Top 10 Book Publishing Websites to Boost Your Self-Publishing Journey

Self-publishing has transformed the literary world, offering authors creative autonomy, faster publishing timelines, and unprecedented access to a global audience. Gone are the days when traditional publishing was the only gateway to share your work with the world. Today, anyone with dedication and a strong story can self-publish and succeed.

But, with so many platforms available, how do you choose the right one? This guide breaks it all down with the top 10 book publishing websites, complete with their features, benefits, and use cases for eBook and print book publishing.

Whether you're looking for comprehensive distribution or niche support, this list will help you find the ideal platform to make your self-publishing dreams a reality.

Why Self-Publishing Matters

Self-publishing offers numerous benefits that attract authors across genres and experience levels.

• Creative Control: Self-publishing allows you to retain full creative authority over your work—from cover design to pricing.
• Better Royalty Rates: Many self-publishing platforms like Amazon offer publishers 50%–70% eBook royalties, much higher than the typical rates from traditional publishing.
• Faster Releases: Skip the long timelines of traditional publishers. Self-published books can be made available in weeks, sometimes even days.
• Global Reach: Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, Kobo Writing Life, and other KDP alternatives connect you directly with readers worldwide.
• Reader Engagement: Self-publishing lets you form personal connections with readers, build loyal audiences, and respond directly to feedback.

Choosing the Right Self-Publishing Platform

Before we unveil the best platforms, it’s crucial to understand what makes one platform better suited to your needs than another.

Consider these factors when deciding where to publish your book:

• Royalty Rates: Look for platforms for where to self-publish offering competitive royalties for both eBooks and print books.
• Distribution: Target platforms with wide-reaching networks, both locally and globally.
• Format Options: Does the platform support eBook, paperback, or even hardcover formats?
• Print-on-Demand (POD): Evaluate the quality of print-on-demand services if you're publishing physical books.
• Author Tools: Check for features like built-in formatting, analytics, or marketing tools to streamline your process.

Now, let's explore the best options available for eBooks and print books.

Best Websites for Self-Publishing eBooks

Here are the top 10 websites to self-publish your books.

1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Amazon KDP dominates the eBook market, with over 70% market share.

Why It's Great:

• Wide global reach with millions of Kindle users.
• One of the top places to sell eBooks for free.
• Access to Kindle Unlimited, Amazon’s subscription service.
• Competitive KDP royalty rates of up to 70%.

Use Case:

Ideal for authors targeting a broad audience for eBooks and those looking for a user-friendly platform.

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2. Apple Books

Apple’s direct publishing platform caters to iOS readers around the world.

Why It's Great:

• High-quality eBook formatting tailored to Apple devices.
• Competitive royalty rates.
• Access to Apple's strong user base.

Use Case:

Perfect for tech-savvy authors or those with a strong fanbase among Apple users.

3. Kobo Writing Life

Kobo reaches readers in over 190 countries.

Why It's Great:

• Generous royalty rates of up to 70%.
• Detailed sales tracking and reporting tools.
• Extensive global reach.

Use Case:

Best for authors keen on reaching international audiences.

4. PublishDrive

PublishDrive enables wide eBook distribution across 400+ digital stores, including niche markets.

Why It's Great:

• Excels in complex distribution.
• AI-driven marketing features.
• Subscription-based pricing for frequent publishers.

Use Case:

Suited for high-output authors or those seeking niche platforms.

5. Draft2Digital

Draft2Digital simplifies the publishing process for indie authors.

Why It's Great:

• Automated formatting tools make publishing painless.
• Create universal book links to share across platforms.
• Broad retail distribution.

Use Case:

Ideal for new authors prioritizing ease of use.

Best Websites for Self-Publishing Print Books

6. IngramSpark

Known for its vast distribution and high-quality printing options, IngramSpark is a top choice for print books.

Why It's Great:

• Access to 39,000+ retail outlets and libraries.
• High-quality production standards.
• Professional-grade publishing tools.

Use Case:

A premium option for authors aiming for extensive print book distribution.

7. BookBaby

BookBaby simplifies printing and distribution with flexible packages.

Why It's Great:

• Prints hardcover, paperback, and even eBooks.
• Broad retailer network, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
• Marketing and editing services available.

Use Case:

Good for authors seeking comprehensive publishing solutions.

8. Lulu

Lulu offers great flexibility for indie authors publishing physical books.

Why It's Great:

• Easy-to-navigate interface for beginners.
• Covers a variety of formats, from paperback to photo books.
• Free ISBN options for print books.

Use Case:

Best for indie writers focused on niche audiences.

9. Blurb

Blurb specializes in beautiful, high-quality photo books and magazines.

Why It's Great:

• Perfect for visually stunning books and layouts.
• Integrates with Adobe tools like Lightroom and Indesign.
• Ships globally.

Use Case:

Ideal for photographers, graphic designers, or anyone publishing visual content.

10. Barnes & Noble Press

If you want access to Barnes & Noble’s vast customer base, this is the way to go.

Why It's Great:

• Distribution via both online and physical B&N retail stores.
• Competitive royalty rates.
• Offers free ISBNs for print.
• Low self-publishing costs for Barnes & Nobles Press

Use Case:

Best for authors targeting U.S. audiences through a well-known retailer.

Tips for Maximizing Your Self-Publishing Success

Once you’ve chosen your platform, make your self-publishing venture as successful as possible with these tips:

• Invest in Quality: Hire professional editors and cover designers to make your book stand out. Tools like KDP’s Cover Creator can also help create professional designs.
• Develop a Marketing Plan: Social media, email marketing, and book launch events help drive visibility.
• Use Data: Monitor sales and adapt strategies based on insights from platforms like Amazon KDP or Draft2Digital.

Self-Publish with Confidence

Self-publishing your book doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re focusing on eBooks, print books, or both, platforms like Amazon KDP, Apple Books, and Lulu empower authors to take control of their work.

Interested in taking your self-publishing skills to the next level? Sign up for our free webinar today to learn how to publish your book like a pro. It’s time to make your literary dreams a reality!