How to Sell Your Ebook Online Without Paying Commissions to Publishers and Marketplaces

For many authors, publishing an ebook seems like an ideal way to reach readers directly. However, distributing through traditional publishers or online marketplaces often means sacrificing a significant portion of your earnings. Amazon, Apple Books, and Google Play all take a cut from each sale, which can leave authors with a much smaller profit than they expected. Thankfully, there are ways to bypass these intermediaries and retain more of the revenue generated from your hard work. In this article, we’ll explore how much authors can lose to commissions, the benefits of selling ebooks directly, and how you can start selling your books online without paying a commission.

How Much Do Traditional Publishers and Marketplaces Really Take?

Before diving into the alternatives, it’s important to understand the cost of using traditional publishers or popular ebook platforms.

1. Traditional PublishingAuthors who go through traditional publishers typically receive a royalty rate of about 10-15% of the book's sale price. So, if an ebook is sold for $10, the author might make just $1-1.50, with the rest going to the publisher. Additionally, authors usually receive royalties after the publisher has recouped its expenses, which can mean delayed earnings.
2. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)Amazon’s Kindle platform offers two main royalty structures for ebooks:Even at the 70% royalty level, authors might make only about $6.50 per $10 sale after Amazon’s deductions.
   • 35% Royalty Option: Under this plan, authors receive 35% of the sale price, while Amazon retains 65%. This applies to ebooks priced outside of Amazon's preferred range, which is typically $2.99 to $9.99.
   • 70% Royalty Option: When pricing an ebook between $2.99 and $9.99, authors can choose the 70% royalty option. However, Amazon deducts “delivery fees” based on the file size of the ebook, so the actual revenue might be less than 70%.
3. Apple Books and Google Play BooksApple Books and Google Play Books typically offer around a 70% royalty, similar to Amazon’s structure, with the platforms keeping the remaining 30%. However, unlike Amazon, they don’t charge delivery fees, making them slightly more author-friendly. Still, that’s 30% lost to the platform.

The True Cost of Selling Through Marketplaces

For an author selling a $10 ebook, here’s what the earnings would look like:

• Traditional Publisher: Approximately $1-$1.50 per sale
• Amazon (35% Plan): $3.50 per sale
• Amazon (70% Plan with Delivery Fee): About $6.50 per sale
• Apple Books/Google Play: Roughly $7 per sale

While these fees might not seem overwhelming for a single sale, the difference adds up over time. For example, selling 1,000 copies at $10 each means:

• Through a traditional publisher: $1,000 - $1,500 in earnings
• Amazon 70% (with fees): About $6,500 in earnings
• Direct Sales: Nearly the full $10,000, minus minor processing fees

This difference can have a huge impact on an author’s earnings, particularly for self-published authors who rely on book sales for income.

Benefits of Selling Your Ebook Directly to Readers

Selling ebooks directly to your readers gives you full control over your sales, pricing, and profits. Here are some of the advantages:

1. Higher Profit MarginsBy avoiding third-party platforms, you keep nearly 100% of each sale (minus small transaction processing fees). This significantly increases your earnings per sale, especially important for authors with a steady following.
2. Complete Control Over Pricing and PromotionsSelling directly means you’re free to set your own prices, create promotions, or offer bundle discounts without needing approval from a platform. You’re not constrained by marketplace pricing guidelines.
3. Direct Access to Reader DataWhen you sell directly, you gain insights into who your readers are, their preferences, and how they engage with your content. This data can help you target future releases, develop effective marketing strategies, and engage readers personally.
4. Building a Reader CommunitySelling ebooks directly helps you form a stronger connection with readers. You can encourage them to join an email list, follow your social media, or participate in feedback surveys, fostering a community around your work.
5. Enhanced Brand ControlWhen readers buy from you directly, they experience your brand without the distractions of a third-party platform. This can lead to a more professional and seamless experience that aligns with your author brand.

How to Sell Your Ebook Directly Using Linkey

Linkey provides a streamlined solution for authors looking to sell ebooks directly without needing a full e-commerce site. Here’s how it works:

1. Easy Link Sharing for SalesLinkey allows you to create a single link that you can share on social media, in your bio, or on your website. This link leads readers directly to your ebook, making it easy for them to purchase.
2. No Platform FeesUnlike marketplaces that take 30-70% of each sale, Linkey keeps your profits intact. You pay only minor payment processing fees, which means that nearly all of your sale revenue goes to you.
3. Professional CheckoutLinkey offers a professional checkout process, making it easy for readers to purchase your ebook in a secure, straightforward way. There’s no need to redirect them to another site or complicated cart process.
4. Simple SetupWith Linkey, you don’t need a complicated website or e-commerce setup. It’s as easy as signing up, uploading your ebook, setting your price, and sharing your link. You can have your ebook available for sale in minutes.
5. Branded StorefrontLinkey lets you customize your storefront with your branding, images, and descriptions, ensuring a professional look and feel that resonates with readers.

Steps to Start Selling Your Ebook Directly

1. Sign Up on Linkey. Begin by creating an account on Linkey. This process is straightforward and user-friendly, guiding you through every step.
2. Upload Your EbookAdd your ebook file, whether it’s in PDF, ePub, or another format, along with a description and cover image to create an appealing listing.
3. Set Your PricingDecide on a price that reflects the value of your work while appealing to readers. Linkey doesn’t impose pricing rules, so you have complete flexibility.
4. Share Your LinkOnce your ebook is listed, generate a unique Linkey link and share it on your social media, website, or any other platform where potential readers can find it.
5. Promote Your EbookUse social media, email marketing, and other channels to let readers know about your ebook. Highlight the benefits of buying directly, such as supporting your work and receiving exclusive content or offers.

Marketing Tips for Selling Your Ebook Independently

When selling directly, marketing becomes essential for driving traffic to your ebook. Here are some strategies:

1. Leverage Your Social MediaRegularly post about your ebook, share quotes, reviews, and behind-the-scenes insights to engage followers and build excitement.
2. Email MarketingBuild an email list of interested readers, and use it to share exclusive content, promotions, and updates. Emails are a powerful way to build a relationship with readers and encourage sales.
3. Offer Bundles and DiscountsProvide bundles or discounts on your Linkey listing to encourage readers to buy multiple books or additional content.
4. Collaborate with Other Authors or InfluencersPartner with authors or influencers in your genre to cross-promote each other’s work, expanding your reach to new readers.
5. Collect and Share TestimonialsDisplay positive reviews and testimonials on your Linkey storefront, as social proof can increase credibility and encourage more sales.

Final Thoughts: Selling Directly Empowers Authors

Selling ebooks online without sharing your revenue with publishers or marketplaces is empowering. By keeping more of each sale, maintaining control over your pricing, and directly engaging with readers, you can create a more profitable and sustainable business model as an independent author.

Linkey simplifies the process, allowing you to start selling ebooks within minutes and focusing on maximizing your income and reader connections. For authors ready to take control of their book sales, selling directly is the future, and Linkey is here to support you every step of the way.