Self-publishing has enjoyed a huge boon over the last decade as more authors choose to connect with readers without using a traditional publishing house. Millions of self-published books are sold each year, and any stigma that once shrouded self-publishing has since vanished. While Amazon’s KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) is the powerhouse in the self-publishing market, the experts at Self-Publishing Relief have noted that other publishing companies are entering this lucrative market. Along with Amazon KDP, here are a few alternatives to consider for self-publishing.

Amazon KDP And Other Self-Publishing Platforms For Writers

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing: This platform holds the biggest share of the self-publishing market. It’s also one of the easiest to use, making it a great choice for anyone new to self-publishing. But because Amazon is so big with so many titles being released every day, the market can be saturated and hard to break into. Instead of putting all your eggs into one basket, you might want to consider using KDP and another publishing platform to expand your exposure and options.

IngramSpark: This self-publishing division of the Ingram Book Company is similar to KDP in a lot of ways, and you’ll often see it mentioned alongside Amazon’s platform. IngramSpark has great distribution options and better access to libraries and independent bookstores, so if that’s important, consider using them. Learn more: KDP vs. IngramSpark: Which Self-Publishing Platform Is Right For You?

Barnes & Noble: While Barnes & Noble doesn’t have the same reach or variety of formatting options, its self-publishing division can be a great complement to IngramSpark or KDP and help to get your book in front of more potential buyers. And if you want your e-book to be available on Nook, this is the place to make that happen.

Apple Books: There are some requirements that tie users into the Apple ecosystem, but these can be worked around by using another platform which distributes to Apple Books, such as IngramSpark. This is a great way to reach readers who prefer to access books via their Apple products! Apple Books also offers audiobook creation (KDP has this too).

Google Play Books: Although this app is preloaded on all Android devices, it is utilized by a much smaller audience than KDP, and there can be limitations on how much of the book is available to readers. But it can still help you extend your market potential when used in conjunction with KDP.

When self-publishing your book, it’s important to keep in mind that you don’t have to stick to just one platform—many writers use a combination of self-publishing platforms to improve their exposure and distribution across book types (print vs. e-book vs. hardcover) and across countries. But if you want to begin by focusing on just one major platform, choosing KDP is a smart place to start. You can always expand your distribution to other self-publishing platforms afterward.

If navigating the self-publishing process on your own seems daunting, Self-Publishing Relief can help! We’ll walk you through every step, handle the technical busywork, and guide you in creating a self-published book you’ll be proud to put your name on. Schedule your free consultation call today!

Question: Which self-publishing platform seems best suited to your book?