You want to control your writing time instead of being held to deadlines. You choose the title, cover, and pricing. Bigger percent of royalties, No rejection letters. No reliance on someone thinking that they can sell your book or deciding if there is a market for it. You create the market.
Consider your goals: Do you just want people to be able to read the very niche story you love, do you want to see your book in print, do you want to start making a name for yourself?
Print Self Publishing Options
Kindle Direct Publishing Print
KDP is a retailer, not a distributor in the traditional publishing sense. However, it offers extensive global reach through Amazon’s international marketplaces, making it a powerful tool for self-publishing authors.
Pros
- Global Availability: KDP allows you to easily distribute your book across various Amazon marketplaces worldwide (such as Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Amazon.ca, etc.) with just a few clicks. Simply check the boxes for each country you want your book available in. Pricing will automatically be converted to the local currency of each marketplace.
- Control and Simplicity: You retain full control over where your book is sold, the pricing in each region, and your publishing rights. As long as you haven’t signed those rights away to a traditional publisher, you can publish globally through KDP without issue.
- Print-on-Demand Efficiency: For print books, KDP uses a print-on-demand model, which means you don’t need to keep inventory or manage shipping. KDP handles everything from printing to delivery, reducing your upfront costs.
- Transparent Minimum Pricing: KDP sets a minimum list price for print books (paperbacks and hardcovers) based on page count and printing requirements. This ensures printing costs are covered before royalties are calculated. The pricing calculator is available on their website for both paperback and hardcover formats.
- Free ISBNs: KDP offers a free ISBN (International Standard Book Number) for both paperback and hardcover books, saving you the cost of purchasing one. This makes it easy for first-time authors to publish at no additional cost.
Cons
- Free ISBN Limitations: While KDP provides free ISBNs, they are only valid within the KDP system. If you wish to publish the same edition of your book through another retailer or printer, you’ll need to purchase a separate ISBN from a recognized agency.
- Pricing Constraints: KDP sets a minimum price threshold for print books based on physical production costs. If you have a high page count or choose premium options—like color ink or cream paper—your minimum price may be higher than you’d prefer, which could impact sales.
- Hardcover Complexity: KDP’s hardcover publishing involves more variables than paperbacks, all of which affect pricing. This can make it harder to estimate profitability without using KDP’s detailed pricing tool.
- Retailer-Only Model: Unlike aggregators or distributors that place your book in multiple retail and library systems, KDP primarily sells through Amazon. If you’re aiming for wide distribution (e.g., into bookstores or libraries), you may need to publish elsewhere in addition to KDP.
IngramSpark
IngramSpark is a publisher and distributor, offering access to one of the largest global book distribution networks.
Pros
- Widespread Global Distribution: IngramSpark distributes to retailers and wholesalers across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand. This includes both online retailers and physical bookstores, increasing your visibility and sales potential beyond just Amazon.
- Access to Brick-and-Mortar Bookstores: Because IngramSpark works directly with bookstore ordering systems, your book is more likely to be considered for shelf placement in stores like Barnes & Noble or Waterstones, provided it meets industry standards.
- Free Account and Uploads: IngramSpark charges nothing for book uploads or revisions making it cost-effective to get started.
- Bulk Printing and Discounts: Unlike print-on-demand platforms that are focused on one-off copies, IngramSpark also supports bulk print runs with discounted pricing, ideal for author events, signings, or direct sales.
- Flexible Print Options: You can choose from a wide range of trim sizes, bindings, paper types, and ink choices. This makes it easier to customize your book to suit your audience and genre expectations.
- Educational Tools and Author Resources: IngramSpark offers a variety of free self-publishing resources, including pricing calculators, royalty estimators, and a regularly updated blog with articles geared toward indie authors. This support can be especially helpful for authors new to publishing.
Cons
- Complex Distribution Settings: Setting up your distribution can be more technical than on other platforms. You’ll need to understand wholesale discounts, returnability options, and regional pricing. Incorrect settings could make your book less appealing to retailers or eat into your royalties.
- Longer Setup Time: Because of its more professional-level options and broader reach, publishing on IngramSpark can take longer to learn and navigate.
Blurb
Blurb is both a printer and a retailer, offering high-quality print-on-demand services as well as direct sales through its own online store.
Pros
- Exceptional Print Quality: Blurb is known for its premium printing standards, making it ideal for projects that emphasize visuals—such as photography collections, graphic novels, art books, portfolios, or illustrated children’s books. Print options include softcover, hardcover with image wrap, hardcover with dust jacket, and layflat photo books.
- Broad Distribution Options: In addition to selling through Blurb’s own store, you can distribute your book to Amazon, your personal website, and over 39,000 retailers worldwide via Ingram’s network. This offers both direct-to-consumer sales and wider retail reach.
- Frequent Promotions: Blurb runs monthly promotions and discounts—both for book printing and for customers. These can significantly reduce costs if timed right, especially for bulk orders or proof copies.
- On-Demand and Bulk Options: You can order single copies on demand or purchase in bulk with quantity-based discounts. This flexibility is great for authors who sell in person, through events, or directly to clients.
- Kickstarter and Presale Integration: Blurb supports presales and provides tools to help authors and creators run Kickstarter campaigns, making it easier to fund and market projects before printing.
Cons
- Higher Pricing: The high print quality comes at a cost. Blurb’s per-book pricing is generally higher than other print-on-demand services, especially for full-color interiors or specialty formats like layflat. This can make it harder to price competitively for retail distribution.
- Limited Genre Versatility: While you can publish novels or text-heavy nonfiction with Blurb, it’s not typically the go-to platform for standard paperbacks. Blurb leans heavily into visual and design-focused books, and authors of more traditional formats may find better pricing or features elsewhere.
- Distribution Setup May Require Extra Steps: While distribution to Amazon and Ingram is available, it is not automatic. You’ll need to opt in to the Global Retail Network and meet specific formatting and pricing requirements, which may be unfamiliar to first-time users.
- Complex File Preparation for Some Users: Blurb’s emphasis on high-quality design may require a steeper learning curve for authors who aren’t familiar with layout programs.
BookBaby
BookBaby is a full-service self-publishing company offering professional editing, cover design, interior formatting, and marketing services. These can be added à la carte or bundled in customizable packages, making it convenient for authors at any stage.
Pros
- Author-Friendly Royalties: Authors receive 50% royalties on printed book sales through BookBaby’s bookstore. That’s among the more generous royalty structures in the industry.
- Robust Distribution Network: Your book can be listed with major online retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, Libby, Everand, Baker & Taylor, Books-A-Million, and others. This provides broad exposure across global markets.
- Print Quality and Flexibility: Offers print-on-demand and short-run printing for softcover and hardcover formats. Quality control is maintained through in-house U.S. printing, providing consistency and durability.
- Lifetime Support: Authors benefit from free, ongoing customer support, even after the book has launched—rare among self-publishing platforms and especially helpful for long-term projects like series.
Cons
- Separate Fees for Distribution: Global distribution is not included by default and must be purchased as an add-on. This can surprise some authors who assume it’s built into the base price.
- Marketing Tools Are Paid Add-Ons: Although marketing help is available, it isn’t included in basic packages. Services such as press releases, ad campaigns, or social media support come at extra cost.
Lulu
Lulu is a full-service publisher that offers a range of services including formatting, packaging, editorial support, and proofreading.
Pros
- Free Account Setup: Creating an account and starting a project is free. You only pay when you order printed copies or opt into paid services, making it accessible for authors testing the waters.
- Transparent Pricing: Base prices for various book sizes and formats are clearly listed on Lulu’s website. This helps authors estimate costs upfront and plan accordingly.
- High Royalties: Authors retain up to 80% of profits from print sales, which is among the highest in the industry.
- Binding & Format Variety: Lulu supports multiple binding options—coil, hardcover, paperback, and saddle stitch—as well as different paper types and finishes. This flexibility suits a wide range of book types, from novels to photo books.
- Global Distribution Reach: Books can be sold through Lulu’s own bookstore, your personal website, or distributed to over 40,000 retailers worldwide via Amazon and Ingram. This gives authors both direct and retail sales channels.
- Educational Resources: Lulu provides free learning tools like guidebooks, a blog for authors, and Lulu University on YouTube. These resources help authors navigate the publishing process and improve their craft.
Cons
- Basic Production Services: While Lulu offers essential publishing tools, its production services (like design and editing) are more limited compared to other platforms. Authors may need to supplement with external professionals.
- No Built-In Marketing Support: Lulu does not offer marketing services. Promotion and audience-building are entirely up to the author, which can be a challenge for first-time publishers.
- Learning Curve: The platform can be complex for new users, especially when it comes to formatting PDFs and navigating the publishing dashboard.
- Limited Physical Store Presence: Due to its print-on-demand model, Lulu books are rarely stocked in brick-and-mortar stores unless authors arrange it independently.
eBook Publishing Companies
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is Amazon’s self-publishing platform for both print and ebooks, offering authors a cost-free way to publish and sell their work to a global audience.
Pros
- Free & Fast Uploads: Publishing your eBook on Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is entirely free. The process is user-friendly, allowing you to upload files in ePUB (recommended) or MOBI format. Most authors can complete the upload process in under 10 minutes, which makes it accessible even for beginners.
- Flexible Royalties: KDP provides two royalty structures. Authors can earn 35% royalties for books priced outside the $2.99–$9.99 range. For those within this price window—and who meet certain formatting and file size requirements—a 70% royalty rate is available. This flexibility allows authors to tailor pricing and profit expectations to their strategy and audience.
- Global Distribution: Once published, your eBook is available on Amazon marketplaces around the world. This wide distribution network positions your book in front of millions of potential readers, leveraging Amazon’s status as the largest global book retailer.
- Editable Anytime: Authors retain full control over their work post-publication. You can update your manuscript, adjust your pricing, or change your book’s metadata whenever you like. This ensures your eBook can evolve over time without republishing.
- Marketing Opportunities via KDP Select: If you choose to enroll your eBook in KDP Select, Amazon provides promotional tools like Kindle Countdown Deals and free book giveaways. It also makes your book available in Kindle Unlimited, a subscription service that can enhance exposure and boost revenue through pages read.
- No Upfront Costs: There are no setup, listing, or service fees involved with publishing on KDP. For books enrolled in the 70% royalty option, Amazon deducts a small delivery fee based on file size, but beyond that, all other services are free.
- Free ISBNs: KDP offers a free ISBN (International Standard Book Number) for ebooks, saving you the cost of purchasing one. This makes it easy for first-time authors to publish at no additional cost.
Cons
- Free ISBN Limitations: While KDP provides free ISBNs, they are only valid within the KDP system. If you wish to publish the same edition of your book through another retailer or printer, you’ll need to purchase a separate ISBN from a recognized agency.
- KDP Select Exclusivity: Enrolling in KDP Select requires exclusivity, during which your eBook cannot be sold on other platforms like Apple Books, Kobo, or your personal website. While the added marketing benefits can be worthwhile, the trade-off is reduced flexibility in distribution.
- Royalty Limitations: While the 70% royalty rate sounds appealing, it’s only available for eBooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99 and meeting certain file specifications. Books outside this range default to the 35% rate, and delivery fees can further impact profits.
- Limited Analytics: KDP’s reporting dashboard is fairly basic, providing general insights into sales and page reads but lacking deeper metrics. Authors who prefer granular data for marketing and audience analysis may find the platform’s analytics tools insufficient.
- Discoverability Challenges: Amazon’s marketplace contains millions of titles, and standing out can be difficult. Unless you’re enrolled in KDP Select and actively using promotional tools, gaining visibility often requires substantial marketing efforts on the author’s part.
Apple Books
Apple Books is a digital book retailer operated by Apple Inc., allowing authors to publish and sell their ebooks directly to users on iOS and macOS devices.
Pros
- High Royalties: Authors receive a 70% royalty rate on all ebook sales, regardless of the book’s price.
- No Publishing Fees: It’s free to create an iTunes account and upload your book.
- Multiple Format Support: Accepts various file formats, including Pages, Microsoft Word, EPUB, PDF, and KF8, making it flexible for authors at any tech level.
- Author Pricing Control: Writers have full control over pricing, which means you can set your own price points without restrictions or minimums.
- Built-in Global Audience: Apple Books is integrated into the Apple network (iPhones, iPads, and Macs), providing instant access to a large and loyal customer base.
- Marketing & Design Resources: Offers support materials, such as: interviews with best-selling authors, guides for designing book covers, and marketing videos and promotional tools
Cons
- Limited to Apple Users: Your book is only available to readers using Apple devices, limiting reach compared to more cross-platform options.
- More Complex Setup: Requires an iTunes Connect account and may involve technical steps (e.g., ISBN registration, metadata formatting) that can feel overwhelming for beginners.
- Less Discoverability: Apple Books doesn’t have the same level of built-in discoverability or algorithmic recommendations that other publishing choices offer.
- Mac Needed for Direct Upload: Authors must use a Mac (or workaround tools) to upload books directly, which can be a hurdle for Windows users.
- No Print-on-Demand: Apple Books is strictly digital, offering no option for print distribution through the platform itself.
Barnes & Noble Press
Barnes & Noble Press is the self-publishing platform of the major book retailer Barnes & Noble, formerly branded under the Nook name.
Pros
- No Publishing Fees: Free to create an account and upload ebooks, with no upfront publishing fees.
- User-friendly Platform: Easily guides authors through uploading and formatting their ebooks.
- Sales Platform: Books are sold directly on BN.com and accessible on Nook devices and apps.
- High Royalties: Authors earn 70% royalties on ebooks priced above $0.99.
- Author Resources: Offers virtual events focused on writing, publishing, and marketing, helping authors improve their craft and promotion strategies.
- Free Promotions: Features monthly themed collections on their website, showcasing ebooks from both new and established authors.
- Reader Trust: Backed by a recognized and trusted bookseller brand, which may increase reader trust and credibility
Cons
- Limited Audience: Ebook sales are limited to the Barnes & Noble audience, which is smaller compared to other platforms. And Nook devices and apps have a more limited market share, reducing potential visibility
- Decreased Discoverability: Lower discoverability and fewer algorithm-driven recommendations compared to other major retailers.
- Restricted Promotional Reach: Marketing and promotional reach may not be as extensive or effective unless the book is selected for a featured collection
Kobo Writing Life (KWL)
Kobo Writing Life (KWL) is the self-publishing platform run by the international retailer Rakuten Kobo.
Pros of Using Kobo Writing Life
- Free to use with no exclusivity requirements: Authors can create an account and upload ebooks or audiobooks at no cost and retain the freedom to publish elsewhere.
- High royalties on most ebooks: Authors earn 70% royalties on ebooks priced at $2.99 and above, and 45% on books priced below $2.99.
- Supports global pricing and scheduling: Allows authors to schedule price changes or sales in advance, with control by currency and region. Authors can also make their book free.
- International language support: The platform interface is available in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese for ebooks.
- Worldwide distribution: Books are distributed through the Kobo Worldwide Storefront, making them accessible in multiple countries and partner platforms.
- Unlimited updates: Authors can upload an unlimited number of book updates at no additional cost.
- Helpful publishing resources: KWL provides step-by-step guides for ebook publishing and cover design to support both new and experienced authors.
Cons
- No print publishing option: KWL focuses only on ebooks and audiobooks, so authors must use a separate service for print versions.
- Lower royalties for low-priced books: Books priced below $2.99 only earn 45% royalties, which is lower than other platforms offering a flat rate.
- Limited promotional tools: The promotional tool is only available for English-language ebooks, reducing marketing options for non-English titles.
- Less market share in the U.S.: Kobo is a major player internationally but has less presence in the U.S. compared to Amazon or Apple Books, which may impact visibility for American authors.
Draft2Digital (D2D)
Draft2Digital is a self-publishing aggregator that distributes ebooks to multiple platforms on behalf of the author.
Pros
- Global distribution to major retailers: Distributes to platforms like Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, OverDrive, Smashwords, Tolino, Hoopla, and more.
- Free professional formatting tools: Provides tools to format ebooks automatically without additional software or cost.
- Takes only a 10% cut of the retail price: There are no upfront fees—Draft2Digital only earns when your book sells.
- Sales tracking and reporting: Offers centralized tracking of your book’s performance across multiple platforms.
- Flexible pricing, including free: Authors can set their ebook’s price to free, either permanently or for promotions like reader magnets.
- Author update options: Books can be updated for free once every 90 days, or more often for a $25 fee.
- Useful backmatter and universal link tools: Automatically generates links to your other books and offers universal links to share with readers that work across platforms.
- Free author pages: Authors can create a customizable landing page for their books and series at no extra cost through Books2Read.
- Promotions tab: Allows authors to schedule discounts and limited-time sales in advance.
- Author resources: D2D’s blog includes articles on writing, editing, publishing, cover design, and more to support authors at every stage.
Cons
- Takes a percentage of your sales: While there are no upfront costs, D2D collects 10% of the retail price, which may be more than a flat fee model depending on your sales volume.
- Update frequency limitations: Authors can only update their ebook once every 90 days for free; additional updates cost $25 each, which can add up for frequent revisions.
- Fewer promotional tools than dedicated platforms: While D2D offers scheduling and some visibility options, it lacks robust in-platform advertising like some other self-publishers.
- Limited branding control: Because books are distributed under D2D’s agreements, authors may have less direct control over retailer-specific settings or appearance than when publishing directly.
PublishDrive
PublishDrive is a global self-publishing aggregator that operates on a subscription-based model.
Pros
- Authors keep 100% of their royalties: Instead of taking a percentage of each sale, PublishDrive charges a monthly fee, allowing authors to retain full earnings.
- Free to publish one ebook: Authors can publish one ebook at no cost, making it accessible for those just getting started.
- Tiered subscription plans: Plans include Starter, Standard, Plus, and Pro, scaling based on the number of books. For example, the Pro plan covers up to 48 books and costs $83.99/month.
- Global distribution reach: Distributes to over 400 retailers and 240,000 libraries, including Amazon, Apple Books, Google Play, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Everand, and Bookmate.
- Built-in promotional tools: Offers features such as automated price promotions, marketing campaigns, and protected review copies.
- Advanced royalty reporting: Includes tools for tracking earnings and calculating royalties, even allowing royalty splitting between multiple contributors.
- AI publishing assistant: Uses artificial intelligence to help with SEO-driven metadata, including title suggestions, BISAC categories, keywords, and cover image generation.
- Flexible pricing model for high-volume authors: The subscription model can be cost-effective for authors with multiple titles and steady monthly sales.
Cons
- Monthly subscription fee: Authors must pay a recurring fee based on the number of books, which can become expensive for those with low or inconsistent sales.
- Higher upfront investment for larger catalogs: For authors not selling many copies monthly, plans like the Pro tier ($83.99/month) may not offer a strong return on investment.
- No print book distribution: Focuses only on digital content, so authors will need to use another platform if they want to distribute print editions.
- Steeper learning curve for newer authors: While powerful, the array of features—especially those involving metadata, AI, and price optimization—might feel overwhelming to beginners.
- Limited promotional visibility compared to major retailers: Promotion tools are helpful, but may not match the effectiveness of native marketing on other platforms.
StreetLib
StreetLib is a digital publishing aggregator that focuses exclusively on ebooks and audiobooks.
Pros
- Multiple plan options for flexibility: Offers Basic (free), Pro ($99/year), and custom Enterprise plans to suit different publishing needs and budgets.
- Generous royalty structure
Authors earn 70% royalties on the Basic plan and 85% royalties on the Pro plan. - Global distribution to major platforms
Distributes to over 39,000 retailers and libraries including Amazon, Apple Books, Google Play, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Everand, and OverDrive. - All-in-one publishing tools: Includes StreetLib Write, a tool for drafting manuscripts directly in the platform, along with formatting, metadata entry, and publishing support.
- Pro plan includes both ebook and audiobook distribution
Authors on the Pro plan can distribute up to 100 titles across multiple formats. - Enterprise plan for publishers
Custom solutions are available for established publishers with high-volume needs. - Author resources
Offers a blog and newsletter with updates, publishing advice, and platform tips.
Cons of Using StreetLib
- Free plan has limitations:The Basic plan allows only 10 ebooks and has limited distribution reach compared to the Pro tier.
- Annual fee required for full features:To access expanded distribution, higher royalties, and audiobook support, authors must pay $99/year for the Pro plan.
- No print publishing: StreetLib does not offer any support for print books, so authors need a separate platform for physical copies.
- Smaller presence in U.S. market: While global in scope, StreetLib is more popular in Europe and may offer less discoverability for U.S.-based authors compared to other platforms.
XinXii
XinXii is a European-based ebook aggregator that is free to use for fiction authors.
Pros of Using XinXii
- Free to publish for fiction ebooks: All three publishing packages are free, with no upfront or subscription fees required.
- Tiered royalty structure: Authors receive 70% royalties for books priced above $2.49 and 40% royalties for those priced between $0.99 and $2.48.
- International payment options: Royalties can be paid out in either EUR or USD, offering flexibility for global authors.
- Broad international distribution: Distributes to major and regional retailers including Amazon, Kobo, WHSmith, Indigo, Flipkart, Hugendubel, Angus & Robertson, Thalia, Buecher, Whitcoulls, Livraria Cultura, Casa de Libro, and Everand.
- Strong presence in European markets: Especially effective for reaching readers in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.
- Support for multiple languages and pen names: Authors can publish in several languages or under multiple pseudonyms without creating new accounts.
- Author page and sales page in one: Each author receives a customizable page that doubles as a direct sales page for their books.
- DRM-free publishing: XinXii does not add Digital Rights Management (DRM) to books, respecting the author’s choice to keep their ebooks open. Instead they use download limits to protect from piracy and hacking.
- Allows price and publishing updates: Authors can freely adjust pricing or publishing details without penalty.
Cons
- Lower royalties for low-priced books: Books priced under $2.49 earn only 40% royalties, which is less favorable than other platforms’ minimum rates.
- Limited file format support: Uploads are limited to EPUB and MOBI, which may require file conversion for some authors.
- More regional than global reach: While XinXii distributes internationally, its core strength is in European markets, making it less effective for authors targeting U.S. or global English-speaking audiences.
- No DRM may concern some authors: While DRM-free publishing is a pro for many, authors concerned with piracy may view this as a drawback.
- Download limits: XinXii limits the number of downloads per ebook, which could affect long-term availability or accessibility depending on usage.
How to Pick the Best Self Publishing Platform For You.
Writing and Editing
Some of the full-service companies can help with writing and editing, but for all others consider using an editing service like Fictionary to make sure you have a strongly structured completed manuscript to publish.
Formatting
Some companies have their own software for formatting books and others require authors to have the book preformatted, so it can be directly uploaded for publication.
No upfront costs
None of the vetted self-publishing companies should ask for upfront costs, except the subscription models. The companies take a commission of your sales to pay for their costs and you make a consistent percentage of royalties.
Accounts
Each company will require their own account, so consider how much it is worth to you to sign up for several accounts through each retailer or let an aggregator take another commission from your sales to publish with all the retailers for you.
Rights
Consider which companies allow the author to keep their rights and exclusivity. And what is the policy for removing the book or putting it up on other platforms.
Flexibility
When choosing a company consider the flexibility of being able to update the content, metadata, and cover of your books to have the highest quality product possible.