Whether we love them or hate them, whether they’re truly good or bad for authors, reading subscription programs (and subscription programs in general) seem to be the new norm.
I know that a lot of us use Kindle Unlimited, and I’m not suggesting there’s something wrong with that, but I wanted to tell you about another option (that I am LOVING) in case you didn’t know about it. (And if you’re in the US, it’s relatively new news.)
In most cases, when an author chooses to put her eBook in Kindle Unlimited, she can’t put it anywhere else, not even libraries. She’s not even allowed to give it away.
As an author, I love Kobo Plus because I can enroll my book, thus giving readers an affordable option to read my books, and still be able to put it in libraries, which is important to me.
But more importantly, as a reader, I love Kobo Plus because it allows me to binge read for a good price and binge listen as well.
At the time of this writing, Kobo Plus is extremely affordable. In the US, an eBook or audiobook only subscription is $7.99, but an eBook PLUS audiobook subscription is $9.99. I love that because I love audiobooks. And many authors with eBooks in Kindle Unlimited offer their audiobooks in Kobo Plus.
Now, not all books in the universe are available via Kobo Plus, but I’m willing to bet that if more readers join the program, more authors would too. Here are some Christian romances that are in the program:
Of course, I’m not trying to pressure anyone into anything. I don’t work for Kobo, and they are not sponsoring this post, but as a reader, I just love having lots of options, so I wanted to pass some along to you!
Let me know in the comments. Do you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited? Would you consider trying another subscription program? (If so, Kobo Plus is offering a free trial here!) And if you’re already a Kobo Plus subscriber, let your favorite authors know if you want them to include their books in the program. I talk to a lot of authors, and most of us are pretty motivated to make our readers happy. :)
Hi, family! My name is Robin Merrill, though I write under a few other pen names. I live in rural Maine with my family and an assortment of barnyard critters. I have written more than fifty books, many of them during my daughter's dance events or my son's cattle shows. When I'm not reading, writing, or driving the minivan, I can often be found frolicking with my small goat herd. I also love gardening, but I'm really bad at it. Visit me at robinmerrill.com.
Happy November Robin! This reader does not subscribe to Kindle Unlimited or any other program. I prefer to purchase the ebook. As a retiree, I like a simplified life with few bills to pay OR maybe I am just OLD Fashioned. LOL!
Today is National AUTHORS Day. Shouting a big THANK YOU to ALL our Inspirational, Talented, Amazing, Awesome IR authors. Thank you for your dedication to your readers and your craft. Best wishes. Enjoy your day!
I’m excited about the possibility of more authors moving to Kobo Plus from Kindle Unlimited simply for the ability to get their books from the library! We’re big library fans in our family & I’ve always disliked the fact that authors are prohibited from having their books in libraries to participate in KU. 😔
Wow, thank you so much for highlighting Kobo Plus, Robin, and for mentioning my books! They’re all available in there.
I’m also a Kobo Plus subscriber and think it’s a fantastic deal for the price, especially since I get audiobooks as well.
I don’t use Kindle Unlimited, and won’t subscribe to Kobo, either. I much prefer buying the books I read, and I don’t want to “have” to read one by a certain time. I can’t do that, not even with the ARC’s I read. All of the authors I read ARC’s for know that I probably won’t make the deadline. It’s not that I don’t want to. It’s that I have an insurance business and my busy season is NOW. I also have an editing/proofing business, and all ARCs go on hold while I “work” and then I’ll pick them up again. Right now, I have 8 ARCs waiting on me. I’ll get to them in the order I received them! lol!! It’s a little rare for me to read a book anymore that’s not an ARC or that I’m not doing as “work” (which is never work!!), so I’d hate to waste money on a subscription.
Hi Trudy! You are one busy lady. I don’t use Kindle Unlimited or subscribe to Kobo, but buy my books. Even as a retiree I have to log the ARCs I receive – usually have 2 – 5 in my to read pile. Log when I receive the ARC and when the book will be released. Then keep track of date I email author and write a review, so it is ready on release day. Best wishes.
I’m happy to see someone highlighting Kobo Plus! I love that the books you can read are completely unlimited as well. I’ve got all of my books up there, and hopefully more authors will follow over time!
I had never come across kobo plus, so it’s good to hear about. I sometimes subscribe to kindle unlimited, I really like it but it’s an extra expense I can’t always afford so I just sign up when they offer me a deal.
I do not subscribe to any reading service. Like Renate, I am retired and do not want any more monthly fees. I have gotten a lot of books when they were free or on sale. Between the Kindle app, the B&N app, and the bookfunnel app, I have over 3000 books. I will never get them all read, but I am addicted. Then there is also the digital libraey…
Happy November everyone. ❤❤
I do not subscribe to any service. I enjoy holding a paperback/hard cover book. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
I am not in KU or any program. Partly cos I can’t justify the cost and I also have so many tbr books. I also have months I hardly read. August to know I have read about 1 novel and 3 novella’s. Other times I read so much better.
Thanks, Robin, for including one of my books. I think most of my books are in Kobo Plus. I don’t do Kindle Unlimited with my books because you have to be exclusive. I like having my books at all vendors, and Kobo Plus allows that.
Thank you, Renate! I like to buy books too, often just so I can keep them! Lol
Right?! I love libraries! :)
Yes! Kobo for the win! Lol
I hope so too. You’re right, I’ve paid for other subscriptions before only to then be limited as to what I can read. But Kobo doesn’t do that to me! So glad your books are there!
These subscriptions can definitely add up!
That is a lot of books! Lol
I know, my tbr pile is HUGE. Sometimes it stresses me out, lol
I love that too, especially with Christian fiction. I love being able to get into all those extra countries.
I love that you’re so organized!
Yeah it’s definitely not for everyone.
There is something to be said for paper.
Yes Robin, absolutely prefer Kobo to amazon. In my experience they treat authors, vendors and readers with a respect absent on amazon. Whilst subscription programs aren’t cost effective for me. I love being able to purchase with PayPal on Kobo and the absence of the silly amazon business rules which prohibit purchasing and enable me to leave reviews to support authors. Thanks.
Sometimes I read two at a time! One on my computer, one on my Kindle. Well, three because I read my Bible every day, too!!
I am glad authors and readers have options. I do have Kindle Unlimited in the US but I buy myself a 24 month Kindle Unlimited gift subscription lowering my monthly cost to $7.19 versus the regular price of $11.99 plus tax a month justifying it for myself because I don’t drive and library fine add up too. You can not use a gift card to pay for it and it is not refundable. It is a big expense but reading is my main hobby.