Where Can Authors Publish Their Books? 10 Platforms to Consider

 

Writing a book is only the beginning.

Once your manuscript is finished, you need to decide where you will publish, sell and distribute it. Fortunately, authors today do not have to rely exclusively on traditional publishing houses.

Self-publishing has created opportunities for independent authors to publish ebooks, paperbacks, hardcovers, audiobooks and digital editions and reach readers in different markets.

Here are some platforms authors can consider.

1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing — KDP

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing is one of the most widely known self-publishing platforms.

Authors can publish:

• Kindle ebooks

• Paperbacks

• Hardcovers

KDP allows authors to upload their manuscripts and covers, set book details and pricing, and make their books available through Amazon stores. Amazon also provides tools for author pages, advertising and other promotional activities.

For an independent author who wants access to Amazon's large customer base, KDP is an important platform to understand.

Website: Amazon KDP

2. Apple Books

Apple Books is another major marketplace for digital books.

Independent authors can publish directly through Apple's publishing tools. Authors can submit EPUB files, provide their book information, select pricing and territories, and manage their titles through Apple's publishing system.

Apple states that ebooks sold through Apple Books receive a 70% royalty regardless of price, subject to its applicable terms.

Website: Apple Books for Authors

3. Kobo Writing Life

Kobo Writing Life allows independent authors and publishers to publish ebooks and audiobooks and make them available to Kobo readers in multiple countries.

It can be particularly useful for authors who want to expand beyond a single ebook retailer.

Website: Kobo Writing Life

4. Draft2Digital

Draft2Digital is a distribution platform designed to help independent authors distribute books to multiple retailers and library platforms.

Instead of managing every retailer separately, authors can use a distributor to simplify parts of the publishing and distribution process.

This can be useful when an author wants to expand the number of stores where a book is available.

Website: Draft2Digital

5. IngramSpark

IngramSpark is another option for authors interested in print and ebook distribution.

It is particularly relevant to authors who want to make professionally produced print books available through broader distribution channels.

Authors should compare its costs, distribution options and requirements with other self-publishing services before choosing it.

Website: IngramSpark

6. Gumroad

Gumroad takes a different approach.

Instead of primarily functioning as a traditional online bookstore, it allows creators to sell digital products directly to customers.

For authors, this can include:

• Ebooks

• Guides

• Workbooks

• Educational materials

• Digital bundles

• Courses

• Membership content

This can be especially interesting if you already have an audience through a blog, social media page, email list or other online channel.

You can create a product and send your audience directly to your sales page.

Explore Gumroad: Gumroad

7. Payhip

Payhip is another platform that allows creators to sell digital products directly to customers.

Authors can use it for ebooks, PDFs, courses, memberships and other digital products.

One advantage of a direct-sales platform is that you can build a sales page around your own book and promote the page through your website and social media.

For authors who have an existing audience, this can complement distribution through major ebook retailers.

Website: Payhip

8. Barnes & Noble Press

Barnes & Noble Press gives independent authors an opportunity to publish books for the Barnes & Noble ecosystem.

Authors can publish eligible print and ebook titles and manage their publishing through the platform.

It is another option to investigate if you want your publishing strategy to extend beyond Amazon.

Website: Barnes & Noble Press

9. Lulu

Lulu provides self-publishing and print-on-demand services.

Authors can create print books and other publications and use Lulu's tools for production and distribution.

Print-on-demand is useful because books can be produced when orders are placed rather than requiring an author to purchase a large inventory upfront.

Website: Lulu

10. Sell Directly From Your Own Website

You don't necessarily have to depend entirely on publishing marketplaces.

If you have a website, blog or established audience, you can also sell books directly through your own online store using an appropriate ecommerce or digital-product platform.

This approach gives you more control over:

• Your branding

• Your sales page

• Your customer experience

• Your marketing

• Your product bundles

• Your pricing strategy

For example, an author could sell an ebook together with a workbook, bonus materials or other digital products as a bundle.

Should You Publish on Only One Platform?

Not necessarily.

An author might use several platforms for different purposes.

For example:

Amazon KDP → Amazon readers

Apple Books → Apple readers

Kobo → Kobo ecosystem

Draft2Digital → broader distribution

Lulu/IngramSpark → print distribution

Gumroad/Payhip → direct digital sales

The right combination depends on your book format, audience, territories, pricing strategy, distribution requirements and whether you want to sell exclusively through one platform or distribute more widely.

Also pay attention to exclusivity requirements. Some programs can impose restrictions on where and how a particular edition of a book can be sold.

Don't Forget Book Marketing

Publishing your book does not automatically mean readers will find it.

Authors should also think about marketing.

You can promote your books through:

• Your website

• Blogging

• Facebook

• Instagram

• TikTok

• YouTube

• LinkedIn

• Email newsletters

• Author communities

• Book promotions

• Paid advertising

• Affiliate marketing

• Reader groups

Your author website can also become the central place where readers discover your books and then choose where they want to purchase them.

Authors Have More Options Than Ever

The publishing industry has changed significantly.

Today, an independent author can write a book, format it, create a professional cover, publish it digitally, produce a print edition and market it internationally without necessarily going through a traditional publishing house.

The important thing is to choose platforms based on your publishing goals rather than simply publishing everywhere without a strategy.

Start by deciding:

Do I want ebooks, print books or both?

Do I want worldwide distribution?

Do I want to sell directly to readers?

Do I already have an audience?

Do I want one retailer or multiple retailers?

What countries do I want to reach?

Once you answer these questions, it becomes much easier to build your publishing strategy.

Explore More Online Business Opportunities

Authors are also entrepreneurs.

Beyond publishing books, you can build websites, grow audiences, sell digital products, promote services and explore online advertising opportunities.

If you're building an online business around your books, blog or digital audience, you may also want to explore advertising and publisher opportunities through HilltopAds.

Explore HilltopAds

👉 Learn More About HilltopAds

Whether you're an author, blogger, website owner, publisher or digital entrepreneur, learning how online advertising works can help you understand another part of the digital publishing ecosystem.

Final Thought

Your book doesn't have to live in only one place.

Think of publishing as building a distribution network for your work.

Choose the platforms that match your goals, build your author brand, market consistently and make it easy for readers to discover and purchase your books.