Self-Publishing Options Beyond Kindle Direct Publishing for Authors: Exploring 7 Different Platforms
Hey there! So you're looking for alternatives to Amazon KDP for book distribution, huh? Well, buckle up because there are some solid options out there!
Here's the lowdown on retailers and aggregators, two different routes you can take when getting your books out into the world.
Retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books sell books directly to consumers. If you go the retailer route, managing each platform separately can be time-consuming and limit your reach if you don't cover them all.
On the other hand, aggregators like Draft2Digital or IngramSpark can save you time and hassle. They distribute books to multiple retailers at once, making your books available on a broader range of platforms. Plus, aggregators can get books into physical bookstores, libraries, and other hard-to-reach places through Print-on-Demand capabilities.
Now, let's look at why using an aggregator can be a game-changer compared to Amazon KDP:
- Diversified Distribution: Don't limit yourself to Amazon. Distributing through an aggregator can ensure that your book is available on platforms beyond Amazon, potentially reaching a different (and bigger) audience.
- Less Dependence on a Single Platform: Reduce your reliance on any single retailer by distributing through an aggregator. If something happens to Amazon, you won't be left high and dry.
- Broader Market Reach: Aggregators can distribute books to international markets more efficiently, as they often have partnerships with local retailers and distributors.
Our website is an aggregator that can simplify the publishing process and help with print-on-demand and book promotion needs. With a wide array of stores, tools, and features, it serves as an all-encompassing book network designed to grow your business and open new markets. It operates under a flat fee subscription model, allowing you full control over your revenue.
By publishing wide (i.e., distributing on multiple platforms), you also ensure your book's presence in various places to cater to different audience preferences. It's the beginning of your marketing strategy!
Remember, consider Amazon KDP alternatives to maximize your book's potential reach and earnings. Happy publishing!
Source: Statista
Additional Insights:
- Apple Books: Selective partnership policy. Our website is a trusted Apple partner, distributing to Apple Books, Apple Audio [iTunes], and Apple Digital Narration.
- Kobo: Sells 25% of all Canadian ebook sales.
- Barnes & Noble Press: Physical and online stores, offering print-on-demand services.
- Google Play Books: Offers a vast global audience with over 3 billion users in more than 75 countries. Since Google is the largest search engine in the world, having an author page can help with search results.
- IngramSpark: Global distribution, print-on-demand services.
- BookBaby: Extensive distribution to ebook and print markets, including major retailers like Amazon, Apple Books, Google Play Books, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.
- Draft2Digital: One of the first self-publishing aggregators, offering global distribution to multiple retailers.
- In addition to Amazon KDP, consider utilizing aggregators like Draft2Digital or IngramSpark for a diversified distribution of your books across platforms such as Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play Books, Kobo, and others.
- Remember that an aggregator can help you reach international markets more efficiently, thanks to collaborations with local retailers and distributors.
- Furthermore, by publishing wide and partnering with an aggregator, you can gain access to educational and self-development books, lifestyle resources, entertainment, and online education, all in one place, enhancing the overall reach and impact of your book.
