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Post by kayagreene on Oct 6, 2023 3:13:10 GMT
Hello, everyone!
I'm a first-time author looking to self-publish my book, and I'm eager to explore my options for getting my work out into the world. I've been researching various Print-on-Demand (POD) services as an affordable and accessible route, specifically with the intent to sell on Amazon.
While exploring, I've come across Amazon's "Parent-Child" listing variations, which allow sellers to display multiple related items on a single product page. For example, if my book has a paperback, hardcover, and special edition, or different colors or sizes, instead of having several different separate listings, they can all be grouped together under one primary (Parent) listing. This seems like a fantastic feature to streamline the customer experience and cross-promote different versions of my book.
My question is multi-fold:
Is it possible to utilize Amazon's Parent-Child variation options when self-publishing via POD platforms?
If yes, how does one go about creating these Parent-Child listings while using POD services? Is it something that I would set up directly on Amazon, or is it set through the POD platform?
Which POD platforms support this feature for authors? Are there some that are better suited for this than others?
Are there any limitations or drawbacks to using Parent-Child variations for books?
I'd love to hear from anyone who has experience with this, as I'm trying to navigate the best way to approach self-publishing while maximizing my exposure and customer convenience. Any tips, tutorials, or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much for your time and expertise!
Best regards,
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Post by Retread-Retired-Cameron on Oct 6, 2023 16:12:23 GMT
The Amazon Parent/Child ASIN appears to be more intended for other types of products. feedvisor.com/university/asin/As with so many things Amazon, you'd need to do the set up through Amazon. For that matter, if you publish through Amazon [KDP] you cut out the middleman and associated costs. You'd likely be better served by doing hardcopy through IngramSpark using your own ISBNs to everywhere except Amazon, using Amazon as a stand alone. The reason being you can do the industry stand 55% discount and no returns in order to tempt brick and mortar stores to stock it. Before you do all that, consider getting at least one review done, because until it's read and reviewed by someone most people will be a bit leery. Unless your acquaintances are literary professionals, their opinions really won't help. Also, unless you're an artist [and perhaps even then] contact a cover artist. One example is Ron Miller, he's talented. www.black-cat-studios.com/ |
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Post by kayagreene on Nov 15, 2023 2:41:09 GMT
I want to begin by expressing my gratitude for all your insights and suggestions. It's truly wonderful to be a part of such a supportive community, and I appreciate the time and effort you've all put into helping me.
I've been exploring various options for customizable notebooks, and the link I've included (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TK8F8P7/?coliid=I31MN4JIAK3JP0&colid=28621P9TDHMXU&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it_im&th=1) offers a good example of what I'm aiming for. However, I would like to clarify my preferences and requirements further.
What I'm looking for is a notebook that's highly customizable, allowing me to choose not only different cover colors but also variations for the interiors, such as lined, dotted, graph, and possibly even different sizes. The idea is to have a notebook that's tailor-made to suit specific needs and preferences
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Post by Retread-Retired-Cameron on Nov 15, 2023 17:00:35 GMT
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Post by And Kevin 2024 on Nov 16, 2023 1:24:02 GMT
Hello, everyone! I'm a first-time author looking to self-publish my book, and I'm eager to explore my options for getting my work out into the world. I've been researching various Print-on-Demand (POD) services as an affordable and accessible route, specifically with the intent to sell on Amazon. Maybe publish at Amazon then? kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G200645680While exploring, I've come across Amazon's "Parent-Child" listing variations, which allow sellers to display multiple related items on a single product page. For example, if my book has a paperback, hardcover, and special edition, or different colors or sizes, instead of having several different separate listings, they can all be grouped together under one primary (Parent) listing. This seems like a fantastic feature to streamline the customer experience and cross-promote different versions of my book. I have no idea what Parent-Child variations are, but I thought they always were all put together, automatically. Currently I publish printed books at Lulu, and with Lulu's free ISBNs they will go to Amazon (and many other places). I publish Kindle ebooks at Amazon. All my books are lumped together on Amazon Books under my name. I don't recall having to do that myself. Although I also have this author.amazon.co.uk/claim/welcome Do note that Amazon, and most other POD places have strict age ratings which can dictate who books are displayed to.My question is multi-fold: Is it possible to utilize Amazon's Parent-Child variation options when self-publishing via POD platforms?
I expect you can do so using Amazon Author Central. But not all POD places will send your creations to Amazon, or anywhere else for that matter.If yes, how does one go about creating these Parent-Child listings while using POD services? Is it something that I would set up directly on Amazon, or is it set through the POD platform? I would suggest publishing direct to Amazon KDP if you want to use their tools. But it is DIY, unlike some places, that charge you an arm and two legs to 'self publish'. Which POD platforms support this feature for authors? Are there some that are better suited for this than others? I expect none do. It's an Amazon KDP thing.Are there any limitations or drawbacks to using Parent-Child variations for books? Without logging in to KDP I have no idea what that is, and cannot find any mention of it via a search. Basically, you have to find out for your self. It's all part of the research you need to do before publishing.I'd love to hear from anyone who has experience with this, as I'm trying to navigate the best way to approach self-publishing while maximizing my exposure and customer convenience. Any tips, tutorials, or advice would be greatly appreciated. Not very well titled I expect, but read my Stuff thread. You don't say what you mean by self publishing. What does it mean to you? Paying people to create the book for you from a manuscript. Proof reading, editing, cover design, etc., etc. Or learning how to do it all your self prior to even approaching a self-publishing site? But anyway kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GHKDSCW2KQ3K4UU4 kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201834190Thank you so much for your time and expertise! Best regards, |
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Post by And Kevin 2024 on Nov 16, 2023 1:29:12 GMT
I want to begin by expressing my gratitude for all your insights and suggestions. It's truly wonderful to be a part of such a supportive community, and I appreciate the time and effort you've all put into helping me. I've been exploring various options for customizable notebooks, and the link I've included (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TK8F8P7/?coliid=I31MN4JIAK3JP0&colid=28621P9TDHMXU&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it_im&th=1) offers a good example of what I'm aiming for. However, I would like to clarify my preferences and requirements further. What I'm looking for is a notebook that's highly customizable, allowing me to choose not only different cover colors but also variations for the interiors, such as lined, dotted, graph, and possibly even different sizes. The idea is to have a notebook that's tailor-made to suit specific needs and preferences |
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Post by potet on Nov 16, 2023 14:55:39 GMT
In the old Lulu forum, I remember an odd member who recalled publishing an empty book (blank numbered pages) with a red cover and the title "My Book". He confessed he was surprised several copies were bought. He never knew for what reason those customers were interested. Perhaps they just wanted a posh notebook to write in.  |
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Post by And Kevin 2024 on Nov 17, 2023 1:09:58 GMT
Possibly! Although buying one created via POD can be expensive (it's unlikely that the example the OP gave here is a POD creation, nevermind self-published, at those prices). People tend to forget that each page has a cost even if it is empty.
I just hope the OP returns.
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Post by And Kevin 2024 on Nov 17, 2023 1:12:00 GMT
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