Your eBook’s price significantly impacts its discoverability. What’s the right price? Does genre affect pricing? Fiction vs. nonfiction? These are common questions from authors at BookFuel.
Should you price your eBook at $0.99, $2.99, or even $9.99? I first heard these queries from self-published authors six years ago, and they’re still relevant. BookFuel specialists confirm that pricing questions remain popular, as pricing is crucial for a self-published book’s visibility.
In 2012, I tackled eBook pricing in a blog post, “How Much Should You Charge For Your eBook?” Surprisingly, much remains true, particularly for new authors starting their self-publishing journey.
Four years later, I offer new insights based on BookFuel authors‘ sales, but let’s first see how pricing affects payouts from platforms like Amazon, iBooks, and Barnes & Noble. Using Amazon’s payout structure:
- eBooks priced between $0.99 and $2.98 earn authors 35% of the selling price ($0.35 – $1.04).
- eBooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99 earn a 70% royalty for Kindle titles ($2.09 – $6.99).
- eBooks priced over $10.00 receive only 35%. Similar price bands apply to other retailers.
Remember, your payout might vary. Sales outside the U.S. or large file sizes can mean smaller payouts.
Now, let’s add to the 2012 discussion with a Q&A format:
Is pricing at $0.99 – or free – the best way to attract readers?
Recent data shows that book giveaways are less effective. Thanks to sites like BookBub, readers can easily find cheap or free eBooks in their favorite genres. Successful authors still use discounts to attract readers. Some offer bundled chapters or temporarily lower prices to create urgency.
Does genre influence eBook pricing?
BookFuel sales suggest so. Competitive genres like Young Adult and most fiction favor prices between $2.99 and $4.99. Non-fiction authors often succeed with $9.99. Self-help and spiritual titles also perform well. Authors might charge more if their genre has little competition.
Major publishers price eBooks higher, like $12.99 or more. How does that affect my lower-priced self-published book?
Amazon, iBooks, and big publishers use “Agency Pricing.” Publishers set prices without retailer discounts.
I have 3 (or more) eBooks published. How does this impact my pricing strategy?
With more books, self-published authors have choices. You can repackage books or chapters at various prices. For practical tips, check JA Konrath’s “The Newbie’s Guide To Publishing” blog. Learn about bundling titles, creating singles, and more.
For seasoned authors, the pricing question might become, “What should I charge for my books now?” The answer is, “As much as you can.” Charge the highest price that maintains consistent sales. Lowering the price might undervalue your work, possibly deterring readers.
One benefit of self-publishing is the control authors have over their products. While maximizing earnings from the start is tempting, building readership is key. Do what’s needed to encourage readers to try your book.
For more insights, visit BookFuel and check out our YouTube channel.
