What Are The Best Platforms For Self-Publishing?

The world of book publishing has shifted from traditional publishing towards self-publishing. There are many platforms available online that allow authors to publish their books to reach a wider audience in less time and with high royalty. This shift has led to the emergence of powerful tools that enable writers to control their creative work and maximize potential earnings.

With many platforms available, it is critical to choose the right one to publish your book. This guide will dive into the best 9 platforms for book publishing, offering authors with global reach ebooks and printed copies, and explain how to proceed with the ideal one.

What Is A Book Publishing Platform

All the book publishing platforms work as online tools that help independent authors distribute and sell their books without taking the traditional route of releasing a book. Many authors search for “children book publishers near me” because they are either unaware of these self-publishing platforms or lack the knowledge to use them. You might still need professional help to format, edit, and upload the book to sell it digitally, but the publication process is not that complex or tricky to understand. Authors with self-published books can distribute their literary work globally and manage sales without losing a big chunk of their royalties.

Reasons Why Authors Are Now More Inclined Towards Self-Publishing

Self-publishing has enabled authors to release their books on trusted sites that give them the right exposure and allow them to reach their targeted audience rather easily. Authors get a chance to publish books with less time and effort, and they do not have to go through agents or traditional publishers to reach readers. Self-publishing is a blessing in disguise as it saves authors from rejections, lengthy reviews, and extended publication timelines.

Criteria for Self-Publishing Authors

Before jumping into the top publishing platforms, one must understand the basic criteria for choosing the right platform to self-publish their books.

• An easy-to-use interface to straightforwardly publish books.
• Access to major retailers and an international network to reach a wider audience.
• Best royalty options and flexible pricing opportunity.
• Availability to market and promote books and sources to enhance the reach.
• Resources to edit, design, and format the book.
• Allow feedback from authors and readers.

Best Platforms To Publish Your Book Online

Some authors work with one retailer or get associated with a traditional publication agency. However, it does not provide them the reach they expect in this digital age. Going for self-publishing gives them access to a broader audience. They also get to avail print-on-demand and marketing services. Let’s explore some of the most well-known options for self-publishing a book:

1.   Amazon KDP

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the most popular self-publishing platform with a wider audience. Authors can publish their books with both online and printing options available. There is no upfront cost. Amazon also offers the Kindle Select program to feature in Kindle Unlimited. This feature is only for eBooks. The most important benefit of Amazon KDP is the significant exposure.

2.   Apple Book

Apple Books is the largest platform to target Apple device users across 50+ countries. It offers 70% royalty rates on ebook sales and does not require exclusivity, and allow to distribute on various platforms. The significant advantage of using Apple Books is the direct access to a vast range of Apple devices, including iPhone, MacBook, and iPad.

3.   Draft2Digital

Draft2Digital is a user-friendly ebook platform that simplifies the process of distributing books on multiple sites like Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes and Noble Press, and other libraries. This platform is essential for first-time authors who don’t want to take professional help, as it provides automatic formatting and a user-friendly interface.

4.   Barnes and Noble Press

Barnes and Noble Press helps self-published authors distribute their books to the Nook readers and sell their books online. Publishing here gives you a better chance of being in physical Barnes & Noble stores, which is less likely to happen in Amazon or Apple book stores. It is trusted by authors worldwide, but surely not one of the largest ones like Amazon, Apple, or Ingram.

5.   Kobo Writing Life

Kobo is a great platform for authors who want their books to get worldwide exposure. It has a major presence in Asia, Europe, and Canada and provides competitive royalty options on eBook sales. It also offers library distribution through collaboration, spreading across worldwide libraries.

6.   IngramSpark

IngramSpark is one of the ideal platforms for authors who want to see their books in stores and libraries. It offers high-quality printing and global distribution and allows selling through other platforms like Amazon, Barnes and Noble Press, and Book Depository. The distribution of this platform is great, and the ability to print-on-demand books for physical stores while royalty rates are low.

7.   Lulu

Lulu specializes in publishing print-on-demand books, and its specialties are niche book formats like workbooks, calendars, photobooks, or special project books. It also offers to sell ebooks, but the main focus of Lulu is to provide customization options. You might have to come up with your own cover or custom children’s book illustrations in USA, but in other self-publishing aspects, it will help you a lot as compared to other platforms. It sells directly to readers and also has the ability for global distribution through partnerships. The cost of the Lulu is higher than that of other platforms and has a limited number of eBooks.

8.   Book Baby

You can publish your book in both eBook and print copy formats on Book Baby. It has a wide distribution network with high-quality services for the authors and readers. It charges upfront costs and does not ask for any share in your royalties. You will also get marketing tools like book review services, social media campaigns, and press releases.

9.   Smashwords

Smashwords is another great platform for independent authors and small publishers to release their work. You get to format your book freely and distribute it to the retailers and libraries. A small commission will be taken, but around 80-85% of the royalty will stay with you. It depends on the retailer. You get a wide distribution network, no upfront cost, and free marketing tools on this platform.

What to Consider While Choosing a Book Publishing Platform

Before choosing a book publishing platform as a self-publisher, you must consider some factors to ensure a wide visibility and sales rates.

• Goals: Identify your primary goal first to reach a local, international, or niche market. Choose whether you want free services with high cost or paid services with upfront support.

• Distribution: It is best to choose Ingram or Draft2Digital if you want to list your books on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes and Noble, and other physical stores.

• Cost: Compare the percentages of royalty and choose the platforms that clearly define the revenue and fees structure. Ensure you have the ability to change and edit the prices to compete.

• Services and Support: Check whether the platform offers services to edit, format, or design a book cover that sells. Assess the platform team’s accessibility and responsiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Notes

Are you looking to bring your captivating ideas and storytelling to the book market but scared of publishing? Authors now have access to various online platforms to publish their books, edit them, distribute them to a wider audience, and get high royalties.

Amazon, Apple Books, and IngramSpark offer ebooks and print-on-demand books. Draft2Digital and Barnes and Noble Press allow a partnership with various platforms. Kobo and Book Baby have a wide network of international audiences. Lulu offers niche book formats, and Smashwords is a small platform for small or independent publishers.

Choose your publishing platform wisely by considering the factors of your goals, distribution, cost, and platform services.