Books2Read: A Valuable Resource for Indie Authors Going Wide
Diversify Your Publishing Strategy and Reach More Readers
As an aspiring or emerging indie author in the ever-evolving landscape of digital publishing, understanding and utilizing the Books2Read service is key in making the process of “going wide” easier for you as well as your readers.
Books2Read, developed by Draft2Digital, offers several essential tools for indie authors, including Universal Book Links (UBLs), Author Pages, and New Release Notifications. The UBL feature is particularly significant as it allows authors to create a single link for their book that directs readers to various online bookstores. This not only simplifies the sharing process but also significantly enhances discoverability across multiple platforms.
Going wide in publishing refers to distributing and selling books across multiple platforms, rather than limiting sales to a single outlet like Amazon. This strategy offers several key advantages:
Reduced Dependency on Single Platforms: While platforms like Amazon have pioneered self-publishing and provided a livelihood for many authors, relying solely on one platform can be risky. Monopolies may dictate terms and limit your freedom as an author. Going wide helps in diversifying income sources and reduces dependency on a single entity.
Enhanced Discoverability: Having your books available on multiple platforms is essential for long-term, sustainable career growth as an indie author. While Amazon is a major player in the US and UK, other platforms and devices have significant market shares in other English-speaking and non-English-speaking countries. Going wide ensures that your books are available to a global audience.
Meeting Reader Preferences: Different readers have varied preferences in terms of formats and platforms. By going wide, you cater to readers who are loyal to platforms like Barnes & Noble's Nook, Kobo e-readers, or Apple devices. Exclusivity to a single platform like Amazon might mean missing out on these potential readers.
While going wide offers numerous benefits, it also adds complexity to your publishing process. Each platform has its own requirements, and managing them can be time-consuming, especially for authors with multiple titles. However, the potential income maximization and audience reach often justify the effort, and free services like Books2Read certainly simplify this process.
Simply listing your book on various platforms isn't enough. A comprehensive sales and marketing strategy is crucial to making the most out of going wide. This involves understanding the different market dynamics and promotional opportunities on each platform.
As an indie author, leveraging Books2Read's Universal Book Links can make your work accessible to a wider audience much easier. The video below will show you how to get started with this valuable resource.
However, the decision to go wide should be backed by a strategic approach that includes understanding different platforms, managing time effectively, and having a solid marketing plan in place. This approach will not only enhance your book's discoverability but also provide greater control over your publishing journey.
Here are a couple of other resources to consider if “going wide” is in your future:
Mark Leslie Lefebvre’s book, Wide for the Win: Strategies to Sell Globally via Multiple Platforms and Forge Your Own Path to Success.