Expanded Distribution is when you as an author agrees with a PUBLISHING HOUSE like Amazon, Barnes and Ingram Spark Group (self-published) platforms, among others who sell your books for a commission. They provide you with the access to sell your eBook, paperback, hardback and audiobooks in other bookstores. Unfortunately, those same platforms have further agreement in place with affiliated companies, this is part of their internal process and sometimes unknown to you the author.
Even when the agreement has been severed with the Publishing House, those affiliated still gets to sell your books and you as the author does not get any commission.
Later, when you do get to find out, the affiliated company is selling your book on their website, but they never even consult with you, and the Publishing House does not tell you how many books any of those bookstores have acquired. This is the point, there is nothing you can do about it. Because with some, when you agree to the SELF-PUBLISHED arrangements, you automatically allowed their affiliated companies to gain expanded distribution rights. It is very imperative that authors thoroughly check any agreements they get involved with, and not just look at the access to get your books published.
The only advantage this presents for authors is getting more awareness and exposure on those platforms that the author extends their reach, the more opportunities available to be promoted and advertised on those platforms’ businesses website.
Some may provide you with the option to choose and agree to go for expanded distribution, and it would be best at this point to know who they intend to give affiliated rights to inquire about your book (s).
Written by: Author Beverley – Rose
