Why Some of My Books Are in Kindle Unlimited and Others Aren’t

If you’ve ever gone looking for one of my books in Kindle Unlimited and noticed it wasn’t there and wondered why ...

The answer isn’t complicated, but it is something most readers never see explained, so I wanted to pull back the curtain a bit.

First: What Does “Kindle Unlimited” Mean?

Kindle Unlimited (often shortened to KU) is Amazon’s subscription program. Readers pay a monthly fee and can read as many participating e-books as they like.

When an author enrolls a e-book in KU, Amazon requires that the digital version of that book be exclusive to Amazon for a set period of time. That means the e-book can’t be sold on other retailers like Apple Books, Kobo, Google Play, or directly through an author’s website while it’s enrolled.

Some readers love KU. Others prefer to buy and keep their e-books, read on different devices, or shop at different stores. Both are completely valid.

So… What Does “Wide” Mean?

When an e-book is wide, it simply means it’s available outside of Amazon, too.

A wide e-book can be purchased on Amazon and on other e-book retailers. Many authors also sell direct to readers. Wide books give readers more choice in where and how they read.

The Real Reason Some Books Are in Kindle Unlimited — and Others Aren’t

For me, the biggest deciding factor is this:

Is the book part of a multi-author collaboration?

When I write a book as part of a themed, multi-author series or shared project, those books are almost always enrolled in Kindle Unlimited first.

That’s not an accident — it’s usually a requirement of the collaboration.

Most collaborations require books to be in Kindle Unlimited for an initial period (often 90–180 days). This helps the series launch smoothly and lets readers move easily from one book to the next within the same program.

What Happens After That Initial KU Period?

Once the required Kindle Unlimited window ends, the path forward can vary.

Some collaboration books remain in KU longer. Some e-books move wide after the initial period. I follow a strategy that best fits each story or series. Those decisions are usually made after the launch phase, once I see how readers are engaging with the e-books.

What About My Other Books?

Books that are not part of a collaboration have more flexibility.

Some may be enrolled in Kindle Unlimited for a period of time -- usually 90 days from release. But many of my books are released wide from the start. That choice can depend on things like the series strategy.

Nothing is permanent. KU books can rotate in and out. Wide books tend to stay more stable. I reassess regularly so I can serve readers across different platforms and reading preferences as my catalog continues to grow.

From The Author Standpoint: 

I also try to make sure my books aren’t tied to only one platform. Having stories available in more than one place helps keep access steady for readers — no matter how they prefer to read.

A Note About Buying Direct (Before a Book Enters Kindle Unlimited)

When a book is part of a collaboration and scheduled to enter Kindle Unlimited, I try — whenever timing allows — to offer that e-book directly on my website first, delivered via BookFunnel. Some readers choose this option because it comes with two benefits:

• Early access — you’re able to read the book before it enters the Kindle Unlimited program

• Ownership — when you purchase an e-book directly from me, you receive the actual e-book file to download and keep

Once a book is enrolled in Kindle Unlimited, Amazon requires that the digital edition be exclusive to their platform for that period of time. That means I can’t sell the e-book elsewhere while it’s in KU — including on my own website.

Buying direct before that window begins gives readers a choice: early access, and a copy they truly own, rather than access tied to a single retailer.

Not every book has a direct-sale window (especially in tightly scheduled collaborations), but when it’s possible, I like to offer it as an option for readers who prefer that experience.

What This Means for You as a Reader

Here’s the part that matters most:

No matter how you read — KU, wide, paperback, audio — you’re part of this readership, and I plan releases with all of you in mind.

There is no “right” way to read my books. Your choice of format or platform doesn’t make you more or less valued as a reader. I’m grateful you’re here — however you found me, and however you read.

Still Curious?

If you have questions you’ve always wondered about — reading, releases, characters, or even the business side of publishing — feel free to comment or post a question below. 

I read them.

I’m always happy to explain what’s happening behind the scenes.

Thank you for being here — and for reading in the way that works best for you.

If you’ve ever wondered what authors can (and can’t) see when you buy direct, I explain that here at this blogpost.