Amazon KDP: Why Do Books Fail? (and What To Do To Fix It) Part 1

Episode 4 of "Amazon KDP: How the Game is Played" focuses on why books fail and what you can do to fix it. This is Part 1 of a 2-part series on why books fail.

Understanding why books fail and what to do to fix them took me years to learn. In this video I explain all of the reasons books fail, show real life examples from Amazon, and then show you how to fix the fundamental problems so you can produce books that actually sell and make you money.

Most of the fixes are easy once you know what's wrong. But the most important reason is often the most ignored, so understanding this will give you a significant edge over most other self publishers.

I give you a checklist of specific things you can do to fix your failing book(s), and create new books that have a good foundation for success.

TOC
00:00 Intro
00:38 Overview of Reasons Books Fail
01:20 How do you know if your book is failing?
03:37 1) Incorrect Pricing
05:26 2) Book Quality Problem
08:15 3) Reviews / UGC
10:28 4) Bad Copywriting / Research
13:48 5) Advertising Mistakes
20:48 6) Keyword Issues
23:11 7) Bad Cover
25:35 Checklist for Fixing a Failing Book
26:03 The Most Important Factor: Book Concept
27:08 Examples of books doing it "right"
29:57 Wrap Up

My name is Dorian, I've made over $1.25 Million in Amazon KDP royalties (that's over $3 Million in book sales) and I hope to show you what I've learned so that you can avoid some of my mistakes and reach your self-publishing goals more quickly.

Feel free to ask any questions or just say "hi" in the comments below and I'll do my best to answer promptly.

Or email me directly, the address is in the About section of this channel.

Tools I use in this video:
DS Amazon Quick View extension for Chrome (essential and free)
Helium 10

Disclaimer:

This video assumes you have a USA, UK or Canada-based KDP account. My methods have worked for me in those markets, so what I teach is relevant to residents of the United States, Canada or UK.

The books featured in this video are real books available on Amazon and do not belong to me. I make no representations regarding these books. The observations and opinions I express about these books are purely my own and are not intended to be factual or definitive. My comments are based on publicly available information and my personal experience as a KDP publisher. All copyrights to these books are owned by their respective authors and publishers.

This video is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is made under the "Fair Use" provision of copyright law, which allows for limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research.

I do not endorse or promote any particular book or author, nor do I receive any compensation for featuring these books. Viewers are encouraged to conduct their own research and form their own opinions.

By watching this video, you agree that I am not responsible or liable for any actions taken based on the information provided. This video is not intended to harm or defame any individual or entity.

[YourNetAngel]

I can't wait to see Part 2! Thank you Dorian 😊

[two.six]

Another great video. Thank you. I'm looking forward to Part 2.

[herrberg]

I see a new video by Dorian – I click like. 😉
Great information. It's also a bit sobering because I'm becoming aware of the mistakes I've made so far. And of course I have questions. For example: How do you get reviews if you don't have a mailing list yet?

[ryancruz]

I just published my 1st book last week, so 3 months countdown begins hehe

[MIKEEMDY]

COMPLIMENTS FOR PUBLISHING THE PRODUCTIONS EDITOR'S CHECK LIST
WILL LOOK FOR PART 2 YOUR CHANNEL ARCHIVE OR YET TO COME?? WILL LOOK FOR IT IN THE ARCHIVE OR AS A FOLLOWER WAIT FOR PART 2.

[UmarBhata]

Thank you for great information
And my problem here ....
I upload 8-10 journal and colouring book last 3 month but only one order no any advertisement
How will increase number of sell
How will advertise no idea for ads
And how will display a+ content on no idea for a+ Amazon kdp
Please any idea for me

[wendymaree]

Sounds like Amazon is earning a fortune while the author is spending a fortune. Kind of similar to POD.

[livelife]

Do you think this next generation will be buying as many books as the past. People don’t like to read like they use to

[smoochdawg]

Any way of getting reviews before launching with ads...? I appreciate your videos but I feel that your tactics are more suited for already successful publishers with their own lists and brands. Most of the people here are probably just starting out judging by the comments..no offense.