Your book is more than just a product on Amazon—it’s a brand, a movement, and a business waiting to expand.
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is an excellent platform for self-publishing, but relying solely on Amazon can limit your book’s full potential. If you want to scale your book business, increase revenue, and build a long-term brand, you need to explore additional streams of income beyond Amazon.
Many successful authors have transformed their books into multiple income-generating assets by leveraging different platforms, formats, and marketing strategies. In this guide, we’ll break down actionable ways to scale your book business beyond Amazon and create a sustainable author brand.
Why You Shouldn’t Depend Solely on Amazon
Amazon provides a great starting point, but it also has limitations:
- Competition is fierce—millions of books are listed on Amazon, making visibility a challenge.
- Limited control—Amazon controls pricing, promotions, and audience engagement.
- Revenue restrictions—KDP royalties are good, but selling through other channels can yield higher profits.
- Algorithm changes—Amazon’s ranking system can shift overnight, affecting your sales.
To build a thriving book business, diversification is key. Let’s explore how you can expand your reach, increase your earnings, and turn your book into a business empire.
1. Sell Your Book on Multiple Platforms
Instead of restricting your book to Amazon KDP, distribute it through various online retailers. Some of the best options include:
- Barnes & Noble Press – Sell your book through Barnes & Noble’s online store and physical bookstores.
- Apple Books – Reach millions of Apple users with ebooks and audiobooks.
- Kobo Writing Life – Sell internationally, especially in Canada and Europe.
- Google Play Books – Tap into Android users and Google’s massive search engine.
- Draft2Digital – Distribute your book to multiple platforms at once, including Kobo, Apple, and library networks.
Expanding beyond Amazon allows you to reach a global audience and earn from different sources.
2. Create a Print Version for Direct Sales
While ebooks dominate online sales, print books remain in demand. Selling physical copies can significantly boost your revenue. Consider these strategies:
- Order Author Copies in Bulk – Use Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or local printers to order bulk copies at a lower price.
- Sell Directly on Your Website – Use platforms like Shopify, Gumroad, or WooCommerce to process orders.
- Offer Signed Copies – Readers love personalized autographs, which can justify a higher price point.
- Bundle Books with Bonuses – Add workbooks, exclusive videos, or live Q&A sessions to make your print copies more valuable.
Selling directly gives you better control over pricing and customer relationships.
3. Turn Your Book into an Audiobook
Audiobooks are a rapidly growing market, with millions of readers preferring to listen rather than read. Platforms like Audible, Findaway Voices, and Google Play Audiobooks allow you to publish and distribute your audiobook worldwide.
You can record your audiobook yourself or hire a professional narrator through:
- ACX (Audible’s audiobook platform)
- Findaway Voices (distributes to more than 40 audiobook platforms)
- Voices.com (connects authors with professional narrators)
An audiobook expands your audience and creates an additional revenue stream.
4. Sell Your Book Directly on Your Website
Owning your customer data is crucial for long-term success. Instead of relying only on Amazon, set up your own author website where readers can buy directly from you.
Use platforms like:
- Shopify – Build an online store for ebooks, paperbacks, and merchandise.
- Gumroad – Sell digital and physical products directly to customers.
- Payhip – A simple solution for selling ebooks and courses.
By selling on your own site, you:
- Keep 100% of the profits (no Amazon commissions).
- Build direct relationships with your audience.
- Capture emails for future marketing and book launches.
5. Repurpose Your Book into a Course or Coaching Program
Your book contains valuable knowledge—why not expand on it? Many authors turn their books into online courses, membership programs, or coaching services.
Here’s how:
- Convert key chapters into lessons – Add worksheets, videos, or live Q&A sessions.
- Host an online course – Use Teachable, Thinkific, or Podia to create an educational experience.
- Offer group coaching – Charge for weekly or monthly coaching sessions based on your book’s topic.
- Launch a paid membership community – Create an exclusive space where readers can learn from you directly.
Courses and coaching provide high-ticket income, making them a powerful way to scale your book business.
6. Land Speaking Engagements and Workshops
If your book provides valuable insights, you can position yourself as a thought leader in your industry. Many authors get paid to speak at conferences, corporate events, and online summits.
Start by:
- Pitching event organizers in your niche.
- Creating a speaker page on your website with testimonials and topics.
- Offering free workshops to build credibility and attract paid opportunities.
- Partnering with businesses or schools that align with your book’s message.
Speaking engagements not only bring in revenue but also help sell more books.
7. Get Your Book into Bookstores and Libraries
Beyond online sales, physical bookstores and libraries are excellent avenues for exposure. While Amazon doesn’t automatically distribute to these places, you can manually pitch your book to:
- Independent bookstores – Contact local bookshops and offer to do an author event.
- Libraries – Use IngramSpark or OverDrive to get your book into library catalogs.
- Book wholesalers – Companies like Baker & Taylor and Ingram Content Group distribute books to retailers.
Libraries and bookstores introduce your work to new audiences and add credibility to your brand.
8. Build a Strong Email List for Future Book Sales
Your email list is one of your most valuable assets as an author. Unlike social media, where algorithms control reach, an email list gives you direct access to your readers.
To grow your list:
- Offer a free lead magnet – A free ebook, worksheet, or exclusive content in exchange for email signups.
- Create an opt-in page – Use ConvertKit, Mailchimp, or MailerLite to collect emails.
- Engage with your subscribers – Send newsletters, book updates, and exclusive deals.
A strong email list ensures that when you release your next book, you already have an audience eager to buy.
Final Thoughts
Scaling your book business beyond Amazon isn’t just about making more money—it’s about creating a sustainable author career. By diversifying your platforms, repurposing your content, and engaging directly with your audience, you can build a book empire that lasts.
Which of these strategies do you plan to implement first? Share your thoughts in the comments below!