E-book royalties

As well as e-books existing in different formats, the royalty payments on different platforms also vary. As Richard Curtis explains on e-reads, it can be tricky working out which offers an author the best value.

If you’re a gambler who likes action and want to play the odds, the new Kindle royalty structure is your game. If you’re an author or publisher, you could make out very well if list prices stay high. But you could also take a bath if there’s a price war. You may decide to opt for the safe, straight 35% of list price. But bear in mind that that’s 30% less than the 50% that Amazon was paying you before The Great Change [to their payment structure]. If you add the delivery charge the net proceeds to you are even smaller.