Buying Books Direct From Authors: What Romance Readers Need to Know
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If you’ve ever wondered whether you have to buy all your romance books from Amazon, I have good news: you don’t.
More romance authors are selling their books directly to readers, and as a reader, this can mean better prices, signed copies, exclusive bonuses, and even audiobooks outside of Audible. After talking with romance author Amy Knupp on the podcast, I realized how many readers are curious about direct sales—but feel intimidated by the tech side of it.
Listen to Our Podcast Episode
What Does “Buying Direct From Authors” Actually Mean?
- Buying direct simply means purchasing a book straight from the author’s own online store instead of a big retailer.
Most romance authors who sell direct run small Shopify stores connected to delivery platforms like BookFunnel. You buy the book, and it’s delivered directly to your device—or your mailbox if it’s a signed paperback.
No gatekeepers. No middlemen. Just books.
How Direct Sales Work (Without the Tech Overwhelm)
This is the part that scares people, so here’s the simplified version:
- You buy the book from the author’s website
- You get an email with a download link
- You send the book to your Kindle, Kobo, or reading app
Platforms like BookFunnel walk you through this step-by-step. You don’t need to be “techy,” and you only have to learn it once.
For audiobooks, BookFunnel even has its own app—so you can listen just like you would on Audible.
Why Romance Readers Actually Win When They Buy Direct
Buying direct isn’t about pressure or loyalty tests. It’s about options.
Here’s what readers often get when buying direct:
- Lower prices or special discounts
- Series bundles (great for binge readers)
- Signed paperbacks
- Bonus epilogues, scenes, or exclusive content
- Your money supporting the author more directly
If you love small-town romance, holiday romance, or indie contemporary romance, this is often where the best deals live.
Audiobooks Outside Audible (Yes, Really)
Once you buy direct once, it stops feeling intimidating—and starts feeling empowering.
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Final Thoughts
Buying direct isn’t about replacing libraries, Kindle Unlimited, or your favorite retailers. It’s about having more ways to read.
If you’re a romance reader who loves discovering indie authors, supporting small businesses, and occasionally grabbing a signed copy or holiday bundle, direct sales are absolutely worth exploring.