Want to share your amazing stories with the world? Writing a book is super exciting, but publishing can feel a bit scary as the process is quite a labyrinth. Self-publishing online is a fantastic way to keep costs down and be the boss of your book.
Choosing the right platform or affordable ghostwriting services provider is like finding the perfect outfit for your book – it needs to fit just right. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose one. After all, every author wants a platform that helps them reach their readers and become a best-selling author.
Think of it like this: you’ve baked a delicious cake (actually your book), and now you need a pretty cake stand to show it off. The right platform is that perfect stand! It helps your book shine without breaking the bank.
So, how do you find this platform? No need to worry about that as there are several options available online. We’ve explored the online literary world and found 5 awesome sites to publish your eBook easily and affordably.
Kindle Direct Publishing
KDP is Amazon’s dominant self-publishing platform through which authors can opt for a direct route to millions of readers. It is the foremost option for the majority of writers as the platform offers tons of benefits like high royalty rates of up to 70%, an easy publishing process, global distribution, and promotional tools like Kindle Unlimited and Countdown Deals. Additionally, KDP provides real-time tracking and analytics, helping authors monitor their eBook’s performance.
This platform is also known for providing several distinguished features like Kindle Direct Publishing Select through which authors can unlock benefits like Kindle Unlimited and the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library. Kindle Direct Publishing’s marketing tools are also of great help to authors. You can utilize Amazon Marketing Services, Kindle Unlimited, and Countdown Deals to increase the visibility of your book.
Fun Fact: According to Phil Parker Fantasy Writer, the Income of self-published authors has risen by 53% since 2022 and will reach approximately $12,749 in 2024.
Pros
- The fast and easy publishing process
- High royalty rates for exclusive titles
- Access to millions of Amazon customers
- Marketing and promotional tools
- Real-time tracking and analytics
Cons
- Exclusive agreement is required for KU and higher royalties
- Quality control issues like formatting and content
- High competition from established authors and publishers
- Limited control over pricing and promotions
Apple Books
Another renowned self-publishing platform for authors is Apple Books. Since it’s owned by Apple Inc., you can easily publish your book and reach millions of Apple device users. The best thing is that you can publish your book for absolutely free and earn up to 70% royalty on sales. The platform offers a user-friendly interface which makes it easier for new authors to publish their eBook.
Apple Books also provides various marketing and promotional tools to help authors increase their readership. You can take advantage of features like the Today tab through which you can show the desired content of your book or market your book on the Browse tab where readers can discover your latest eBook. Additionally, Apple Books offers a pre-order feature which helps generate buzz before the release.
To publish on Apple Books, all you need is to opt for ghostwriting online to write your manuscript and then enroll in the Apple Books for Authors program. Once enrolled, you can upload your eBook and set your own price and royalty rate. Apple Books supports various formats like EPUB and PDF.
Pros
- Easy access to millions of Apple device users
- Up to 70% royalty on eBook sales
- Features like Today, Browse, and Pre-order to help increase visibility
- Accepts EPUB, PDF, and other formats
Cons
- eBooks can only be read on Apple devices
- Compared to Amazon Kindle, Apple Books’ discovery features are limited
- Doesn’t offer a subscription service like Kindle Unlimited
- Readers need an Apple ID to purchase and download eBooks
LuLu Press
Established in 2002, Lulu Press has emerged as a leading self-publishing platform and has empowered countless authors to create, publish, and sell their eBooks and printed books. Lulu has become a popular choice among indie authors for offering a range of tools and services to help them reach a great number of readers. In addition to that, authors can publish their work in various formats like eBook, paperback, and even hardcover.
Lulu Press offers several benefits to authors like an easy publishing process, global distribution, and competitive royalty rates. You can earn up to 90% royalty on eBook sales, but it depends on the pricing and distribution options. Lulu also provides various marketing and promotional tools such as social media integration, email marketing, and online storefronts.
Print-on-demand is what sets LuLu Press apart from other publishing platforms. It allows authors to print and distribute books as orders are received. This eliminates the need for bulk printing and inventory storage. LuLu has garnered the attention of thousands of indie authors and is the best option if you are about to publish your first-ever book.
Pros
- Hassle-free publishing process
- Competitive royalty rates
- Worldwide book distribution
- Multiple book formats are available
- Access to advanced marketing tools
Cons
- Additional fees for premium services
- Limited customer care options
- Restrictions on a few book formats on distribution
- Limited sales tracking features
Kobo Writing Life
Another popular eBook publishing platform is Kobo. It offers a seamless way for authors to reach a global audience. As part of Rakuten, a major eCommerce giant, Kobo features a huge online bookstore that offers new authors the opportunity to distribute their work across multiple countries. The platform’s user-friendly interface allows writers to easily upload their manuscripts, design captivating covers, and set competitive prices.
One of Kobo’s standout features is its Kobo Writing Life program through which authors get complete control over their royalties, pricing, and distribution. Kobo supports a wide variety of formats. Not just that, it also enables authors to participate in global promotions and offers detailed analytics to track sales performance.
Best of all, publishing on Kobo is entirely free which makes it the best option for both new and experienced writers.
Pros
- Global distribution with access to international markets
- Full control over pricing and royalties
- Free to publish with no upfront costs
- Offers detailed analytics for sales
Cons
- Smaller audience as compared to the Amazon Kindle platform
- Limited marketing tools for boosting visibility
- Requires formatting knowledge to upload eBook
Barnes & Noble Press
As a reliable self-publishing platform, Barnes & Noble Press empowers authors to create and distribute both eBooks and print-on-demand paperbacks. As a part of the Barnes & Noble brand, it provides access to one of the largest bookstore chains in the U.S.
Uploading manuscripts, designing covers, and setting prices is a cakewalk at Barnes & Noble Press. Authors can benefit from competitive royalty rates and earn up to 70% on eBooks sold through their online store. In addition to that, they offer marketing opportunities like featuring your book in their catalog and email campaigns.
The print-on-demand service is noteworthy as authors can create high-quality paperbacks without facing the burden of massive upfront costs. With no fees for publishing, it is an excellent choice for authors who are looking for the opportunity to break into both digital and physical book markets.
Pros
- Easy access to U.S. bookstore audience
- Huge royalty rates of around 70%
- Free publishing with 0 upfront cost
- Print-on-demand service for paperbacks
Cons
- Limited reach as compared to other platforms
- Fewer marketing tools for eBooks
- Print-on-demand cost is way too high
Tips for Success in Self-publishing
Publishing a book on your own is a great step, but success requires strategy and effort. Here are some tips to follow while publishing your first-ever eBook:
Invest in Professional Editing: Even the best writers benefit from a professional editor. You can hire one from ghostwriting online service providers.
Create an Eye-catching Cover: Your book cover is the first impression. Work with a skilled designer to make sure it’s visually appealing.
Write a Compelling Description: Your book’s blurb should be engaging, and concise and highlight what your story is about without spoiling anything.
Choose the Right Platform: Evaluate self-publishing platforms based on their audience reach, royalty rates, and additional services to pick the one best suited to your literary goals.
Optimize Pricing: Research comparable books to set a competitive price that appeals to readers. Make sure it’s not too expensive.
Leverage Social Media: Build an online presence on BookTok and BookTube to engage with readers, share updates, and promote your book.
Conclusion
Self-publishing may sound tough at first, but once you dive in, you’ll see it’s not as scary as it seems. It’s all about choosing the right platform, hiring affordable ghostwriting services to set up your manuscript, and letting your creativity flow. With the right tools and a little patience, you’ll have your book ready to share with the world in no time.