Going Wide vs. Kindle Unlimited:Pros and Cons
Wondering whether to go wide or stay on KindleUnlimited? This guide for indie and self-published authors breaks down everything you need to know about publishing distribution strategies—including the pros and cons of KDP Select, what "going wide" actually means, and how to decide which platform approach is right for your book. Whether you're a first-time author feeling overwhelmed by your options or an experienced indie looking to diversify your revenue, Hawthorn & Aster is here to help you navigate your publishing journey with confidence and clarity.
Now that SEO is happy, let’s dive in and talk like humans, yeah?
If you're new to the self-publishing world, you're probably wildly confused as to what "going wide" actually means. And no, it's not some weird... dental thing where you have to unhinge your jaw to welcome someone's whole forearm.
"Going Wide" means publishing widely, as opposed to publishing on a select or single platform (take KindleUnlimited for example). We know, we're so eloquent.
It may sound strange that people don't publish everywhere to start, but there are reasons people may prefer to stay singular.
We're going to walk through the pros and cons of going wide, when one may want to consider transitioning to it, and when it's just not feasible.
We promise, it's not as boring as it sounds. We just took an Alani Cotton Candy (not-sponsored) straight to the dome, so we're in it to win it.
Going Wide vs. KDP Select (KindleUnlimited)
The Basics
Programs like KindleUnlimited allow you to enroll for a period of 90 days (automatically rolling over unless you opt out). During this period, your book is available for free to everyone who has a KindleUnlimited subscription. While enrolled, you cannot host or sell your book on any other digital retailer platforms (physical copies excepted).
Publishing "wide" allows you to sell your ebook on any digital retailer platform. You can do this through third-party services like Draft2Digital. While your book is available on these retailers, you are in control of your sales periods (barring platform limitations) and can continue using other third-party promotional platforms, like BookFunnel.
The Pros
KindleUnlimited
You receive KENP for pages read (as opposed to relying solely on sales)
KindleUnlimited is a vast platform with a sophisticated algorithm (A10)
Amazon is one of (if not the) largest e-commerce platforms
A wide network of authors publish on KindleUnlimited, meaning peer-to-peer support and knowledge sharing is more easily accessible
Wide
You retain full control over where your book is published
You can run promotions on multiple platforms, including BookFunnel
You aren't locked into strict DNC (Do Not Compete) clauses
You're able to cast a wider net for potential readership (including libraries, Everand, etc.)
The Cons
KindleUnlimited
A strict DNC clause bars you from publishing your book elsewhere. Amazon has been known to penalize authors whose work has been pirated, sometimes resulting in the book being removed or the author's account being blacklisted.
KindleUnlimited has introduced an AI function that can summarize your book. (You can read more about their "Ask This Book" feature here.)
The amount you earn on KENP fluctuates (and is, arguably, rather negligible)
Relies heavily on understanding how to fit your book into the algorithm (categories, long-phrase keywords, A10-optimized blurb)
Wide
Requires knowledge of the various platforms and how best to make your book searchable
No KENP equivalency—you're only paid when people purchase your books
Requires a more cumbersome setup process (as opposed to Amazon's relatively minimal approach)
May be harder for first-time authors with a minimal following to find their footing
What's Right for You?
Both options are valid—and everyone's situation is different. There are people who are morally averse to Amazon as a platform (especially with the AI functionality being added, and a few other shady business practices that have earned them the colloquial reputation of being "not author friendly"), and then there are die-hard KindleUnlimited loyalists.
Similarly, there are people who have absolutely loved being "wide" and others who feel like they've been floundering since hitting "publish."
As with all things in your publishing journey, there is no "one size fits all" or a clear path forward. The self-publishing process is, unfortunately, trial by fire until you find something that works for you.
There are a few things that may sway you one way or the other, so here are some things to consider:
KindleUnlimited May Be For You If:
You're a first-time author and the idea of managing multiple platforms feels daunting
You're comfortable being paid per page read (even if it's a tiny amount)
Going "Wide" May Be For You If:
You want to retain ultimate control over where your book is sold
You're comfortable managing different ad copy and exploring what works best on individual platforms
When Should You Make the Switch (If Ever)?
Our general rule of thumb: if where you are isn't working for you, it's time to try something different.
The switch doesn't have to be permanent—you can try it out for a trial period (let's say a financial quarter) and see if things change.
Like with all things, it's about trial and error. Don't stay stagnant. Gather data as you work—find what works best for you, what hinders you, and incorporate the things that serve your author journey.
That said, if you're uncomfortable with platform limitations, policies, or have had a negative experience with a platform, we encourage you to find other options. The transition may be slow and difficult, and in some situations, there may not be a comparable alternative. But diversifying your revenue potential and branching out is never a bad thing—especially in this industry, where visibility matters far more than is ever candidly disclosed.
A Few Words of Caution
Regardless of which route you go, make sure you know the platform rules before you hit publish. "I didn't know" is not a viable excuse in the eyes of the company. We've seen too many authors face serious consequences for situations outside of their control.
Do not use a free ISBN. Not ever. This is a non-negotiable purchase. Whoever owns the ISBN owns the rights to your book. Corporations don't need control over your creative property. Full stop. (If you couldn't tell, we have strong feelings about this. Buy Ivy a Gin & Tonic and watch her go off the rails a bit about this one.)
We'd Love to Know More About Your Experience
The indie and self-publishing space is a community, and communities don't thrive if the people within them aren't sharing their knowledge and experiences. Too many of us learned the hard way—we can change that for someone else.
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