---
source_url: "https://kayla-hicks.com/blog/482/wide-vs-exclusive-should-you-publish-beyond-amazon"
title: "Wide vs. Exclusive: Should You Publish Beyond Amazon?"
mirrored_at: 2026-08-25T03:32:23.759Z
host: kayla-hicks.com
cited_in_42a: true
mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/kayla-hicks.com/blog/482/wide-vs-exclusive-should-you-publish-beyond-amazon"
---

> **Original source:** https://kayla-hicks.com/blog/482/wide-vs-exclusive-should-you-publish-beyond-amazon

![](https://infinia-space-1.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/blog/featured-images/URGK81CRk3pqF0YlgXE6iuHh12UR5HRJHcdoCXWo.jpg)

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

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**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.

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### 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.
    

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### 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

1.  **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.
    
2.  **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.”
    
3.  **Promotional Tools**  
    KDP Select gives you access to Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions — handy tools to boost visibility.
    
4.  **Simple**  
    Managing one platform is easier than juggling multiple distributors. If you’re just starting out, this can reduce overwhelm.
    

* * *

### Benefits of Going Wide

1.  **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.
    
2.  **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.
    
3.  **Libraries & Subscription Services**  
    Through distributors, wide books can reach libraries, Scribd, and other subscription services — opening up brand-new audiences.
    
4.  **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.
    

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### 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.**