Ready to publish your book but still unsure about the right platform for you? No problem! Here’s 10 Publishing Platforms you should consider today.
The world of self-publishing, especially if you’re at the start of your journey, can be daunting. For this reason, we thought we should kick things off by researching the most popular publishing platforms, so you don’t have to.
We’ve created a list of 10 Book Publishing Platforms including a short description, pricing, distribution channels and marketing support available to writers. Essential, straight to the point and timely, just how we like it.
# 1: AMAZON KDP
- What it is | Amazon.com’s e-book self-publishing platform
- Pricing | Free for ebooks (print books on demand, costs subtracted from royalties)
- Distribution | Amazon websites (expanded distribution available, subject to distributors’ requirements)
- Marketing | Free to use tools: Kindle countdown deals, free book promotion (offer book for free, up to 5 days) Amazon author page, Amazon adverts, book gifting and sample chapters
Website: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/
# 2: BARNES & NOBLE PRESS
- What it is | Independent platform powered by book retail giant Barnes&Noble
- Pricing | Ebooks free; Print books depending on book specs
- Distribution | Own website and NOOK devices (own brand ebook readers)
- Marketing | Free online promotion on monthly themed collections and newsletter; paid for marketing consultations available with partner ScoreIt! (from $69)
Website: https://press.barnesandnoble.com
# 3: INGRAM SPARK
- What it is | Independent platform for indie authors/publishers to create both print books and e-books
- Pricing | Ebook + print book: $49; Ebooks: $25 per title & Print books: $49 per title
- Distribution | Access to 40,000+ independent/online/chain stores & ebook retailers
- Marketing | No direct marketing but free writer resources available (marketing activity worksheets/checklists)
Website: https://www.ingramspark.com
# 4: KOBO (KOBO WRITING LIFE)
- What it is | Portal for authors/publishers to create and upload eBooks to Kobo
- Pricing | Free to use
- Distribution | Kobo Writing Life (powered by Rakuten Kobo, leading ebook retailer)
- Marketing | Free writer resources, bespoke promotional opportunities picked by Kobo’s merchandisers, Kobo affiliate program, “How To” guides
Website: https://kobowritinglife.com
# 5: APPLE BOOKS FOR AUTHORS
- What it is | Portal with support resources from how to write a book to marketing (you must be an “iTunes Creator” account holder)
- Pricing | Free to use if self-publishing directly or paid for services (at variable cost) through Apple’s 15+ selected partners
- Distribution | Apple Books portal for direct sale
- Marketing | No direct marketing support but detailed “How To” guides available
Website: https://authors.apple.com
# 6: LULU
- What it is | Online print-on-demand, self-publishing, and distribution platform
- Pricing | Ebooks: free; Print books: depending on requirements
- Distribution | Lulu Bookstore & major online retailers (Lulu Global Dist. Service)
- Marketing | No marketing support
Website: https://www.lulu.com
# 7: PUBLISHDRIVE
- What it is | Ebook/audio-book/print-on-demand aggregator
- Pricing | 5 packs, starter ($99.99/year, 2 books) to pro ($999.99/year, 48 books)
- Distribution | 20+channels, 400+ stores, & thousands of digital libraries worldwide
- Marketing | Support to get books featured on book promotion sites/newsletters (included in sign-up fee), price promotions, free copies distribution for review
Website: https://publishdrive.com
# 8: SMASHWORDS
- What it is | Ebook publishing and distribution platform
- Pricing | Free to get started, ebooks only
- Distribution | 20+ major online retailers (only for books on their Premium Catalog)
- Marketing | No direct marketing support but free sales & marketing tools (available when selling directly on Smashwords Store)
Website: https://www.smashwords.com
# 9: BOOKBABY
- What it is | Book publishing service provider for self-published authors
- Pricing | Ebooks: $148 no distribution/$348 with distribution; Print books: from $148 (pricing based on a 250 page book)
- Distribution | Bookbaby’s ebook retail network (50+ platforms, $299 to start); Print books: printed to order only (from $399, 25 books minimum)
- Marketing | Available for a fee, price from $100 to $399 depending on service
Website: https://www.bookbaby.com
# 10: PUBLISHINGPUSH
- What it is | UK based self-publishing company
- Pricing | Depending on requirements (2021 benchmark: complete publishing package from £1,890 for paperback, hardback, e-book)
- Distribution | Access to a global distribution network of 40,000 retailers & libraries
- Marketing | Active social media promotion (40,000 followers across Instagram, FB, Twitter), book marketing courses coming soon (May 2022)
Website: https://publishingpush.com
Would you like to find out more about any of these? We can help! Just drop us a message at: notforvanity@gmail.com
