Are you a content creator or a blogger passionate about books? Or you are a publisher in the ‘book’ niche? Joining a book affiliate marketing program can be a good way to pursue your hobby as well as earn commission to boost your revenues. If your website, blog, or social media profile has a steady traffic flow, affiliate marketing lets you monetize the traffic and earn passive income. But are books affiliate programs worth your time and effort?
Let’s understand here.
Who doesn’t love to read! While some read books as a hobby, others do it to gain knowledge. Reading books is a favorite pastime for many kids and is often regarded to help them grow into more responsible and socially aware human beings. No wonder, why the total revenue in the books segment is estimated to reach $130 billion by 2025, registering a CAGR of 1.66% during the period 2021-2025.
However, it is not one of the most profitable niches for affiliate marketing today. The commission rates are low and many brands pull out their programs frequently. So, if you are serious about making money, we recommend not to stick to one affiliate program. You need the right mix of affiliate programs that you can promote and earn a good commission. We can help you with a list of the 6 best book affiliate marketing programs to get started with.
7 High Converting Books Affiliate Programs
eBooks.com, established in 2000, is a prominent eBook retailer with over 2 million books online. With the demand for eBooks rising rapidly in recent times, the website has gained popularity, registering over 5 million active members. Some of their best-selling books belong to popular categories like romance, business, computers, fiction, science, history, technology, medicine, religion, mathematics, body mind spirit, religion, and more.
eBooks.com affiliate program is managed by Commission Junction, where you can join and get access to their text links and banners which can be used on your website. When a customer clicks on the link and purchases an eBook or title from their website, you will receive a specific percentage of the sales amount as a commission. The program is free to join and you will get access to a wide selection of affiliate tools, real-time tracking, and reporting.
They have a tiered commission system and are based on the commission amount you earn during a month. The minimum commission you can earn for up to $499 commission is 8%, while the maximum is 15% for $2000+ commission earned. Their dedicated affiliate marketing team can help improve your campaign and track sales generated through your affiliate link.
How to sign up:
Affiliate Signup Link: Click here
Chronicle Books is a San Francisco-based independent publisher that has partnered with writers, artists, and organizations to provide a diverse selection of books that cater to people with varying interests and backgrounds. You can find the choicest selection of books from categories like entertainment, art & design, life & style, and food & drink.
They have an affiliate program that is suitable for bloggers, book lovers, reviewers, crafters, parents, designers, marketers, or foodies. If you have a blog, social media presence, or a website, you can become their affiliate partner and earn up to 10% commission on each sale you generate. Chronicle Books has one of the best children’s books affiliate programs where you can promote some award-winning books, games, craft kits, etc.
They have partnered with Rakuten (Linkshare) to manage the affiliate program. All commissions are paid out through direct deposit or paper checks. You will get access to insightful reports that will help you track how your affiliate links are performing and the total commission amount you have earned.
Affiliate Commission: 10% on sales you generate
Cookie Duration: 30 days
How to sign up:
Affiliate Signup Link Click here
Bookshop.org is an online bookstore that aims at financially supporting independent, local bookstores through its portal. As more people are now buying books online, this website was established to help local bookstores with the money earned through sales on this platform. For every purchase that is made on this site, the amount goes to an earnings pool that is distributed among independent bookstores, including those who are not on Bookshop.org.
If you are an advocate for books and local bookstores, you can join their affiliate program and spread the word for Bookshop.org. For every sale you generate on the portal, you will earn a 10% commission, and a matching 10% of the earning goes to independent bookstores. With this affiliate program, you not only promote their books and earn money but also contribute to a social cause by supporting local bookstores. The program is suitable for websites, online magazines, authors, book clubs, bloggers, or an organization that wants to promote books.
Affiliate Commission: 10% commission on total sales
Cookie Duration: N/A
How to sign up
Affiliate Signup Link Click here
Google Play Books, earlier known as Google eBooks, is a popular eBook distribution platform that stocks over a million eBooks and audiobooks – available both online and offline. From latest releases to classic bestsellers, they have a vast library of audiobooks that can be enjoyed on multiple devices. The genre of books ranges anything from arts & entertainment, computer & technology, business, biographies, history, engineering, fiction, literature, children’s books, health, cooking & food, religion & spirituality, comics, and much more.
To join the Google Books affiliate program, you need to be an active Play Books Partner. By having an eligible Play Books Partner account, you can sign up for free and direct links to a vast selection of content and products in the Google Play Books store. You can earn a 7% commission on each sale generated via your affiliate link. Google Analytics also allows you to track your campaign performance easily.
However, keep in mind that they have a very short cookie duration, i.e., only 24 hours. You get to earn a commission only when a purchase occurs within 24 hours of a referral. That is quite short a duration. On the other hand, you can leverage their huge selection of books and Google’s brand positioning to maximize the value of your affiliate campaign.
Affiliate Commission: 7%
Cookie Duration: 24 hours
How to sign up
Affiliate Signup Link: Click here
Apple Books is a well known platform to find the books one is looking for. The new Book Store has been designed in a way that enables you to keep a track of what books you want to read or revisit the ones you have already read – all on a single platform. In addition to a vast selection of books, they have several user-friendly features that make it a seamless experience finding and reading your favorite books.
If you are a qualified Apple Content Partner, you can join the Apple Services Performance Partners program and earn a commission of up to 7% on all Apple Books products. The commission can be earned on sales revenue generated on both iOS and macOS.
Affiliate Commission: 7%
Cookie Duration: 30 days
How to sign up
Affiliate Signup Link: Click here
Amazon Books is a segment of the Amazon online marketplace, presenting a highly-curated choice of books, toys, games, and devices. It is a “customer-focused store” that enables people to find great books, including new releases, bestsellers, and classics. Additionally, they also have a good selection of products and devices. To streamline “discovery,” Amazon Books provides unique recommendations that highlight what people are reading, what they are loving, and how or where they are reading. This helps customers to find great books.
Amazon Associates is the Amazon Books affiliate program that allows you to earn a 5% commission on all products listed under Amazon Books. You can share products with your audience via custom linking tools and make money on every qualifying purchase. Any blogger, content creator, or publisher with an eligible website or mobile application can join this program.
To earn the commission, qualifying items must be added to the shopping cart within 24 hours of their visit to Amazon Books through your Associates' link. Even if the customer does not purchase immediately, you will still get a referral fee if the order is placed within 90 days. The referral feel will be credited to your Amazon Associates account only after the referred customer purchases the product, gets delivery, and make full payment to Amazon.
Affiliate Commission: 5% on each purchase that comes via your affiliate link
Cookie Duration: 90 days, provided the item is added to the shopping cart within 24-hours of referral
How to sign up
Affiliate Signup Link: Click here
Audible is the worldwide leader in audiobooks. The platform has an enormous collection of audiobooks in all categories starting from Finance to Self help and Sports and Phycology. Their customer service is also un-parallel.
Audible offers 2 kinds of subscription services to its audience. $7.95 a month for basic subscription where a member gets access to all audiobooks, and podcasts but not to premium titles. The Gold membership at $14.95 provides unrestricted access. Both memberships provide 1 credit a month which equates to 1 audiobook. Customers have the option to buy more credits on the side if required.
Audile was acquired by Amazon and hence its affiliate plan is driven by Amazon Associates. People can apply to become affiliates and if approved will get access to promote both Gold and Basic membership.
Affiliate Commission:
- $10 for each Gold membership subscribed
- $5 for Basic membership
- $0.50 for each audiobook
Cookie Duration: N/A
How to sign up
Affiliate Signup Link: Click here
Summary - Affiliate Programs for Books:
When it comes to book affiliate programs, the experience is quite a mixed bag. Commission earnings are not too big, but trying multiple platforms can help increase your income in the long run. It is important to build trust among your audience through high-quality content and spread the word for different book portals. The more variety you add to your portfolio, the better you can serve your audience and achieve success in affiliate marketing.
