If you are an independently published (not traditionally published) author like me, then you are probably wondering which online book platforms are the right fit for your finished manuscript. With so many companies advertising their services, it is hard to tell which ones are reputable or vanity press (authors pay to have their books published and will usually publish any book that a writer pays it to).
Well, know that you as the author have the option to publish your content to several online book retailers, aggregators, or their subsidiaries with non-exclusive rights. Just be sure to read the fine print to ensure that you are not obligated for a certain period and are not signing exclusive rights to that particular retailer.
I have listed a few that I personally investigated prior to publishing my book. Know that each online self-publishing platform charges a minor fee for their services so choose the one that will work best in your favor.
AGGREGATORS: An aggregator is a service that allows authors to upload their manuscript in one place and then distributes it to multiple channels. They distribute to several online book retailers, including Libraries, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple and Kobo. There are no exclusive rights, and you are able to self-publish on several aggregators at the same time.
- 1) IngramSpark – Both Print & E-Book with global distribution to over 40,000 retailers & libraries, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple and Kobo.
- 2) Smashwords –E-Book only with global distribution to major online E-Book retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo and Tolino, and to libraries via distribution relationships with Over Drive (40,000+ libraries), Baker & Taylor Axis 360, Bibliotheca Cloud Library, Odilo and Gardners.
- 3) Draft2Digital – Both Print & E-Book with global distribution to Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo (including Kobo Plus), Tolino, Over Drive, Bibliotheca, Scribd, Baker & Taylor, Hoopla and Vivlio.
DIRECT PUBLISHING – Most direct publishing platforms will have their own exclusivity programs (potential exclusive rights), meaning you as the author will not be able to self-publish on any other platform. Each retailer will also differ in royalties and fees to upload your files for distribution to the public. Below are just a few examples:
a) Amazon KDP
b) Barnes & Noble Press
c) Apple Books
d) Kobo
Explore your options and take the time to understand what each retailer or aggregator has to offer before committing, signing, or agreeing to anything.