ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PUBLISHING BOOKS: SELF-PUBLISHING VS. TRADITIONAL PUBLISHING & THE BEST PLATFORMS TO SELL YOUR BOOK

Are you dreaming of becoming an author? The publishing world offers multiple paths to bring your book to life. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing, define key terms, and break down the best self-publishing platforms—including their pricing, pros and cons, and the types of books they are best suited for.

Understanding Key Publishing Terms

Before choosing your publishing route, it's essential to understand a few critical terms:

• Author – The person who writes a book, whether fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or another type of written work. If you're reading this, you likely want to become an author!

• Publisher – The company or platform responsible for producing and distributing a book. In traditional publishing, publishers control the book’s editing, printing, and marketing. In self-publishing, the author assumes this role.

• ISBN (International Standard Book Number) – A unique identifier assigned to books to track sales and distribution. Some platforms provide a free ISBN, while others require authors to purchase one.

• Royalty – The percentage of book sales that the author earns after platform fees and printing costs. Royalty rates vary depending on the publishing method.

What is Self-Publishing?

Self-publishing is the process of publishing a book without going through a traditional publisher. The author controls every aspect, from writing and editing to cover design, marketing, and pricing. While this gives authors more creative control and higher royalty rates, it also means they must handle the business side of publishing.

Pros of Self-Publishing

✔ Full creative control over content and design
✔ Higher royalty rates (up to 70% compared to 10-15% in traditional publishing)
✔ Faster publishing timeline (books can be published in days or weeks)
✔ No need for publisher approval (anyone can publish a book)

Cons of Self-Publishing

✖ No advance payments like traditional publishers offer
✖ Authors must handle their marketing and promotion
✖ Upfront costs for editing, cover design, and formatting
✖ Some platforms have restrictions on distribution

What is a Self-Publishing Platform?

A self-publishing platform is an online service that allows authors to upload, publish, and distribute books in digital and/or print formats. These platforms provide ISBNs, formatting tools, and sales tracking, making it easier for authors to manage their publishing journey.

There are several options available, each catering to different needs based on book type, distribution goals, and pricing.

READ:  HOW TO CREATE AND SELL ENGAGING PROFITABLE ACTIVITY BOOKS FOR KIDS AND ADULTS

Best Platforms to Self-Publish & Sell Your Book

Below is a comparison of the top self-publishing platforms, their pricing, pros and cons, and what types of books they are best suited for.

1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Visit KDP

Best for: Ebooks & Print books (Paperback & Hardcover)

Pricing:

• Free to publish

• Authors earn 35%–70% royalties on ebooks, depending on price and location

• Printing costs apply for paperbacks and hardcovers

Pros:

✔ Largest book marketplace (Amazon)
✔ Free ISBN provided
✔ Fast publishing (24-72 hours)
✔ Kindle Unlimited program for additional earnings

Cons:

✖ Exclusive terms for the Kindle Select program
✖ Limited customization for print books
✖ Authors handle marketing

2. IngramSpark

Visit IngramSpark

Best for: Print books (Paperback, Hardcover) with wide distribution

Pricing:

• $49 per book upload fee (sometimes waived with promo codes)

• Printing costs apply

• Distribution fee for retail networks

Pros:

✔ Global distribution to bookstores & libraries
✔ Hardcover printing available
✔ Higher quality printing compared to KDP

Cons:

✖ Initial costs for setup
✖ No free ISBN
✖ Longer approval process

3. Draft2Digital

Visit Draft2Digital

Best for: Ebooks with wide distribution

Pricing:

• Free to publish

• 10% commission on sales

Pros:

✔ Distributes to multiple ebook retailers (Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo)
✔ Free conversion tools for formatting
✔ No exclusivity restrictions

Cons:

✖ No print book publishing
✖ Authors handle marketing

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4. Barnes & Noble Press

Best for: Print & ebook distribution in Barnes & Noble stores

Pricing:

• Free to publish

• Authors earn 55% on print books & 70% on ebooks

Pros:

✔ Direct access to B&N's audience
✔ High royalty rates
✔ Free ISBN available

Cons:

✖ Smaller reach than Amazon KDP
✖ Limited international distribution

5. Apple Books

Visit Apple Books

Best for: Ebook distribution on Apple devices

Pricing:

• Free to publish

• 70% royalty on all sales

Pros:

✔ No exclusivity is required
✔ Direct access to iOS and Mac users
✔ High-quality ebook formatting

Cons:

✖ No print book publishing
✖ Mac required to upload books

6. Kobo Writing Life

Best for: International ebook distribution

Pricing:

• Free to publish

• 70% royalties on books priced over $2.99

Pros:

✔ Large international audience
✔ No exclusivity is required
✔ Integration with libraries via OverDrive

Cons:

✖ Smaller audience than Amazon KDP
✖ No print book publishing

Which Platform is Best for Your Book?

 

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OTHER PLATFORMS

Exploring lesser-known self-publishing platforms can offer unique opportunities for authors seeking alternatives to mainstream options. Below is a curated list of such platforms, including their pros, cons, pricing, and suitable book types:

1. Blurb

Website: Blurb

Pros:

• Specializes in high-quality photo books, art books, and magazines.

• Offers a user-friendly book creation tool called BookWright.

• Provides options for both print and digital formats.

Cons:

• Printing costs can be higher compared to other platforms.

• Limited distribution channels; primarily sells through its bookstore.

Pricing:

• No upfront fees; printing costs are based on book specifications.

• Authors set their prices and retain profits above the base cost.

Best For:

• Photography books, art portfolios, cookbooks, and other visually intensive projects.

2. Smashwords

Website: Smashwords

Pros:

• Distributes eBooks to multiple retailers, including Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.

• Provides free ISBNs for eBooks.

• Offers a variety of marketing tools and promotional opportunities.

Cons:

• Formatting requirements can be stringent and may require technical knowledge.

• Limited to eBook publishing; no print options available.

Pricing:

• No upfront fees; Smashwords takes a commission of up to 15% of the list price for sales through their distribution network.

Best For:

• Authors focusing on eBook distribution across multiple retailers.

• Authors seeking hassle-free eBook distribution to multiple platforms.

READ: PINTEREST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

3. BookBaby

Website: BookBaby

Pros:

• Comprehensive services, including editing, cover design, and marketing.

• Distributes to major retailers like Amazon, Apple Books, and Barnes & Noble.

• Offers both print and eBook publishing packages.

Cons:

• Packages can be expensive, especially for authors on a tight budget.

• Some services that are optional on other platforms are bundled into packages, limiting flexibility.

Pricing:

• Packages start at $1,290 for eBook publishing and $1,790 for print and eBook publishing.

• Additional services like editing and marketing are available at extra costs.

Best For:

• Authors seeking a full-service publishing experience with professional assistance.

4.  PublishDrive

Website: PublishDrive

Pros:

• Distributes to a wide range of international retailers and libraries.

• Provides promotional tools and analytics to track sales performance.

• Offers subscription-based pricing, allowing authors to keep 100% of royalties.

Cons:

• Monthly subscription fees can add up, especially for authors with lower sales volumes.

• Primarily focused on eBooks; limited print options.

Pricing:

• Subscription plans start at $9.99 per month for one title; higher tiers are available for multiple titles.

Best For:

• Authors targeting international markets and preferring a subscription model over per-sale commissions.

READ: MONETIZING CONTENT

5. Leanpub

Website: Leanpub

Pros:

• Ideal for publishing works-in-progress, allowing authors to release updates.

• Supports a variety of formats, including eBooks and online courses.

• Offers a platform for selling directly to readers.

Cons:

• Limited distribution channels; primarily sell through its platform.

• Geared more towards technical books and courses; may not suit all genres.

Pricing:

• Free to publish

6. Google Play Books for Self-Publishing

Website: Google Play Books

Pros:

✅ Direct access to Google’s global audience – Books are available in over 75 countries.
✅ No upfront fees – You keep a percentage of each sale without any listing fees.
✅ Integration with Google Search – Books can appear in Google search results, increasing visibility.
✅ Flexible pricing – You can set custom prices, offer discounts, and participate in promotions.
✅ Supports multiple formats – Publishes both eBooks and audiobooks.
✅ Higher royalties than some platforms – Up to 70% royalty in certain regions.
✅ No exclusivity requirements – You can sell your book elsewhere simultaneously.

Cons:

❌ Difficult sign-up process – Google Play Books requires an invitation to join its Partner Program (though it’s open in some regions).
❌ Limited print options – Only supports eBooks and audiobooks, not physical books.
❌ Less robust marketing tools – Compared to platforms like Amazon KDP, marketing tools are minimal.

Pricing:

• Free to publish – No upfront or listing fees.

• Royalties:

• 70% royalty for books priced between $2.99 and $9.99 in select countries.

• 52% royalty for books priced outside this range or in unsupported regions.

Best For:

📖 eBook authors looking to reach Google’s global audience without exclusivity restrictions.
📖 Non-fiction & educational books – Strong integration with Google Search makes it ideal for research-heavy content.
📖 Audiobooks – Google Play Books is one of the largest audiobook platforms.

Would you like help setting up a Google Play Books publisher account or optimizing your book for better visibility?

 Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Publishing Path

If you want complete control and higher royalties, self-publishing is your best bet. If you prefer a team to handle editing, marketing, and distribution, traditional publishing might be better—but it's harder to get accepted.

Each self-publishing platform has strengths and weaknesses. Amazon KDP is the best for most authors, while IngramSpark provides better print distribution. Draft2Digital simplifies ebook publishing across multiple retailers.

The best choice depends on your book type, target audience, and publishing goals.

Are you planning to self-publish a book? Let me know which platform you're considering in the comments!