Why "Run Your Own Mail Server" Is Not in Amazon's Kindle Store

Michael W. Lucas explains why his book "Run Your Own Mail Server" (RYOMS) is not available on Amazon's Kindle store. The primary reason is Amazon's unfavorable payment structure, which offers authors only 35% of the retail price for books priced at $10 or more, compared to 70% for books under $9.99. This payment model significantly reduces the author's earnings, making it less viable to sell the book on Amazon. For instance, if RYOMS is priced at $14.99, Lucas would earn $10.50 from other retailers but only $5.25 from Amazon. To earn the same amount on Amazon, he would need to price the book at $29.99, which he finds excessive. Additionally, Amazon's "Most Favored Nation" clause would require him to match prices with other vendors, complicating his pricing strategy. Lucas emphasizes that he does not expect Amazon to change its business model, as it benefits from a large pool of authors. Consequently, he plans to avoid publishing future Mastery books on Amazon unless they are very short. Instead, he is focusing on alternative distribution methods, including direct sales through his own platforms and crowdfunding.

- Michael W. Lucas's book "Run Your Own Mail Server" is not available on Amazon due to unfavorable payment terms.

- Amazon pays authors significantly less for books priced over $10 compared to other retailers.

- Lucas would need to price RYOMS at $29.99 on Amazon to earn the same as he would at $14.99 elsewhere.

- He plans to avoid publishing future books on Amazon unless they are very short.

- Lucas is exploring alternative sales methods, including direct sales and crowdfunding.