Whether you’re a self-published author aiming to update or remove your book from the Kindle platform, or simply a Kindle owner looking to declutter your digital library, the process of removing a book from your Kindle device or library can be relatively straightforward.
For authors, this action can signify a need for revisions, rebranding, or even parting ways with a previously published work. For Kindle users, it offers the satisfaction of keeping your digital collection organized and free from books you no longer wish to keep.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to achieve both objectives, providing clarity for authors and Kindle owners alike.
How to Delete a Published Book on Kindle as an Author
If you have published a book on Kindle but have second thoughts about having it available for purchase online, you may be wondering how to remove it from the platform. Fortunately, Amazon provides a straightforward process to help authors remove their books from Kindle.
Step 1: To start, log in to your Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) account. Navigate to your bookshelf, which displays all the books you have published on Kindle. Find the book you want to remove and click on the “…” button next to it. This will open a drop-down menu of options.
Step 2: From the drop-down menu, select “Unpublish.” This action will remove your book from sale on the Kindle Store. However, it is important to note that it may take up to 72 hours for the unpublishing process to be complete, and your book may still be visible during this time.
Step 3: If you have enrolled your book in Kindle Select, a program that allows Kindle Unlimited and Kindle Owners’ Lending Library members to read your book for free, you will need to unenroll it from the program before unpublishing it.
To do this, go to your bookshelf and click on “…” next to your enrolled book. From the drop-down menu, select “KDP Select Info” and then “Remove from KDP Select.” Once you have unenrolled your book, you can proceed with the unpublishing process.
Remember that removing your book from Kindle does not automatically cancel any publishing agreements you have made with other platforms or publishers. It’s your responsibility to terminate those agreements separately.
How to Remove Books From Your Kindle Library as a Reader
If your Kindle library is cluttered with books you no longer wish to keep, it’s essential to know how to remove them effectively. Take a look at this step-by-step guide.
Step 1: To begin removing books from your Kindle, the first step is to access the Kindle library. Whether you are using a Kindle device or the Kindle app on a smartphone or tablet, opening the library may vary slightly.
On your Kindle device, simply tap on the “Library” icon on the home screen. For the Kindle app, launch the app and tap on the three horizontal lines in the top-left corner to access the menu, then select “Library.” It’s important to sync your Kindle if you use multiple devices to ensure your changes are reflected across all platforms.
Step 2: Once you are inside the Kindle library, you will see a comprehensive list of all the books you have purchased or downloaded. The library offers three views: “All,” “Downloaded,” and “Archived.” The “All” view displays all books in your collection, both downloaded and archived. The “Downloaded” view only shows those books that are currently downloaded to your device. The “Archived” view contains books that have been removed from your device but are still available for re-download.
Step 3: To remove a book from your Kindle, you need to first select it. If you have multiple books you want to remove, tap and hold on one book, and then select the others you wish to delete. Some devices and apps may provide additional options to filter or sort your books, making it easier to locate specific titles for removal.
Step 4: Once you have selected the book(s) you want to remove, follow the step-by-step instructions to delete them from your Kindle device or app. The process may slightly differ between Kindle devices and Kindle apps on various platforms, so pay close attention to the specific instructions provided. Generally, you’ll need to tap on the three vertical dots or the “…” icon next to the selected book(s), then choose the “Remove from Device” or “Delete” option.
Step 5: After selecting the removal option, a confirmation prompt may appear to ensure you intended to delete the book(s). It’s crucial to understand that removing a book from your Kindle library is an irrevocable action. If you accidentally delete a book, you can re-download it later from the “Archived” view. Always double-check the book(s) you have selected before confirming the removal.
Empowering Authors and Readers
The steps outlined above can help both authors and readers curate their Kindle experience, making it tailored to their needs. With just a few clicks, you can manage your digital content, creating a Kindle library that truly reflects your preferences and objectives.
As an author, you may be curious about the restrictions that come with publishing on Amazon or Kindle. Make sure to explore the pros and cons of selling your book on Amazon here.
FAQ
No, removing a book from your Kindle device will only remove it from that specific device. The book will still be available in your Amazon account and can be downloaded to other devices that are registered to your account.
Yes, if you have removed a book from your Kindle device but still want to access it in the future, you can easily re-download it. Simply go to your Kindle’s home screen, tap on “All” or “Library,” and navigate to “Cloud” or “All Items” where you can find a list of all the books associated with your Amazon account. From there, you can select and download any book you have previously removed.
Yes, apart from removing books directly from your Kindle device, there are alternative methods. For example, you can remove books using the Kindle app on your smartphone or tablet. Furthermore, you can also manage your Kindle library through the Amazon website by accessing “Your Content and Devices” under your account settings. This way, you can remove books from your Kindle remotely or even organize your entire e-book collection.