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Originally Posted by calvin-c
Ah, the short period of exclusivity explains why the government hasn't gone after them, I think. But I still say the multi-platform selling generates more sales than exclusivity.
Maybe not a lot more, but more-and does it cost the producer more? I suppose it could, in legal fees (and maybe administration) but not in 'production' costs. Or maybe it does-depends on whether we're talking author/publisher and who the contract holds responsible for the costs of re-formatting/converting the book to the new platform. But now we're getting into specific situations and those are always tricky because there's so many of them. Generically speaking I don't think it costs more to go multi-platform than exclusive so every additional sale is a plus.
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Sorry, but going multi-platform does incur a visibility/support loss on Kindle.
And it is not always balanced out by sales on the alternates. It is not an absolute truth in the real world of indie publishing that putting a book on more platforms will result in higher net sales. Primarily because all the platforms are not equally good at promoting indie titles but also because the size and composition of the customer bases is different.
Remember, these are relatively low volume sellers that depend on the right person finding their book. That means their visibility depends strongly on the support the hosting vendor provides. Just look at the home page of the various ebookstores; some stores reserve top-level placement for BPH titles, usually on a co-op (I.e., paid) basis whereas Amazon top level placement is also-bot driven and treats indie titles the same as the BPH bestsellers. Look also to their search and sorting engines.
Amazon is simply better at matching customers with titles they might buy, regardless of provenance. (Of course, better doesn't mean perfect.)
As for why the feds don't object to Select exclusivity, the short commitment is a contributor. Also the fact that it is tied to the Prime lending library and other promotional tools so the deal offered is not one of exclusivity in exchange for access to the kindle marketplace but rather in exchange for a promotional boost within the marketplace. It is a partnership rather than a toll.
The kindle store is equally open to all books by all publishers (that comply with the TOS) but some books are slightly more equal. Which is perfectly legal.
Amazon has so far proven to have a good idea of how close they can get to the edge without stepping over the line.