There is a lot of excitement in the marketplace about the Amazon Kindle Matchbook program. Here is what it means to you as an Amazon author and how you can prepare for the launch of the program.
What Is The Matchbook Program?
The Amazon Matchbook program offers a special opportunity for book buyers. Instead of having to decide whether to buy the print or Kindle version of a book, they can buy both with a significant discount on the Kindle version.
That means they can immediately download the Kindle version and start reading it on their Kindle, tablet, phone or computer, while their print version is being shipped to them. Since most readers want their book as soon as possible, it is predicted that this will be a popular choice among book buyers.
What The Matchbook Program Means To Authors
While some of the large publishers reportedly see the program as a threat to their book revenue, independent authors view it as a means to additional sales. Even if only half of the print buyers opt for the Match, an author can earn an additional stream of revenue with no extra effort.
Naturally you will need both a print version and a Kindle version of your book. Once you have enrolled in the Matchbook program, Amazon requires that you offer your Kindle version for less than half of its normal price. They also restrict you to charging one of four price points: $2.99, $1.99, 99 cents or free.
For example, if you are currently selling your Kindle book for $9.99, you can continue to sell it at that price. But when bought with the print version, the Kindle version could not exceed $2.99. Of course, since you are probably selling your print version for $14.99 and up, the $2.99 is just add-on profits.
On the other hand, if your Kindle book is currently $2.99 you will need to price it at 99 cents or make it free in order to follow the guidelines. In all cases, the customer must buy the print version of your book in order to take advantage of the special Kindle pricing.
An extra benefit for many authors is that you can participate in the Matchbook program without offering your books exclusively through Amazon. That means that regardless of how many outlets you sell through, you can still participate in the Matchbook program, as long as you sell both your print book and Kindle book through Amazon.
One other advantage to note is the opportunity for a sales boost when the Matchbook program launches. Book buyers who have purchased print copies of books will be offered the opportunity to add the Kindle version for any print book they have ever bought from Amazon. So if you have an older book this could mean an immediate influx of additional funds – if you are enrolled in the Matchbook program.
How To Prepare For Matchbook
Although the Kindle Matchbook program is voluntary, it is in your best interest to be prepared to participate.
Obviously you need to have a book for sale on Amazon. Because this is a “match” program, you need to offer both the print and Kindle versions of the book. That means that if you been procrastinating, now is the time to finish your book!
Regardless of which version you already offer on Amazon, you will need both versions.
You can easily create the print version of your book with CreateSpace, Amazon’s printing division. All you need in order to create a print book is the digital file of your book contents, plus a front and back cover.
Regardless of the number of pages in your book, you can print it on CreateSpace. You can even use the built-in cover creator if you need to, although you would be better served paying a cover designer to create a more professional cover for you.
For the Kindle version of your book, use the same front cover and the same digital contents file. Using the same cover will make it easy to identify in the marketplace.
Keep in mind that there is a difference in formatting your book for Kindle versus CreateSpace. On Kindle, the contents need to be adaptable for varying sizes of fonts and margins whereas on the print version you can use page numbers, special formatting, and graphics. So take some time to modify the contents file for each version of the book.
Once the two versions of your book have been published, you will need to enroll in the Matchbook program. Do that in the KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) program. As you join the Matchbook program you will be asked to specify the price of your Kindle book when sold under the Matchbook program, so be prepared to make that choice.
The Early Mover Advantage
Amazon has traditionally brought out new programs with a bang. Those who are poised for success will be able to take advantage of additional promotions and possible bonuses offered.
Follow the guidelines in this article and you will be ready when the program goes live. While at this writing the program launch date is not yet set, the sooner you get ready the more likely you are to profit from the Matchbook program’s early success.
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Dr. Jeanette Cates is an Internet Strategist who works with experts and small business owners to leverage their expertise into Online Success. As a Best-Selling Amazon author, she has written multiple books. See her books at BooksByJeanette.com
Wow! What a great opportunity for an additional revenue stream with little to no effort. Personally I love the idea as I prefer the Kindle version, but often need books for a class.
Thanks for the early heads up, Jeanette!
Theresa 😎
I agree. Just this week I wanted the print version of a book but wanted it NOW to read as I was traveling. If this had been available I would gladly have paid an extra dollar or two to get both. Instead, I opted for the Kindle version – but really wanted both.
So while you might not want all of your books in both versions, it’s really nice to have a choice.
This is exciting news. Time to update and/or delete a bit of content, and find someone to do a Create Space cover for each of my books. They seem pretty specific about what is on the front, back,and spine when it comes to the cover.
I’ve just added one of my titles to CreateSpace and yes, there are specific procedures and guidelines to follow. But use the resources you have at your fingertips – ask questions in AskJeanetteCates.com, send work to Fiverr and your webmaster. Just because you are starting a new procedures doesn’t mean you don’t already have the expertise on your team!