What is Direct-to-Reader?
Direct-to-reader distribution allows you to sell ebooks directly from your own website, keeping higher royalties and building direct relationships with readers.
Benefits
- Higher royalties: Earn 82% of list price (vs 45-70% through stores)
- Reader data: Capture email addresses for marketing
- Direct relationship: Build your own audience
- Price control: Set prices and run promotions independently
- Exclusive content: Offer bonuses (deleted scenes, extras)
How It Works
- Enable Direct-to-Reader in Distribution tab
- Set your Direct-to-Reader price in Pricing tab
- Shelf Indulgence provides a unique purchase link
- Add link to your website, social media, newsletter
- Readers purchase and download instantly
Pricing Strategy
Consider these options for direct-to-reader pricing:
- Match retail: Same as Apple/Kobo prices
- Slight discount: $0.50-$1.00 less to incentivize
- Premium with extras: Higher price with bonus content
Marketing Direct Sales
- Promote in your newsletter
- Social media posts highlighting benefits (support the author directly)
- Add purchase button to author website
- Include link in book back matter
- Offer exclusive short stories for direct buyers
File Delivery
When readers purchase directly:
- Instant download link provided
- File can then be transferred to e-readers