How Amazon is Creating Opportunities in Multiple Markets for Self-published Authors
By: Kimberly Grant
Being a self-published author isn’t easy. There’s a lot of emotional rewards, but not much monetary rewards; yet. It can be lonely at times. More than a decade ago, a self-published author was limited in reach to their town and which ever city they can visit or call to get their books in bookstores. In essence, your reach as a self-published author was contingent on your personal bank account.
Factoring in the Globe
Thankfully, the global marketplace has become more accessible. As you know, I have self-published exclusively on Amazon; five novels and counting. Amazon, once the little company that could and now a global leader in ecommerce. Amazon, the company that has taken the impossible and made it possible and within reach.
Once upon a time, self-published authors could not dare to have their books published in multiple languages and in multiple countries without the backing of a friend or colleague with deep pockets (or a publishing house that takes a chance on them). There are four elements to consider when entering the global marketplace:
- International trading system: restrictions that are placed on trade when selling in another country.
- Economic environment: factoring in a country’s industrial structure and income distribution before selling in that country.
- Political/legal environment: a country’s attitude toward buying, like government bureaucracy and political stability.
- Cultural environment: a country’s norms and behaviors that contribute to their reactions to international marketing.
Welcome to the 21st Century
All of the above seems like a juggling act that one lone novelist would not be able to tackle. The above requires a team of people who know what they’re doing. Otherwise, getting a self-published novel in a country like Italy, would be impossible. And, then there’s the global marketplace that is Amazon.
Alert: This is not an endorsement; just merely a sharing of experience. As a self-published author in the KDP sphere, I have the option of self-publishing my novels – digital download and paperback – in multiple languages at no additional cost. While it is good for each self-published author to consider other countries and their cultures when deciding on entering their markets, most of the work is already done for me.
Making the Smart Move to Global Reach
It may seem like I’m just spouting about how great Amazon is because I’m earning a product placement fee. Unfortunately, Amazon is not paying me for this post. I’m just highly satisfied that people in places like the United Kingdom, Italy, and even India can enjoy my work without me having to pay a team of lawyers, marketers, and lobbyists to get it done. Amazon takes care of all of that on its own.
While my bank account hasn’t enjoyed the fruits of my labor, my global reach has. As we continue down the path of global accessibility, my reach will only get better and better. It gives me something to look forward to. Access to the global marketplace is also a badge of honor that every self-published author can brag about; thanks to Amazon.
If you want to know more about the joys of self-publishing, you can read my last post here.
