The Sell More Books Show: Book Marketing, Digital Publishing and Kindle News, Tools and Advice · Bryan Cohen and H. Claire Taylor: Self Publishing Author Entrepreneurs

Episode 595 - KU Books in Libraries with Kelsie Hoss

·29 min·2 clips

Kelsie Ho explains why Amazon's new library policy is a clever PR move to retain readers.

This episode of the Sell More Books Show features host Brian Cohen and guest Kelsie Haas, a successful romance author known for her direct sales and warehouse operations. They discuss recent industry news and share practical strategies for author business management. The central news story is a reported policy shift allowing Kindle Unlimited-enrolled books to be distributed to public libraries, as shared by author Elena Johnson. Johnson detailed a Zoom call with her Amazon representative confirming the change, though Amazon has not made an official public announcement. Many in the self-publishing community, including commentator James Blatch, advise authors to proceed with caution and obtain written confirmation from KDP before acting. Haas views this as a strategic public relations move by Amazon to extend its market reach without threatening its exclusivity model. She argues libraries are not direct competitors because they facilitate borrowing, not purchasing or subscribing. The conversation shifts to practical advice for authors seeking library placement, suggesting resources like the Wide for the Win Facebook group and building relationships with local librarians. Haas reveals her creative "scratch and dent" sales for slightly damaged author copies, offering readers discounted books. Cohen shares an anecdote about an author who sold books for future delivery at a signing, using branded bags to solve a customer carrying problem. Haas explains her highly structured, long-term launch planning, which involves completing books 90 days early to coordinate special editions and audiobook releases. She emphasizes that her motivation stems from strategic goals rather than fleeting inspiration, aiming for celebratory rather than chaotic launch days. Cohen contrasts this with his own preference for immediate publication, highlighting the importance of aligning business strategies with personal joy. Haas also details her approach to taking time off, planning vacations during quiet business periods and negotiating writing time with her husband to ensure both enjoy their breaks. The episode maintains a conversational and educational tone, blending industry analysis with personal anecdotes and actionable tips. Listeners interested in the business mechanics of self-publishing, especially regarding distribution channels and operational scaling, will find this episode valuable. Authors who prefer narrative-driven or purely craft-focused content might find the business-centric discussion less engaging.

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