Amazon Raises KDP Printing Costs For Self-Publishers: How To Minimize Impact

Amazon announced that it would be raising the cost of printing books for authors publishing paperback and hardcopy books through Amazon. Kindle books will not be affected, according to Amazon's statement that was sent to authors and publishers in June of 2023. The rise in publishing cost will go into effect on June 20, 2023. Amazon's decision is due to the rising cost of labor, materials, and suppliers, according to its statement.

Exactly what the cost increase will be remains unknown

Books with larger trim sizes will see a price increase, as well as all hardcopy and paperback books. Amazon suggests that authors increase the price of their books to ensure their royalties remain the same. Authors who don't make these changes will see a decrease in royalties once the printing cost increases are implemented on June twentieth.

Exactly what the cost increase will be remains unknown. In its statement, Amazon recommends that publishers go to the price page on each of their books ahead of the cost increase, take note of how much the book is listed for before (in case you don't have it recorded) and revisit the price page after the cost increase on June 20, 2023 at 12:00AM UTC. If you'd like to keep your same royalties, increase the price of each book to match the cost increase that Amazon implemented for KDP printing.

Tips on how to minimize the impact of Amazon's KDP printing cost increases:

• Avoid large trim size books: 6.12 inches x 9 inches or larger

• Raise the cost of your paperback and hardcopy books by the same percent increase to avoid impacting your royalties

• Use the opportunity to create urgency and drive sales ahead of the price increase: "Order your copy now before prices go up 6/20/23"

• Build trust and reputation with your readers by announcing that you will not be raising the cost of your books, even though Amazon is

Learn more about the changes in Amazon's KDP printing costs on its website here.