Every so often, Amazon rolls out a change big enough to shift how authors approach their publishing strategy. This month, they’ve delivered one of the biggest updates to KDP in years—and it’s excellent news for authors enrolled in Kindle Unlimited (KU).
For the first time, KU ebooks can now be distributed to public libraries without breaking exclusivity.
Amazon’s updated enrollment requirements now state:
“During the 90-day enrollment period, the Kindle eBook can only be distributed through KDP and public libraries.”
Authors no longer have to choose between KU visibility on Amazon and library reach. Now you can have them both.
What the New KDP Select Library Rule Means for Authors
This update matters because it changes how KU authors can build reach, credibility, and income:
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Reach: Your KU ebook can now appear in major library systems, including OverDrive, Hoopla, BorrowBox, Odilo, cloudLibrary, Baker & Taylor, and Palace Marketplace.
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Credibility: Librarians don’t buy books out of pity; they buy what patrons want. If your book makes it into their collection, it’s because a professional believed it belonged there. That’s quiet, powerful validation.
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Longevity: One “yes” from a librarian can keep your book circulating for years, turning a single placement into lasting discoverability and credibility.
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Income Potential: Libraries often pay 2-3x more than retail for ebooks, or use a cost-per-checkout model that pays you each time your book is borrowed.
We recommned that you use Draft2Digital to distribute KU books to libraries. Just remember: when your ebook is in KDP Select, you can only select the library channels—not additional retail stores.
How to Distribute KU Books to Libraries
The mechanics are straightforward:
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Keep your ebook enrolled in KDP Select.
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Use a distribution platform such as Draft2Digital.
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Select only the library services.
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Set your pricing strategically.
Pro Tip: Price your library edition at 2–3 times the cost of your retail ebook. Libraries expect to pay more for a license, and this ensures you maximize income per borrow under cost-per-checkout models.
Why Libraries Are a Smart Strategy
Libraries are often overlooked in the rush to get into bookstores, but they can be one of the most powerful tools in your long-term author strategy:
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Discoverability. Libraries are where readers go to explore. A patron who stumbles across your book could become your next fan, reviewer, or newsletter subscriber.
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Ripple Effects. One library purchase can open unexpected doors—like being picked for a book club, recommended by a teacher, or sparking requests at local bookstores.
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Career Building. Libraries aren’t a quick cash grab. They’re the slow burn that can keep your book alive long after launch day.
Marketing Your Books to Libraries
Making your book available in libraries is the first step. Getting librarians to notice and buy (or license) your book requires marketing. Here are three resources to help you succeed:
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Free Training: How to Work with Libraries – Learn the basics of building relationships with librarians.
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Cover Letter Template: Ask a Librarian to Carry Your Book – A professional template you can customize for your pitch.
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Upcoming Library Mailing: Present your book to 7,000 libraries across the U.S. with our Library eBlast → Reserve your spot here.
Final Thoughts
This KDP update is a true game-changer for KU authors. For years, you had to choose: take advantage of Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited audience or reach readers through libraries. That trade-off no longer exists.
Now the opportunity is yours: keep KU visibility, expand into libraries, and grow your readership on both fronts.
And remember…libraries aren’t just another sales channel. They are credibility, discoverability, longevity, and ripple effects all rolled into one. Treat them as part of your business plan, and you’ll see returns long after your launch day hype has faded.
Yippee. My library just dumped their Hoopla subscription because it was costing too much. (Or was it their Overdrive?)