For the first time since starting print operations almost two decades ago, from June 10, 2025, we are changing the royalty rate for books priced below certain list prices (e.g. less than 9.99 USD). The royalty rate on these titles will decrease from 60% to 50%. These books represent a unique challenge given increasing operational costs and this change will allow us to continue offering these books while avoiding impact to other titles. Separately, as part of our annual printing cost review, we are reducing color printing costs for paperbacks in some marketplaces to help authors adopt color printing.

Learn more about each change below.

Contents

• Royalty rate changes for paperback and hardcover books
  • Impact to minimum list price and royalties
• Printing cost updates for paperback books

Royalty rate changes for certain paperback and hardcover books

How are royalty rates changing?

From June 10, 2025, at 12:00 AM UTC, royalty rates for hardcover and paperback books will decrease from 60% to 50% for books with certain list prices as outlined in the following table:

Royalty rate change summary

Why are the impacted list prices different per marketplace?

The list prices are based on exchange rates and operational costs in different marketplaces. It's possible that a book may receive a 60% royalty in one marketplace and a 50% royalty in another marketplace.

Are eBooks affected?

No, this change will only affect paperback and hardcover books.

When will this change apply to my books?

Any book that ships after June 10, 2025, at 12:00 UTC will receive the updated 50% royalty rate if the list price you enter during setup is below the list price noted on the Royalty rate change summary table above.

Royalty rate changes: impact to minimum list price and royalties

How will this change affect my print books and royalties?

For books that are moving to the 50% royalty rate, the minimum list price will increase. Depending on your current list price, your book could fall below the new minimum list price, which would result in zero royalties due per sale.

For example, see the impact to the following regular trim size paperback with 300 pages, black and white ink, sold on HAQM.com with a list price of $8.00 USD:

To assess the impact to your print books, please use our Printing Costs and Royalty Calculator or view the Rights & Pricing page in title setup. You may choose to update list prices at any time. Please note that if you make any update to a book that does not meet the minimum list price after June 10, 2025, you will be required to comply with the new minimum list price to ensure printing costs are covered.

How do I know which of my books will move to the 50% royalty rate and potentially fall below the new minimum list price?

If any of your books will move to the 50% royalty rate on June 10, you'll see a message on your Bookshelf along with a link to download your list of affected books. To determine if any books will fall below the new minimum list price, please use our Printing Costs and Royalty Calculator or view the Rights & Pricing page in title setup.

How can I calculate my new royalty rates, minimum list price, and estimated royalties?

There are two ways to assess impact to your print books:

1. Use the Printing Costs and Royalty Calculator to determine your royalty rate and estimated royalties. From now until June 10, you can use the calculator to view estimated royalties for both before and after the royalty rate changes take effect.
2. View your current and future minimum list price and estimated royalties for all marketplaces on the Rights & Pricing page in title setup.

To view the Rights & Pricing page:

1. Go to your KDP Bookshelf.
2. Click the ellipsis button ("…") under the PAPERBACK ACTIONS or HARDCOVER ACTIONS menu next to the book you want to update.
3. Choose Edit rights & pricing. For published books, choose Edit print book pricing.
4. In the Pricing, Royalties, and Distribution section, view the minimum list price and estimated royalties for all applicable marketplaces.

For more information about the title setup process, please visit the Title Setup: Book Details, Content, & Pricing page here.

Can I adjust my list prices prior to the change?

Yes, you can adjust your list prices at any time. To do so, please follow the steps on our "Price Your Book" help page below:

1. Go to your KDP Bookshelf.
2. Click the ellipsis button ("…") under the PAPERBACK ACTIONS or HARDCOVER ACTIONS menu next to the book you want to update.
3. Choose Edit rights & pricing. For published books, choose Edit print book pricing.
4. In the Pricing, Royalties, and Distribution section, enter a new list price for applicable marketplaces.
5. Click the Publish Your Paperback Book or Publish Your Hardcover Book button at the bottom of the page.

Note: It can take between 3 to 5 business days for list price updates to reflect on the HAQM Store. For more information on general timelines, please check our Timelines help page.

How will the upcoming changes to royalty rates appear in my KDP Reports?

For books shipped after June 10, 2025, your Prior Months' Royalty Report will specify the applicable royalty rate in the "Royalty Type" Column.

Learn more about the Prior Months' Royalty Report here.

Printing Cost Updates for paperback

What are the changes to printing costs?

On June 10, 2025, at 12:00 AM UTC, we'll reduce printing costs for the following:

• Regular and large trim size paperbacks printed in standard color and purchased from HAQM.com.
• Regular and large trim size paperbacks printed in premium color and purchased from HAQM.co.uk., HAQM.de, HAQM.fr, HAQM.es, HAQM.it, and HAQM.nl.

Printing cost change summary:

Will printing cost changes also include Hardcover?

No, not at this time.

How will printing cost changes affect my royalties?

Printing costs affect your minimum list price and royalties. To assess the impact to your print books, please use the Printing Costs and Royalty Calculator. The calculator allows you to see your estimated royalties before and after the change.