A Publisher’s Conversation with Authors: The Real Value of A+ Content
Authors hear a lot of promises about A+ Content—most of them inflated, some of them flat‑out wrong. So let’s take a clear, grounded look at what A+ Content actually does, who can use it, and when it’s worth the trouble.
A+ Content is not a marketing strategy. It is a page enhancement. Think of it as the throw pillow on the couch: lovely to have, but it won’t hold up the furniture.
With that in mind, here’s how to think about A+ Content depending on the publishing path you’re on.
For Self‑Published Authors: Helpful, But Not Magical
Self‑published authors can use A+ Content—and sometimes should. But it’s important to understand what it does and what it doesn’t do.
What A+ Content Can Do
Improve conversion if people are already visiting your Amazon page
Reinforce your brand or series identity
Help nonfiction authors highlight benefits, features, or frameworks
Give visual books (cookbooks, photography, children’s books) a stronger presence
Support a series by showing reading order or worldbuilding elements
What A+ Content Cannot Do
Increase your visibility
Improve your Amazon ranking
Generate traffic
Replace reviews, ads, or author outreach
Rescue a book with no marketing behind it
A+ Content is a finishing touch. It works only when the rest of the ecosystem is already in motion: reviews, ads, newsletter, platform, category optimization, and ongoing visibility efforts.
If you’re already doing the work and your book is getting steady traffic, A+ Content can give your page a professional polish that nudges undecided readers toward “Buy Now.” If you’re not getting traffic, A+ Content will sit there quietly, admired by no one.
For Traditionally Published Authors: Usually Not Possible—and Often Not Necessary
Traditionally published authors often worry they’re missing out because they can’t add A+ Content. Let me reassure you: you’re not.
Why You Usually Can’t Add It
A+ Content can only be uploaded by whoever controls the ASIN. For traditionally published books, that’s the publisher or distributor—not the author.
Many distributors (including Ingram) do not support A+ Content for print books.
Even when Kindle editions allow it, publishers rarely prioritize it unless the book is highly visual or part of a major campaign.
Why You Usually Don’t Need It
Traditional publishing sales don’t depend on Amazon page conversion the way self‑pub sales do. Your sales ecosystem is broader and more diversified:
Libraries
Bookstores
Wholesalers
Publicity
Reviews
Speaking engagements
Academic or community networks
A+ Content is a minor factor in that landscape. If your publisher adds it, great. If not, it’s not a missed opportunity. It’s simply not where your sales are coming from.
What A+ Content Cannot Do—Despite What Contractors Promise
This section exists because too many authors are being sold a fantasy.
A+ Content is often marketed as a secret weapon. It isn’t. And many contractors don’t understand the difference between:
Seller Central A+ (for physical products sold directly)
KDP A+ (for Kindle ebooks only)
Publisher/distributor restrictions
Who actually controls the ASIN
This leads to authors paying for:
A+ Content they cannot upload
Graphics in the wrong format
Composite images Amazon won’t accept
“Marketing” that does nothing to increase visibility
The biggest misconception: A+ Content does not drive sales. It only enhances the page for people who are already there.
If someone is promising you that A+ Content will “boost your ranking,” “increase discoverability,” or “drive traffic,” they are misunderstanding how Amazon works.
When A+ Content Is Worth the Trouble
A+ Content is worth doing when:
You are self‑published and already getting traffic
You have reviews and a functioning marketing plan
You’re running ads
You’re building a series
Your book is visually driven
You have a niche audience that responds to visuals
It is not worth doing when:
You have no traffic
You have no platform
You expect A+ Content to fix low sales
A contractor is pushing it as a “must‑have”
You’re traditionally published and don’t control the ASIN
This is a tool—not a strategy.
If You Do Use A+ Content, Use It Well
A few best practices:
Keep it clean and readable
Avoid clutter
Use high‑contrast images
Focus on benefits, not decoration
Match the tone and audience of the book
Don’t treat it like a scrapbook page
Good A+ Content is simple, intentional, and supportive—not loud or busy.
Final Thought
A+ Content is one of those publishing tools that’s easy to misunderstand because it looks impressive. But its value is modest and specific: it helps convert traffic you already have. It does not create that traffic.
If you think of A+ Content as the garnish rather than the meal, you’ll use it wisely—and you’ll avoid spending money or energy on something that can’t do the heavy lifting.
some content/research provided by AI
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