3 Top Self-Publishing Platforms Every Indie Author Must Know

“I wasted four years waiting for agents to tell me that my book was worthy of publication. Then I decided: let readers decide what’s worth reading, not agents or publishers.” – Eva Lesko Natiello

 

Navigating the sea of self-publishing platforms can be a daunting task for any new indie author. With a landscape rich in options, each offering its unique set of features, limitations, and audience reach, making an informed choice about where to publish your work is crucial to its success.

 

This writer’s guide (part of our series based on our book, Is Your Book Ready to Self-Publish?) delves into the intricacies of popular self-publishing platforms, including Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Barnes & Noble Press, and Draft2Digital, among others. By comparing their services, audience reach, and royalty structures, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide that will help you select the platform that best aligns with your publishing goals.

 

Whether you’re aiming for maximum reach, dreaming of seeing your book on bookstore shelves, or seeking broad digital distribution, understanding the strengths and limitations of each platform will empower you to make decisions that resonate with your aspirations as an indie author.

 

Ready? Let’s dive in.

 

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Amazon KDP, arguably the most widely recognized platform, has the largest audience reach and author services. What sets KDP apart is its seamless integration with the Amazon ecosystem. It provides access to the most significant book marketplace in the world. KDP offers both eBook and print-on-demand publishing, making it a versatile option. The platform’s royalty structure is appealing, with authors earning up to 70% on eBook sales.

 

However, KDP’s expansive reach also means increased competition, so you may find standing out in such a crowded marketplace challenging. Authors like Mark Dawson, C. Gockel, and Caimh McDonnell have leveraged KDP to find huge audiences and become financially successful indie authors.

 

Barnes & Noble Press

Barnes & Noble Press (B&N) caters specifically to its audience, one of the largest book retailers in the United States. This platform is ideal if you wish to see your book in a physical bookstore. It offers a straightforward publishing process for both eBooks and print books. While its online reach is not as vast as Amazon’s, B&N offers a competitive royalty rate and the prestige of being associated with a renowned bookstore brand. One limitation is its primary focus on the U.S. market. This may not be ideal if you want to target a global audience.

 

Draft2Digital

Draft2Digital distinguishes itself through its wide distribution network. It allows you to deliver your eBooks through a single platform to various digital stores, including Apple Books, Kobo, and others. This means broader distribution without the need to manage multiple accounts. Draft2Digital is user-friendly, offering automated formatting tools and a straightforward dashboard. However, it does not provide a direct sales platform like KDP or B&N, and its royalty rates are slightly lower because of its role as an aggregator.

 

For Amazon KDP, author Andy Weir started with KDP but later got a traditional publishing deal for The Martian. For Barnes & Noble Press, an indie author successfully got her print book into the B&N physical stores. For Draft2Digital, an author used the platform’s wide distribution to reach an international audience.

 

Other Notable Platforms

Beyond these three primary players, several other platforms offer unique advantages. For instance, platforms such as Smashwords cater to a niche audience and offer high royalty rates, though with a smaller reach. Lulu is another alternative known for its high-quality print-on-demand services and wide network. IngramSpark is renowned for its extensive distribution channels, including access to bookstores and libraries, but it’s more complex to navigate and includes setup fees.

 

Choosing the right self-publishing platform is a vital decision. Each platform has its strengths and limitations. The best choice depends on your specific needs and goals. Amazon KDP offers unparalleled reach and integration with the world’s largest online retailer. B&N provides the prestige of a known bookstore brand and physical book presence. Draft2Digital stands out for its broad digital distribution through multiple retailers. Other platforms offer specialized services catering to different aspects of self-publishing.

 

As an indie author, it is essential to research and understand the different offerings of each platform. Consider your target audience, the type of book you’ll publish, and your publishing goals, whether they be maximizing reach, gaining visibility in physical bookstores, or accessing a wide range of digital retailers.

 

Remember, your journey is as unique as your story. Choose the platform that best aligns with your vision and sets the stage for success. Make choices aligned to the distinctive story only you can tell.

 

Decoding Royalties, Pricing, & Distribution

Navigating the self-publishing world can be daunting, especially in understanding royalties, pricing, and distribution. Each platform offers a unique structure and set of rules. These can affect your earnings and reach as an author. We’ll demystify these aspects, making them easy to grasp. Let’s dive deeper into the specifics of each platform’s royalty structures and pricing controls.

Royalty Differences

Royalties are a percentage of book sales paid to you, the author. Major platforms have varied royalty structures. Comparatively, smaller platforms might offer better royalties but have a limited audience. Review and adjust your pricing strategy regularly based on sales performance, market trends, and promotional activities.

• Amazon KDP: Offers up to 70% royalties on eBook sales, depending on the price and region. It goes up to 60% for printed books, minus printing costs.
• Barnes & Noble: Provides a 65% royalty on eBooks priced at $2.99 and above and 40% for eBooks priced below $2.99. Print books offer a 55% royalty minus the print cost. For example, a reasonable price for a 200-page fantasy eBook might be $3.99, earning you $2.59 per sale (65%) in royalties.
• Draft2Digital: As an aggregator, it offers around 60% of the retail price as royalties, varying based on the retailer.

 

Pricing on Each Platform

Pricing your book appropriately is a critical decision, and it varies with each self-publishing platform. Amazon KDP stands out for its flexibility in pricing. Authors can set their prices, but to qualify for higher royalty rates, these prices must fall within a specific range determined by Amazon. This flexibility allows you to strategize your pricing based on the book’s genre, length, and targeted audience.

 

In contrast, Barnes & Noble (B&N) offers a similar level of flexibility with an added advantage. You can price your book as you wish. B&N also provides the option to match the book’s price on Amazon. This is particularly beneficial if you seek to maintain consistent pricing across platforms, ensuring your readers are not subject to price discrepancies.

 

Draft2Digital, acting as an aggregator, also gives you control over your book’s pricing. However, it’s important to remember that the final earnings from each sale will be after the aggregator’s cut. This means you should factor in the percentage that Draft2Digital keeps from each sale while setting the price. This understanding will help set a price that appeals to the readers and ensures satisfactory royalty returns for you.

 

Each platform offers distinct pricing advantages, and the choice depends on your specific needs and strategy. You have various options, whether Amazon KDP’s range-based pricing model, B&N’s price matching advantage, or Draft2Digital’s broad distribution with a consistent price. The key is to align the pricing strategy with the book’s target audience and overall marketing plan. This ensures the price point chosen maximizes both reach and profitability.

 

Platform Distribution Differences

The distribution channels of a self-publishing platform dictate how and where your book reaches your audience, and each platform has its unique approach.

 

• Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a powerhouse primarily distributing through its vast Amazon marketplace. This integration with the world’s largest online retailer provides a significant global reach, opening doors to many readers. However, this extensive reach also means facing stiff competition, as many authors vie for attention on the same platform. For Amazon KDP, your earnings can change after experimenting with different price points.
• Barnes & Noble (B&N) offers a distinct advantage if you aim for visibility in the physical bookstore. While its online reach may not match Amazon’s, B&N focuses on distributing to its network the online store and B&N’s physical bookstores across the United States. This dual presence offers a significant benefit if you want to see your book in a traditional bookstore, adding a level of prestige and tangibility to your publishing journey.

TIP: For B&N, pricing above $2.99 can increase royalties.

• Draft2Digital (D2D) stands out with its approach to distribution. Unlike Amazon KDP and B&N, which have dedicated retail spaces, Draft2Digital is an aggregator. It distributes eBooks to a wide range of digital retailers, including Apple Books, Kobo, and others. This model offers authors an expansive digital footprint, reaching readers across multiple platforms with a single publishing effort. The broad distribution network of Draft2Digital can be appealing if you’re looking to maximize your digital presence and tap into various markets without the need to manage multiple publisher accounts. The aggregator cut, of course, affects overall earnings with a specific book’s pricing strategy.

 

Each platform offers a unique distribution approach, catering to different individual needs and goals. Amazon KDP’s integration with the Amazon marketplace is ideal for those seeking a global online presence. B&N is perfect for authors who value physical bookstore visibility in the U.S. market. Draft2Digital’s broad digital distribution appeals to those looking to reach a diverse digital readership across multiple platforms.

 

Self-Publishing Platforms Wrap Up

As you understand these differences, you begin to make informed distribution choices, aligning your publishing strategy with your target audience and overall goals.

 

Choosing the right self-publishing platform is a pivotal step in your journey as an indie author. Each platform offers unique benefits tailored to different goals and audiences, from Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing’s vast reader base to the specialized services of platforms like Draft2Digital and Barnes & Noble Press. As highlighted in our series, “Is Your Book Ready to Self-Publish?” it’s essential to match your publishing goals with the platform’s strengths.

 

For further insights and practical advice, explore other articles in this series, drawing upon the comprehensive guidance offered in our book, Is Your Book Ready to Self-Publish? This resource is designed to navigate the complexities of self-publishing, ensuring your book reaches its full potential. Dive deeper into the series and consider securing your copy today to embark on a well-informed publishing journey.

 

We hope you found these strategies helpful and inspiring. They’re intended to provide you with the necessary tools and insights to succeed as an author. For more ongoing exploration of each crucial aspect of self-publishing, delve into the other writer’s guides in this series. We suggest you start with the first guide in the series.

 

While writing requires ongoing learning and improvement, you’re not alone on the journey. We’re excited to walk with you every step of the way, providing support and encouragement. We aim to provide the necessary knowledge and helpful advice to navigate the seas of self-publishing with growing confidence.

 

For help writing a non-fiction book, read Write Your First Non-Fiction eBook: a 30-Day Workbook for Getting It Done.

 

Don’t wait. Start today! How can we help? To let us know, please fill out our contact form. Happy writing!

 

FAQS

While this writer’s guide provides an overview of the options, there are always specific questions that arise as one delves deeper into the world of self-publishing. To help you navigate these waters with even greater confidence, we’ve compiled this list of frequently asked questions (FAQs).

 

Can I publish my book on multiple platforms simultaneously?

Answer: Yes, you can publish your book on multiple platforms simultaneously, a strategy known as “going wide.” However, ensure you are not enrolled in Amazon’s KDP Select program, which requires exclusivity.

 

How do I decide on the best price for my eBook?

Answer: Setting the right price for your eBook involves considering factors like your book’s length, genre, and target audience. Research similar titles in your genre and experiment with different price points to find what maximizes your revenue.

 

What are the main differences between publishing an eBook and a printed book?

Answer: The main differences lie in the production process, cost, and distribution channels. eBooks require digital formatting and have lower upfront costs, while printed books involve physical printing and higher costs. Distribution platforms also vary, with some focusing exclusively on digital or print formats.

 

How long does it take for my book to appear on retail sites after publishing?

Answer: The time frame can vary by platform. For instance, Amazon KDP can take up to 72 hours for your book to go live, while other platforms might have different processing times. It’s best to check the specific platform’s guidelines for the most accurate information.

 

Can I update my book after it’s been published?

Answer: Yes, most self-publishing platforms allow you to update your book after publication. This can include making changes to the manuscript, cover, or book description. However, it’s important to review each platform’s policies on updates, as the process and time frames can differ.