The Amazon Book Marketing/ Publishing Graveyard– an Ongoing List of Discontinued Programs (Plus a Brainstorm!)

In case you don’t read your Kindle author newsletter (and why would you, really?), Amazon’s Kindle Vella program is about to be ding dong dead.

Amazon has discontinued several programs related to books over the years, and this is our running list of those. These programs often catered to niche audiences or provided specific tools and opportunities for authors and readers.  Some of them failed because they were dumb (like StarMeter), and some failed because Amazon didn’t publicize them enough (like MatchBook, which was and still is a great idea), and some got subsumed into other (hopefully better) programs like Kindle Unlimited.

Here’s an overview of some notable discontinued Amazon book-related programs:


1. Amazon Giveaways
(2015 – 2019)

  • What it Was: Allowed authors and creators to host giveaways for books or other items directly on Amazon.
  • What It Did: It was a way for authors to promote their books and increase visibility by encouraging social shares and participation.
  • Why It Was Discontinued: Amazon retired the program in October 2019, likely due to limited adoption or profitability.
  • The Workaround:  If your readers loved giveaways, keep doing them by using KingSumo, Gleam, or Rafflecopter.  Of course, never do a giveaway without having a solid reader magnet/ email signup in the book you are giving away!  That goes without saying, right?  RIGHT?!

2. Kindle Scout/ Kindle Press
(2014 – 2018) 

  • What it Was: A crowdsourcing platform where authors submitted manuscripts, and readers voted on which ones should be published under Kindle Press.
  • What It Did: It gave authors a chance at traditional-like publishing with Amazon’s support, while readers could participate in the selection process.
  • Why It Was Discontinued: Kindle Scout program ended in April 2018. Amazon shifted focus toward other publishing initiatives and Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). For some unknown reason (even thought Amazon is still perfectly capable of offering publishing services), Kindle Press was also discontinued at this time.
  • A Workaround:  The “crowdsourcing” element could be handled by a GoFundMe, I suppose. Joanna Penn covers author GoFundMes in more depth if that interests you.
  • A Word of Caution:  There’s really no workaround for this, as Amazon is just not offering publishing services anymore. However, I do just want to make you aware of a scam in the vanity press industry that developed after this program closed:  the “Amazon Publishing” problem. This is when a vanity press will use the name “Amazon Professional Publishers” or a similar name to give authors the impression that they are working with Amazon. Just for the record, AMAZON DOES NOT OFFER PUBLISHING SERVICES, so do not give your money to any company that represents themselves in this way is trying to scam you. Here is a whole Reddit post where you can read more about some of those.

3. Amazon Author Central Customer Discussions
Discontinued in 2018

  • What it Was: A forum where readers could discuss books with authors through that author’s Author Central page.
  • What It Did: It facilitated direct interaction between authors and readers.
  • Why It Was Discontinued: Amazon removed the feature, citing low engagement and a shift toward more modern methods of author-reader interaction, like social media. I think this is dumb. I feel like they were just sick of dealing with authors bugging them (just my conspiraspeculation).

4. Amazon MatchBook

  • What it Was: Allowed customers to purchase discounted Kindle versions of books they had already purchased in print.
  • Why It Mattered: It was a win-win for readers who wanted both physical and digital copies and for authors seeking more sales.
  • Why It Was Discontinued: Amazon ended the program in 2019, likely due to insufficient usage.
  • The Workaround:  Offer the matching eBook for free to people who buy your print books. It’s a good way to get email subscribers.  I wrote all about that right here.

5. Kindle Worlds

  • What it Was: A platform where authors could write and sell fan fiction based on licensed worlds (e.g., “The Vampire Diaries” or “G.I. Joe”).
  • Why It Mattered: It legitimized fan fiction as a publishing model, allowing authors to earn royalties and reach established fanbases.
  • Why It Was Discontinued: Ended in August 2018 due to declining participation and possibly challenges in managing licensing agreements.

6. CreateSpace

  • What it Was: Amazon’s self-publishing platform for print-on-demand books before it was absorbed into Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).
  • Why It Mattered: It was a user-friendly way for authors to publish and distribute physical books.
  • Why It Was Discontinued: Merged into KDP in 2018 to streamline Amazon’s self-publishing services.
  • The Workaround:  You don’t really need one because this just got folded into KDP, but some alternatives to Amazon book publishing are:  IngramSpark, Barnes & Noble,

7. Amazon Unlimited Lending Library (for Prime Members)
(2011 – 2014)

  • What it Was: Offered Prime members the ability to borrow one Kindle book per month from a selection of titles.
  • Why It Mattered: Provided an incentive for authors enrolled in KDP Select and allowed readers to discover books without buying them outright.
  • Why It Was Discontinued: Replaced by Kindle Unlimited, a subscription-based service with broader access to titles.
  • The Workaround: Put your book in Kindle Unlimited, but don’t put it in there without a solid reader magnet/ email signup! If you’re going to limit your reach like that, you better get something good in return!

8. Starmeter on Author Central
(R.I.P 2016)

  • What it Was: A ranking system based on an author’s popularity, similar to IMDb’s Starmeter for actors.
  • What It Did: Gave authors insight into their visibility and popularity.
  • Why It Was Discontinued: Removed as part of a broader overhaul of the Author Central platform, and (probably) because it was kind of lame and no one used it.
  • The Workaround:  I mean….. there really isn’t one, aside from social media, I guess?  You don’t need to be a “star author.” You need your books to be bestsellers, so use Publisher Champ to monitor your books’ rankings and sales.

9. Amazon Vine for Self-Published Books
(2007 – 2016)

  • What it Was: Allowed self-published authors to submit books for reviews by Amazon Vine members (trusted reviewers).
  • What It Did: Gave self-published authors access to professional reviews that could boost their book’s credibility.
  • Why It Was Discontinued: Amazon restricted Vine participation to larger publishers and higher-priced products, phasing out books, because why would they want to help indie authors?

10. Kindle Serials
(2012 – 2014)

  • What it Was: A platform for serialized storytelling where readers could purchase a series upfront and receive installments as they were published.
  • What It Did: Encouraged a unique format of storytelling and reader engagement.
  • Why It Was Discontinued: Removed around 2014, as interest in serialized formats diminished.

11. Amazon Storyteller
(2013 – 2015)

  • What it Was: A tool that allowed authors to turn their books into graphic novels using automated technology.
  • Why It Mattered: Made visual storytelling accessible to authors without artistic expertise.
  • Why It Was Discontinued: Amazon stopped supporting the tool, likely due to limited demand.

12. Amazon Write On
(2014 – 2017)

  • What it Was: A writing and reading community similar to Wattpad, where authors could share drafts and receive feedback from readers.
  • Why It Mattered: It created a platform for new authors to test their work with an audience before publishing.
  • Why It Was Discontinued: Shut down in 2017 due to competition from other platforms and lack of user growth. In other words, Wattpad did it better so why compete with them?
  • Workaround:  Wattpad! Especially if you are a


13. Kindle Vella
(2021 – TBD)

  • Dates: Launched in July 2021, discontinuation date TBD (not officially discontinued but has limited adoption).
  • What it Is: A platform for serialized storytelling, where readers unlock episodes using tokens.
  • Alternative/Workaround:
    • Use Radish Fiction, Wattpad, or Substack for serialized storytelling.
    • Offer serialized chapters through Patreon or via an email newsletter.
    • Publish serialized content as shorter eBooks on KDP and later compile them into a single volume.

14. The Amazon Textbook Buyback Program

  • Dates: 2011- 2020
  • What it Is: allowed customers to sell their used textbooks and other eligible books back to Amazon in exchange for Amazon gift cards.
  • Alternative/Workaround:

While these programs no longer exist, they reflect Amazon’s continuous experimentation with ways to support authors and readers. Many of these ideas live on in different forms, such as through KDP, Kindle Unlimited, and Amazon’s ongoing focus on tools for indie authors. For authors, the lesson is clear: keep adapting to the ever-changing publishing landscape.

Are You a Bestseller?

How do you know if you are a bestseller? Or more properly, whether your book is a bestseller. Well, as with many things in today’s publishing world, the answer is “that depends”. I get asked this quite often, and while this used to be a very cut and dried answer, in today’s world of Top 100 lists on every retailer’s website, that question is a bit more complex. The lists may vary by hardcover, paperback and ebook. They may vary whether they are fiction or non-fiction (it is rumored that the NY Times created the children’s book category when Harry Potter dominated). If your book isn’t in bookstores that use BookScan (run by Nielson, they provide point of sale data for books), well, that may mean you never make some lists no matter how many ebooks you sell on Amazon.

Riversong as a bestseller
Riversong at #1 – Booktrope

Here is a rundown of some of the most popular bestseller lists.

New York Times – the most traditional, and by far the most coveted by authors. Also, by far the most manipulated, and likely influenced by advertising dollars (says anecdotal evidence). According to official information, the data is based on a proprietary methodology, but is said to be derived from actual consumer sales. Interestingly, they state they do not track certain types of titles including self-published work – however, several self-published titles have appeared on the list, so it seems as though there is some flexibility in this rule.

“Among the categories not actively tracked at this time are: perennial sellers, required classroom reading, textbooks, reference and test preparation guides, journals, workbooks, calorie counters, shopping guides, comics, crossword puzzles and self-published books.”

Scroll to the bottom of the page to see the full description of the methodology.

USA Today – another traditional media source but by all appearances more universal and less arbitrary than the NY Times. They are fairly open about their methods.

From their site: 

Methodology: Each week, USA TODAY collects sales data from booksellers representing a variety of outlets: bookstore chains, independent bookstores, mass merchandisers and online retailers. Using that data, we determine the week’s 150 top-selling titles. The first 50 are published in the print version of USA TODAY each Thursday, and the top 150 are published on the USA TODAY website. Each week’s analysis reflects sales of about 2.5 million books at about 7,000 physical retail outlets in addition to books sold online.

Book formats and rankings: USA TODAY’s Best-Selling Books list ranks titles regardless of format. Each week, for each title, available sales of hardcover, paperback and e-book versions are combined. If, for example, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice sells copies in hardcover, paperback and e-book during a particular week, sales from each format would be reflected in that week’s ranking. The ISBN for the format that sold the most copies is presented with each list entry.

Digital Book World – by far the most clear about their methods (although also up front that they do not tell us everything) and as one would surmise, focused on ebooks:

The basic methodology (according to their site):

1) Best-seller rank observed from five of six top retailers (Kindle, Nook, Google, Kobo, Sony)
2) Lists observed for seven consecutive days (Sun. – Sat.)*
3) Each appearance on a list gets an unweighted score based on the ranking
4) Ranking scores are logarithmically determined (i.e. top scores are much more valuable than lower scores)
5) Each retailer weighted by approximate market share as determined by the editors of Digital Book World and Iobyte Solutions
6) Additional appearance credit is awarded for appearing on multiple lists
7) Combined scores for the week determine final score for each title
8) Titles are ranked by final scores and also grouped into sub-lists by price (four separate price-band lists: $0 – $2.99; $3.00 – $7.99; $8.00 – $9.99; and $10.00 and above)
9) Minimum price that appeared at any point during the week on any retailer is used for determine price band (assumption that low price is an important driver of ranking)

Amazon – gives no information at all about how their lists are determined, aside from being directly tied to the sales rank. They even say as much on their own site. I can tell you from experience that book sales are not the full story. Click throughs, reviews, print vs. ebook purchases, all seem to have weight. And of course, there is a free versus paid rank to consider.

iTunes – a total mystery. They don’t even tell you how many “rankings” you need before they will display them (my own experiments say “5”). One of our authors made it to their “Top Author” list, but we have no idea why, specifically. However, if you do make it to the top somehow, you will sell more books.

Nook – this is one case where sales seem to be almost the entire driver. Sell the most, top the list. (I couldn’t even find anything on their site to link to. , if you do, please tell me in Comments!)

Kobo – simple, they don’t have bestseller lists. They don’t even have reviews.

So, how do you know if you get to call yourself a bestseller? As with many things, this is primarily marketing. For me, I say someone can call themselves a bestseller, once they have made it to #1 in an overall paid listing. In other words, I wouldn’t consider a book that was #1 on the free list on Amazon to be a best seller (nothing was actually sold). I also would not make that claim if something was #1 only in its specific category, unless you make that detailed claim i.e. #1 Bestselling Erotica Title on Amazon.

I guess the real question is, does claiming to be a bestseller improve your sales? Probably not. On the other hand, being on the actual list certainly improves your visibility and that WILL improve your sales. In other words, there are no shortcuts. Do the work, get the sales.

Happy marketing!

Book Piracy – What It Is and What To Do About It

Book piracy isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a real and often disheartening challenge for self-published authors. In an industry where many of us rely on direct online sales to make a living, piracy can feel like both a financial and emotional blow. But with the right knowledge and strategies, you can minimize its impact and protect your work while maintaining your focus on growth.

What Is Book Piracy?

Book piracy is the unauthorized copying, distribution, or sale of written works. In the digital age, this usually takes the form of illegal downloads, unauthorized PDFs posted online, or eBook files shared on torrent sites. For self-published authors, piracy not only represents lost income but also risks devaluing your brand and compromising your visibility on legitimate platforms.

I do want to stop and make the distinction here– PIRACY is when someone is representing your book as their work.  This is completely different from DROPSHIPPING, which is when other people are selling your book (like on your Amazon listing).  It is a very (VERY) common first-time author mistake to confuse the two and think someone is pirating your book when they are actually just a third-party selling it.  Dropshipping is an actual legitimate business model, and those people are actually buying the book from you (through a distributor), so eventually you are going to get those royalties.

Let me explain a little more about this so you know the difference.  Here is the listing for my book “Funny You Should Ask: How to Make a Website.”

As you can see, you can buy this book for $8.99 from Amazon and it will be shipped to you by the weekend.

By the way, I’m not trying to get you to buy the book (which is why it’s not linked), I’m just trying to show you what dropshippers are because people ask me this all the time, thinking that their books are being pirated.  In fact, if you scroll down a little bit, you’ll see this:

ok, you think– no big deal, who cares.  But, check out these other sellers who appear to be selling my book!

Right, so– this is dropshippers selling my book. I don’t get their pricing and I’m not sure who would buy one of my paperbacks for $21.80 if they could get the book for $8.99, but this is DROPSHIPPING, not PIRACY.  Eventually I am going to get the money for my book that “BigNameBooks” is selling for $21.80.

I’m not talking about this.  I’m talking about another author taking your book and publishing it as their own.  That’s not what this is.  I hope that makes sense. Dropshipping is legal, piracy is not.

ok, back to our regularly scheduled informative article about piracy and how to avoid it.

Why Should Self-Published Authors Be Concerned?

  1. Loss of Revenue: Every pirated copy could represent a missed sale—or several if the file is widely shared. Although, if the pirates are lazy and don’t edit your content and you have your reader magnet and email list signup set up properly, you’ll probably still pick up some new subscribers. Just looking on the bright side!
  2. Brand Devaluation: Poorly formatted pirated copies can tarnish your professional image among readers.
  3. Security Concerns: Some pirate sites distribute malware alongside stolen content, potentially associating your name with harmful downloads.
  4. Emotional Toll: Discovering your hard work stolen can be deeply discouraging, leaving many authors feeling violated. This has happened to me before and I can verify that it super, super sucks to spend a long time writing something only to have someone else pass it off as their own work.

How Does Book Piracy Happen?

Book piracy happens in several ways:

  • File-Sharing and Torrent Sites: Once a legitimate eBook copy (in EPUB, MOBI, or PDF format) is obtained, it can be uploaded and shared illegally.
  • Unauthorized Scans: Physical copies of books may be scanned and converted into digital formats for distribution.
  • Private Sharing: Some readers share files via email or messaging apps.
  • Hacked Platforms: In rare cases, hackers gain access to an author’s accounts or retailer platforms to redistribute their entire catalog.

Strategies to Reduce Piracy Risks

While there’s no foolproof method to stop piracy entirely, there are effective strategies to reduce its likelihood and impact:

1. Use Digital Rights Management (DRM)

DRM technology limits file sharing and copying, making it harder for casual users to pirate your work. Retailers like Amazon Kindle and Apple Books offer DRM options, but note that some readers dislike DRM due to device restrictions. I’m on the fence about this one. I generally think pirates are too lazy to steal a book from a reader. I think most piracy happens from un-watermarked pdfs floating around out there (although I could be totally wrong about this, and you should turn on DRM if you want to and if it makes you feel more secure!).

2. Publish on Reputable Platforms

Platforms such as Amazon KDP, Smashwords, and Kobo Writing Life offer tools to track piracy and legal teams to issue takedown notices. Publishing through these platforms can provide additional security. If you’re going to sell direct (like from your website), you’ll need to use BookFunnel for delivery so you aren’t just selling pdf files and hoping for the best.

Which brings me to my next point (ok, it’s a rant), which is:

3.  NEVER release pdfs of your work.  I’m talking never.  Not to a friend, not to an editor, never never never ever.  I will only release a finalized version of a manuscript on BookFunnel, with watermarking. This is especially true if you haven’t published the book yet, because if you haven’t published it yet, you don’t have a copyright and it’s going to be hard to prove it belongs to you and that you wrote it first. I have an author client who this actually happened to (through one of the ARC services that I am not supposed to mention), so I cannot caution you against this enough. DO NOT upload a pdf into any service, ever ever ever!

4. Use Unique Watermarks

Embed unique identifiers in each sold copy. Watermarks can help trace the source of a pirated file. BookFunnel can do this for you.

5. Control Review Copies

Only provide ARCs (Advance Review Copies) to trusted reviewers. Services like BookFunnel allow you to limit downloads and track file access.

6. Monitor Metadata

Ensure your book’s title, keywords, and author name are correctly and uniquely registered to reduce confusion and accidental infringement.

How to Respond to Piracy

  1. DMCA Takedown Notices
    Under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, you can issue a takedown notice to sites hosting your pirated content. Check the site’s copyright policy for instructions on filing.
  2. Enlist Specialized Services
    Anti-piracy tools like Blasty and MUSO monitor the web for pirated copies and file takedown notices automatically. Evaluate whether their subscription cost fits your needs.
  3. Alert Legitimate Retailers
    If pirated copies appear alongside your official listings, notify the retailer’s support team. They’ll often act quickly to remove unauthorized listings.
  4. Make Public Statements (With Care)
    If piracy becomes widespread, a professional and calm social media post can raise awareness without alienating readers.

Balancing Piracy Concerns with Marketing

While protecting your work is important, it’s essential not to alienate your audience in the process. Heavy DRM or strict anti-piracy measures can frustrate legitimate readers, while fair pricing and accessibility can reduce piracy incentives. Focus on engaging fans and building loyalty—they’re more likely to report piracy and support you by purchasing legitimate copies.

Practical Tips & Best Practices

  • Register Your Copyright: Strengthen your legal standing by registering your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office.
  • Set Search Alerts: Tools like Google Alerts can notify you if your book is mentioned or shared online.
  • Educate Readers: Inform your audience about piracy’s impact on indie authors and direct them to legitimate purchasing channels.
  • Focus on Growth: While addressing piracy, don’t let it overshadow your main goals—keep writing, marketing, and connecting with your audience.

Final Thoughts

Book piracy is a frustrating reality of the digital marketplace, but it doesn’t have to derail your self-publishing journey. By taking proactive steps, monitoring your content, and focusing on building a loyal readership, you can minimize the impact of piracy and continue to thrive as an author. When in doubt, consult an intellectual property attorney to navigate complex legal situations.

Protect your work, stay vigilant, and most importantly—keep creating.

What Goes in an Email Onboarding Sequence?

OK!  Now that you have your email list set up and are actually getting people joining your list, let me help you turn your email list subscribers into true fans with some practical tips. When someone first joins your list to get that free book (or whatever fantabulous reader magnet you are offering), don’t just send them the download link and disappear. Think of it like making a new friend – start by introducing yourself! Share a bit about why you write and what makes you tick.

Why Would You Do This?

A good onboarding sequence:

  • Introduces Your Brand: Helps readers understand who you are, what you write, and what they can expect from your emails.
  • Builds Trust: Reinforces that signing up for your list was a great decision by offering immediate value.
  • Encourages Engagement: Guides readers to take specific actions, like downloading a free eBook, following you on social media, or leaving a review.
  • Drives Sales: Provides opportunities to promote your books or services in a way that feels natural and not overly pushy.

What works really well is a series of welcome emails that gradually build that connection. After they get their free book, maybe tell them about what inspired your stories or share some of your favorite reads. Once they’re getting comfortable, invite them to join your social media circles or reader groups. And don’t forget to ask for their thoughts on the free book – reviews help everyone!

Here’s a five-email onboarding sequence you can use as a template.  Feel free to rewrite the subject lines to reflect your personality and / or to be more specific to your niche.

Email 1: Welcome & Free Gift

  • Subject Line: “Welcome! Here’s Your Free Gift”
  • Content:
    • Thank the reader for signing up.
    • Provide the download link for your free eBook or resource.
    • Briefly introduce yourself (e.g., “I’m [Your Name], and I write [Genre].”).
    • End with a friendly invitation to reply (e.g., “I’d love to hear what you think of the book!”).

Email 2: Let’s Get to Know Each Other (Sent 1-2 Days Later)

  • Subject Line: “A Little About Me”
  • Content:
    • Share your journey as an author.
    • Explain what inspired you to write your book(s).
    • Ask an engaging question (e.g., “What’s a book that has stayed with you long after reading it?”).

Email 3: Recommended Reads & Resources (Sent 2-3 Days Later)

  • Subject Line: “Books You’ll Love”
  • Content:
    • Share a curated list of your books or similar reads they might enjoy.
    • Include links to purchase or download your other titles.
    • Add a personal touch by explaining why you recommend these books.

Email 4: Add Value (Sent 2-3 Days Later)

  • Subject Line: “Tips for [Your Genre/Topic] Fans”
  • Content:
    • Provide practical tips or insights related to your genre (e.g., “How to Enjoy More Thrilling Mysteries” or “5 Ways to Find Time for Reading”).
    • Mention any communities or resources you’ve created, such as a Facebook group or exclusive content.

Email 5: Special Offer (Sent 2-3 Days Later)

  • Subject Line: “A Special Thank-You for Joining”
  • Content:
    • Offer an exclusive discount or bonus for one of your books or related products.
    • Thank them again for being part of your community.
    • Politely ask for a review

OK, let’s stop and take a deep breath, because I sense you’re feeling overwhelmed.  Let me reassure you that email marketing services like MailerLite and Email Octopus make this kind of thing very easy to set up, and that you’re only going to have to do this once and you’ll get the benefit of this sequence emailing new people FIVE TIMES once they sign up.  That’s five emails you don’t have to send!  That’s a good thing!

Here’s a little pep talk about mindset to help you psych yourself up to actually put all this in place. I see you, introvert!  I know you’d rather be doing almost anything else.

Once They Are Yours……

I don’t know how to tell you this, but some of your new subscribers just came for the free book. They are not going to make it through the onboarding sequence, and that is fine! You only want people on your list who actually want to hear from you, believe me. Once you’ve found your “tried and true” readers, start emailing them on a regular basis by creating and distributing a regular newsletter.

Your regular newsletters are where the real relationship grows. Whether you’re popping into their inbox weekly or monthly, share things that matter to them – maybe a peek at your latest chapter, a short story they won’t find anywhere else, or the real story behind your characters. Make it feel like you’re chatting with a friend, not selling to a customer.

Sure, you’ll want to mention your other books, but keep it casual. “Hey, if you enjoyed [free book], you might get a kick out of [paid book]!” Sometimes throw in a special deal just for your subscribers – they love feeling special.

Get your readers involved in your world. Let them vote on character names, share their fan art, or join your book discussions. The more they feel part of your writing journey, the more invested they become.

Remember that different readers want different things. Some might love getting early access to new books, while others might need a gentle nudge with another freebie to stay engaged. The trick is to notice these differences and adjust accordingly.

When you’ve got a new book coming out, your email list is your secret weapon. Share your writing ups and downs, offer some advance copies, maybe even plan a virtual launch party just for them.

And hey, it’s not all about books – signed copies, cool bookmarks, or exclusive content memberships can add extra value. The key is staying genuine and consistent. Your readers signed up because they like your writing, but they’ll stick around because they connect with you as a person.

Keep this relationship genuine, add real value, and your subscribers will naturally become your biggest supporters and book buyers. Hang in there!  This stuff gets easier the more you do it, I promise!

Resources/ references:  as always, I will encourage you to read these two amazing books by Tammi Labreque:

Tammi possesses the unique ability to make these concepts seem accessible and even doable!  These are on my “must have” list for authors!

What Happened to Kindle MatchBook? Can You Still Give Away eBooks for Free?

Amazon discontinued the Kindle MatchBook program on October 31, 2019. In case you care, this program launched in 2013 and allowed customers who purchased a print book to obtain the Kindle eBook version at a reduced price or even for free. However, due to limited participation from major publishers and low customer awareness, Amazon decided to retire the program.

My theory on the “low customer awareness” portion of this is that Amazon realized there was absolutely no benefit (to them) to make it easy for their customers to get free books, so they conveniently did not promote it. That’s fine, more opportunity for you!

As of now, there is no direct replacement for Kindle MatchBook. Customers interested in both print and digital versions of a book typically need to purchase each format separately. Some publishers may offer bundled deals independently, but these are not standardized across the platform.

I think what you should do with this is: offer the eBook edition of your print book for free by putting a link in your print book’s interior that leads to a free download. By offering your eBook as a free bonus (or, reader magnet!) to readers who purchase your print book, you can create exceptional value for your audience while building a stronger connection with your readers.

Here’s how you can easily implement this strategy:

Set Up a Landing Page for the Giveaway

Your first step is to create a streamlined way for readers to access your free eBook. Start by establishing a dedicated landing page using BookFunnel or your author website. Choose an easy-to-type URL like “[YourWebsite].com/ebook” – remember, readers will be typing this from your printed book. Include an email sign-up form to deliver the eBook (and grow your email list).

Put a Link in Your Print Book’s Interior

Next you’ll need to crack open your print book’s interior and put in the link. Add an engaging message in both the front matter to capture early interest and the back matter to catch readers after they’ve finished your book. Try something like:

“Love this story? Get the eBook version free at [YourWebsite].com/ebook”

In case I just blew your mind with publishing industry jargon, the “front matter” is the stuff in the front of your book (before the book actually starts) and the “back matter” is the stuff at the end after the book is finished. I include this link in both places, and I add in a request for a review at the end as well. I am more shameless about the back matter because I figure if a reader makes it all the way to the end, they must like something about me/ my writing.

Create a Seamless Download Experience

Make downloading your eBook effortless and enjoyable. Provide multiple format options (EPUB, MOBI, and PDF) to accommodate different devices (this is what BookFunnel does). Ensure your landing page looks professional and works flawlessly on mobile devices, as many readers will access it from their phones. Maintain consistent branding between your book and landing page to create a cohesive experience.

Then What?

Oh, I’m so glad you asked me that. Once a person signs up for your email list, please send them an onboarding sequence to get them used to hearing from you (and offer them other things you have for sale). I promise, this is not as cheesy and sales-y as it sounds. An onboarding sequence is a fantastic way for authors to make a strong first impression and build trust with new subscribers. When someone joins your list, they’re most engaged and eager to learn more about you, and a structured sequence helps you capitalize on that momentum. It allows you to introduce yourself, share your story, and set expectations for what subscribers will receive from you in the future. By delivering the promised freebie right away, you establish trust and show that you value their time and interest. Through consistent, value-driven emails, you can foster a deeper connection, encouraging readers to take immediate actions like downloading your book, leaving a review, or following you on social media.

More information about onboarding sequences here, or in Tammi Labreque’s wonderful “Newsletter Ninja” book.

This Seems Hard. Why Would You Do It?

Look I get it. Alot of the things I talk about are tech-heavy and I know authors don’t want to do them. Does it help if I tell you that this kind of thing is only difficult the first time you do it, and that every single thing you learn in the world of indie publishing is going to help build your career (and put dollars in your pocket)?

Does it help if I tell you that probably 90% of the authors who read this article will NOT do this, which means you will have an advantage over them?

No?  OK well, it was worth a shot.  I’m just throwing it out there!!

Wattpad’s Dark Side!

In comments to my first Wattpad post, I was asked about the age demographic on Wattpad and whether it is appropriate for all content. It is true that the age group most heavily represented on Wattpad appears to be the younger readers, in specific young female readers. This is not by any means ALL of the users, but it is a large number. As a result, Wattpad has (wisely) taken steps to ensure the content is clearly labeled and managed such that under-age eyes are not given access to inappropriate materials in a willy-nilly fashion. The restrictions are clearly listed out in their Content Guidelines but are pretty simple if you are familiar with the movie/TV rating system. Ratings can be G, PG, PG-13 or R. Yes, you have correctly noticed that there is no X rating. Erotica is prohibited on Wattpad at present. So let’s look a little closer at Wattpad’s dark side. wattpad user ddduke

Writers are asked to rate their content as it is being uploaded, however, it is clear based on what I read on the support forum that Wattpad systems often police the content, and will adjust the rating accordingly.

Additionally, should a certain post or content be deemed in appropriate, it will be removed, or locked down. Locked down content can only be seen by the followers of an author, and/or sent to followers privately. In other words, largely negates the entire point of being on Wattpad as no one can find the content without having already found it.

From a conversation I had with the Wattpad crew, my understanding is that content not suitable for all eyes will also not be chosen as featured content. If it is truly considered adult, it will not even be discoverable, and will only be accessed by a direct link (assuming it is allowed to remain in the system at all).

All of which means to me, that like almost anything we advise regarding book marketing, there is no one size fits all here either: not all books or all authors will be happy and successful on Wattpad. Certain material will do better than others, and certain people will be more successful than others.

Additionally, material that is deemed as copywritten (copywrited?) by someone other than you, will also be deemed unsuitable. I am not speaking to plagiarism here (which is obviously also not permitted), I am referring to phrases and/or product names. One example I found in the customer service forum indicated that a user had used the term “Emerald City” in their piece, and the post was not permitted. In fact, she did not mean the Oz version at all (so changed it), but algorithms are only so smart, after all!

Perhaps it goes without saying, but certain content is completely restricted and will be removed – details are here per the Content Guidelines:

RESTRICTED MATERIAL:
Do not submit any material that is unlawful, obscene, defamatory, libelous, threatening, pornographic, harassing, hateful, racially offensive, or is otherwise inappropriate. We will promptly remove any such material submitted to the service.

So, what happens if you go in not understanding all the rules and/or choose to do what you do, regardless? Well, I will let author Duke Miller tell you in his own words. Duke has, by the way, found his niche there and is having a grand time, regardless of stumbling into a mature restricted status! If mature content does not offend you, I highly recommend checking him out.

Duke Miller Says:

Wattpad has nothing labeled “Adult” it is only “Non-teen” and everything else is TEEN.  So if you are writing about(for) teens, welcome to the ice-cream parlor.  My abnormal uploads quickly earned me a “restricted mature” status.  I was put into a box with all the other degenerates. It is hard to find me on Wattpad.  My name and title produce “no matches”….

Two essential ingredients to a successful foray into Wattpadland are good content and time.  When you go to upload your stupendous work, ONLY LOAD LITTLE CHUNKS, this is an ABSOLUTE REQUIREMENT.  Attention spans are low, particularly on Wattpad.  The reading font is simple text.  So, build a following first, leave bits of cheese by the hole and then when the mice are milling around, let the cat attack.  Time is more problematic.  In the beginning, if you can’t devote at least 2 or 3 hours a day to Wattpad, your effort will be questionable.  I would recommend scheduling a full week to get the account up and running and then an hour or so per day for maintenance.  You are going to war.  Wash your hair, wear a cap or helmet, get things in order before you sit down in front the computer.  You must play music.  It is REQUIRED.  Also keep the drinks and food nearby.  Once you get going, stick with it.  Wattpadians quickly suss out dead accounts and nobody likes to be dead.  After 9 days, I’m up to 520 reads, 86 comments, 25 Followers, 33 Following, and 55 Votes after eight days of turmoil.  Buzz: it’s all about the exponential buzz of social networking.  There is a price to be paid. 

So, come look for me on Wattpad.  If you can find me, tell me how you did it.  It is a mystery to me how new people just entering the vast land of Wattpad can even find their own butts, much less a specific, toxic, restricted, mature only account like mine.  Anyway, I am the guy handing out death like party invitations; looking for death in the corners of my room and knowing that it comes to me in small doses, in the flashes of my past.  “Living and Dying With Dogs” is the way I die and I am dying in fragments, just like all of us: by the breath, heartbeat, thought, and word.  It’s all there, on Wattpad, waiting for somebody to read the f—ing thing and vote.

Here, I will make it easier – Duke can be found here: http://www.wattpad.com/user/ddduke

 

What about you, what has your experience on Wattpad been?