KDP Alternatives: The Best Platforms for Self-Publishing (and Why KDP is Still #1)

Amazon is the clear leader in bookselling commandeering and has an impressive 80% of the self-publishing market. But you can still successfully market and sell your book on other platforms. Offering your books on multiple platforms is an easy way to maximize your potential sales opportunities. 

Why Kindle Direct Publishing Is Still the Best Choice for Self-Publishers

Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the standout choice for self-publishers who want to sell eBooks, audiobooks, or even physical books online. Their platform makes it incredibly easy to publish eBooks and offers paperback versions with no additional overhead or formatting. 

Amazon's Global reach and Market domination mean that successfully positioning your book on KDP gives you the best chance at making sales. Amazon's royalty structure appeals to self-publishers, offering up to 70% on every sale. With all of its great tools and features, it's easy to see why cell why Amazon KDP is the first place most self-publishers promote their work, but that doesn't mean it's the only game in town. 

What Is Amazon KDP?

Kindle Direct Publishing is Amazon's self-publishing platform. It's where independent creators can publish eBooks and print books for a global audience. KDP has become practically synonymous with self-publishing and holds a dominant market share for all Book Sales globally. If you're new to self-publishing, KDP is an excellent starting point because it's so straightforward and easy to use. 

Benefits of Amazon KDP

Here are some benefits to publishing and leveraging the Amazon KDP business model.

1. Massive Audience

With Amazon's vast customer base, KDP offers something no other platform can match—a built-in audience of millions of readers. Publishing your eBook or print book through KDP provides access to Amazon's marketplace, where millions of potential readers shop.

2. High Royalties

KDP offers competitive and royalty rate options:

• 70% royalty on eBook sales priced between $2.99 and $9.99.
• 35% royalty for eBooks outside this pricing range.

This royalty structure is attractive, but you also retain complete control of your book's pricing. This allows you to maximize revenue and customize your business strategy. 

3. Ease of Use

KDP has an intuitive interface that makes self-publishing accessible to anyone, even those without prior experience. Uploading your manuscript, setting up distribution, and pricing your book requires no professional experience or specific technical skills. 

4. Exclusive Perks Through KDP Select

By enrolling your eBook in KDP Select, you gain access to Amazon's Kindle Unlimited (KU) program. This enables KU subscribers to read your book at no extra cost while you still earn royalties for each page read. It’s a great way to increase the visibility of your book.

5. Global Reach

KDP offers a global distribution network, making your book available to readers worldwide across multiple formats—eBooks, paperbacks, and even hardcovers. Offering your books in various languages is a great way to maximize sales and increase your potential audience. 

Is Amazon KDP Still Profitable?

Absolutely, KDP is still profitable! We've helped thousands of students earn meaningful income by selling their books on Amazon. We take pride in helping people with no prior writing or publishing experience share their ideas with the world and launch their publishing businesses.

Meet Melissa and Lenora!

Absolutely! Many self-publishers continue to be traditional publishers and generate recurring income through Amazon publishing. While the competition is fierce, carefully researching profitable niches, crafting compelling content, and leveraging effective marketing strategies can help you succeed. This potential for profitability should inspire you and motivate you to leap into self-publishing.

Want to explore how self-publishers thrive on KDP? Join our free webinar, "Why KDP is the Best Platform for Your Publishing Journey," to learn strategies to maximize your success, including [specific marketing strategies such as social media promotion or book launch tactics].

What Attendees Will Uncover:

• How to position your book for success on KDP.
• Insights into navigating KDP Select and Kindle Unlimited programs.
• Real-life success stories from our Publishing.com students.

Top KDP Alternatives to Consider for Self-Publishing

While KDP has become the first choice for many, it’s not the only option. Several self-publishing platforms cater to specific needs that may align better with your publishing goals. Let's take a closer look at KDP alternatives. To help you make a decision, here's a comparison table of KDP and its alternatives:

1. Kobo Writing Life

Kobo Writing Life is ideal for reaching global audiences, especially in Canada, Europe, and Asia. Known for its user-friendly interface, Kobo allows publishers to:

• Set flexible pricing.
• Distribute eBooks worldwide.
• Retain up to 70% royalties.

Kobo is also integrated with OverDrive, exposing your books worldwide to libraries.

2. Apple Books for Authors

Apple Books is a strong contender if your target audience is Apple device users. Apple Books focuses on premium eBooks and offers features like:

• A high-quality reading experience tailored for iPhones and iPads.
• No exclusivity requirements.
• Access to Apple’s global user base.

While the platform requires access to a Mac to upload a book, its strong presence in the U.S. digital book market makes it worth considering.

3. Barnes & Noble Press

Barnes & Noble Press is a print distribution company aimed at publishers looking to distribute print books and eBooks to the Barnes & Noble customer base. The platform offers:

• Competitive royalty rates up to 65%.
• Access to brick-and-mortar stores for select titles.
• A seamless interface is suitable for beginners.
• Free to publish on Barnes & Noble Press

4. IngramSpark

If you focus on print books, IngramSpark offers exceptional tools for creating professional-quality hardcovers and paperbacks. Its features include:

• Access to expanded distribution networks, reaching independent bookstores and libraries.
• The ability to print books on demand, reducing upfront costs.
• Options for global publishing.

Although setup fees apply, the reach and wide distribution of capabilities can outweigh this initial expense for many publishers. Learn more here.

5. Draft2Digital

Draft2Digital simplifies the self-publishing process with tools that streamline formatting and distribution. Its unique selling points include:

• It supports multiple platforms, including Amazon, Apple Books, and Barnes & Noble.
• Free formatting tools to convert manuscripts into professional eBooks.
• Flexibility with no upfront fees or exclusivity requirements.

6. Smashwords

Smashwords distributes eBooks and offers direct access to popular retailers and libraries. Features include:

• Strong support for niche genres.
• Free, built-in tools for eBook formatting.
• Access to book marketing resources.

Smashwords also merged with Draft2Digital, further expanding its reach and capabilities.

Where to Self-Publish a Book Besides Amazon?

If you are looking for places where to self-publish beyond Amazon, consider your goals. Kobo Writing Life and Apple Books are great options for broad eBook distribution. Places like Barnes & Noble Press and IngramSpark are excellent alternatives if you're focused on print books. Each platform offers unique strengths; choosing the right one depends on your book format, target audience, and long-term goals.

While each platform has advantages, KDP's global reach, ease of use, and additional programs like KDP Select make it the primary choice for many indie authors and publishers. For best results, consider combining platforms to maximize the reach of your print books and eBooks.

KDP and Its Alternatives: Which Path Will You Take?

We recommend that our students focus their self-publishing efforts on Amazon KDP, tailored to buyers and sellers of books and digital content. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities elsewhere. Our free webinar contains expert tips and insider insight if you’re leaning toward publishing your book on KDP but don’t know where to start. 

Sign up for your free spot today, and you’ll learn: 

• How to leverage book reviews in marketing
• How to maximize your income from each book 
• And so much more!