Is it worth placing affiliate links in Amazon Ebooks?

It seems pretty straightforward, but a more Clintonesque parsing of that simple sentence might quibble over the meaning of the word "advertisements" or "intended to advertise or promote."

Thus, you have some people claiming that it's okay simply because they have yet to be caught or punished for it. You also have some people recommending that you cloak your affiliate link, so that you can fly under the radar.

My opinion? It's your account, so if you're ready to accept the risk and possible consequences, have at it. As for me, I'll stick to offering bonus material and resources on a page on my own site (one with a prominent opt-in opportunity).

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tritrain

10 years ago

Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe

Here it is, straight from the horse's mouth (KDP Terms and Conditions, Section 5.1.2):

It seems pretty straightforward, but a more Clintonesque parsing of that simple sentence might quibble over the meaning of the word "advertisements" or "intended to advertise or promote."

Clintonesque. That's funny!

You could direct them to your website/page though.

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travlinguy

10 years ago

Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe

Here it is, straight from the horse's mouth (KDP Terms and Conditions, Section 5.1.2):

Quote:
You may not include in any Digital Book any advertisements or other content that is primarily intended to advertise or promote products or services.

I think the operative word in this statement is primarily, John.

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2 replies

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kfount 10 years ago

Here is what happens when you write a Kindle ebook (with the intent of being a professional author):

1. The ebook posts on the Amazon network
2. Any traffic you bring to it converts into a sale. Pricing it at $0.99 while providing high-quality info and/or fiction guarantees a win.
3. The people that buy the ebook are aware of your name or company. It's this that matters.
4. The next ebook you put out, AMAZON sends an email to your customers anyway. It also says that in their writing.
5. If the customers are interested, they buy your SECOND ebook. It's this pattern that allows people to win with the Kindle market.

As for advertising, what you offer is yourself and/or your brand. For the author's name, put the name of your company.

Unless someone sees differently, pen names are allowed... if it isn't I'm sure someone will correct me.

But anyway, the pen name is your company name... if it is witty enough.

You start a website: The Writers Network.... that's your pen name minus .com, affiliate links or whatever.

This tactic works well if you are trying to out forth a magazine, as this is also allowed on Amazon.

But going back to the main point... if you want the best safety, write in quantity, with your real name. Make sure it matches what will go into your bank account.
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JohnMcCabe

10 years ago

Originally Posted by James Liberty

I just asked Amazon if they allowed affiliate links in Ebooks. They replied, "Sure, you can have links in your Ebook."

Not sure if I should ask a follow-up question, or just put an affiliate link in my Ebook, and if I get caught, say, "You said I could. Look!"

But did they say "affiliate links"?

Originally Posted by travlinguy

I think the operative word in this statement is primarily, John.

I think this is where the rubber meets the road. Guess who gets to make that determination? Spoiler alert - it ain't us!

Out of the 70-something books currently on my Kindle, probably 1/3 have affiliate links in them. Those links are in context, relevant, and the book would not suffer if they were not there. I doubt those authors will ever have a problem.

I've also deleted books where I thought I'd stumbled into one of those 90's style banner farms - without the plug for the affiliate links (or the author's "real" business) there would be no content. Some of those books are no longer available, at least through Amazon.

Speaking of linking to your "real" business, I'm thinking that the same standard might apply. If the book would stand on its own without the links back to your real business, and you don't get carried away, you're probably fine.

One last thought on this...

Even if Amazon has no quibble with your links, affiliate or otherwise, too many links can get the review gangs going with 1-star reviews trashing your book as nothing but a sales pitch.

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1 reply

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kfount 10 years ago

Again, I don't agree with having affiliate links in ebooks.

If you do it, the method needs to be CREATIVE, FUNNY and WITTY with Amazon's approval IN WRITING.

I'm the type that tries to write and BUY ebooks. As a reader I could tolerate seeing a whole bunch of them if it was integrated into the content in a funny manner.

There was a young man a while back that made $1 million selling advertising space on his website. Internet marketers showcase their ads with a space the size of your thumb nail. The audience AND the Internet marketers loved it because the website had the spark necessary to make everyone happy.

It would have to be an approach like that which would win readers hearts.

On the other hand, to me it's not really necessary...

Kindle is a good money-maker.

Start at $0.99 with fiction, and non-fiction articles. Consider full-length books even at the $0.99 price.

Move up the ranks while RESPECTING THE READER.

Kindle articles can be priced HIGH... over $100, even.

To win at that price point, make the Kindle a TEXTBOOK like what you see in college. Put on the technical writing hat FOR REAL and give the reader a fun, yet highly educational experience.

If University of Maryland can sell textbooks, you can too. You won't have the same qualifications, but if you research appropriately (based on high school standards), you should still win... especially if the info is unique.

Anyway, with that power, why disrupt your reputation with an approach that could cause problems?

Save affiliate links for websites. It works so much better.
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sqwm1im

10 years ago

It's not worth risking your Kindle publishing account just to try and get a few affiliate sales. However, you can put your affiliate links on a page on your website, and then link to that page in your kindle book... just call it 'extra resources' or 'further reading'

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James Liberty

10 years ago

I just asked Amazon if they allowed affiliate links in Ebooks. They replied, "Sure, you can have links in your Ebook."

Not sure if I should ask a follow-up question, or just put an affiliate link in my Ebook, and if I get caught, say, "You said I could. Look!"

Thanks
1 reply

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kfount

10 years ago

Originally Posted by James Liberty

I just asked Amazon if they allowed affiliate links in Ebooks. They replied, "Sure, you can have links in your Ebook."

Not sure if I should ask a follow-up question, or just put an affiliate link in my Ebook, and if I get caught, say, "You said I could. Look!"

That would not surprise me.

If there are any legal problems though, often from someone trying to disrupt your business, they WILL turn to their TOS to boot you out.

Don't do affiliate marketing on there.

Although I do wonder if you post a website to showcase OTHER Kindle works if THATS allowed, especially that's what many of the established authors do trying to get their name out there...

Look up "Kate Harper" and "How to Publish and Sell Your Article on the Kindle: 12 Tips for Short Documents." On Amazon.

That's the best resource from a legitimate person that's selling ebooks for real in a manner that anyone with sense should appreciate.

She is the best person for telling you what is acceptable....

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kash21

10 years ago

I think it ultimately makes your ebook end up looking tacky.

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travlinguy

10 years ago

I'm working on something right now that's likely to end up being a Kindle nonfiction book. It's a how-to guide. To make this technique work you'd need to have certain resources.

There are maybe four legit providers for these resources. One of the four offers an affiliate commission. I will include the four providers in the book and one of them will get me a commission if a user buys. Amazon says:

You may not include in any Digital Book any advertisements or other content that is primarily intended to advertise or promote products or services

Since these providers are incidental to the content and not the main feature I see no problem sticking a single affiliate link in there. I'll even let the reader know about it up front.

Thanks

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Is it worth placing affiliate links in Amazon Ebooks?

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