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⚠️ KDP Royalty Changes Are Coming: What Authors Need to Know (and Do) Before June 10, 2025
If you publish through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), there’s a big change on the horizon that could hit your royalties—especially if you price your print books under $9.99. Starting June 10, 2025, KDP is reducing royalty rates for lower-priced print books. Here’s what’s changing, why it matters, and what you should do to stay ahead.
📉 What’s Changing?
KDP will lower the royalty rate for paperback and hardcover books priced below certain thresholds:
- In the U.S.: Books under $9.99
- In the EU: Books under €9.99
- In the UK: Books under £7.99
- In Japan: Books under ¥1,000
For these books, the royalty rate will drop from 60% to 50% (before printing costs). This means authors will earn less per sale on lower-priced titles.
Another important update: the minimum list price needed to earn any royalty will increase. For example, a 300-page black-and-white paperback priced at $8.00 might currently earn you $0.33. Under the new rates, that same price point could earn you nothing unless you raise the list price.
Some Good News: Lower Color Printing Costs
On the flip side, KDP is reducing color printing costs for:
- Standard color paperbacks sold on Amazon.com
- Premium color paperbacks sold in the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands
This could make color books more affordable to produce and more competitive in those markets.
What’s Staying the Same?
eBook royalties aren’t changing. The 35% and 70% options for Kindle eBooks will remain as they are.
What Should Authors Do?
To avoid surprises and lost income, here’s what you need to do before June 10:
- Check your KDP Bookshelf — KDP is flagging books that will be affected.
- Use the Printing Costs and Royalty Calculator — KDP has a handy tool to help you see how the changes will impact your titles.
- Adjust your prices — Consider raising your print book prices to stay above the new royalty thresholds.
- Communicate with your readers — Be transparent about any price adjustments and why they’re necessary.
Why This Matters to Indie Authors
For indie authors and small presses, every sale counts. Lower royalty rates on affordable print books can make a noticeable dent in your earnings. On the flip side, higher minimum prices could make books less accessible to readers looking for budget-friendly options. It’s a delicate balance between staying profitable and staying competitive.
Closing Thoughts
These royalty adjustments are a reminder that platform policies can—and will—change. As authors, we need to stay nimble, informed, and ready to adapt. This is a good time to review your entire catalog, not just for pricing, but also for opportunities to refresh covers, update descriptions, or revisit marketing strategies.
🔔 Stay proactive. Adjust early. And keep your readers informed.
