Introduction
Hello, my name is Peter, and I’ve spent the last 8.5 years in the self-publishing industry. During this time, I’ve built a seven-figure publishing business and amassed significant experience across various platforms.
However, navigating this landscape hasn’t always been smooth sailing. At one point, I was wrongfully terminated from Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), a story I’ll share as a cautionary tale about the importance of diversification.
In this blog post, I’ll delve into different self-publishing platforms, their pros and cons, and my personal recommendations based on my extensive experience.
Essential Information About Self-Publishing Aggregators
Definition of Self-Publishing Aggregator Services
Self-publishing aggregators serve as intermediaries that distribute your book to multiple online stores simultaneously. Instead of uploading your book to each store individually, the aggregator does it for you, making the process faster and more manageable.
Distribution Fees and Royalty Structures
Understanding the fee and royalty structures is crucial when choosing a platform:
- Store Royalties: Typically, online stores take around 20-30% of your book’s royalties.
- Aggregator Fees: Some aggregators charge additional fees on top of the store royalties.
Knowing these will help you make informed decisions to maximize your revenue.
eBook Distribution Platforms
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Distribution and Fees
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform | Amazon |
| Setup Fees | None |
| Royalties | 70% (books priced $2.99-$9.99), 35% otherwise |
Complexity and Quality
- Ease of Use: KDP is user-friendly and easy to manage.
- Promotional Tools: Offers features like 5-day free promotions and Kindle Countdown Deals.
User Feedback
- Convenience: Generally praised for its ease of use.
- Limitations: Some users find the formatting options restrictive.
Draft2Digital
Formats and Distribution
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Formats | eBooks, Paperbacks |
| Distribution | Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, etc. |
Fees and Royalties
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Upfront Costs | None |
| Aggregator Fee | 10% of list price |
| Royalties | Around 60% after store cuts |
Complexity and Quality
- User-Friendly: Free formatting tools make it easy to use.
- Quality Control: Reliable quality for print books.
User Feedback
- Customer Service: Highly praised for its excellent customer service.
- Ease of Use: Generally positive feedback for simplicity and usability.
PublishDrive
Formats and Distribution
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Formats | eBooks, Paperbacks, Audiobooks |
| Distribution | 400+ bookstores, 240,000+ digital libraries worldwide |
Fees and Royalties
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Subscription Fee | Starts at $16.99/month |
| Royalties | 100% after store cuts (20-30%) & print costs |
Complexity and Quality
- Broad Distribution: Extensive network but may have delayed approval times.
- Subscription Costs: Can be high for beginners.
User Feedback
- Extensive Reach: Great for wide distribution.
- Subscription Cost: A potential barrier for new authors.
Peter’s Advice on eBook Distribution
If you’re new to self-publishing or want to focus initially on one platform, I recommend starting with Amazon KDP. Once you’re comfortable, you can expand using Draft2Digital for broader reach. For those looking for comprehensive distribution without minding a subscription fee, PublishDrive is a viable option.
Paperback Distribution Platforms
Amazon KDP Print
Format and Distribution
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | Paperback |
| Distribution | Amazon (with optional expanded distribution) |
Fees and Royalties
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Setup Fees | None |
| ISBN | Free or upload your own |
| Royalties | 60% (Amazon), 40% (expanded) after print costs |
Complexity and Quality
- Ease of Use: Simple integration with KDP eBooks.
- Print Quality: Limited options for customization.
User Feedback
- Convenience: Easy to set up but limited print quality options.
IngramSpark
Formats and Distribution
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Formats | Hardcover, Paperback, eBooks |
| Distribution | Global retailers, libraries, schools, Amazon, Walmart, Barnes & Noble |
Fees and Royalties
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Setup Fees | None (as of May 2023) |
| New Fee | 1% on all books sold through wholesale network |
| ISBN | Free for US publishers only |
| Royalties | 45-55% after printing costs |
Complexity and Quality
- Setup: More complex but offers extensive distribution.
- Quality: High-quality printing and binding compared to other platforms.
User Feedback
- Print Quality: High-quality prints best for wide distribution.
Lulu
Formats and Distribution
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Formats | Hardcover, Paperback, eBooks, Specialty Formats (calendars, magazines) |
| Distribution | Lulu marketplace, Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Ingram |
Fees and Royalties
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Upfront Costs | None |
| ISBN | Free with Lulu |
| Royalties | Varies by sales channel |
Complexity and Quality
- Ease of Use: Simple with no setup fees.
- Unique Print Options: Offers spiral-bound, foil printing, and other specialty options.
User Feedback
- Customization: Great for unique print options.
Peter’s Advice on Paperbacks
For paperback distribution, I recommend using both Amazon KDP Print for Amazon-related sales and IngramSpark for broader reach. If you need unique print options or higher quality formats, Lulu is an excellent choice.
Hardcover Distribution Platforms
Amazon KDP Hardcover
Format and Distribution
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | Hardcover |
| Distribution | Amazon |
Fees and Royalties
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Setup Fees | None |
| Royalties | 60% after printing costs |
Complexity and Quality
- Ease of Use: Easy setup with integration into existing KDP accounts.
- Quality: Durable options but lacks dust jacket options.
User Feedback
- Convenience: Positive feedback on ease of setup and integration.
IngramSpark Hardcover
Formats and Distribution
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Formats | Hardcover, Paperback, eBooks |
| Distribution | Global retailers including Amazon |
Fees and Royalties
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Setup Fees | None (as of May 2023) |
| New Fee | 1% on all books sold through wholesale network |
| ISBN | Free for US publishers only |
| Royalties | 45-55% after printing costs |
Complexity and Quality
- Setup: More complex but offers extensive distribution.
- Quality: High-quality printing and binding compared to other platforms.
User Feedback
- Print Quality: High-quality prints best for wide distribution.
Lulu Hardcover
Formats and Distribution
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Formats | Hardcover, Paperback, eBooks, Specialty Formats (calendars, magazines) |
| Distribution | Lulu marketplace, Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Ingram |
Fees and Royalties
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Upfront Costs | None |
| ISBN | Free with Lulu |
| Royalties | Varies by sales channel |
Complexity and Quality
- Ease of Use: Simple with no setup fees.
- Unique Print Options: Offers spiral-bound, foil printing, and other specialty options.
User Feedback
- Customization: Great for unique print options.
Peter’s Advice on Hardcovers
Opt for KDP if comprehensive distribution is desired, but consider using Lulu for distinct, high-quality print options. IngramSpark is excellent for wide distribution and professional quality.
Conclusion
Diversification is crucial in self-publishing. Begin with eBooks on KDP and then expand through Draft2Digital. Once your portfolio grows or your income becomes substantial, consider using PublishDrive for an even broader reach.
For paperbacks, use Amazon KDP Print for Amazon sales and IngramSpark for wider distribution. For hardcovers, leverage KDP for ease and Lulu for unique, high-quality prints.
Feel free to join our free Skool community for self-publishers today and gain access to an exclusive free self-publishing course worth $2000, alongside connecting with fellow authors for tips, insights, and support!
