Top 9 Platforms to Publish Your Book and Earn Money Online.

Writing and publishing books online has become an increasingly popular way to generate income. Various platforms provide unique opportunities for authors to reach global audiences and monetize their work. Whether you are a first-time author or an experienced writer, these platforms can help you publish your book and start earning money. Below is a comprehensive review of some of the top platforms for self-publishing and making money.

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1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Overview:
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is one of the most popular self-publishing platforms, allowing authors to publish eBooks and paperbacks for free. Amazon’s vast reach provides a significant advantage, making your book available to millions of readers worldwide.

How You Make Money:
KDP offers royalties ranging from 35% to 70%, depending on the pricing and distribution options you choose. eBooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99 qualify for the 70% royalty option, while books outside this range earn a 35% royalty. Authors can also enroll their books in Kindle Unlimited, allowing readers to borrow the book as part of their subscription, with authors earning money based on pages read.

Pros:

• Global Reach: Access to Amazon’s massive audience.

• Multiple Formats: Publish both eBooks and paperbacks.

• Flexible Pricing: Set your own prices.

• Royalties: High royalty rates.

Cons:

• Competition: High competition due to the number of books on Amazon.

• Marketing: Authors must do their own marketing to stand out.

2. Apple Books

Overview:
Apple Books is another excellent platform for authors, especially those who want to reach Apple users. The platform allows authors to publish eBooks and audiobooks, reaching millions of readers through Apple devices.

How You Make Money:
Apple Books offers a flat 70% royalty on all book sales, regardless of the price. This makes it an attractive option for authors who want a straightforward royalty structure. The platform also supports promotional tools like pre-orders and free book offers to help you market your book.

Pros:

• High Royalties: 70% royalties on all sales.

• Apple Ecosystem: Reach readers on iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

• Global Distribution: Your book is available in over 50 countries.

Cons:

• Device Limitation: Limited to readers with Apple devices.

• Competition: Requires marketing efforts to gain visibility.

3. Barnes & Noble Press

Overview:
Barnes & Noble Press (formerly NOOK Press) is the self-publishing arm of Barnes & Noble, offering authors the chance to publish eBooks and print books. With a strong presence in the U.S. market, Barnes & Noble Press is a great option for authors targeting American readers.

How You Make Money:
Barnes & Noble Press offers royalties of up to 65% on eBook sales, with a lower 40% royalty for books priced below $2.99. For print books, royalties are calculated based on the retail price minus printing costs.

Pros:

• Brand Recognition: Strong presence in the U.S. market.

• Print-on-Demand: Print books as they are ordered, reducing upfront costs.

• Marketing Tools: Various promotional options available.

Cons:

• Limited International Reach: Focused primarily on the U.S. market.

• Lower Royalties for Low-Priced Books: 40% royalties for books under $2.99.

4. Smashwords

Overview:
Smashwords is an eBook distribution platform that allows authors to publish and distribute their books to multiple retailers, including Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and more. Smashwords also has its own eBook store, giving authors additional exposure.

How You Make Money:
Authors earn 60% to 80% royalties on sales made through Smashwords’ store, with varying royalty rates for books sold through partner retailers. Smashwords also offers a variety of promotional tools, including coupons and pre-orders.

Pros:

• Wide Distribution: Distribute to multiple retailers through one platform.

• Flexible Formatting: Smashwords accepts multiple eBook formats.

• Promotional Tools: Access to coupons, pre-orders, and more.

Cons:

• Formatting Requirements: Strict formatting guidelines can be challenging.

• Royalties: Lower royalties when distributed through partner stores.

5. Kobo Writing Life

Overview:
Kobo Writing Life is the self-publishing platform of Kobo, a popular eBook retailer with a strong international presence. Kobo Writing Life allows authors to publish eBooks and audiobooks, making them available in over 190 countries.

How You Make Money:
Kobo Writing Life offers 70% royalties on books priced between $2.99 and $9.99, with a 45% royalty for books priced outside this range. Authors can also enroll in Kobo Plus, Kobo’s subscription service, and earn based on the number of pages read.

Pros:

• International Reach: Strong presence in non-U.S. markets.

• High Royalties: Up to 70% royalties on eBooks.

• Subscription Service: Earn money through Kobo Plus.

Cons:

• Limited U.S. Market Share: Less popular in the U.S. compared to Amazon or Apple.

• Self-Marketing: Authors need to promote their books to stand out.

6. Draft2Digital

Overview:
Draft2Digital is a self-publishing aggregator that simplifies the process of distributing eBooks to multiple retailers. Authors can publish their eBooks on platforms like Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and others through Draft2Digital.

How You Make Money:
Draft2Digital takes a 10% commission on the retail price of your book for every sale. This means that your royalties will vary depending on the platform where your book is sold, but you can expect to earn around 60% of the retail price after commissions.

Pros:

• Ease of Use: Simple and user-friendly interface.

• Wide Distribution: Distribute to multiple retailers with one upload.

• Free Formatting: Automatic formatting tools are available.

Cons:

• Commission Fee: 10% commission on each sale.

• No Print Options: Focused on eBooks only, with no print options available.

7. Lulu

Overview:
Lulu is a popular self-publishing platform that offers both eBook and print-on-demand services. Lulu is known for its flexibility and wide range of customization options, making it ideal for authors who want control over the design and distribution of their books.

How You Make Money:
Lulu allows authors to set their own prices and offers 80% royalties on net profits for eBooks. For print books, royalties are based on the retail price minus printing and distribution costs. Lulu also offers global distribution, making your book available through major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Pros:

• Customization: Extensive design and formatting options.

• Global Distribution: Reach readers worldwide.

• Print-on-Demand: No upfront printing costs.

Cons:

• Complex Pricing: Pricing and royalties can be complicated to calculate.

• Higher Costs: Customization and print-on-demand can increase costs.

8. IngramSpark

Overview:
IngramSpark is a leading self-publishing platform that specializes in print and eBook distribution. It is particularly well-suited for authors who want to produce high-quality print books and distribute them to a wide range of retailers.

How You Make Money:
IngramSpark offers flexible royalty options based on the retail price and distribution channels chosen. For print books, royalties are calculated after subtracting printing and distribution costs. eBooks typically earn 40% to 70% royalties depending on the platform and pricing.

Pros:

• High-Quality Printing: Professional-grade print books.

• Wide Distribution: Extensive distribution network, including libraries.

• Customizable: Offers a range of print formats and options.

Cons:

• Setup Fees: Charges for uploading and distribution.

• Complex Royalty Structure: Royalties can be difficult to calculate.

9. Blurb

Overview:
Blurb is a self-publishing platform focused on high-quality print books, particularly photo books, art books, and other visually rich publications. It offers a range of design tools and customization options, making it ideal for creative professionals.

How You Make Money:
Blurb allows authors to set their own prices and earn profits based on the difference between the retail price and production costs. Authors can sell their books through Blurb’s online store, Amazon, and other distribution channels.

Pros:

• High-Quality Printing: Excellent for visually rich books.

• Design Tools: Offers a range of design and layout tools.

• Global Distribution: Reach readers through multiple channels.

Cons:

• Higher Production Costs: Premium quality comes at a cost.

• Niche Market: Best suited for art, photography, and design books.

Conclusion

Self-publishing offers a wealth of opportunities for authors to reach readers and generate income. The key to success lies in choosing the right platform based on your goals, audience, and the type of book you are publishing. Platforms like Amazon KDP and Apple Books offer broad reach and high royalties, while others like Lulu and IngramSpark provide extensive customization and print options. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each platform, you can make an informed decision and maximize your earnings as a self-published author.