Ebook Publishing Platforms for Self-Publishing Authors
Self-publishing authors have numerous options when it comes to selling ebooks. Choosing the right platform depends on several factors, including royalty rates, fees, marketing opportunities, and platform restrictions. This article explores the major ebook publishing platforms, detailing their services, pricing, payment schedules, file format requirements, and whether they integrate with ScribeCount. Additionally, we will provide an example of how much an author would earn from a $5.99 ebook on each platform.
1. Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
General Overview
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is Amazon’s self-publishing platform, offering authors a way to distribute ebooks directly to millions of Kindle readers worldwide. It is one of the most widely used platforms due to Amazon's market dominance.
Services Offered
KDP allows authors to publish ebooks and paperbacks. It provides tools for formatting and cover design, and authors can enroll in Kindle Unlimited (KU) for additional revenue through page reads.
Pricing and Royalties
Authors can choose between a 35% or 70% royalty rate. The 70% rate applies if the ebook is priced between $2.99 and $9.99 and meets certain criteria.
Restrictions
Enrolling in KDP Select (which includes Kindle Unlimited) requires exclusivity to Amazon for 90 days.
Payment Schedule
Amazon pays royalties 60 days after the end of the month in which sales occur.
Accepted File Formats
KDP accepts EPUB, DOCX, HTML, and KPF files.
Cost to Publish
Publishing is free, but Amazon deducts a delivery fee for ebooks with large file sizes.
Market Reach
Global reach, with Amazon stores in multiple countries.
Marketing Opportunities
KDP Select authors can access Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Promotions. Amazon Ads is also available.
Ease of Use
KDP’s dashboard is user-friendly, and the publishing process is straightforward.
ScribeCount Integration
Yes, KDP integrates with ScribeCount.
Example Earnings for a $5.99 Ebook
With a 70% royalty rate, an author earns approximately $4.19 per sale after Amazon’s delivery fee.
2. Apple Books
General Overview
Apple Books is Apple’s ebook marketplace, available on iPhones, iPads, and Mac devices.
Services Offered
Authors can publish ebooks directly via Apple Books or use aggregators like Draft2Digital.
Pricing and Royalties
Apple offers a flat 70% royalty rate on all ebooks.
Restrictions
No exclusivity requirement.
Payment Schedule
Apple pays 30 days after the end of the month in which sales occur.
Accepted File Formats
EPUB.
Cost to Publish
Free.
Market Reach
Apple Books is available in 50+ countries.
Marketing Opportunities
Limited in-platform marketing; promotional pricing and pre-orders are available.
Ease of Use
More complex than KDP, requiring a Mac or an aggregator.
ScribeCount Integration
Yes.
Example Earnings for a $5.99 Ebook
Authors earn approximately $4.19 per sale.
3. Barnes & Noble Press
General Overview
Barnes & Noble Press is the self-publishing arm of the B&N ebook store, primarily serving the U.S. market.
Services Offered
Authors can publish ebooks and print books.
Pricing and Royalties
B&N offers a 70% royalty on ebooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99.
Restrictions
No exclusivity requirements.
Payment Schedule
60 days after the end of the month in which sales occur.
Accepted File Formats
EPUB.
Cost to Publish
Free.
Market Reach
Primarily the U.S.
Marketing Opportunities
Limited; authors can set promotional discounts.
Ease of Use
User-friendly dashboard, but limited global reach.
ScribeCount Integration
Yes.
Example Earnings for a $5.99 Ebook
Authors earn approximately $4.19 per sale.
4. Kobo Writing Life
General Overview
Kobo Writing Life is Rakuten Kobo’s self-publishing platform, popular in Canada and international markets.
Services Offered
Ebook publishing and audiobook distribution.
Pricing and Royalties
70% royalties on ebooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99.
Restrictions
No exclusivity requirement.
Payment Schedule
45 days after the end of the month.
Accepted File Formats
EPUB.
Cost to Publish
Free.
Market Reach
Available in 190+ countries.
Marketing Opportunities
Kobo offers promotional tools for authors.
Ease of Use
Straightforward process with good analytics.
ScribeCount Integration
Yes.
Example Earnings for a $5.99 Ebook
Authors earn approximately $4.19 per sale.
5. Draft2Digital
General Overview
Draft2Digital is an aggregator that distributes ebooks to multiple platforms, including Apple Books, B&N, and Kobo.
Services Offered
Ebook distribution, formatting, universal book links.
Pricing and Royalties
Takes a 10% cut from the retailer's revenue.
Restrictions
No exclusivity requirement.
Payment Schedule
Monthly payments.
Accepted File Formats
DOCX, EPUB.
Cost to Publish
Free.
Market Reach
Global distribution.
ScribeCount Integration
Yes.
Example Earnings for a $5.99 Ebook
Approximately $3.77 per sale after Draft2Digital’s cut.
6. PublishDrive
General Overview
PublishDrive is an aggregator that charges a subscription fee instead of taking royalties.
Services Offered
Ebook, audiobook, and print distribution.
Pricing and Royalties
100% royalties; subscription starts at $19.99/month.
Restrictions
No exclusivity requirement.
Payment Schedule
Monthly payments.
Accepted File Formats
EPUB.
Market Reach
Broad global reach.
ScribeCount Integration
In Development.
Example Earnings for a $5.99 Ebook
Authors keep the full $4.19 but must cover subscription fees.
7. IngramSpark
General Overview
IngramSpark provides ebook and print-on-demand services with wide distribution.
Services Offered
Ebook and print book distribution.
Pricing and Royalties
Authors receive 40%–70% after retailer cuts.
Restrictions
Setup fees apply unless waived through promotions.
Payment Schedule
45 days after sales.
Accepted File Formats
EPUB.
Market Reach
Global.
ScribeCount Integration
Yes.
Example Earnings for a $5.99 Ebook
Approximately $3.00–$4.19 per sale, depending on retailer.
8. StoryOrigin
General Overview
StoryOrigin is a unique platform aimed at helping authors with reader engagement, distribution, and cross-promotion. It offers a suite of tools designed to grow an author’s audience and boost book sales.
Services Offered
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Ebook distribution to multiple platforms.
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Reader magnet management.
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Automated email list management and integration.
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Cross-promotion and collaboration opportunities with other authors (e.g., newsletter swaps).
Pricing and Royalties
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StoryOrigin is free to use for the basic package.
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Premium features (such as advanced email tools and reader magnet management) require a paid subscription.
Restrictions
No exclusivity requirement.
Payment Schedule
Typically, earnings are collected via distribution platforms like Amazon, Kobo, etc. StoryOrigin itself does not handle payments directly.
Accepted File Formats
EPUB, MOBI, PDF.
Cost to Publish
Free (basic features), with premium packages available.
Market Reach
Global, but particularly popular among authors interested in email list-building and cross-promotions.
Marketing Opportunities
StoryOrigin specializes in cross-promotion campaigns, allowing authors to team up with others for effective email list-building and free promotion.
Ease of Use
Simple to navigate, particularly for authors looking to leverage reader magnets and collaborative marketing efforts.
ScribeCount Integration
In Development
Example Earnings for a $5.99 Ebook
Earnings are based on the platforms you distribute to through StoryOrigin (e.g., Amazon). You’ll earn typical royalties according to the platform’s royalty rates, minus any distribution cuts.
9. BookFunnel
General Overview
BookFunnel is another popular tool for authors looking to distribute ebooks directly to readers. It offers a range of tools for easy ebook delivery and reader engagement.
Services Offered
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Ebook delivery (direct-to-reader).
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Reader magnet distribution.
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Audio book integration.
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Marketing tools like giveaway codes and bundle offers.
Pricing and Royalties
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Free to distribute a limited number of books.
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Premium services include advanced options like custom branding, sales page features, and giveaways.
Restrictions
No exclusivity requirement.
Payment Schedule
Not applicable; BookFunnel handles ebook delivery and not direct payments to authors.
Accepted File Formats
EPUB, MOBI, PDF, AAX (for audiobooks).
Cost to Publish
Free (limited options), with paid plans starting at $20 per year.
Market Reach
Global, with a focus on direct sales through email lists and giveaways.
Marketing Opportunities
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BookFunnel specializes in direct-to-reader ebook distribution and has strong tools for reader magnets and book giveaways.
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Authors can distribute books for promotions, collaborate on bundles, and build email lists effectively.
Ease of Use
BookFunnel is easy to use, particularly for authors focused on email marketing and creating direct relationships with readers.
ScribeCount Integration
Yes.
Example Earnings for a $5.99 Ebook
Earnings depend on the platform you distribute to through BookFunnel. As with StoryOrigin, you will earn royalties directly from platforms like Amazon or Kobo, based on their standard royalty rates.
Conclusion
When choosing an ebook publishing platform, authors should weigh factors such as royalties, platform reach, marketing opportunities, and ease of use. KDP remains a dominant force, particularly for those willing to engage with Kindle Unlimited, while platforms like Apple Books and Barnes & Noble Press offer opportunities for broader distribution. Aggregators like Draft2Digital, PublishDrive, StoryOrigin, and BookFunnel can simplify distribution and open doors to international markets and marketing opportunities. By considering the options available, authors can choose the platform that best suits their needs and maximizes their ebook sales potential.