Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the default choice for many independent authors, and for good reason: it is free to use and reaches a huge audience. But it is not the only option, and for Christian books it may not be the only one you need.
Royalties depend on price
KDP offers two ebook royalty options: 35% of the list price, or 70% minus a delivery cost based on file size. The 70% option only applies within KDP’s price range (for the US store, $2.99 to $9.99), to in-copyright works and to buyers in eligible territories. A $0.99 book earns 35%.
Exclusivity is optional, but tempting
KDP Select is a 90-day program that adds your ebook to Kindle Unlimited and promotional tools. In exchange, the digital edition must be sold only on Amazon during enrollment. That is a real trade-off if you also want readers on other platforms.
Audience: everyone or the readers you want
A general store puts a devotional next to thrillers and cookbooks. That is reach, but not focus. A Christian-only platform reaches fewer people overall, but people who opened the app to grow in faith.
What to compare
- Royalty at the price you actually want to charge.
- Whether the platform requires exclusivity.
- Who reviews the book, and whether you get feedback.
- Where and how readers read it (and in which languages).
- How you are paid, and when.
The short answer
You do not have to choose one. Keep your ebook on a large store for reach if you like, avoid exclusivity, and add a Christian-only home where your readers already are.