Self-Publishing Platforms

Self-publishing platforms in 2025 offer authors a variety of tools to publish and distribute their books independently, often with global reach and favorable royalty rates. Here are some of the top self-publishing platforms and their key features:

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP):
The most popular platform, offering access to Amazon’s massive audience. Authors can publish ebooks and print-on-demand paperbacks for free, earning up to 70% royalties on ebooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99. KDP Select offers promotional benefits in exchange for exclusivity. It’s user-friendly but highly competitive.

IngramSpark:
Known for high-quality print-on-demand services and wide distribution to bookstores and libraries globally. It supports both print and ebooks but charges upfront fees for uploading and revisions. It’s ideal for authors wanting professional print quality and broad physical distribution.

Draft2Digital:
An aggregator that distributes ebooks to multiple retailers, simplifying the publishing process. It takes a small cut of royalties but saves authors time by managing distribution and sales tracking across platforms.

Barnes & Noble Press:
Offers free ebook publishing with up to 70% royalties and print-on-demand services. It primarily targets the U.S. market and provides promotional opportunities including in-store placement. It’s easy to use and good for authors focusing on American readers.

Kobo Writing Life:
Owned by Rakuten Kobo, it reaches readers in over 190 countries and offers up to 70% royalties. It supports multiple file formats, provides marketing tools, and allows distribution to libraries via OverDrive. It does not require exclusivity, making it attractive for international authors.

Apple Books:
Allows direct publishing to Apple’s ecosystem with a flat 70% royalty rate and no exclusivity. It offers marketing tools like pre-orders and discounts and integrates seamlessly with iOS and macOS devices.

Lulu:
Specializes in print-on-demand with extensive customization options for book formatting and binding. It integrates with e-commerce platforms like Shopify, enabling authors to sell directly to readers. Lulu supports bulk printing and global distribution through its bookstore and partners.

These platforms cater to different author needs, whether focused on ebook sales, print quality, international reach, or direct-to-reader sales. Choosing the right platform depends on your publishing goals, target audience, and preferred formats.