Author Advantage Benefits
Author Advantage offers a smarter, more sustainable way to shop and do business—bringing together readers, booksellers, and authors to strengthen the literary ecosystem and ensure meaningful support for everyone involved.
Here is what makes us stand out:
1. Social Enterprise DNA
Author Advantage is a social enterprise. This means that we prioritize social impact over profit. Since inception we have committed to a minimum of 65% of funds received being distributed to authors. The balance of funds is used to support the mission, administrative costs and discretionary author support. Our long term goal is to increase this distribution percentage to 85%.
2. Open communication at all levels
All involved parties have an opportunity to participate in the governance of the company through periodic partner roundtables.
3. Proven distribution channels for creator payments
The payment infrastructure used for final payments have been in place since 1986 and ensures safe and auditable distributions. Many authors are already receiving payment through this payment channel and so there is little or no additional requirements for authors to receive funding.
4. Uniform Standard
All partner agreements are standardized so that each purchase provides the same financial renumeration regardless of the location, price or age of the work.
Why Author Advantage matters for writers
Unlike musicians and actors who earn lifelong royalties, writers receive no payment from the sale of secondhand books. This gap exists due to technological limitations and complex legal frameworks.
Author Advantage changes that—by increasing the lifetime value of published work and extending its impact well beyond the first sale.
With Author Advantage, writers gain:
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Greater long-term value from their publications
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Active voice in how the platform evolves
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Insightful data on secondhand sales
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Direct relationships with used booksellers
Why Author Advantage matters for booksellers
Secondhand booksellers operate in a hyper-competitive market, where used books are often treated as interchangeable commodities and price is the only differentiator. While the overall market for used books is growing, small and medium-sized sellers often struggle to benefit from this expansion.
Author Advantage offers a meaningful way to stand out—helping booksellers drive business, build community, and delight customers.
With Author Advantage, booksellers gain:
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A compelling reason for readers to shop beyond Amazon.com
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A marketing channel through the Author Advantage platform
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A voice in shaping the future of the platform
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A direct way to support authors through fair compensation
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A unique opportunity to connect with creators
Why Author Advantage matters for readers
Readers have always been the true patrons of writers. While buying new books remains the most direct way to support authors, it shouldn't be the only path.
Author Advantage empowers readers to support the creators they love—even when purchasing secondhand—without added friction or complexity.
With Author Advantage, readers gain:
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Meaningful support of authors through secondhand purchases
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Access to a network of booksellers committed to author-friendly practices
