Listen up, I get it—Amazon takes a percentage of your book sales, and that can feel like a gut punch. But here’s the reality check: Amazon is a powerhouse—you are not (yet!). They’re a global brand that millions of people trust to deliver exactly what they’re looking for. You? You’re still trying to get known. So why would you walk away from a platform that’s practically doing the heavy lifting for you?
Amazon doesn’t just sell your book. They’re handling your marketing, fulfillment, and promoting you to their huge customer base. You get your own Author Page, your book shows up in their email recommendations, and they add your book to cart suggestions when people buy similar titles. That’s a level of exposure you can’t replicate easily. They’ve built an audience, they’ve built a system—and you get to use it.
Sure, you could try to build your own platform, but do you have millions to spend? Because that’s what it’s going to take to create something that rivals the exposure Amazon provides. So instead of griping about their fees, think of it as paying for a global marketing and distribution machine. Amazon is a tool, not a threat. Use it smartly.
Turn Your Book Into a Sales Funnel
Here’s the secret: don’t make your book the end goal—make it a gateway to sell more. When readers finish your book, drive them to your website where you offer consulting services, online courses, merchandise, or speaking engagements. Your book should be a vehicle for other streams of income, not just a one-time sale. Amazon’s reach can be the key that opens the door to your full range of offerings. Think big picture, not just book sales.
Marketing Isn’t a One-Time Thing—It’s a Lifestyle
If you think marketing stops after your book launch, I’m going to be real with you: you’re in for a rude awakening. Marketing is a constant, ongoing effort. You need to be showing up in front of your audience every single month. That means getting featured in newspapers, magazines, radio shows, podcasts, TV—whatever you can get into. Your name should be out there so much that people can’t help but notice. And please, for the love of all things PR, stop thinking Facebook is enough. OMG. Facebook is an amplifier, not the engine of your marketing. It can boost what you’re doing, but it is NOT a strategy on its own.
Keep Learning—Stay Hungry for New Marketing Ideas
If you want to make waves, you’ve got to stay sharp. Read marketing books regularly. And I’m not talking about fluff—get practical. I personally love the “Dummies” books because they’re simple, actionable, and full of steps you can use right away. But also dig into works by Daymond John or Gary Vee if you’re ready to really understand how to build customer loyalty and stay ahead of the game. Marketing evolves, and if you’re not constantly learning, you’re falling behind.
Know Your Audience—and Get In Front of Them
Here’s the bottom line: know who you’re trying to reach and figure out how to add value to their lives. That means getting your name out there—and not just on social media, but in real, reputable media outlets. You need to be showing up in the press, in features, in interviews—online and offline. That’s how you become a household name. Social media is cool, but real media placements build long-term credibility.
So if you’re still hung up on Amazon’s fees, it’s time to shift your thinking. Instead of focusing on what they take, focus on what they give—an audience, exposure, credibility, and access to a global market. That’s priceless.
Get your book out there. Keep marketing, keep learning, and keep showing up—because that’s how you turn your book into a brand and your brand into a business.
