Editing Openai/6929d771-fc30-8010-ba46-601b29411176 (section)

=== Assistant: Perfect — here’s a clear decision flowchart you can use when deciding between Amazon exclusivity KDP Select and “wide” … ===
Perfect — here’s a clear decision flowchart you can use when deciding between Amazon exclusivity (KDP Select) and “wide” distribution (multiple platforms):

==== 📊 Ebook Publishing Flowchart ====

Step 1: What’s your main goal?

➡️ Maximize royalties from Amazon readers
 ⤷ Consider KDP Select (ebook exclusive to Amazon).
* Benefits: Kindle Unlimited (KU) page reads, 70% royalty in some regions, extra promo tools (Countdown Deals, Free Promotions).
* Limitation: Can’t publish ebook on Apple, Kobo, Google Play, etc. for 90 days at a time.
* Paperback/Hardback: Free to publish elsewhere.

➡️ Reach the widest audience worldwide
 ⤷ Go wide (non-exclusive).
* Use Draft2Digital, PublishDrive, or direct upload to Apple, Kobo, Google, B&N.
* You miss out on KU, but gain exposure in multiple ecosystems, plus libraries.
* Easier to build a long-term author brand outside Amazon.

➡️ Build a direct relationship with readers
 ⤷ Go wide + direct sales.
* Sell ebooks via Gumroad, Payhip, or your own site (highest royalties, keep emails).
* Still list on Amazon and major retailers for visibility.

==== 📚 Paperbacks & Hardbacks ====
* Always non-exclusive on Amazon — you can publish print with IngramSpark, Lulu, B&N Press at the same time.
* Many authors use Amazon for cheap printing + IngramSpark for bookstore/library reach.

==== ⚖️ Quick Summary ====
* Choose KDP Select (exclusive) if:  ✔ You want Kindle Unlimited readers (big in romance, litRPG, genre fiction).  ✔ Amazon sales are 90%+ of your audience.  ✔ You want Amazon promo tools.
* Choose Wide if:  ✔ You want to reach global readers (Apple, Kobo, Google Play, libraries).  ✔ You’re building a long-term brand, not just chasing KU page reads.  ✔ You want direct sales & control over pricing.

👉 Do you want me to actually draw this as a visual flowchart graphic so you can use it in your publishing notes (or even as a quick-reference guide)?