Publishing
Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) is a self-publishing platform that allows authors and publishers to independently publish and distribute their books to a global audience through Amazon. This is what you can expect from Amazon KDP:
1. Self-Publishing: Authors can upload their manuscripts, covers, and book details directly to the platform, making their work available for sale as eBooks or print books (through print-on-demand services).
2. Global Distribution: Once published, books are available on Amazon’s marketplace, giving authors access to millions of readers worldwide.
3. Royalties: KDP offers authors up to 70% royalties on eBook sales, depending on the book's pricing and distribution settings. Print book royalties range from 40% to 60%.
4. Creative Control: Authors retain complete ownership and creative control over their work, from cover design to pricing and marketing strategies.
5. Marketing Tools: KDP provides tools such as Kindle Unlimited (a subscription service where authors can earn based on how much readers read of their book), KDP Select (offering promotional options like free or discounted deals), and Amazon Advertising to help authors promote their books.
6. No Upfront Costs: There are no upfront fees to publish with KDP, making it an accessible platform for indie authors and small publishers. (Free ISBN's available)
7. Flexible Formatting: Authors can publish in multiple formats, including eBooks (for Kindle devices) and paperback editions.
By providing access to a global audience, a straightforward publishing process, and various marketing tools, KDP empowers independent authors to publish and sell their books without needing a traditional publisher.
IngramSpark is a self-publishing platform that allows authors and independent publishers to publish and distribute both print books (paperback and hardcover) and ebooks. It's widely known for its extensive global distribution network and print-on-demand services.
Key Features and Benefits for Writers/Authors:
1. Global Distribution: IngramSpark connects writers with Ingram's vast distribution network, which includes over 40,000 retailers, libraries, schools, and online platforms (like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and others). This makes your book accessible to a wide audience across the world.
2. Print-on-Demand Services: Authors can upload their manuscript, and IngramSpark will handle the printing of physical books only when they are ordered. This avoids the need for large, upfront investments in inventory and storage costs.
3. Wide Format Options: IngramSpark offers various options for print, including multiple trim sizes, paperback, hardcover with dust jackets, and more. It also supports both black-and-white and color printing.
4. Ebook Publishing: In addition to print books, IngramSpark allows you to publish ebooks, offering distribution to all the major ebook retailers.
5. ISBN Provision: Authors can either provide their own ISBN or purchase one through IngramSpark.
6. Professional-Quality Printing: IngramSpark is known for its high-quality printing, making it suitable for authors who want their books to have a polished, professional look. (Some issues have occurred)
7. Author Control: IngramSpark gives authors control over their pricing, discounts, and book descriptions, providing flexibility in how the book is marketed and sold.
8. Lower Print Costs for Bulk Orders: If authors want to purchase copies of their own book for events or direct sales, IngramSpark offers competitive print costs, especially for bulk orders.
9. Marketing Support: While IngramSpark does not provide marketing services directly, it offers various tools and partnerships to help authors promote their books, including access to promotional tools via the distribution network.
10. Royalties: Authors receive royalties based on the sale price, less the wholesale discount and production costs, which offers a clear and simple way to calculate earnings.
IngramSpark is a popular choice for writers seeking professional publishing and distribution services, especially for those who want to reach bookstores and libraries, which are often harder to access through other self-publishing platforms. However, unlike Amazon KDP, IngramSpark charges setup fees for uploading titles, although they sometimes offer promotions that waive these fees.
Lulu is an online self-publishing platform that allows writers and authors to create, publish, and distribute their books in both print and digital formats. It's known for its ease of use and wide range of services that cater to indie authors, small presses, and anyone who wants to self-publish.
Key Features and Benefits for Writers/Authors:
1. Print-on-Demand Services: Lulu allows authors to publish books without needing to invest in bulk printing. They print books as they are ordered, helping to minimize upfront costs and inventory management.
2. Wide Range of Formats: Authors can choose from various book formats, including paperback, hardcover, coil-bound, and even photo books. They also offer different trim sizes and binding types.
3. Global Distribution: Lulu provides distribution options for authors to reach a global audience. This includes listing books on platforms like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Ingram, allowing authors to sell through major retailers.
4. Customizable Publishing: Lulu offers a range of tools for authors to customize their book projects, from cover design to interior formatting. Authors have control over the look and feel of their books.
5. ISBN Services: Lulu provides free ISBNs for self-published books, though authors can also use their own ISBN if they prefer to have full ownership over their book's publishing details.
6. Marketing and Sales Tools: While Lulu doesn't directly provide marketing services, they offer tools and resources to help authors promote their books. Authors can also sell directly through the Lulu marketplace, in addition to other distribution channels.
7. Royalty Payments: Lulu allows authors to set their pricing and distribution discounts, giving them control over their earnings. Royalties are calculated based on the difference between the retail price and production/distribution costs.
8. Free Publishing: Unlike some other self-publishing platforms, Lulu doesn’t charge fees for uploading and publishing a book. Authors only pay for the copies they order or when they opt for additional services.
9. eBook Publishing: In addition to print books, Lulu supports eBook publishing, with options to distribute to major retailers like Apple Books and Amazon.
10. Creative and Educational Projects: Lulu isn't limited to just novels and non-fiction; it's also a platform for creating custom calendars, photo books, and workbooks, making it versatile for creators of all kinds.
Lulu is a popular choice for writers who want control over their self-publishing process, especially those who are looking for a platform that offers both print and digital options without significant upfront costs. It’s particularly known for its flexibility and global distribution capabilities, making it a strong option for indie authors.
Blurb is a self-publishing platform that provides tools and services for writers, photographers, and creators to design, publish, and sell their books. Here’s an overview of what Blurb offers:
1. Custom Book Creation
- Design Tools: Blurb provides free tools such as BookWright (a downloadable software) and plugins for Adobe InDesign and Lightroom, allowing authors and artists to design and format their books with creative control.
- Templates: Blurb offers templates for different book types like photo books, trade books, magazines, and eBooks.
2. Print and eBook Publishing
- Print on Demand (POD): Writers can order print copies of their book in different formats, including hardcovers, paperbacks, and image-wrapped books. There’s no need for large upfront investments as Blurb operates on a print-on-demand model.
- eBooks: In addition to print, Blurb allows authors to create eBooks for distribution on platforms like Amazon Kindle, Apple iBooks, and Blurb’s own bookstore.
3. Sell and Distribute
- Blurb Bookstore: Authors can sell their books directly through Blurb’s online bookstore without intermediaries.
- Global Distribution: Blurb partners with Ingram for wider distribution, meaning authors can have their books distributed to major online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other bookstores.
4. Marketing and Sales Tools
- Pricing Control: Authors have control over their book’s pricing, allowing them to set their own retail and wholesale prices.
- ISBN: Blurb provides the option for authors to use their own ISBN or purchase one through Blurb for their trade books.
5. Photobooks and Visual Creations
- Blurb is especially popular for photographers and artists due to its focus on high-quality, image-heavy book formats. The platform supports custom photo books and visual portfolios.
Who Should Use Blurb?
Blurb is ideal for:
- Writers looking for creative control over book design.
- Photographers and artists producing high-quality photo books or portfolios.
- Self-published authors seeking print-on-demand services with optional global distribution.
In summary, Blurb helps creators design, print, and sell their work both in physical and digital formats, with a strong emphasis on creative freedom and high-quality production.
Draft2Digital provides a range of services designed to simplify the publishing process for authors and writers. Here’s an overview of what they offer:
1. eBook Conversion: Converts manuscripts into professional-quality eBooks that are compatible with multiple platforms, including MOBI, EPUB, and PDF formats.
2. Wide Distribution: Distributes eBooks to major retailers like Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and several international platforms, including libraries and subscription services.
3. Print Book Services: Provides print-on-demand (POD) services, allowing authors to publish physical copies of their books and sell them through retailers.
4. Free ISBN Assignment: Offers free ISBNs for authors who don't already have one, simplifying the publishing process.
5. Author Payout Management: Consolidates royalties from various retailers into a single payment, simplifying financial tracking for authors.
6. Universal Book Links: Creates a universal book link (UBL) that leads readers to all online stores where the book is available, streamlining the marketing process.
7. Automated Back Matter: Automatically generates and formats the back matter (like "Also By" pages or author notes) for eBooks, keeping everything updated as the author's catalog grows.
8. Promotional Tools: Provides marketing tools, including metadata optimization, to help authors reach a broader audience and increase discoverability.
9. Sales Reporting: Offers detailed sales reports from all distribution channels, allowing authors to track their performance in real-time.
10. No Upfront Fees: Draft2Digital charges no upfront costs, taking only a small percentage of royalties from sales made through their platform.
11. Customization Options: Allows authors to customize their book layout, including chapter headings, page breaks, and other design elements.
12. Customer Support: Offers responsive customer service to assist with any issues authors encounter during the publishing process.
By utilizing these services, authors can streamline the publishing process and reach a wider audience without managing multiple platforms individually.
Here’s a summary of what PublishDrive offers for authors and writers:
1. eBook, Print, and Audiobook Distribution: Publishes and distributes books across major global platforms like Amazon, Google Play Books, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Ingram, as well as to over 400 stores, including libraries.
2. Royalty Splitting: Provides a tool called Abacus that simplifies royalty management, allowing co-authors, editors, and contributors to receive payments directly, with automated calculations.
3. Subscription Services: Gives access to subscription-based platforms like Scribd, Dreame, and Storytel, offering additional revenue streams beyond traditional book sales.
4. Marketing Tools: Offers promotional tools such as free price promotions, discount campaigns, and assistance with scheduling book releases to maximize visibility.
5. ISBN Provision: Offers ISBNs to authors who don't already have them, which is necessary for publishing on many platforms.
6. Analytics Dashboard: Provides a real-time sales dashboard to track sales, downloads, and other key performance metrics across all sales channels, helping authors understand their market reach and trends.
7. Wide International Reach: Distributes to global markets beyond major U.S. or European retailers, including markets in Asia and Latin America.
8. Multiple Formats: Supports publishing in eBook, print-on-demand, and audiobook formats, enabling authors to reach audiences across different media preferences.
9. Marketing Partnership with Amazon Ads: Offers integration with Amazon advertising services, helping authors run advertisement campaigns to increase book visibility.
10. No Upfront Fees: Like Draft2Digital, PublishDrive has no upfront costs. They charge based on either subscription models or by taking a small percentage of royalties, depending on the plan you choose.
11. White-Label Services: Allows authors and publishers to set up their own eBook stores, where they can sell their books directly to readers without a middleman.
12. Full Copyright Control: Authors retain all rights to their work, with full control over the price, promotions, and sales.
PublishDrive is ideal for authors looking for comprehensive distribution, marketing, and sales support globally, all from a single platform.
Here’s a summary of what Kobo offers for authors and writers:
1. eBook Publishing Platform: Kobo Writing Life (KWL) allows authors to publish eBooks directly to Kobo’s global marketplace, reaching millions of readers.
2. Global Distribution: Distributes eBooks across 190 countries, including major partnerships with retailers and libraries, making it easier to reach international audiences.
3. Royalty Rates: Authors can earn up to 70% royalties on eBooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99 (USD). Books priced below or above this range earn a 45% royalty rate.
4. Direct Upload: Offers an easy, direct upload process for ePub, Mobi, and Word formats. Kobo converts and prepares files for distribution without any need for third-party services.
5. Promotion Tools: Provides built-in marketing tools like promotional opportunities in the Kobo store, including discounted eBook promotions and featuring on Kobo’s storefront.
6. Price Control: Allows full control over eBook pricing, including the ability to set different prices by region and run special pricing promotions for specific markets.
7. No Exclusivity: Authors retain the freedom to publish on other platforms simultaneously, as Kobo does not require exclusivity.
8. Real-Time Analytics: Authors can track their sales and performance with a real-time dashboard showing sales figures and reader engagement data.
9. Language Flexibility: Supports publishing in multiple languages, enabling authors to reach a broad, multilingual audience.
10. Promotions Tab: Offers a dedicated "Promotions" tab for authors to submit their eBooks for consideration in Kobo’s featured deals and promotions, driving visibility.
11. Print Partnership: Through their partnership with Ingram, Kobo offers an option for authors to print their books in physical form via print-on-demand services.
12. Wide Format Compatibility: Kobo allows authors to publish not only narrative fiction but also graphic novels, comics, and other ePub-based formats.
Kobo Writing Life is particularly well-suited for authors seeking global reach, flexible pricing, and independence from exclusivity agreements.
Here’s a summary of what Apple Books offers for authors and writers:
1. Self-Publishing Platform: Authors can publish their books directly on Apple Books through Apple Books for Authors, allowing them to reach a global audience.
2. Royalties: Authors earn 70% royalties on sales in most countries, regardless of the book's price.
3. Global Distribution: Apple Books distributes to over 50 countries, providing a wide-reaching platform for authors.
4. No Exclusivity: There is no exclusivity requirement, allowing authors to sell their books on other platforms while distributing through Apple Books.
5. Free Publishing: There are no upfront fees to publish on Apple Books, meaning authors can upload their manuscripts at no cost.
6. Interactive Features: Apple Books supports enhanced books with interactive elements, including audio, video, and animations.
7. Pricing Control: Authors have complete control over pricing and can adjust it for different regions.
8. Pre-orders: Authors can set up their books for pre-order even before completing the manuscript, allowing them to build buzz and collect early sales.
9. Analytics: Apple Books provides detailed sales and performance analytics so authors can track how well their books are doing.
10. Formatting Support: Apple offers tools like Pages or the Apple Books Publisher to help authors format their books properly for the platform.
Apple Books is an excellent platform for reaching iOS users and offers competitive benefits in terms of royalties and global reach.
Here’s a summary of what Barnes & Noble Press offers to authors and writers:
1. Self-Publishing Platform: Authors can independently publish their books in both print and eBook formats without upfront fees.
2. Print-on-Demand Service: Barnes & Noble Press provides a print-on-demand option, meaning books are only printed when ordered, reducing waste and storage costs.
3. Wide Distribution: Authors can sell their books directly on **Barnes & Noble’s website and in their stores, giving exposure to a large audience. There is also potential for books to be distributed through additional channels.
4. Royalty Rates**: Authors earn up to 70% royalties on eBooks and up to 55% on print books sold through Barnes & Noble.
5. Multiple Format Options: Authors can choose from a variety of formats, including paperback, hardcover, and digital eBooks, with different trim sizes and paper types available.
6. Free ISBN for eBooks: Barnes & Noble Press provides a free ISBN for eBooks, though authors can also use their own ISBN if preferred.
7. Customizable Book Covers: Authors can either upload their own book covers or use Barnes & Noble Press’s cover creation tools to design a cover. (Limited to a downloadable template)
8. Marketing & Promotion Opportunities: While Barnes & Noble Press does not offer extensive marketing services, authors may benefit from **potential in-store placement and inclusion in **Barnes & Noble promotions if their book meets certain criteria.
9. Real-Time Sales Reporting: Authors have access to a dashboard where they can track sales and royalties in real time.
10. Global Reach for eBooks: eBooks published via Barnes & Noble Press can be made available to international readers, extending beyond the U.S.
Barnes & Noble Press supports authors in publishing, distributing, and selling their work, while offering flexible options for both print and digital formats.
Books.by offers authors the ability to run their own personal bookstores. Here's what they provide:
1. A personal, customizable storefront for selling books.
2. Print-on-demand services, so books are printed and shipped only when ordered.
3. They offer book proofing and cover maker tools.
4. Full control over pricing and profits—authors keep 100% of profits after printing and shipping costs.
5. Free ISBNs for published books.
6. Transparent sales tracking, including customer notifications and order tracking.
7. No retail or sales commissions.
8. Global distribution with printing facilities in the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.
9. The store functions offered by Books.by uses the Shopify platform.
In summary, Books.by is a good solution if you have a sales platform set up like a website, Facebook, or other sales venue and you wish to keep most of the sales proceeds for yourself. Service is limited to paperbacks only.
Here’s a summary of what Bowker offers for authors and writers:
1. ISBN Assignment: Provides unique ISBNs (International Standard Book Numbers) required for books to be distributed and sold by retailers, libraries, and bookstores.
2. Barcode Services: Generates scannable barcodes for print books based on ISBNs, ensuring compatibility with retail systems.
3. Metadata Management: Allows authors to enter and update their book’s metadata (e.g., title, author name, description, genre) to enhance discoverability across various distribution channels.
4. Global Book Registration: Offers registration in Books In Print®, a comprehensive bibliographic database that helps libraries, retailers, and publishers find titles.
5. MyIdentifiers Platform: Provides a dashboard where authors and small publishers can manage their ISBNs, metadata, and barcodes conveniently in one place.
6. Self-Publishing Support: Guides authors and independent publishers on the importance of ISBNs and how to effectively publish and distribute books in the industry.
7. Distribution Partner Access: Enables authors to connect with distributors and retailers by ensuring their books have the correct identification and metadata structure.
Bowker is the exclusive U.S. agency responsible for issuing ISBNs, making it essential for authors who aim to self-publish and distribute professionally. To note: eBooks do not generally require an ISBN to be published. If you buy your own ISBN's, you can attach your imprint (brand/publisher brand) to your book(s).
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