Ebook Self-Publishing Distribution Options

Self-publishing ebooks provides a tremendous opportunity to reach readers directly and retain full creative and financial control. But once your ebook is finished, the next big question is – how will you distribute it? Choosing the right ebook distribution channels is a key decision that will impact your sales and marketing strategy. In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of the major ebook self-publishing distribution options so you can make the best choice for your book.

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

The 800-pound gorilla in self-publishing is Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform. It allows you to quickly publish ebooks and paperbacks that are available to millions of Amazon customers around the world.

Pros:

• Massive potential reach – Amazon owns over 80% of the US ebook market
• Easy publishing process
• Ability to publish ebooks and paperbacks through one platform
• KDP Select option for promotional opportunities like free giveaways
• Integration with other Amazon programs like Kindle Unlimited and Amazon Advertising

Cons:

• Amazon takes a significant cut of your earnings – up to 70% on ebooks priced under $2.99
• Your books won’t be available on platforms competing with Amazon
• Less control over pricing and promotions than other channels

Overall, KDP is the top choice for authors focused on maximizing Amazon distribution and access to their promotional tools. But the trade-off is exclusivity and lower royalties.

Nook Press/Barnes and Noble

Barnes and Noble is still one of the major players in ebook distribution, though its market share trails far behind Amazon. You can distribute ebooks through their Nook Press platform.

Pros:

• Direct access to millions of Nook customers
• Retain control over ebook pricing
• Higher royalties than Amazon – around 65%

Cons:

• Smaller market share than Amazon for ebooks
• Limited promotional options compared to KDP
• Only distribute to Barnes and Noble, not other platforms

Nook Press makes sense if you want to reach B&N’s loyal customer base. But on its own it lacks the reach of Amazon’s distribution channel.

Apple Books

Apple Books lets you reach over 100 million iPad and iPhone users who purchase ebooks through Apple’s ecosystem. You’ll use their Apple Books Author tool to format and upload your ebook.

Pros:

• Access to Apple’s extensive user base
• Industry-leading royalties – authors earn 70% of revenue
• Global distribution – Apple Books is available in over 155 countries

Cons:

• Strict formatting requirements using Apple’s proprietary tools
• Lengthy review process that can take weeks before going live
• Only distribute to Apple Books, not other retailers

Publishing through Apple Books nets you the highest royalties but has more rigid requirements. It also lacks promotional options beyond featuring your book in the Apple Books store.

Google Play Books

Google Play Books opens up distribution to the over 80 million Android users who purchase ebooks through the Google Play Store. You can publish using their Play Console.

Pros:

• Exposure to the huge Android user base
• Higher royalties than Amazon – around 70%
• Global distribution to readers in over 120 countries

Cons:

• Smaller ebook market share than Apple Books or Kindle
• Few promotional options beyond appearing in search results
• Only distribute to Google Play Books, not other platforms

Google Play Books offers higher royalties and expansive reach. But marketing options are limited compared to Amazon KDP.

Kobo Writing Life

Kobo is focused on the e-reading market with their popular Kobo eReaders. Kobo Writing Life lets you sell ebooks on their platform.

Pros:

• Direct access to Kobo’s network of e-reading users
• Generous 70% royalty rate across most markets
• Distribution to other retailers like Walmart, Overdrive, and Scribd

Cons:

• Smaller user base concentrated on dedicated e-reading devices
• Less robust promotional and advertising options compared to KDP
• Primarily focused on the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe

Kobo provides solid distribution and high royalties. But their more limited reach may not suffice as a sole distribution channel.

Smashwords

Smashwords aggregators distribute your ebook to multiple ebook retailers, expanding your reach beyond just a single platform.

Pros:

• Distribution across major retailers including Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Scribd
• One upload brings your book to multiple platforms
• High royalty rates around 70%

Cons:

• No access to Amazon through Smashwords
• Less control over pricing and promotions for individual platforms
• More limited usage data since going through an aggregator

For authors focused on maximizing distribution over individual platform optimization, Smashwords provides an appealing aggregator model. But the lack of Amazon access is a notable gap.

Direct Sales

You can also sell ebook downloads directly from your own website, retaining 100% of the earnings. This works well when you have an established audience of your own that you can direct to your site to purchase and download your ebooks.

Pros:

• Maximum royalties – you keep 100% of the revenue
• Full control over pricing, promotions, bundles
• Build direct reader relationships and collect emails/data

Cons:

• Need to drive all your own traffic to your site
• Limited discoverability compared to major ebook retailers
• More complex to setup downloads, payments, and reading apps

Selling direct requires you to handle all the marketing, payments, and reading infrastructure. But in return you keep all the upside on each sale rather than sharing revenue with retailers.

Key Takeaways

When determining the best ebook self-publishing distribution strategy, here are some key factors to consider:

• Reach the platforms where your target readers are most likely to discover and purchase ebooks similar to yours
• Compare royalty structures and earnings potential on different platforms
• Evaluate promotional opportunities, marketing options, and sales data transparency
• Determine whether an aggregator like Smashwords or direct distribution makes sense for your goals

Every author’s needs are unique. But taking the time to thoroughly assess these elements will help you pick the right distribution solutions and maximize your ebook sales. With the right channels, you can get your ebook into the hands of eager readers and build your author brand.

FAQ

What are the key differences between distributing through Amazon KDP versus other major retailers?

The biggest difference with Amazon KDP is exclusivity – they require your ebooks to only be available on Amazon. In exchange, you get access to Amazon’s marketing machinery, promotions like Kindle Unlimited, and their vast customer base. Other retailers like Apple Books, Nook Press, and Kobo allow you to distribute to multiple platforms simultaneously. You’ll have less access to built-in marketing, but you can maximize distribution. Royalty rates also tend to be more favorable outside of Amazon. Ultimately it depends whether you want to “all in” on Amazon or diversify across multiple retailers.

How do pre-orders work when self-publishing an ebook?

Most major ebook retailers allow authors to setup pre-orders months in advance of a book’s release date. This allows you to start promoting the upcoming launch and give readers a chance to order early. Pre-orders will display on the retailer sites and customers are only charged once the book goes live on the actual release date. Pre-orders can help propel a new book up the charts as all those sales are condensed right after launch. The main limitation is that retailers like Amazon don’t provide promotional opportunities like discounted pricing on pre-orders. But it’s still an excellent way to build momentum for a forthcoming self-published ebook.

What are some effective ebook pricing strategies?

Pricing your ebook is a balance between maximizing profits and finding the right value proposition for your readership. Some effective strategies include: pricing at $2.99-4.99 for a digital release to offset Amazon’s lower royalty rate on lower priced books; using a temporary promotional price like $0.99 to attract attention and rise in the rankings; pricing below mass market paperbacks to appeal as an affordable alternative; pricing above trade paperbacks to capitalize on the convenience factor of digital; launching with a higher price then gradually decreasing over time to capture early adopters willing to pay more. Free giveaways can be immensely effective for boosting popularity. There’s no definitive right answer, so you’ll need to test out different price points to see what resonates best with your audience.

Should I enroll in KDP Select when first launching a new ebook?

KDP Select provides some compelling benefits like increased visibility, the ability to run free giveaway promotions, and access to Kindle Unlimited borrows. But there are tradeoffs – you have to commit to keeping your ebook exclusive to Amazon for 90 days at a time. For a completely new launch without an established audience, KDP Select can be worthwhile to capitalize on Amazon’s internal marketing. But once you’ve built awareness and a readership, you generally want to expand distribution. Time-limited exclusivity in KDP Select can still be an occasional promotional tactic as part of an overall multi-platform strategy. It provides opportunities as a new author you won’t find elsewhere, but may limit your growth in the long run.

How important are ebook categories, keywords, and metadata optimization?

Proper categorization, keywords, and metadata like titles, descriptions, and author names are tremendously important for ebook discoverability. Readers browse and search retailers using these elements, so optimizing them based on your target readership is essential. Research best selling books and common keywords in your niche, and incorporate those into your metadata to maximize visibility. Well-crafted metadata leads to more relevant searches, better catergorization, and more sales. Don’t treat it as an afterthought – optimized metadata can spell the difference between a book that flounders and one that flourishes.

What are the pros and cons of distributing through ebook aggregators?

Ebook aggregators like Smashwords, Draft2Digital, and PublishDrive allow you to distribute your ebook to multiple retailers through a single upload. This saves time and maximizes reach. However, you lose visibility into sales data on individual platforms when going through an aggregator. There’s also less control over pricing, promotions, and merchandising since the aggregator handles distribution. Aggregators take a small cut of sales as well. For authors focused purely on distribution breadth, aggregators provide efficiency at the cost of platform-level insights and control. But they can be a good option for getting started and testing various retailers before diving deeper into individual channel optimization.

How can I gain more visibility and improve ebook sales on Amazon?

Beyond strong metadata, useful Amazon-specific tactics include: enroll in KDP Select for Free Book promotions and Kindle Unlimited visibility; participate in countdown deals and site-wide promotions; use Amazon Advertising to target relevant keywords; engage readers with author interactions like Q&As and live streams on Amazon Live; encourage reviews, especially verified purchase reviews; take advantage of pre-order marketing; publish bonus content like character sketches to enhance your book pages; test different pricing strategies – discounts or even increasing prices can boost perceived value; optimize your Amazon Author Central profile to stand out. It’s a combination of maximizing Amazon’s built-in marketing features and creatively engaging readers.

What advertising options exist for self-published ebooks?

Options for advertising ebooks include: Amazon Advertising for Kindle visibility; Facebook and Instagram ads targeted to relevant interests; BookBub Featured Deals for promotions to an engaged readership; working with book-focused influencers and bloggers to get reviews and mentions; targeted Reddit ads in niche subreddits; joining ebook recommendation newsletters like BookSirens; BookFunnel ARCs and newsletter promotions; working with other authors on joint promotions and cross-promotions; simple social media giveaways; and old-fashioned book blog tours. The most effective approach is likely a mix of paid advertising and organic outreach. Aim to gain visibility within communities related to your ebook’s genre and topic.

How can I maximize ebook sales across multiple platforms?

The keys to maximizing multi-platform sales are: 1) Strong foundational metadata optimized for each retailer 2) Effective use of promotions whether retailers’ built-in deals or your own pricing strategies 3) Driving engagement and community around your books on each platform via content and interaction 4) Analyzing performance and tweaking tactics channel-by-channel. It’s crucial to go beyond just uploading your book and instead actively foster interest and relationships with readers on each platform. Make use of the unique tools each provides. Multi-platform distribution diversifies risk but also requires tailored optimization per channel.

How can I make my ebook available in bookstores and libraries?

To expand your ebook’s availability beyond just online stores, you can use integrator services like Aer.io and OverDrive to distribute to physical bookstores, libraries, schools, and other institutions. Aer.io offers tools for selling print-on-demand paperback versions that brick-and-mortar stores can sell. OverDrive aggregates ebooks into digital lending libraries. Availability in public libraries especially can help draw in new readers. The downside is these services take a cut of sales. But they offer the unique value of physical and institutional distribution that many readers still rely on.

What are the most essential ebook metadata elements I should focus on optimizing?

The most critical metadata for ebook discoverability includes: Titles and subtitles that use relevant keywords and hook interest; Clear, benefit-focused book descriptions without too much plot detail; Proper categorization in genres/subgenres that match your book’s content and appeal; Keywords and tags that readers are likely to search for and browse by in your niche; Author name recognition if you have an existing audience; Eye-catching covers complemented by an appropriate title and metadata. Get these core elements right, and your book has the best chance of popping up in searches and “recommended for you” sections.

How can I market an ebook as a new self-published author without an existing platform?

Effective marketing tactics for unknown authors include: Maximizing metadata to look professional; Seeking reviews from book bloggers and launching with several strong reviews; Joining and contributing value to online communities related to your ebook’s genre; Experimenting with a variety of pricing promotions to spur initial downloads; Pursuing creative social media engagement like giveaways and leveraging existing platforms you may have; Pitching your ebook to relevant niche publications and podcasts; Publishing additional content like blog posts to demonstrate expertise; Collaborating on cross-promotions with authors at a similar level; Investing in small amounts of paid advertising to get visibility; Building an email list over time by offering free samples or incentives. It takes persistence, creativity and providing value, but you can gradually build awareness.

Should I bother distributing print books in addition to the ebook version?

It depends on your goals and target readership. Print enables availability in some channels ebooks can’t reach, like bookstores and libraries. Having both digital and print versions also caters to different reader preferences. But print distribution is more complex logistically, and requires producing physical inventory. For many self-published ebook authors, digital-only is a simpler route. However, print can be worth it if your existing audience prefers print books or you want the benefits of expanded distribution. Consider starting digital-only, evaluating performance after several months, then adding print if it makes strategic sense based on readership demand and access opportunities.

What are the best practices for pricing an ebook series or bundle?

For ebook series or boxed sets, common pricing strategies include:

• Pricing the multipack at a discount to buying individually, but high enough to drive premium value – ex. individual books at $3.99, box set at $7.99
• Gradually decreasing the bundle price over time to attract bargain hunters
• Offering the first book in the series free or at a huge discount to hook readers, earn also buys higher
• Using episodic pricing for each installment in a serial, typically $0.99-2.99 apiece
• Promotional “get the box set for the price of one book” temporary sales
• Perma-free or $0.99 first book, paid for rest of series

The goals are to incentivize consumers to buy the whole series while maximizing your royalty earnings. Evaluate what pricing strategies resonate best with your audience.

How can I optimize my ebook for search engine discoverability?

On-page optimization best practices for ebook SEO include:

• Title tag and headers use relevant keywords
• Metadata description is optimized and enticing
• Use target keywords appropriately in content without over-stuffing
• Include related keywords in image file names and alt text
• Ensure site is mobile-friendly and loads fast
• Leverage schema.org markup for rich results

Off-page tactics like link-building are harder for ebooks but aim for book-related sites to drive niche-relevant traffic. Focus on producing amazing content that builds links and word-of-mouth interest organically over time.

What are the pros and cons of distributing print books through Amazon’s KDP Print?

KDP Print makes it easy to self-publish paperbacks and hardcovers on Amazon through their print-on-demand services. Benefits include expanded distribution, Prime eligibility, and easy order fulfillment. Downsides can be lower royalties and lack of control on pricing compared to selling direct. For authors wanting print mainly for Amazon availability, KDP Print offers a solid solution. But those wanting maximum control and the highest margins may prefer alternate print distributors if selling on Amazon isn’t a priority.

When should I consider enrolling in KDP Select, and when is wide distribution better?

KDP Select benefits like free promotions can be great for launching a new ebook or providing an occasional sales boost. But exclusivity limits reach long-term. Once you have an established audience and consistent sales, wide distribution is likely better for maximizing revenue across multiple retailers. Consider KDP Select for: visibility when first starting out; re-energizing an old title with a promo; Kindle Unlimited borrows; or temporarily goose sales during a new release. Otherwise build momentum with all major retailers.

What are effective strategies for an ebook launch or re-launch?

Maximize promotional opportunities in advance like pre-orders, Goodreads giveaways and advertising. Line up any influencer reviews or interviews. Optimize metadata. Consider a temporary price discount. Alert your email list and social media followers. pursue an Amazon KDP Select free promo. Pitch relevant media. Schedule social media and ads. Host a live online event like a Reddit AMA. Publish related content amplifying key themes. Make it an “event” to build excitement. Follow up by sustaining momentum with subsequent giveaways, ads, or sales.

What are some best practices for optimizing ebook covers and descriptions?

• Covers should clearly convey genre/subgenre and align with reader expectations
• Minimal, clean designs tend to work best at small sizes
• Bright colors and strong contrast help thumbnails stand out
• Faces, people, and recognizable scenes attract attention
• Complementary title/subtitle text reinforces the imagery
• Short, benefit-focused descriptions pique interest
• Lead with the most intriguing hook first
• Include keywords that connect with your target readers
• Balance plot teases without spoiling surprises
• End with a call to action driving conversion

Well-designed covers and descriptions quickly communicate the essence of your book and why readers would be interested.

How can I effectively use free content to promote my self-published ebooks?

Some options for utilizing free content for ebook marketing include:

• Offer the first book in a series for free to hook readers into paying for the rest
• Provide free short stories, novellas or samples from within your paid ebooks
• Publish a free companion guide that gives readers added value
• Allow newsletter subscribers to sample upcoming releases for free
• Promote free giveaways on platforms like BookFunnel for visibility
• Share free chapters on your site, encouraging email signups in exchange
• Give away affiliate-linked books on Goodreads for exposure
• Offer a temporary free promotion of your full ebook to spike interest

reader engagement and discovery. But avoid devaluing your work by permanently making too much high-demand content free.

What are some alternatives to the major ebook distributors that I should consider?

Beyond the top players like Amazon and Apple, some niche and emerging distribution options to explore include:

• Scribd and Oyster for subscription ebook models
• Gumroad for selling direct using embedded previews
• PublishDrive for international distribution across smaller stores globally
• StreetLib for expanded international reach, especially in Europe
• BitLit and BookFunnel for bundling ebooks with print copies
• Leanpub for publishing in-progress ebooks and garnering feedback
• Pressbooks for collaborative ebook publishing and design flexibility
• Ghost for an alternative publishing and distribution platform

Consider your target audience, existing sales channels, and growth goals when evaluating new or supplementary distribution options.

What are some effective ways to gain ebook reviews as a self-published author?

• Launch team outreach – provide free advance copies to engaged readers
• Free copies to niche reviewers and book blogs compatible with your genre
• ARC giveaways through services like BookFunnel and StoryOrigin
• Encourage reviews from existing email subscribers and fans
• Reach out to readers of authors in your genre for potential reviews
• Follow up with all purchasers seeking reviews, especially verified
• Be active in relevant online communities and provide value to build goodwill
• Participate in multi-author review teams and exchange reviews

Quality reviews, especially from verified purchases, add tremendous credibility. But focus on organic word-of-mouth over pay-to-play or sketchy tactics.

What are the main copyright requirements and best practices for self-published ebooks?

• Ensure you have not used any copyrighted material owned by others without permission
• Register your published ebook with the U.S. Copyright Office for added protections
• Include a copyright page with your name, book title, publication year, copyright notice
• Use an ISBN number properly obtained for your ebook edition
• Leverage copyright tools like Amazon’s Matchbook to defend against piracy
• Consult a lawyer regarding trademark law if using brand names in your content
• Consider using a Creative Commons license if you want to allow certain uses
• Monitor major ebook sites for any pirated copies and promptly issue DMCA takedowns

Proper copyrighting, licensing, and enforcement helps protect your intellectual property and income as an author.

What terms of service are most important to review before publishing on major ebook platforms?

Carefully review terms related to:

• Royalty rates and payment schedules
• Any content restrictions or prohibited types of books
• Policies around pricing control and promotional options
• Exclusivity requirements and non-compete clauses
• Account termination clauses and rights reversion if applicable
• Assignment of limited publication and distribution rights

Fully understanding the contractual terms allows you to publish informedly, retain rights, and maximize income.

When should I register for an ISBN for my ebook edition?

Purchase your own ISBN (rather than using a free/generic one) if you intend to:

• Publish across multiple major distribution platforms
• Sell both print and digital editions of your book
• Retain complete control over your ISBN going forward
• Maximizes your credibility and professional appearance

Having your own registered ISBN gives you flexibility and helps establish you as the authoritative publisher.

What legal disclosures should I include when quoting or paraphrasing other sources?

• When using short verbatim quotes, cite the original source clearly
• For summarized or paraphrased content, include a disclaimer that your work is not endorsed by source
• Do not use quotes that exceed fair use protections without getting reprint permissions
• Make sure photographs, illustrations or data visualizations are properly licensed
• Confirm any recipes, lyrics, or instructions are not under exclusive copyright
• Disclose affiliate links or sponsored content to comply with FTC regulations

Properly handling third party material protects you legally and ethically. Consult an attorney regarding source usage and fair use guidelines.

What are the risks of using copyrighted cover images sourced online?

• Images found through search engines may be copyrighted and illegal to use without permission
• Reverse image search tools can help identify if an image is reused from another book
• Stock photos also usually require a paid license for commercial book use
• Unauthorized usage could lead to legal action, financial penalties, and account suspension
• Original commissioned cover art or stock photos through vetted providers are safer options

Using copyrighted cover images is very risky without clear licensing proof. The safest approach is licensing images designed specifically for you or obtaining rights.

When would I need to obtain permission to reference brand names in my ebook content?

Permission is advisable when:

• Using trademarked names, symbols, or slogans extensively throughout the work
• Featuring a brand as a major subject focus or plot element
• Potential for the brand to be portrayed in a controversial or unflattering light
• Any implication of official endorsement by the brand could mislead readers
• When in doubt, err on the side of caution and request permission

Incidental references are typically acceptable under fair use. But prominent usage often warrants getting consent to avoid potential objections.

What are the risks associated with reusing content I have published on my blog or website?

• Text and images on your site likely include implicit licenses allowing site display and sharing
• But book publication rights are separate and reusing site content could exceed the license scope
• If site content was contributed or sponsored by others, you may not hold exclusive rights
• It is safest to modify reused content, properly attribute it, and seek any needed permissions
• Outright reproducing swaths of site content without adjustment has legal risks

Adapt and expand upon website content for your book. Don’t just recycle it wholesale without modification to avoid license conflicts.

Can I use lyrics, quotes, or short passages under fair use? What are the limitations?

Factors determining fair use include:

• Using only a small portion of the full work
• Adding new expression or meaning through commentary
• Not replicating the “heart” of the original work
• Not negatively impacting commercial market for original
• Attributing the excerpt to the original creator

Excessive verbatim reuse without new context or value added will fall outside protections. Always credit appropriately. When uncertain, seek rights or create original alternatives.

How should I approach obtaining permissions for book excerpts or quotes?

• Identify rights holder – publisher, author, or literary agent typically
• Request permission by email or standard form, detailing intended use
• Provide context of reuse, number of words, and any commentary
• Negotiate a reasonable fee if they require payment
• Get approvals in writing and keep documentation
• Follow any required credit line or disclaimer text
• Double check guidelines before publication

Starting the permissions process early ensures you secure legally solid approvals in a timely manner before publishing.

What are the risks of using public domain images for my ebook cover design?

• The public domain status may be inaccurate or impossible to verify
• Image quality and resolution may be too low for professional book covers
• Modified or restored versions may have new copyright protections
• Attribution requirements can be unclear for public domain works
• The image might not match desired tone or align with genre expectations

Public domain usage is legally safer but can pose quality problems. Commissioning original covers or licensing stock photos mitigates risks.

Can I use song lyrics from musicals or operas in my ebook under fair use?

• Lyrical excerpts require extra diligence as song rights tend to be highly protected
• The portion used must be very minor and not the heart of the work
• Commentary and context transforms the excerpt to make it more defensible
• Quotes should further the goals of commentary, criticism, education, etc.
• Refrain from using lyrics specifically to entertain readers or accompany a scene
• Seek a license if reuse seems borderline or substantial

For anything beyond brief lyric quotes, pursue permissions to avoid disputes from publishers and performing rights organizations.

What are the copyright requirements if I hire a ghostwriter to help write my ebook?

• A work-made-for-hire contract should assign you full copyright ownership
• The agreement should specify you hold exclusive rights to the material
• You may choose to grant the ghostwriter limited reuse rights in the contract
• Any content previously published by the ghostwriter should allow new book use
• A stringent non-disclosure clause protects your confidentiality
• Your name goes on the book as sole author for attribution

Proper contracts ensure you retain IP rights while respecting the ghostwriter’s contributions.

Can I use extended quotes from historical public figures in my nonfiction ebook?

• Speeches and public remarks often lack robust copyright protections
• But some collections or compilations have stronger protections
• Commentary and analysis strengthens claims of fair use
• Always confirm public domain status rather than assuming
• Avoid overreliance on verbatim quotes just for color
• Seek permissions if reusing substantive portions to remove doubt

Proper attribution is still required. Vet the legal status closely and use judiciously within the context of your own analysis.

What disclaimers should I include when discussing controversial topics or public figures?

• “All quotes and portrayals are the author’s opinion only and do not represent an endorsement from any individual or entity.”
• “This work constitutes original commentary and criticism protected under fair use provisions of copyright law.”
• “The views expressed are the author’s alone and do not indicate endorsement by [name or company].”
• “No assumptions should be made regarding the accuracy or factual basis of rumors, speculation, or unconfirmed accounts.”

Clear disclaimers help avoid libel/defamation claims and Distance you from unverified information. Consult a lawyer regarding any first-hand reporting or controversies covered.