What is KDP Select & Should You Enroll?

If you’re an author or even someone just thinking about publishing your first book, you’ve probably heard about KDP Select. But what exactly is it? And more importantly—should you actually enroll your book in it? 🤔

Let’s break it down in plain, simple words so you don’t have to scratch your head over Amazon’s long explanations.

What KDP Select Really Means
KDP Select is basically a special program inside Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform. When you join, you give Amazon the exclusive right to sell your ebook for a period of 90 days. That’s the core idea—exclusivity.

Now, in exchange for that exclusivity, Amazon gives you a bunch of benefits like:

• Your book gets included in Kindle Unlimited (KU).

• Readers who subscribe to KU can borrow and read your book.

• You can run cool promotions like “Free Book Days” or “Countdown Deals.”

• You may also earn higher royalties in some countries.

So the deal is: Amazon gets exclusivity, and you get extra perks.

The Exclusivity Part (The Big Catch)
Here’s the catch you need to know. When you enroll in KDP Select, your ebook cannot be sold anywhere else. That means:

• No Apple Books 📱

• No Google Play Books 📚

• No Kobo, Nook, or Smashwords

• Not even your own website (in digital format)

You can still sell your paperback or audiobook wherever you like, but the ebook must remain only on Amazon during those 90 days.

The Benefits of KDP Select (Why Authors Love It)
Some authors swear by KDP Select, and honestly, the benefits are pretty tempting:

1. Kindle Unlimited Exposure – Millions of readers are KU subscribers. If your book is there, people can discover you more easily.

2. Royalties from Page Reads – With KU, you earn money based on the number of pages readers actually read (measured through KENP).

3. Promotional Tools – You can run free promotions or countdown deals which can boost downloads and reviews.

4. Better Discoverability – Amazon tends to favor KDP Select books in search results.

5. Global Reach – Your book can reach readers in countries where Amazon is popular, even if you’re a new author.

The Downsides (Why Some Avoid It)
Not everyone is a fan, though. Here are the common reasons some authors skip it:

• Loss of Control – You’re tied to Amazon for 90 days.

• No Other Platforms – If you wanted to sell on Apple or Kobo, you can’t.

• Risk of Dependency – If your sales don’t pick up on Amazon, you can’t try other marketplaces until the period ends.

• Revenue Fluctuations – KU page-read rates change monthly, so income can be unstable.

KDP Select vs. Wide Publishing
Authors often debate between going “All In” with Amazon (KDP Select) or going “Wide” (publishing everywhere). Let’s compare:

So it comes down to whether you want fast exposure through Amazon or long-term independence across platforms.

Who Should Enroll in KDP Select?
KDP Select is great if:

• You’re a new author and want quick visibility.

• You’re writing in popular genres like romance, thriller, fantasy (these do well on KU).

• You don’t want the hassle of managing multiple platforms yet.

• You want to test the waters before going wide.

Who Should Skip It?
You might avoid KDP Select if:

• You already have an audience outside Amazon.

• You want to build income from different sources.

• You dislike being tied down to one company.

• Your genre isn’t popular on KU (like academic or niche nonfiction).

Should You Enroll? My Honest Take
Here’s the thing—there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. If you’re brand new, enrolling in KDP Select for at least one 90-day period can give your book momentum. You’ll learn a lot about your readers and Amazon’s system.

But if you’re thinking long term—say you want your books available in libraries, schools, or international platforms—then going wide might make more sense.

A balanced approach could be: start with KDP Select, then go wide later once you have an audience.

Real Talk: The Money Side 💰
Many new authors think KU page reads will make them rich. Let’s be real—it doesn’t work that way for everyone.

Amazon pays per page read, not per book borrowed. In 2025, the payout rate is roughly $0.004 – $0.005 per page.

So if your book is 300 pages and someone reads it all, you might earn about $1.20 – $1.50. Compare that to selling your ebook outright for $2.99 with a 70% royalty (around $2 per sale).

It’s not worse, it’s not better—it just depends on how readers consume your book.

Some Practical Tips if You Join KDP Select

• Use the Free Book Days strategically to get reviews.

• Try Countdown Deals to increase visibility.

• Always check your KENP (pages read) to see what’s working.

• Don’t keep your book stuck in KDP Select forever if it’s not performing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I leave KDP Select before 90 days?
No, once you enroll, you’re locked in for that period.

Q2: Can I still sell paperback copies outside Amazon?
Yes, paperbacks and audiobooks aren’t restricted. Only ebooks are exclusive.

Q3: Do all genres do well on KDP Select?
Not really. Fiction (romance, thriller, fantasy) usually does best. Academic and niche nonfiction may not get as many KU readers.

Q4: Can I re-enroll after 90 days?
Yes, you can keep renewing if you want.

Q5: Do I lose rights to my book by joining?
No, you keep all rights. Amazon only asks for exclusivity during the enrollment period.

Want a complete overview before starting? 👉 Check out the KDP Explained: Beginners Ultimate Guide.

Final Words
So, should you enroll in KDP Select? The short answer: if you’re new, give it a shot. It can be a solid launchpad. But don’t treat it like the only option forever.

Publishing is about experimenting, learning, and finding what works best for your style, your genre, and your readers. And remember—Amazon is powerful, but your author career shouldn’t depend on one company alone.

👉 Start small, test results, then decide whether to stay exclusive or spread your wings wide.