You may have seen books marketed as “Free in Kindle Unlimited,” but what does that mean?
Kindle Unlimited is a $11.99 monthly subscription service offering access to digital books, audiobooks, comics, and magazines through Amazon. Users can borrow up to 20 titles at a time with no due dates, accessible on Kindles, smartphones, computers, and tablets via the Kindle app. I don’t know anyone enrolled in KU.
Authors enrolled in KDP Select (Kindle Direct Publishing) earn royalties based on the number of pages read by subscribers, not the number of books borrowed. The payment amount fluctuates monthly and is determined by “a portion of a global fund that Amazon allocates.” While the exact per-page rate varies, it generally falls between $0.004 and $0.005.
KU can expose books to a new audience that might not otherwise find them, especially if the authors are not well-known. I think that’s how readers find the Leora books, and they’ve been reading them steadily again now that summer is winding down.
KU readers have read nearly 8000 pages of Leora books so far this month, over half of them in Leora’s Dexter Stories, the dear Depression Era book–in blue on the chart. Next is the WWII family story, Leora’s Letters (in gold), with less then half the pages read of Dexter Stories.
We live in amazing times, where people across the globe can learn about the remarkable times Grandma Leora here in the middle of Iowa!
Do you read many books on a Kindle or Nook?
When it was on sale, I preordered Dan Walsh’s new ebook, Scandal at the Belmont. I just listened to and interview in which he warned Kindle Unlimited readers that the book (comes out Saturday, August 30) that it will be on KU so not to order it and pay more.
I love how knowledgeable and proficient you are, Joy. The fact that you can monitor your readership around the world is fascinating! I’m pretty old school and don’t read much via Kindle, but I love the fast access of digital books. Cheers to you for always sharing your insights with us! Hugs! 🥰
Thank you, Vicki. I discover things just being nosy. I leave reviews on BookBub and discovered ebooks recommended by authors I followed which were sometimes free or just 99 Cents!
Love how well you keep me connected and informed, Joy. Such a gift and a blessing! Sending Thursday morning hugs. 💕🥰💕
I do read some ebooks, but much prefer hard copy. It’s interesting to see how KU exposes your books. Strange royalty set-up!
I prefer hard copies as well but we’re heavily into downsizing these days, but I discovered discounted ebooks recommended by authors I follow on BookBub (I leave reviews there, handy to share to Twitter/X). I agree about the royalty setup. Good thing I’m not trying to make a living at this, huh!
I read a lot on KU, more than I thought I would. New authors, new genres, new inspiration.
Joy, how are you and your favourite Guy doing? Any improvement?
Aha, a KU subscriber. Perhaps I should be. We’re limping along, September filling up with appointments, doing okay. Thankful. How are you doing?
As I say to my friends at church on Sunday mornings, “I’m here, upright and moving.” The alternative is really unattractive. It’s unlikely that shoulder surgery that will greatly improve my condition won’t happen before Christmas. Grin, bear it and pray, I guess.
Have the infusions helped at all?
My reverse shoulder replacement was as Covid was breaking out. Not perfect, but useful! Infusions, only mildly. The first one gave up after 10 days, still 4 days to go. Then I learned that some don’t get any relief from the first one, so I quit whining. I’m “limping” since the next one isn’t until the 8th, but recognize when I need to drop back to liquids and Pepto Bismol. Hey, I know how to do that!
I’m not surprised at how well the two Leora books are doing on KU. I tend to read in bed at night, and I find it easier on my Kindle.
Mine is the Kindle Fire which is a little bulky. Is the regular one light weight?
I have a Kindle Fire, as well. I just finished reading a 600+ paperback. It was very unwieldy!
I bet!
It’s good that your Leora books are doing well under KU, Joy. Thank you for the information. I’ve thought about the KU deal because my Kindle is limited in how many books it can hold, but I’m so focused on my responsibilities now that my reading is very limited.
KU won’t make a writer wealthy. I think those 8000 pages comes to $32, but the family story is being shared.
This is interesting, Joy, but I haven’t entered the kindle world yet. I’m in a book collecting phase right now, and my bookcase is bursting at the seams. 🙂 Also, too much time on the screen hurts my eyes. It’s wonderful to hear how well your books are doing. 💞
Thank you, Lauren. I have bookshelves in every room in the house and loved having books that I hadn’t even read yet! But life happens, debilitating health issues arrive, so we’re downsizing as fast as we can after living in the same house for 50 years (and the shape we’re in). I’ve decided to enjoy finding good homes for my precious books. And Dan Walsh’s new one (Scandal at the Belmont) was on sale on Kindle before being released today! I still prefer a real book though!