US government take their cuts, I'm bloody lucky to get 20 cents cents from anyone reading my book.

Also, giving Amazon a monopoly means that 90% of the world is locked out because Amazon only works in a handful of countries. That's totally unfair, right?

So the plan is this: new releases will be world wide via a dozen retailers, so that anyone can buy the book, whether you’re in Kuala Lumpur or London. But after a fortnight, I hit the Kindle Unlimited button so that I can work on the big picture. I won't be making money but I may get new readers. Then, after the 90 days, I hit the button again and go back to world wide release.

So that's my plan for the next year.  I think it's a balanced approach. But look, if you see a flaw in my thinking, for goodness sake tell me. I’m a one woman band and I really need as much input from you all as you an offer. Because without good advice, I’m going to fall flat on my face.


Have a terrific weekend!
Hugs,
Ellen
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