Alternatives to Amazon KDP for Publishing E-Books (Guide)

Since its launch in 2007, Amazon KDP has been the go-to platform for self-publishing e-books. However, with the changing landscape of the publishing industry, there are now several alternatives to Amazon KDP that offer independent authors more options for publishing and distributing their e-books. In this article, we will explore some of the top alternatives to Amazon KDP and discuss the benefits they offer to self-published authors.

Key Takeaways:

• There are several alternatives to Amazon KDP for self-publishing e-books.
• Exploring these alternatives allows authors to diversify their distribution and reach new audiences.
• Some popular alternatives include Apple Books, Kobo Writing Life, Barnes & Noble Press, Google Play Books, IngramSpark, and BookBaby.
• Each alternative has its own benefits and considerations, so authors should carefully evaluate their options.
• Authors can choose the platform that best aligns with their goals and preferences to maximize their self-publishing success.

Why Consider Alternatives to Amazon KDP?

While Amazon KDP is the largest self-publishing platform, there are several reasons why authors might consider alternative options.

1. Oversaturated Market: The market on Amazon KDP is becoming crowded, making it increasingly challenging for new authors to gain visibility. Standing out among the millions of ebooks on Amazon can be a daunting task.
2. Customer Service: Some authors have experienced slow or unresponsive customer service from Amazon, leading to frustration and delays in resolving issues or inquiries.
3. Quality Control: There have been instances where errors in books, such as formatting or printing issues, have occurred during Amazon’s publishing process. These errors can negatively impact an author’s reputation and reader experience.

By exploring alternatives to Amazon KDP, authors can diversify their distribution channels and increase their chances of success. These alternatives offer various benefits that can address the concerns mentioned above and provide authors with additional opportunities to reach readers. While Amazon KDP is a valuable platform, it’s essential for authors to consider other self-publishing alternatives.

“Exploring alternatives to Amazon KDP can help authors diversify their distribution channels and increase their chances of success.”

To provide a better understanding of the available alternatives, let’s take a closer look at some of the popular self-publishing platforms that offer unique benefits to authors.

Apple Books for Authors

Apple Books provides a compelling alternative to Amazon KDP for authors seeking to target Apple device users. With its direct book upload feature, authors can easily publish their works to the Apple bookstore, tapping into a unique segment of readers who prefer Apple devices. While Apple Books may have a smaller market share compared to Amazon, it offers distinct benefits that make it worth considering.

The Benefits of Publishing on Apple Books

One of the key advantages of publishing on Apple Books is the favorable royalty rate. Authors receive a fixed royalty rate of 70% for every book sold, regardless of its price. This transparent and generous royalty structure allows authors to earn a fair share of their book’s revenue.

Additionally, Apple Books does not charge any delivery fees for uploading ebook files. This means that authors can freely submit their books without incurring any additional costs, making it an attractive option for self-published authors looking to optimize their earnings.

Furthermore, Apple Books does not impose any restrictions on offering free books. Authors can choose to offer their works for free, allowing them to attract new readers and build a wider audience. This flexibility gives authors more control over their book’s promotion and marketing strategies.

Supplementing Distribution Efforts

While Apple Books provides numerous advantages, it’s important to note that it has a smaller market share when compared to Amazon. As a result, authors may need to complement their distribution efforts by utilizing other self-publishing platforms. By combining Apple Books with other platforms, authors can maximize their reach to a broader audience and increase the chances of book sales. It is recommended that authors explore multiple channels to ensure comprehensive distribution.

Kobo Writing Life

If you’re looking for an alternative to Amazon KDP, Kobo Writing Life is a platform worth considering. While Kobo may have a smaller market share in the US compared to Amazon, it has gained popularity in Canada and other countries. With Kobo Writing Life, authors have the opportunity to reach a global audience.

One of the key benefits of publishing on Kobo Writing Life is its attractive royalty rate. Authors receive a 70% royalty for books priced above $2.99, which can significantly increase their earnings. This competitive royalty rate makes it a lucrative platform for self-published authors.

Kobo Writing Life is known for its excellent customer service and user-friendly interface. Authors can expect prompt assistance and support when needed, ensuring a smooth publishing experience. The platform’s ease of use makes it accessible even for those new to self-publishing.

“Publishing on Kobo Writing Life offers authors a global reach, attractive royalty rates, and exceptional customer service.”

However, it’s important to note that non-fiction books may not sell as well on Kobo compared to fiction. Authors should consider their genre and target audience when deciding whether to publish on Kobo Writing Life. It’s also worth noting that Kobo’s presence in the US market is not as dominant as Amazon’s, so authors may need to supplement their distribution efforts with other platforms.

Overall, Kobo Writing Life provides authors with an opportunity to expand their readership beyond Amazon KDP and tap into a global market. With its competitive royalty rates and user-friendly platform, it’s a viable option for self-published authors seeking greater exposure.

Comparison of Royalty Rates

As the table above shows, Kobo Writing Life offers a competitive royalty rate on par with other major self-publishing platforms. Authors can earn a generous 70% royalty for books priced above $2.99, allowing for greater profitability.

Barnes & Noble Press

Barnes & Noble Press is a trusted alternative to Amazon KDP for authors seeking a reliable self-publishing platform. With a rich history spanning over a century in the book business, Barnes & Noble provides authors with a reputable platform to showcase their work.

One of the key benefits of publishing on Barnes & Noble Press is the higher royalty rates offered compared to Amazon. Authors can earn more from each sale, allowing them to maximize their profits and investment in their writing career.

In addition to attractive royalties, Barnes & Noble Press provides authors with effective marketing tools to promote their books. These tools can help authors increase their visibility and reach a wider audience, ultimately leading to more sales and recognition.

Furthermore, Barnes & Noble Press offers high-quality book covers that captivate readers and enhance the overall presentation of an author’s work. A professionally designed book cover can greatly impact the success of a book and attract potential readers.

However, it’s important to note that Barnes & Noble has some limitations in terms of formatting options and distribution compared to other platforms. Authors should assess their specific needs and goals to determine if Barnes & Noble Press is the right fit for their publishing journey.

The Key Benefits of Barnes & Noble Press:

• Higher royalty rates compared to Amazon KDP
• Effective marketing tools for book promotion
• High-quality book covers for enhanced presentation

By considering Barnes & Noble Press as an alternative to Amazon KDP, authors can tap into a trusted platform with distinct advantages. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each publishing option to make an informed decision that aligns with an author’s unique needs and aspirations.

Google Play Books

Looking for an alternative to Amazon KDP? Look no further than Google Play Books. As one of the most popular ebook platforms, Google Play Books is pre-installed on Android devices, opening up a global audience of billions of readers. With over 5 million titles available, it provides a vast marketplace for authors to showcase their work.

One of the key benefits of publishing on Google Play Books is its flexible royalty rate of 70%, regardless of pricing. This means authors can earn a competitive income from their ebooks, helping to fuel their passion and creativity. Furthermore, Google Play Books offers book sample indexing in its search engine, enhancing discoverability and increasing the chances of attracting new readers.

However, it’s worth mentioning that some authors may find the user interface of Google Play Books to be a bit clunky compared to other platforms. Additionally, there are limitations to direct audiobook distribution on Google Play Books, which may impact authors who are interested in expanding their offerings beyond ebooks.

Benefits of Publishing on Google Play Books:

• Access to a global audience of billions of Android device users
• Flexible royalty rate of 70%, regardless of ebook pricing
• Book sample indexing in Google’s search engine for improved discoverability

Despite its minor drawbacks, Google Play Books remains a strong contender for authors seeking an alternative to Amazon KDP. Its extensive reach, competitive royalties, and discoverability features make it a platform worth considering for self-published authors.

IngramSpark

IngramSpark is the self-publishing arm of Ingram Book Company, the largest book wholesaler in the world. With a wide distribution network, high-quality book printing, and easier access to libraries and bookstores, IngramSpark offers authors a comprehensive platform for self-publishing their books. Whether you want to publish ebooks or print books, IngramSpark provides the necessary tools and services to help you bring your work to the market. One of the key benefits of publishing on IngramSpark is the ability to use your own ISBN, giving you more control over your book’s branding and distribution.

However, it’s important to note that some authors have reported poor customer service support from IngramSpark. Before deciding to publish on this platform, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons to ensure it aligns with your publishing goals.

Benefits of Publishing on IngramSpark:

1. Wide distribution network: IngramSpark offers access to numerous online retailers, bookstores, libraries, and academic institutions, allowing your book to reach a broader audience.
2. High-quality book printing: IngramSpark uses advanced printing technology to produce professional-looking print books with excellent print quality and durability.
3. Library and bookstore access: With Ingram’s vast distribution network, your books are more likely to be available in libraries and bookstores, increasing your visibility and potential sales.
4. Option to use your own ISBN: Unlike some other self-publishing platforms, IngramSpark allows you to use your own ISBN, giving you more control over your book’s branding and distribution.

Despite the potential drawbacks, IngramSpark offers self-published authors a robust platform for reaching a wide range of readers, including libraries and bookstores. By carefully evaluating your options and considering the benefits and challenges, you can make an informed decision about whether to publish on IngramSpark.

BookBaby

BookBaby is a well-known book aggregator that offers a range of self-publishing services for authors. With BookBaby, authors can easily distribute their ebooks to major retailers such as Amazon, Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. But BookBaby doesn’t just stop at ebook distribution. They also provide print-on-demand services, formatting assistance, and genre-specific support to help authors navigate the self-publishing journey.

One of the great benefits of publishing on BookBaby is the ability for authors to set their own prices and receive royalties from each retailer they distribute to. This gives authors more control and flexibility over their pricing strategy. Additionally, BookBaby offers a user-friendly platform that makes it easy for authors to manage their books, track sales, and access important data and analytics.

However, it’s worth noting that BookBaby does come with potential fees and costs that authors should be aware of. While the distribution services themselves are free, authors may incur charges for certain additional services or marketing packages. It’s important for authors to carefully evaluate their needs and budget before deciding to publish with BookBaby.

Here’s a breakdown of the key features and benefits of publishing on BookBaby:

Overall, BookBaby is a comprehensive self-publishing platform that offers a wide range of services and benefits. Whether you’re looking to distribute your ebooks, print books, or both, BookBaby can be a valuable partner on your self-publishing journey.

Other Amazon KDP Alternatives

In addition to the five alternatives mentioned above, there are several other options for authors looking to publish their ebooks outside of Amazon KDP. These include Blurb, Lulu, PublishDrive, and Draft2Digital.

Blurb

Blurb is an aggregate publisher that offers wide distribution and high-quality print books. They provide authors with the opportunity to create stunning print books tailored to their unique vision. Blurb offers self-publishing tools, templates, and a user-friendly interface to help authors bring their stories to life. With Blurb, authors can reach a global audience and showcase their work in both digital and print formats.

Lulu

Lulu is a platform known for its unique publishing options and wide distribution. They offer a wide range of services, including ebook publishing, print-on-demand, and distribution to major retailers. Lulu provides authors with the tools they need to create professional-looking books and reach readers worldwide. With Lulu, authors can retain full control of their work and publish in multiple formats, such as ebooks, print books, and even photo books.

PublishDrive

PublishDrive is an aggregator that offers distribution to over 20 channels and thousands of digital libraries worldwide. They provide authors with a seamless publishing experience, allowing them to distribute their books to a wide range of platforms with just a few clicks. PublishDrive offers various royalty options, including a 100% royalty option for authors who choose their proprietary subscription service. With PublishDrive, authors can expand their reach and maximize their earnings.

Draft2Digital

Draft2Digital is an aggregate publishing platform that reaches dozens of platforms, including major ebook retailers like Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. They offer a user-friendly interface and a wide range of tools to help authors publish their ebooks with ease. Draft2Digital provides authors with the option to publish in multiple formats, such as ebooks and print-on-demand paperbacks. With Draft2Digital, authors can maximize their royalties with a 90% royalty rate on net profits.

Each of these alternatives offers its own benefits and considerations. Authors should carefully evaluate their options based on their specific needs and goals before making a decision.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Amazon KDP continues to dominate the self-publishing landscape, authors have a range of alternatives to consider when it comes to sharing their work with the world. These alternatives offer unique benefits and opportunities that can help authors diversify their distribution, expand their readership, and potentially increase ebook sales.

Whether authors choose to explore platforms like Apple Books, Kobo Writing Life, Barnes & Noble Press, Google Play Books, IngramSpark, BookBaby, or others, the key is to carefully assess each platform’s features, royalties, and distribution reach before making a decision. By selecting the self-publishing platform that best aligns with their goals and preferences, authors can maximize their chances of success.

With the right self-publishing choice, authors can break free from the Amazon KDP monopoly and tap into new audiences. It’s an opportunity to reach readers who prefer Apple devices, access the global Kobo market, leverage the trusted Barnes & Noble brand, connect with users of Google Play Books, utilize the distribution power of IngramSpark, or take advantage of the all-in-one services provided by BookBaby.

No matter which alternative authors choose, the world of self-publishing has become more accessible and diverse than ever before. By embracing these self-publishing choices, authors can take control of their publishing journey, expand their reach, and connect with readers on a global scale.