How To Sell Books On Amazon

Selling books on Amazon has become a lucrative venture, with many sellers earning over $1,000 per month. Whether you're an author aiming to reach a global audience or an entrepreneur looking to tap into the online book market, Amazon provides a platform to achieve your goals. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of selling books on Amazon, from setting up your seller account to optimizing your listings for maximum visibility and sales. 

By following these steps, you can effectively navigate the Amazon marketplace and connect with millions of potential readers worldwide.​

How do You Find Books to Sell on Amazon?

Selling on Amazon can be a profitable business if you know where to source them. Whether you are an author selling self-published books, a reseller flipping used books, or a business owner looking to scale an online bookstore, finding the right books is the key to maximizing sales and profits.

This guide covers the best sources for finding books to sell on Amazon, including personal collections, thrift store finds, library sales, and free book opportunities.

1. Sell Your Books

The easiest way to start selling books on Amazon is by listing books you already own. This approach requires zero upfront investment and allows you to test the Amazon marketplace before expanding your inventory.

Where to Find Books from Your Collection

• Old College Textbooks: If you have textbooks from past semesters, they can be highly profitable since textbooks often have high resale value.
• Fiction & Non-Fiction Bestsellers: Look for popular novels, business books, self-help books, and classic literature.
• Rare & Collectible Books: Signed editions, first editions, or out-of-print books can fetch premium prices
• Cookbooks & Hobby Books: Niche books on cooking, DIY crafts, fitness, and travel are often in demand.

How to Sell Used Books on Amazon?

1. Check the Condition: Books should be in "Like New," "Very Good," "Good," or "Acceptable" condition.
2. List Your Book on Amazon Seller Central: Create an account and add your books with accurate descriptions and pricing.
3. Use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) or Self-Fulfillment: FBA allows Amazon to handle storage, packing, and shipping, while self-fulfillment requires you to ship directly to customers.
4. Optimize Your Listings: Include clear images, keywords, and competitive pricing to boost visibility.

Pro Tip: First editions, signed books, and books in near-mint condition tend to sell for higher prices, so research their value before listing them.

2. Book/Library Sales

One of the best ways to find books at low cost is by sourcing them from library sales, thrift stores, estate sales, and garage sales. These sources allow you to buy books in bulk at discounted prices, increasing your profit margins.

Where to Find Cheap Books for Resale?

• Library Book Sales: Libraries frequently sell excess or donated books at annual sales, where you can buy books for as little as $1 or less.
• Thrift Stores & Charity Shops: Goodwill, Salvation Army, and independent thrift stores often have low-cost books, including hidden gems with high resale value.
• Estate Sales & Garage Sales: People often sell entire book collections at deeply discounted prices. Estate sales, in particular, may have valuable first editions and rare books.
• Wholesale Book Suppliers: Some businesses sell bulk book pallets at discount prices, which can be profitable for high-volume sellers.

How to Identify Profitable Books?

• Use the Amazon Seller App: This allows you to scan book barcodes and check the Amazon resale value in real-time.
• Check for High-Value Categories: Textbooks, non-fiction, self-help, business books, and niche books tend to perform well.
• Avoid Low-Demand Books: Common novels, outdated encyclopedias, and mass-market paperbacks often have low resale value unless they are rare or first editions.

Pro Tip: Some thrift stores offer discount days or bulk pricing on books—check with local stores to maximize your inventory cost-effectiveness.

3. Free Books

Finding free books is a great way to increase profit margins, especially if you're starting with a limited budget. Many individuals and organizations give away books for free, and reselling them on Amazon can be a zero-cost way to enter the book-selling business.

Where to Find Free Books?

• Craigslist & Facebook Marketplace: Many people list free books they no longer need. Search for “free books” in your local listings.
• College Campuses: At the end of each semester, many students discard or donate textbooks that can be resold.
• Little Free Libraries: Some neighborhoods have book-sharing stations where people leave books for others to take.
• Community Giveaways & Donation Centers: Some non-profits and community centers offer free books to the public.
• Library Clearances: Sometimes, libraries give away books they no longer need for free or at extremely low prices.

How to Make the Most of Free Book Sourcing?

• Select books with resale value: Textbooks, self-help, and niche books tend to sell better.
• Check Amazon Prices: Use the Amazon Seller App to scan barcodes and verify if a book is worth selling.
• Condition Matters: Only pick books in good condition, as damaged books may not sell.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for high-value genres, such as rare books, signed editions, or out-of-print books that may have strong resale demand.

What Kind of Books Sell Best on Amazon?

Amazon is one of the largest online book marketplaces, offering opportunities for self-published authors, resellers, and e-commerce entrepreneurs to make a profit. However, not all books perform equally well. Knowing which book categories sell best on Amazon can help sellers maximize their earnings and choose the most profitable inventory.

A detailed breakdown of the book categories that perform best on Amazon, along with insights into why they sell well is explained below:

1. Textbooks

Why Textbooks Are Highly Profitable?

• Textbooks are one of the most consistently profitable book categories because students need them for academic courses.
• Many textbooks retain value over multiple editions, especially in subjects like science, law, medicine, and business.
• University students frequently buy used textbooks to save money, making secondhand copies high in demand.

Best-Selling Textbook Subjects

• Medical and Nursing Textbooks: High demand due to frequent course requirements.
• Engineering and Computer Science Books: Technology-related textbooks hold value.
• Law and Business Textbooks: Especially useful for professional studies.
• College Prep Books: SAT, ACT, GRE, and MCAT prep books sell well year-round.

Pro Tip

• Textbooks published in the last 3-5 years are the most valuable.
• First-year university courses have higher demand, as more students take them.

2. Niche Non-Fiction Books

Why do Niche Non-Fiction Books Sell Well?

• Many people turn to Amazon for expert knowledge and self-improvement.
• Niche non-fiction books cater to specific interests, meaning less competition but high demand in certain categories.

Best-Selling Non-Fiction Niches

• Personal Finance & Investing: Books on wealth-building, stock trading, and passive income.
• Health & Wellness: Topics like intermittent fasting, keto diet, and fitness plans.
• Self-Help & Personal Development: Mindfulness, time management, and habit-forming books.
• True Crime & Conspiracy Theories: Growing interest in investigative storytelling.
• Parenting & Relationships: Books on child development, marriage, and self-care for parents.

Pro Tip

• Look for new releases or trending topics within these niches for higher sales potential.
• Books with strong reviews and media coverage tend to sell better.

3. Classic and Modern Fiction

Why Fiction Sells Well?

• Fiction books have timeless appeal and strong fan bases.
• Some fiction books trend based on movie adaptations, social media discussions, or celebrity endorsements.

Best-Selling Fiction Categories on Amazon

• Bestselling Novels: Books that appear on NY Times Bestsellers or Amazon’s Top 100 list.
• Fantasy & Science Fiction: Series like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Dune maintain high demand.
• Thrillers & Mystery Novels: Popular authors like Stephen King, James Patterson, and Agatha Christie always sell well.
• Romance & Contemporary Fiction: Romance novels, particularly those with strong social media followings, perform exceptionally well.

Pro Tip

• Special editions, signed copies, and collector’s editions often have higher resale value.
• Limited-run or out-of-print books can command premium prices.

4. Self-Published & Kindle Books

Why Self-Published Books Are Profitable?

• Amazon dominates the self-publishing market with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).
• Authors can sell books with minimal upfront investment and high-profit margins per sale.
• Many niche e-books outperform traditional books due to targeted digital marketing strategies.

Best-Selling Self-Published Categories

• Low-Content Books: Journals, planners, coloring books, and activity books.
• Guides & How-To Books: Cooking, home improvement, and personal growth.
• Memoirs & Autobiographies: Self-published personal stories with unique perspectives.

Pro Tip

• Optimize book listings with SEO-friendly titles and keywords to increase visibility.
• Offer paperback and Kindle versions to maximize reach.

5. Religious & Spiritual Books

Why Religious Books Sell Well?

• Faith-based books have a strong, dedicated audience.
• Many buyers gift religious books, keeping demand consistent.
• Topics like self-improvement, mindfulness, and meditation appeal to both religious and secular readers.

Best-Selling Religious Categories

• Bible & Religious Texts: Special editions, study Bibles, and annotated versions.
• Christian Living & Devotionals: Books on faith, prayer, and daily reflections.
• Spirituality & New Age: Astrology, energy healing, and manifestation books.
• Islamic, Hindu, and Jewish Studies: Books catering to different religious traditions.

Pro Tip

• Seasonal sales spike during religious holidays, so stock accordingly.
• Leather-bound or special editions often have higher profit margins.

6. Collectible & Rare Books

Why Collectible Books Are Valuable?

• Some out-of-print books, signed editions, and vintage books hold high resale value.
• First editions of popular books are highly sought after by collectors.

Best Types of Collectible Books

• Classic Literature: Original or rare copies of works by authors like Shakespeare, Hemingway, or Austen.
• Signed First Editions: Books signed by the author, especially from bestsellers.
• Art & Photography Books: Limited-edition prints and coffee-table books.
• Antique Books: Rare historical books or books published before the 20th century.

Pro Tip

• Use book condition grading standards to determine resale value.
• Check AbeBooks, eBay, or auction sites to see how rare editions are priced. 

How to Estimate Your Sales and Profit When Selling Books on Amazon

Understanding how to estimate your sales and profit when selling books on Amazon is essential for making informed business decisions. Whether you are reselling used books, self-publishing, or running a book dropshipping business, accurately predicting profits helps ensure sustainable growth.

This guide walks you through detailed steps to estimate your book sales, costs, and profits on Amazon.

Step 1: Determine the Selling Price of Your Book

The first step in estimating your potential sales and profit is understanding how much your book can sell on Amazon.

How to Find the Market Price?

• Search for the book on Amazon and check the "Buy Box" price (the lowest price at which a book is currently selling).
• Compare the prices of similar used or new copies to determine the average selling price.
• Use tools like Keepa or CamelCamelCamel to track historical price trends.

Factors Affecting Selling Price

• Condition of the Book: New, like-new, very good, good, or acceptable.
• Edition and Print Year: Newer editions tend to sell at higher prices.
• Competition and Demand: Fewer sellers mean higher price potential.
• Book Ranking (BSR: Best Seller Rank): Lower BSR means higher sales potential.

Example: A used college textbook in good condition sells for $65, while the new version is priced at $120. Based on market demand, you decide to list it at $59.99 to stay competitive.

Step 2: Calculate Amazon Fees and Selling Costs

Amazon charges various fees depending on the selling plan, fulfillment method, and book type.

Amazon’s Fee Structure

• Referral Fee: Amazon takes 15% of the total sale price (including shipping).
• Closing Fee: Amazon charges a $1.80 closing fee per book sale.
• Fulfillment Fees (FBA Only): Fees vary by book size and weight.
• Storage Fees (FBA Only): Monthly charges if inventory is stored in Amazon’s warehouses.

Example Fee Breakdown for a $59.99 Book Sale (FBA Model)

• Selling Price: $59.99
• Amazon Referral Fee (15%): $9.00
• Closing Fee: $1.80
• FBA Fulfillment Fee (estimated for a standard book): $3.50
• Total Amazon Fees: $14.30
• Revenue After Fees: $45.69

If using FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant), you avoid FBA fees but must cover shipping costs yourself.

Step 3: Factor in Book Sourcing Costs

To estimate your final profit, subtract the cost of acquiring the book from the net revenue.

Common Ways to Source Books and Their Costs

• Personal Collection: $0 cost, pure profit.
• Thrift Stores and Library Sales: Typically $1 to $5 per book.
• Wholesale and Bulk Lots: Around $2 to $10 per book in larger shipments.
• Retail Arbitrage (New Books): This can cost $10 to $30 per book, depending on the supplier.

Example Profit Calculation

If you purchased a book for $5 from a library sale, your final profit would be:

• Revenue After Amazon Fees: $45.69
• Cost of Goods (Book Purchase): $5.00
• Final Profit: $40.69 per sale

Books with higher resale value, such as college textbooks, niche non-fiction, and rare editions, can lead to higher profit margins.

Step 4: Estimate Your Sales Volume

How to Predict Sales Potential?

• Check the Best Sellers Rank (BSR): Books ranked under 100,000 in BSR typically sell at least once a month, while those under 10,000 sell multiple copies daily.
• Analyze Past Sales Data: Use Amazon tools like Keepa to track historical sales trends.
• Compare Seller Competition: Books with fewer competing sellers have higher chances of selling quickly.

Sales Estimation Example:

• A book ranked BSR 50,000 sells approximately 30 copies per month.
• If you have 5 copies, you might sell them within one to two months.
• For books ranked under 10,000, they could sell within days or weeks.

Step 5: Adjust for Additional Costs

While the core costs include Amazon fees and book sourcing, do not forget additional expenses that impact profitability.

• Shipping Costs (FBM Sellers Only): If fulfilling orders yourself, media mail costs $3 to $5 per book.
• Storage Fees (FBA Sellers): Amazon charges monthly fees for books stored in its warehouses beyond 365 days.
• Returns and Refunds: Some buyers may return books, reducing your net earnings.
• Marketing Costs (Optional): Running Amazon PPC ads or promotions may improve visibility but add costs.

Step 6: Calculate Your Final Estimated Profit Per Month

You can predict monthly profit using your estimated sales volume, sourcing costs, and Amazon fees.

Example Monthly Profit Calculation

Let’s say you sell 30 books per month, with an average profit per book of $20:

• 30 books x $20 profit per book = $600 monthly profit

If you scale your inventory to 100 or more books, this can easily reach $2,000 or more monthly sales.

How Much Does it Cost to Sell Books on Amazon?

Selling books on Amazon can be a profitable business, but understanding the costs involved is essential to maximizing profits. Whether you are selling used books, new books, or self-published books, there are several fees and expenses to consider.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with selling books on Amazon, including Amazon seller fees, fulfillment costs, sourcing costs, and additional expenses.

1. Amazon Seller Account Fees

Amazon offers two types of seller accounts:

Individual Seller Plan

• Cost: $0 monthly fee, but Amazon charges $0.99 per book sold.
• Best for: Sellers selling fewer than 40 books per month.
• Drawback: The $0.99 per item fee can add up for high-volume sellers.

Professional Seller Plan

• Cost: $39.99 per month (fixed subscription fee).
• Best for: Sellers selling more than 40 books per month.
• Advantage: No per-item selling fee, making it cost-effective for volume sellers.

Key Takeaway

• If selling fewer than 40 books per month, the Individual Plan is more cost-effective.
• If selling more than 40 books per month, the Professional Plan saves money.

2. Amazon Referral Fees (Commission Fees)

Amazon charges a referral fee for every book sold.

• Fee: 15% of the total sale price (including shipping). Note: Can Vary
• Example: If a book sells for $20, Amazon takes $3 (15%) as a referral fee.
• Applies to: All book sales, whether fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) or Merchant (FBM).

3. Closing Fees for Media Products

In addition to referral fees, Amazon charges a closing fee for selling books.

• Fee: $1.80 per book.
• Applies to: All book sales, regardless of fulfillment method.
• Example: If you sell a book for $20, you pay:
  
  • $3.00 referral fee (15%)
  • $1.80 closing fee
  • Total Amazon fees: $4.80

4. Fulfillment Costs (FBA vs. FBM)

Sellers have two options for fulfilling orders:

Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) Fees

• Amazon handles storage, packaging, and shipping.
• FBA fees vary based on book size and weight.

Estimated FBA Fees for a Standard Book (Under 1 lb)

• Storage Fees: If books are stored in Amazon warehouses for more than 365 days, long-term storage fees apply.

Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM) Costs

• No FBA fees, but sellers handle packaging and shipping.
• USPS Media Mail is the cheapest option, costing $3 to $5 per book.

Example FBM Costs

Key Takeaway

• FBA saves time but has additional storage fees.
• FBM allows sellers to control shipping costs and avoid storage fees.

5. Book Sourcing Costs

The cost of acquiring books depends on the source.

• Used books from thrift stores offer the highest profit margins.
• Retail arbitrage (buying new books at discount stores) requires a higher upfront investment.
• Self-published authors pay for printing and marketing costs.

6. Additional Expenses

Shipping Costs (For FBM Sellers)

• USPS Media Mail: $3 to $5 per book.
• Priority Mail or Expedited Shipping: $7 to $15 per book.

Storage Fees (For FBA Sellers)

• Monthly Storage Fees: $0.83 per cubic foot.
• Long-Term Storage Fees: Extra charges if inventory remains unsold for over 365 days.

Marketing and Advertising Costs

• Amazon PPC Ads: $0.50 to $2 per click.
• Discount Promotions: Offering coupon codes or limited-time deals may increase sales but reduce margins.

7. Total Cost Breakdown Example

Let’s estimate the costs of selling a used book for $25 with different fulfillment methods.

Scenario 1: FBA Seller (Selling 30 Books Per Month)

Scenario 2: FBM Seller (Selling 30 Books Per Month)

Conclusion

Selling books on Amazon is a profitable and scalable business, whether you’re reselling used books, self-publishing, or building an online bookstore. By sourcing high-demand books, optimizing listings, managing Amazon fees, and selecting the right fulfillment method (FBA or FBM), you can maximize sales and profits.

To succeed, focus on strategic pricing, competitive analysis, and consistent inventory management. Whether starting with your collection or scaling through bulk sourcing, staying updated on market trends and leveraging Amazon’s tools will give you a competitive edge.

With the right approach, selling books on Amazon can be a sustainable, high-revenue business model, providing long-term growth and profitability.