Green Hill Publishing - Merry Christmas!
1300 810 131
Contact us
Green Hill Publishing - Merry Christmas!
How does the RRP of my book affect my royalties?

How does the RRP of my book affect my royalties?

If you’re a self-published author struggling to properly price your book’s RRP, you’re not alone. Your book’s price directly impacts how well your book will sell and how much you make for each of your sales, so it’s important to get it right.

Price your book too low and you might struggle to earn what your time and hard work is due. Price it too high, however, and potential readers are likely to forgo your book for a cheaper option. Finding the right balance is crucial, but there are some factors that will help you figure things out.

Contents

1. What is an RRP?
2. Why your RRP matters
3. How do I set an appropriate RRP for my book?
4. Things to keep in mind when setting your RRP

clock - estimated reading time  Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

1. What is an RRP?

RRP stands for Recommended Retail Price. It’s the price you suggest that retailers, both global online shops and local bookstores, use when selling your book.

A number of things impact what your RRP should be set at. We’ve named a few below:
• Distribution channels
• Print costs
• Print quality
• Genre/audience standards

To price your book effectively, it’s a good idea to understand your distribution model and research similar books in your genre and target audience.

Back to contents

2. Why your RRP matters

The RRP of your book is more than just a number—it plays a key role in attracting readers and boosting your book sales. A well-planned RRP helps you connect with your target audience and increase your earnings as an author, so it’s important to put some consideration into it.

The RRP, however, isn’t the be-all end-all for retailers when pricing your book. It’s an indication of the price they should set, but it isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. Retailers can set your book price at whatever they like—without consultation from the author.

While this is true, the RRP is still a retailer’s first indication of what your book is “worth”. If they don’t believe that they can sell the book at that price and return a just profit for themselves, they may not stock your book at all.

Back to contents

3. How do I set an appropriate RRP for my book?

 

3.1 How are you distributing your book?

Distribution plays a key role in determining your Recommended Retail Price (RRP) since costs vary greatly depending on the method. Understanding distribution costs is essential to setting competitive RRPs and maximising profit margins.

3.1.1 Print-On-Demand (POD) Services

Print-on-Demand (POD) platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark simplify self-publishing by printing books as orders come in, eliminating the need to stock books in a warehouse, shed, or your back room. Using POD also means that you don’t have to fork-out the upfront cost of bulk print, which is a gamechanger for indie authors.

However, POD convenience does come with a different kind of price tag: they take a cut from your royalties.

  • Amazon KDP royalty calculation: Amazon KDP takes 40% of your book’s retail price (RRP) for distribution and retailing through Amazon, leaving you with 60% royalties after print cost is subtracted. This means that if your book is costed at $24.99, you could receive around $7.70 in royalties.
  • IngramSpark royalty calculation: IngramSpark, as they’re not a retailer themselves, offers lower royalties as the retailer must also take a cut. You can lose 50–55% of your RRP for wholesale discounts, plus printing fees. This means that if your book is costed at the same $24.99, you could receive as little as $ 2.11 in royalties.

When you set your book’s RRP for POD, ensure it covers both printing and distribution costs while leaving room for profit. Both Amazon KDP and IngramSpark have calculators that you can use either to estimate (before setting up your title on their platforms) or finalise (once you’ve uploaded your final files) your RRP to ensure your royalties are looking good.

3.1.2 Self-selling

If you’re self-publishing and selling books yourself (either through your dedicated author website, at local events, or through your author social media accounts), you cut the retailer out and can make more royalties from each sale.

A good rule of thumb is to set your recommended retail price (RRP) at three times the per-unit cost of your print order. This approach covers production costs, allows for discounts when needed, and ensures you earn a solid profit.

For example, if printing each book costs you $5 per copy (unit), setting your RRP at $15 is a good starting point. Then, you should consider what other books in your audience and genre are and see if you can match-up to their pricing.

3.2 Research and align to your market competition

When thinking about pricing your book, the main market factors to focus on are the genre, format, and target audience. Readers usually have a price point that they’re willing to pay depending on their chosen genre and format, so it’s a good idea to know where your book will stand. Here’s a quick guide:

  • Paperback vs hardcover: Paperback books are always cheaper than their hardcover counterpart. Readers usually expect hardcovers to be up to $10–$15 more expensive than a paperback.
  • Non-fiction or niche genres vs general fiction: Non-fiction and niche genres often have higher prices due to specialised content or less competition.
  • Physical books vs digital books: Digital books (eBooks and audiobooks) are generally much cheaper than physical books. Their prices range from $2.99 to $9.99, and some are even free (usually with marketing strategies like Kindle Select).

Back to contents

4. Things to keep in mind when setting your RRP

4.1 Don’t set your RRP too low

Many authors assume a low RRP will attract more buyers, but if it doesn’t cover production costs, you risk earning zero royalties—or worse, losing money.

To maximise your royalties and avoid losing money, carefully calculate costs before distribution and set your RRP to guarantee profit. Don’t let all your hard work as an author lead to financial loss.

4.2 Don’t price yourself out of the market

While setting your RRP too low can be damaging, raising it too high can be just as bad. Some readers will happily spend $30 or more books, but this doesn’t suit everyone. Most book buyers want affordable options and will often opt for a cheaper book over yours regardless of which is considered better.

When pricing your book, consider the following:

  • Who is your target audience? Are you selling to casual readers who prefer budget-friendly books, or collectors who will pay extra for the content they enjoy?
  • What makes your book unique? If your book stands out with premium features—like stunning photography or exclusive content—a higher price could be justified.

By understanding your audience and highlighting the realistic value of your book, you can set a competitive price and attract more readers, helping to boost your sales and profitability.

4.3 Factor in the format

When pricing your book, consider how different formats impact costs and set your RRP to reflect this. Here’s a quick guide to book pricing:

  • Paperback books: Paperbacks are usually seen as a popular, budget-friendly option for readers who still like a physical book. These are typically priced anywhere between $12.99 and $24.99 at most bookstores.
  • Hardcover books: Hardcovers are the premium choice for collectors and book lovers that favour this particular aesthetic. Because of this, they’re often priced higher at $30 to over $50 depending on genre and content.
  • eBooks: eBooks are typically the most cost-effective digital option and are usually priced anywhere between $0 and $9.99.
  • Audiobooks: Audiobooks, while digital, still require higher production costs, This means that prices often range from $7–$20, depending on length.

Back to contents

SUBMIT YOUR BOOK DETAILS
CALL US 1300 810 131

Most popular blog posts:

Interested in publishing your book but unsure where to start or what is even involved? Tell us about your project and we will post you a copy of our:

 

The Little Book of
Big Publishing Tips.

 

In just a quick 8,000 words, this little book will equip you with the knowledge you need to successfully publish your book.

The Little Book of Big Publishing tips goes into the essentials of self-publishing a book, outlining the business and financial side of publishing, legal issues, design, editing, sales and marketing. There's even a section on how to identify a vanity-publishing scam.

submit your project details

A guide to publishing your book online

A guide to publishing your book online

clock - estimated reading time  Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Self-publishing their books online and side-stepping the traditional publishing route is a way that many authors make their publishing dreams come true. But just how do you go about publishing your book online? What can you expect from the process and what will be expected of you in return? This comprehensive guide will teach you how to craft your manuscript, publish your book, and market it effectively.

Contents

1. How to kickstart your online publishing journey
2. Crafting your manuscript for online success
3. Designing a book that stands out online
4. Editing your book
5. Printing your book
6. Online distribution platforms for your book
7. Promoting your book in the digital age
8. Understanding royalties and pricing your book online
9. What to do after you’ve hit ‘publish’
10. FAQs

1. How to kickstart your online publishing journey

Before you begin writing, take some time to brainstorm. Consider your topic, target audience, and the main plot points you want to hit or information you need to include. A well-thought-out plan makes your writing process smoother and more enjoyable. Some things to consider are as follows.

1.1 Define your genre and audience

Understanding your genre and target audience is crucial for effective writing. Whether you’re crafting a fantasy world for young adults or writing a self-help book for professionals, knowing who you’re writing for can significantly enhance your focus. Creating targeted content that appeals to specific reader demographics ensures your work resonates with this readership and stands out among the competitive market.

1.2 Create an outline

An outline is your roadmap to writing success. Break down your book into chapters, sections, or major plot points to stay organised and maintain a logical flow. This method helps to structure your story or content, enhancing readability and keeping your audience engaged.

1.3 Set achievable goals

Writing a book can feel overwhelming. To make the process easier, set small, manageable goals such as writing one chapter a week. Celebrate each milestone to stay motivated and keep your writing momentum going.

Back to contents

2. Crafting your manuscript for online success

Now that you have a plan, all that’s left at this stage is to start writing your book! Crafting a great manuscript is crucial, so focus on quality content to engage readers and boost your chances of success.

  • Write regularly: Consistency is crucial for success in writing. Schedule dedicated time daily or weekly to focus on your writing. Treat it as an unmissable appointment.
  • Focus on quality: Focus on your writing style, grammar, and structure to improve readability. High-quality work is crucial, especially in self-publishing where you set your content’s standards.
  • Seek feedback: Share your writing with trusted friends or join a writers’ group for constructive criticism. Feedback can significantly improve your manuscript before publication.

Back to contents

3. Designing a book that stands out online

A captivating book cover can significantly boost your book’s appeal, but there is a crucial thing you as the author needs to do:

Cut your book designer loose.

After briefing the book designer of your needs and the style you’re looking for, don’t try to manage the process. Instead, let your designer do what they do best and design you a great book cover and effective typography. They will have ideas and industry insight that you may not, so their expertise is invaluable.

At Green Hill, our experienced book designers design professional book covers to ensure your book stands out and holds up to the standards of traditional published books in the market.

Back to contents

4. Editing your book

Editing is a crucial step in the book publishing process and should never be overlooked. A well-edited book has improved readability, a clearer storyline and structure, enhances the reader’s experience, and ensures your content remains professional and polished.

4.1 Self-editing tips

Begin by reading your manuscript aloud to catch errors and awkward phrasing. Use tools like Grammarly to enhance your proofreading for grammar and spelling checks. Improve your writing with these editing tips for authors. Check out our post about drafting your own work for a little extra assistance.

4.2 Hire a professional editor

Hiring a professional editor for your book will give you a comprehensive review help you to enhance your book even further. Editors provide valuable insights and help polish your manuscript, ensuring it stays well-written and engaging. For more about what is involved in editing a book, read our post on book editing for self-publishing.

4.3 Proofreading

After completing the editing process, it’s important to review the changes and proofread your manuscript multiple times. This is to check for any remaining errors or inconsistencies or introduced errors from the track changes process. Doing these reviews ensures a polished and professional final product and minimal errors. Thorough proofreading can significantly improve the quality of your writing.

Back to contents

5. Printing your book

If you love holding a physical copy of a book over an eBook, printing your book would be the route for you. There are many book printing services to choose from, but the main differences are whether they are Print-on-demand or a Bulk (trade) printer.

  • Print-on-demand: Print-on-Demand (POD) services offer a cost-effective solution for self-published authors by printing copies only when ordered. This method reduces costs and manages inventory efficiently, making it popular among independent writers looking to publish their books.
  • Bulk printing: If you expect high demand, consider bulk printing. Bulk printing lowers the cost per copy and saves money, but requires an at time substantial upfront investment. Be sure to research and compare printers based on services, prices, and reviews and check that they provide the quality and features your project requires.

Back to contents

6. Online distribution platforms for your book

Online book distribution is crucial for any author to reach a global audience. Major online publishing platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark simplify the process of publishing your book online, and Green Hill can help our authors distribute with both of these platforms. If these platforms aren’t for you, there are other smaller options available for authors with different needs.

6.1 Amazon KDP

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) stands out for self-published authors. This platform provides easy-to-use tools to format your book and reach millions of readers worldwide with an option for expanded distribution in the US and UK. Self-publishing with KDP expands your audience and boosts your book’s visibility.

6.2 IngramSpark

IngramSpark gives authors access to global distribution channels of over 30,000 online and brick-and-mortar bookstores, including libraries. Authors can reach a wider audience with both print-on-demand and digital publishing options available.

6.3 Barnes & Noble Press

Barnes & Noble Press offers an excellent self-publishing option for authors. This platform allows authors to easily create an account and publish their book with simplicity.

6.4 Selling on your own website

You can also self-sell your book directly from your own author website. This strategy lets you control pricing, maximise sales, and gather your customer details for marketing. Selling books online directly from your author website also helps you build a closer connection with your audience as they feel more connected to you personally, rather than going through a third-party retailer. If you’re interested to know more about author websites, check out our author website services.

Back to contents

7. Promoting your book in the digital age

Marketing is essential for making your book stand out among the book market. Green Hill offers expert book marketing services as part of our Premium Package or for individual purchase to help you reach your target audience and boost book sales. Some strategy points to start with include the following:

  • Social media promotion: Use social media platforms to engage with readers and increase your book’s visibility. Share behind-the-scenes content, exclusive teasers, and upcoming launch dates.
  • Email newsletters: Build an email list and send regular updates to your subscribers. Provide exclusive content, special discounts, and early access to new products. Doing this helps to boost readership engagement and loyalty.
  • Collaborate with influencers: Collaborate with genre-specific influencers to expand your audience reach. They can increase your book’s visibility through reviews and social media promotions.

Back to contents

8. Understanding royalties and pricing your book online

Correctly pricing your book is crucial for maximising your book sales, so understanding book royalties will help you to make informed pricing decisions. Some tips to do this include:

  • Do your research into other books: To determine competitive pricing, research similar books in your genre. Attract readers by offering discounts or promotions.
  • Check your pricing in all markets: For global distribution, your book will be priced differently in each country based on their exchange rates. Make sure to check each market price to be sure the royalty amount you’ll receive from your sales is to your liking.
  • Keep up to date on your royalty amounts: Various platforms offer different royalty structures. Understand your earnings from each sale and incorporate this into your pricing strategy. Analyse platform royalties to optimise your pricing and boost your revenue.
  • Green Hill’s approach to royalties: At Green Hill, we are fee-for-service, meaning we don’t take royalties from our authors’ sales. This ensures you retain 100% ownership of your rights and profits from your sales.

Back to contents

10. What to do after you’ve hit ‘publish’

Publishing your book is just the first step. To ensure your book is an ongoing success, follow these key strategies for book promotion and marketing:

10.1 Monitor sales and feedback

Track your sales and read customer feedback. Use this valuable information to enhance your future projects and get real-time insight into how your readership feels about your book. Tracking sales and analysing customer feedback with an open mind will lead to better project outcomes.

10.2 Plan future releases

Start planning your next book or series today to stay active in the writing community and give your readership something to look forward to and stay loyal for. Regular releases can help build a loyal reader base and boost your author brand.

10.3 Stay engaged with your audience

Engage with your audience through social media, email newsletters, and author events. Building a strong online community boosts long-term success, so be sure to stay connected and foster relationships with your readership for lasting results.

Back to contents

11. FAQs

11.1 How long does it take to publish a book online?

The timeline for publishing a book depends on editing, formatting, and distribution factors. Typically, the process takes anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Understanding these steps will help you plan your book’s publishing schedule more effectively.

11.2 Do I need an ISBN for my book?

An ISBN is essential when it comes to selling physical books, eBooks, and audiobooks, too. ISBNs help catalogue, distribute, and make your book easily discoverable by readers. Some books need (such as sheet music publications and serials) require other identification numbers such as ISSNs and ISMNs.

11.3 Can I update my book after it’s published?

Yes, most online publishing platforms allow you to update your book’s content even after publication. This feature is perfect for fixing errors or adding new information.

Back to contents

SUBMIT YOUR BOOK DETAILS
CALL US 1300 810 131

Most popular blog posts:

Interested in publishing your book but unsure where to start or what is even involved? Tell us about your project and we will post you a copy of our:

 

The Little Book of
Big Publishing Tips.

 

In just a quick 8,000 words, this little book will equip you with the knowledge you need to successfully publish your book.

The Little Book of Big Publishing tips goes into the essentials of self-publishing a book, outlining the business and financial side of publishing, legal issues, design, editing, sales and marketing. There's even a section on how to identify a vanity-publishing scam.

submit your project details

How to make an Amazon KDP account

How to make an Amazon KDP account

clock - estimated reading time  Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

To sell your book through Amazon’s online retailing platform, you have to make an Amazon KDP account. Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is Amazon’s book distribution platform for self-publishing authors.

Contents

1. Getting started
2. Filling out your author/publisher information
3. Setting up your payment details
4. Filling out your tax information
5. Compare Amazon KDP and IngramSpark

1. Getting started

To set-up your own KDP account follow these steps:

  1. Go to the KDPwebsite and click on the “Sign up” button.
  2. Click on the “Create your KDP account” button.
  3. Enter your name, your main email address, and a secure password to establish your account.

Simple as that! Now that you’ve created your account, the next steps are to enter author/publisher information, payment details, and your tax information.

Back to Contents

2. Filling out your author/publisher information

The next step is to set up your account profile. You’ll be prompted to do this once you’ve completed the sign up process:

  1. Add your full first and last name, or the name of your publishing company. This field requires your legal name for the purposes of payments and taxes, so don’t enter your pen name (if you have one). There will be an opportunity to give your pen name later.
  2. State your business type (individual or corporation).
  3. Give your date of birth if you use your first and last name. Alternatively, you can give the date of incorporation if you’d like to use the name of your publishing company instead.
  4. State your residential country or region.
  5. Enter the mailing address that you want to be used for tax reporting purposes your royalty payments.
  6. Once you’re done, click the “Save” button.

Back to Contents

3. Setting up your payment details

Now it’s time to input your payment details so that you can receive your royalty payments. KDP offers a few different methods of receiving payments. This process includes direct deposits, wire transfer, or receiving a physical check. To add your bank account to your KDP account, complete the following steps:

  1. Open up your browser and sign in to your KDP account. This will likely include completing a two-step verification process.
  2. Under the heading “Getting Paid”, click on the “Add a bank account” button.
  3. Input your bank account information in accordance with your country or region requirements.

If you don’t see your country or region, Amazon likely doesn’t support direct deposits or wire transfers to that location, so you will have to go to KDP Payment Options to find out what payment options are available to you.

Also note that the name you give for account holder’s name under “Tell us about your bank” must match the name associated with the bank account. You may not receive payments if the name doesn’t exactly match your bank records.

  1. Click on the “Add” button to save your bank account information. A green tick will appear to notify you that you’ve successfully added your bank account information. If anything goes wrong, double check your information and try again.
  2. Once you’re done, click the “Save” button.

Back to Contents

4. Filling out your tax information

Whether you are publisher, individual, or non-for-profit/tax-exempt organisation, you are required to provide a valid taxpayer ID to use Amazon KDP. To input your tax information, complete the following steps:

  1. Open up your browser and sign in to your KDP account. This will likely include completing a two-step verification process.
  1. Select “Tax Information”.
  2. Click on the “Complete Tax Information” button. As a publisher outside of the US, if you’re interested in claiming tax treaty benefits to reduce your withholding, you will need to provide a tax identification number (TIN).
  3. Enter your “Tax Interview” information.
  4. Once you’re done, click on the “Exit Tax Interview” button to save.

To learn more about taxes in regards to your KDP account, go to their Tax Information page.

Back to Contents

5. Compare Amazon KDP and IngramSpark

Amazon KDP and IngramSpark are both POD and distribution services, but they differ in their capabilities and services.

Amazon has a distribution and POD service that is exclusive to their platform, allowing authors to distribute their book online via all Amazon marketplaces and reach a global audience for both print and eBook formats. On the other hand, IngramSpark opens up a broad range of distribution channels for books printed and distributed through their system. These channels are inclusive of brick-and-mortar bookstores who are signed up to their system and multiple online platforms, including Amazon, Booktopia, and Dymocks Online.

A benefit of using Amazon KDP is that you receive a higher-than-average royalty rate for each sale of your book (usually around 60 – 70%). However, they control the prices for their products and can often set them much lower or much higher than the author wants. Contrastingly, IngramSpark authors have more control over their book’s RRP and can set it at a price reflective of their book’s worth. However, IngramSpark may give out lower royalties compared to Amazon KDP.

Back to Contents

SUBMIT YOUR BOOK DETAILS
CALL US 1300 810 131

Most popular blog posts:

Interested in publishing your book but unsure where to start or what is even involved? Tell us about your project and we will post you a copy of our:

 

The Little Book of
Big Publishing Tips.

 

In just a quick 8,000 words, this little book will equip you with the knowledge you need to successfully publish your book.

The Little Book of Big Publishing tips goes into the essentials of self-publishing a book, outlining the business and financial side of publishing, legal issues, design, editing, sales and marketing. There's even a section on how to identify a vanity-publishing scam.

submit your project details