SELF PUBLISHING PLATFORMS

1. IngramSpark

IngramSpark: https://www.ingramspark.com/

Pros:

Access to a wide distribution network (bookstores, libraries, and online retailers).
High-quality print options (hardcover, paperback, and color).
Control over pricing and publishing rights.
Global reach with distribution in many countries.

Cons:

Initial setup fee (though they often offer discounts or promotions).
Additional fees for making changes after publication.
Requires a steeper learning curve compared to Amazon KDP.

Best For: Authors who want wide distribution beyond Amazon and prefer professional-quality books.

2. Draft2Digital

Draft2Digital: https://www.draft2digital.com/

Pros:

User-friendly interface.
Free to use (they take a small percentage of royalties instead).
Distributes to multiple platforms, including Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, and more.
Offers universal book links and promotional tools.

Cons:

Limited print-on-demand services (primarily focused on eBooks).
Lower royalties compared to self-publishing directly on individual platforms.

Best For: Authors looking for hassle-free eBook distribution across multiple platforms.

3. Lulu

Lulu: https://www.lulu.com/

Pros:

Excellent print-on-demand services, including unique options like spiral binding and calendars.
Global distribution to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and others.
Great for custom projects like photo books or niche genres.

Cons:

Higher printing costs compared to Amazon KDP.
Less intuitive platform compared to some competitors.

Best For: Authors interested in producing high-quality print books, including niche or custom projects.

4. Blurb

Blurb: https://www.blurb.com/

Pros:

Specializes in visual and design-heavy books (e.g., photo books, art books, portfolios).
Integrates with design tools like Adobe InDesign and Lightroom.
Offers print-on-demand services and global distribution.

Cons:

Limited to specific types of books (not ideal for traditional novels).
Higher costs for production and distribution.

Best For: Creators of highly visual content, such as photographers or artists.

5. Barnes & Noble Press

Barnes & Noble Press: https://press.barnesandnoble.com/

Pros:

Free to use with no setup costs.
Print and eBook options are available.
Strong presence in the U.S. with opportunities for in-store promotion.

Cons:

Limited global reach compared to Amazon KDP or IngramSpark.
Smaller customer base.

Best For: U.S.-based authors who want to target Barnes & Noble’s audience specifically.

6. Kobo Writing Life

Kobo Writing Life: https://www.kobo.com/writinglife

Pros:

Strong presence in international markets, especially Canada, Europe, and Japan.
Keeps 70% of royalties on books priced $2.99–$9.99.
Easy integration with Rakuten Kobo's eReaders.

Cons:

Limited print options (eBook-focused).
Smaller market compared to Amazon.

Best For: Authors targeting international readers, especially non-English-speaking markets.

7. Smashwords

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/

Pros:

Distributes to a large network of retailers, including libraries.
Offers robust tools for formatting and promotion.
Great for niche authors and eBooks.

Cons:

The user interface feels outdated.
Limited print options (eBook-focused).

Best For: Authors of niche eBooks or those who want to access libraries.

8. BookBaby

BookBaby: https://www.bookbaby.com/

Pros:

Full-service platform with editing, formatting, and marketing services.
Offers both print and eBook publishing.
Distributes to a wide range of platforms, including Amazon, Apple Books, and more.

Cons:

High upfront costs for services.
Less control over the publishing process.

Best For: Authors who want a "done-for-you" publishing service.

9. Reedsy

Reedsy: https://reedsy.com/

Pros:

Connects authors with professional editors, designers, and marketers.
Offers free book formatting tools.
Great for creating high-quality books.

Cons:

Not a direct publishing platform (focuses on book creation and preparation).
Additional costs for hiring professionals.

Best For: Authors focused on creating a polished, professional-quality book.

10. Google Play Books

Google Play Books: https://play.google.com/books/publish/

Pros:

Large user base for Android users.
Higher royalty rates (70%) across all price ranges.
Easy access to the growing eBook market.

Cons:

Limited promotional tools.
Smaller market compared to Amazon.

Best For: Authors who want to tap into the Android user base.

11. Amazon KDP

Pros and Cons of Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)

Pros

Ease of Use:

User-friendly platform with a simple publishing process.
No technical expertise is required.

Global Reach:

Access to Amazon’s massive global customer base.
Available in multiple countries.

Royalties:

Earn up to 70% royalties for eBooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99.
35% royalties for other price ranges and international markets.

Cost-Effective:

Free to use with no upfront costs.
Print-on-demand (POD) eliminates the need for inventory.

Exclusive Programs:

Enroll in Kindle Select to participate in Kindle Unlimited and the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library.
Benefit from promotional tools like Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions.

Fast Publishing:

Books can go live within 24–72 hours of submission.

Control:

Full control over your content, pricing, and rights.

Cons

Limited Distribution:

Amazon-centric; does not automatically distribute to other major retailers or libraries.
Requires exclusivity if you enroll in Kindle Select.

Competition:

High competition within the platform, especially for popular genres.
Discoverability can be a challenge without active marketing.

Royalty Restrictions:

70% royalty is limited to certain pricing tiers and regions.
Authors pay a delivery fee for eBooks, which can reduce royalties.

Print Quality:

Limited customization options for print books compared to other platforms.
Quality might not match professional printing services.

Formatting Challenges:

Requires proper formatting for both eBooks and print books, which can be challenging for some authors.

Marketing Responsibility:

Authors must handle their marketing and promotions to succeed.

Link to Amazon KDP

You can explore and start publishing with Amazon KDP here: https://kdp.amazon.com/

Comparison Table

Platform	Best Feature	Cost	Distribution	Best For
IngramSpark	Wide global distribution	$$	Global	Print and wide reach
Draft2Digital	User-friendly, multi-platform	Free	Multi-platform	eBooks
Lulu	Custom and high-quality prints	$$	Global	Niche or custom prints
Blurb	Visual books	$$	Global	Photo/art books
B&N Press	U.S. market focus	Free	U.S.-focused	U.S. authors
Kobo	International eBook focus	Free	Global	International readers
Smashwords	Library and niche distribution	Free	Multi-platform	Niche eBooks
BookBaby	Full-service publishing	$$$	Global	Done-for-you services
Reedsy	Professional book services	$$-$$$	NA	Polished books
Google Play	Android eBook market	Free	Global	Android users

TOP SELF-PUBLISHING PLATFORMS RANKED: FIND THE BEST FIT FOR YOUR BOOK

1. Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)

Why It’s the Best:

Global reach through Amazon’s marketplace.
User-friendly and cost-effective.
Fast publishing and print-on-demand (POD) options.
Visit Amazon KDP

2. IngramSpark

Why It Stands Out:

Extensive distribution network to bookstores, libraries, and online retailers.
High-quality print options, including hardcover.
Ideal for authors seeking professional, wide-scale distribution.
Visit IngramSpark

3. Draft2Digital

Best Feature:

Simplifies distribution to multiple platforms like Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books.
Free to use with royalty-based earnings.
Visit Draft2Digital

4. Lulu

Perfect For:

Authors of niche books like photo books, calendars, or custom projects.
Offers excellent print-on-demand services with global distribution.
Visit Lulu

5. Barnes & Noble Press

Why Choose It:

Free to use with strong U.S. market penetration.
Ideal for authors targeting Barnes & Noble’s customer base.
Visit Barnes & Noble Press

6. Kobo Writing Life

Why It’s Great:

Strong international presence, especially in Canada, Europe, and Japan.
High royalties for books priced between $2.99–$9.99.
Visit Kobo Writing Life

7. Smashwords

Unique Feature:

Focuses on eBooks with access to libraries and niche markets.
Excellent for authors targeting less saturated markets.
Visit Smashwords

8. Blurb

Best For:

Visual content like photo books, art books, and portfolios.
Integrates with design tools like Adobe InDesign.
Visit Blurb

9. BookBaby

Why Consider It:

Comprehensive services, from editing to marketing.
Ideal for authors seeking a hands-off, professional experience.
Visit BookBaby

10. Reedsy

Unique Advantage:

Connects authors with top-tier editors, designers, and marketers.
Focused on creating polished, professional books.
Visit Reedsy

11. Google Play Books

Why It’s Notable:

Taps into the growing Android user base.
High royalties (70%) for books across all price ranges.
Visit Google Play Books

Conclusion:

Best All-Around: Amazon KDP for its ease of use and massive reach.
Best for Wide Distribution: IngramSpark.
Best for eBooks: Draft2Digital.
Best for Niche Projects: Lulu or Blurb.

Choose the platform that aligns with your book type, audience, and publishing goals!