Top eBook Publishing Platforms for Indie Authors

The digital book market is in for an overhaul for Indie authors and this blog will help you choose the best self- publishing platforms, if you are an Indie author. But first you should know what a publishing platform is and how it is helpful for self- published authors. 

What is an eBook publishing platform?

It is an online platform to allow, publish and sell books. These tools help you upload, format and help sell books to erstwhile readers who wish to read eBooks on electronic devices. 

Why do authors like to use publishing platforms?

eBook publishing platforms/ or sites help us bring books to the market. Authors do not need to go through the long drawn process of getting approval for their book, and also there is no chance of rejection because approval is not required on eBook publishing platforms. 

Top Publishing Platforms for Indie Authors

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing

It is the most popular publishing platform in the world. KDP helps give access to the world’s largest bookshop. Authors can publish eBooks easily without upfront cost. Authors can also get access to the KDP select program and can help earn competitive royalty rates.

 Pros for Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing

• It has high quality interface 
• It has a loyal base of readers 
• Authors can use a dashboard easily to publish their books

Cons for Amazon Direct Publishing

• There are limits to exclusive access to readers, if you are using KDP Select
• Fierce Competition for publishing on Amazon Kindle

Apple Books

It is one of the best free ebook publishing sites for self-published authors. They can access the vast ecosystem of Apple. Authors can get up to 70% royalty on publishing Ebooks. However, only people who have an Apple device. They can reach an affluent audience, but if you do not have an Apple device, a third party distributor may be required to publish books. 

Features of Apple Books

•  You can get access to direct publishing of Ebooks and get 70% royalty on Ebooks.
• In-depth analytics and marketing tools can be accessed by authors, when publishing with Apple Books.

Pros of Apple Books

• It has a high quality interface and it has a royal user base.
•  Readers in English speaking countries can order books from Apple easily. 

Cons of Apple Books

• You need require Mac for some publishing tools

Barnes and Noble Press

It allows authors to publish books to Nook Books and they can sell books through the online store of Barnes and Noble. Readers must have a Barnes and Noble account to read and access eBooks. 

Features 

•  It is one of the best eBook selling platforms and you can get up to 70% royalty through a global online audience

Pros of Barnes and Noble Press

• It is a simple interface and a known brand name that is known globally
• It is a simple interface

Cons of Barnes and Noble Press

• It may be limited to only the US market
• Besides, it may have less number of readers, as compared to Amazon

Kobo Writing Life 

It is a great choice for authors looking to expand their wings internationally. It has a strong presence in Europe and Canada. It offers authors good rates on royalty and has no conditions of exclusivity. 

Features 

•  Each author can get 45-70% royalty from ebook sales.
•  Books can be distributed internationally through a strong distribution network.
• Kobo promotion opportunities for authors through Kobo promotions. 

Pros 

•  It is easy to use and has a global network of readers, especially in Canada and European countries
• No requirements of being exclusive to authors

Cons

• It has a smaller market share than Amazon and it has a scanty visibility in the USA

Google Play Books

This is one of the best platforms to publish eBooks online. Authors can reach millions of Android users worldwide, when publishing on Playstore. It has a user-friendly interface Ebooks easily through Playstore, if you have an Android phone. Authors can also set their own prices for books, and retain distribution rights for books online. There are no clauses of exclusivity with members.

Pros of Google Play Books

• It has a vast distribution network on Google Playstore
• It has easy interaction with Google.
• You can publish your book through easy steps and get high visibility online.

Cons of Google Play Books

• Publishing Interface may be plagued with issues
• Discounting issues were an issue in the past for authors

Draft2Digital

It is an important publishing platform that makes the self- publishing process easier. It allows easy conversion of manuscripts into eBooks and they can be distributed online to Apple, Barnes and Noble, Kobo and more and it has great auto-formatting tools. 

Pros of Draft2Digital

• It saves time by distributing it online on many platforms
• It has a great dashboard helpful for authors required for publishing

Cons of Draft2Digital

• Royalties may be cut and books are not directly distributed on Amazon 

Summing up, choosing the right publishing platform is about easy usage and customer support. A good writing platform makes the writing process swifter and quicker for newbie and seasoned authors.