The 7 Best Book Publishing Platforms for Self-Published Authors

Reviewed and updated: October 2026. 

The truth is, there is no singular best self-publishing platform. The best self-publishing platform for you really depends on you and your goals. For instance, Amazon is great for reaching readers on Amazon, especially Kindle readers; IngramSpark is a stronger contender for global print distribution; and companies like Draft2Digital are useful for distributing ebooks across multiple retailers (i.e, more than just Amazon). 

It is this wealth of self-publishing platforms that has led to a surge in popularity for self-publishing, as they provide authors with the tools to format, publish and distribute their books in digital and print formats. Whether you’re writing fiction, nonfiction, poetry or even academic works, these self-publishing platforms provide an accessible way to publish your book on your terms. From Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) to IngramSpark, numerous options are available, each with its strengths and limitations.

Why is it Important To Research Different Self-Publishing Platforms? 

Selecting the right platform is crucial because it directly impacts your book’s availability, sales potential and overall success. Some platforms offer broad distribution to major online retailers while others focus on specific markets or formats. Factors like royalty rates, exclusivity requirements, and marketing tools can influence your decision.

However, there are also many reasons authors should think carefully about whether self-publishing platforms are even the right approach for their self-publishing goals, as they all have limitations compared with other routes to market. Researching all routes to market ensures that you have selected the approach that best fits your book and your goals. 

In this article, I’ll explain book publishing platforms, why authors use them, their limitations compared to other publishing methods and the best platforms available to authors today.

What is a Book Publishing Platform?

Simply put, a book publishing platform is an online tool that allows authors to publish, distribute, and sell their books without going through a traditional publisher. These platforms can provide tools to format, upload and release books in digital and print formats, making self-publishing accessible to writers worldwide.

Publishing platforms handle distribution, ensuring books are available on major retailers like Amazon, Apple Books, and Barnes & Noble. They also manage sales processing, allowing authors to earn royalties from their work.

Key features often include formatting tools to prepare ebooks and print books, ISBN services and marketing options like promotional discounts or advertising opportunities. Each platform has its royalty structure, with some offering high percentages of book sales while others take a commission.

By using these platforms, authors can maintain full control over their work, set their prices, and reach a global audience without the barriers of traditional publishing.

Why Would Authors Use a Book Publishing Platform? 

The advantages of publishing on self-publishing platforms include accessibility to market, distribution, and control. 

Accessibility 

Self-publishing platforms have revolutionised the publishing industry, making it easier than ever for authors to bring their books to market. One of the most significant advantages of using a publishing platform is accessibility, as authors no longer need to go through literary agents or traditional publishers to reach readers. Instead, they can publish on their own terms, without facing rejections, lengthy review processes or elongated publishing timelines.

Distribution

Publishing platforms connect authors to major online retailers like Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble and Kobo, providing global visibility. Many also offer print-on-demand services, allowing authors to sell physical copies without managing inventory. This flexibility enables a multi-format approach, expanding market reach by offering both digital and print editions. Self-publishing through these platforms is also cost-effective, with many offering free or low up-front cost publishing options.

Author Control 

Perhaps the most significant advantage of self-publishing in general, no matter what route to publication an author chooses, is control. Authors (should!) retain full rights to their work, can set their own pricing, design their own covers and decide where and how their book is distributed. Book publishing platforms provide this level of independence with minimal barriers to entry, empowering writers to take charge of their publishing journey.

 

The Best Book Publishing Platforms for Self-Published Authors

Choosing the right book publishing platform is crucial for self-published authors. Each platform offers unique advantages including broad distribution, print-on-demand services or specialised market access.

Platform	Best for	Ebook	Print	Distribution
Amazon KDP	Amazon/Kindle Readers	Yes	Yes	Amazon only
Apple Books	Apple readers	Yes	No	Apple Books
Barnes & Noble Press	US Readers	Yes	Yes	Barnes & Noble
Kobo Writing Life	International ebook reach	Yes	No	Kobo & libraries
IngramSpark	Print/trade distribution	Yes	Yes	Wide
Draft2Digital	Wide ebook distribution	Yes	No	Multiple
Lulu	Specialist format printing	Yes	Yes	Wide
Full-service self-publisher	High-quality publishing services	Yes	Yes	Wide, including physical bookshops such as Waterstones.

Below is an in-depth look at some of the best options available.

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

The most popular self-publishing platform in the world, Amazon KDP is probably the first platform you think of when you think of self-publishing. But is it the right choice for you? 

Advantages

• Authors have access to the world’s largest online bookshops
• Access to print and ebooks
• No upfront costs
• Offers authors access to Kindle Unlimited, although this does require ebook exclusivity on Amazon
• Competitive royalty rates 

Things Authors Should Be Aware Of: 

• Exclusivity restrictions (as books are only available on Amazon, as opposed to being stocked at other retailers
• Limited print distribution options
• As it’s the most popular option, books can get lost in the sea of millions of titles
• Lack of human support
• Getting stocked in brick-and-mortar bookshops is nearly impossible with Amazon KDP. 

Best For: authors who want to access Amazon’s vast online market. 

Our Verdict: Amazon is an accessible option for authors who want to see their book in the market, and are happy with their books only being available on Amazon. Due to the large amount of books published on Amazon, success really will depend on authors marketing their books and ensuring your book is good quality, so consider investing in services such as editorial, cover design and marketing from companies such as Libero to improve your chances of success. 

 

Apple Books

Apple Books is an excellent platform for self-published authors, especially for those looking to target Apple device users.

Advantages: 

• Worldwide distribution
• High royalty rate (70% royalty rate on all ebook sales)
• Does not require exclusivity, allowing authors to publish on multiple platforms simultaneously.
• Access to Apple’s vast device ecosystem, which includes iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. This means authors can reach a highly engaged and affluent audience.

You also do not need to be an Apple user to upload a book on Apple Books: you can upload your book through their web-based portal, and would just need to create an iTunes Connect account to upload your files. 

Things Authors Should Be Aware Of: 

• Apple Books’ market share is smaller compared to Amazon's
• It lacks a print-on-demand option, focusing exclusively on ebooks.

Best For: authors who want to reach Apple users 

Our Verdict: As an option that does not require exclusivity, Apple Books is a brilliant option for self-publishers to target Apple users and get a high royalty rate on ebook sales. However, the lack of print option might be a limitation for authors who seek physical distribution options. 

 

Barnes & Noble Press

We’ve all heard of Barnes & Noble, and Barnes and Noble Press allows authors to distribute their ebooks to Nook readers (Barnes and Noble’s e-book readers) and sell print books via its online store. 

Advantages 

• Print options include both paperback and hardback editions
• Offer competitive royalty rates
• Books published on here stand a better chance of being stocked in physical Barnes & Noble stores compared to other self-publishing platforms
• There is no exclusivity, which means you can publish here at the same time as other platforms, such as Amazon KDP. 

Things Authors Should Be Aware Of: 

• Its ebook market share is considerably smaller than Amazon or Apple Books
• Its distribution reach is smaller than platforms like IngramSpark
• The books are primarily available through Barnes & Noble, which limits access for some readers

Best for: authors who want to increase their reach in the American market

Our Verdict: If your title has a specific interest in the US market, opting for Barnes & Noble can be a great way to reach your readers, however, authors should bear in mind the size of the market and maybe consider pairing Barnes & Noble Press with another self-publishing platform, to maximise reach. 

 

Kobo Writing Life

Kobo is another popular ebook brand, and they (of course!) have a self-publishing platform to get your book stocked on their e-readers. 

Advantages: 

• Great international reach: with a strong presence in Canada, Europe and Asia, you have access to markets you might otherwise miss out on by using Amazon alone
• Offers competitive royalties on ebook sales
• Doesn’t require exclusivity
• Offers library distribution through its partnership with OverDrive, which expands access to libraries worldwide. 

Things Authors Should Be Aware Of: 

• Despite its global reach, Kobo still has a relatively small market share in the US compared to Amazon
• It does not offer a print-on-demand service, making it less appealing for authors looking for physical book distribution.

Best for: authors looking for further global reach

Our Verdict: as an option that does not require exclusivity, opting for Kobo can be another excellent way of targeting a wider market, including those who opt for library books. However, the lack of POD option may not suit authors who seek physical copies of their books. 

 

IngramSpark

IngramSpark is widely considered one of the best platforms for print-on-demand (POD) distribution, especially for authors who want to get their books into bookstores and libraries. 

Advantages: 

• High-quality printing and global distribution, with options to sell through major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. 

Things Authors Should Be Aware Of: 

• They charge setup and revision fees
• Royalty rates can be lower
• Even though they are able to distribute books to bookshops, the nature of the print-on-demand challenges mentioned above still stand, meaning that authors will still find it hard to get those books stocked in physical bookshops.

Best for: authors who want their book available across a variety of platforms and online bookshops. 

Our Verdict: IngramSpark is a popular platform, and for good reason! They offer a wide distribution network for self-published authors, and is one of the best options when it comes to print distribution. Of course, authors should be aware that opting for a print-on-demand supplier will still limit their ability to get stocked in physical bookshops. 

 

Draft2Digital

Draft2Digital is a user-friendly ebook aggregator that simplifies the process of distributing books to multiple retailers, including Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble and libraries. 

Advantages: 

• Simple interface and automatic formatting tools, making it an excellent choice for first-time self-published authors who do not want to enlist professional help to create their books.
• Broad distribution
• No upfront fees

Things That Authors Should Be Aware Of: 

• They take a small cut of royalties
• No print publishing
• Distribution to Amazon is available by invitation only, meaning access isn’t automatically available to every author. 

Best for: wide ebook distribution 

Our Verdict: Draft2Digital allows ease of publication for new self-publishers, and allows them to access a wide range of platforms. However, authors should consider if they are happy opting for an ebook-only platform, as well the potential lack of distribution to Amazon. 

 

Lulu

Lulu is a print-on-demand platform specialising in niche print formats, such as photo books, calendars, workbooks, and other special projects. While it does offer an ebook distribution network, its main strength lies in its customization options for print books, allowing authors to produce a variety of special formats not easily available on other platforms. 

Advantages: 

• Creating niche print formats
• Offers an online store where authors can sell their books directly to readers
• Global distribution options through partnerships with retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. 

Things That Authors Should Be Aware Of: 

• Lulu’s printing costs tend to be higher than platforms like KDP or IngramSpark, and its limited ebook distribution options mean that authors might have to rely on other platforms like Draft2Digital for broader ebook reach.
• As mentioned above, POD books are going to struggle to be stocked in bookshops.

Best for: authors who want their books in specialised print formats 

What are The Limitations of a Platform vs a Full-Service Self-Publishing Company? 

Self-publishing platforms have made it easier than ever to get a book into the world, but they do come with significant limitations. To illustrate the key differences, I’ve outlined some ways in which book publishing platforms are limited compared to how we work with our authors at Troubador. These differences may or may not suit your publishing goals, but they’re important to consider when choosing the right path for your book.

Competition & Visibility Challenges

According to Publishers' Weekly, millions of books are published annually through book publishing platforms like KDP, Draft2Digital, and IngramSpark (with more than 3.5 million being self-published per year in the US alone). Since thousands of new titles flood the market daily, standing out is a major challenge, especially when using the same publishing and marketing tools as everyone else. Without professional guidance and a strategic approach, your book can easily get lost in the crowd.

Limited Reach & Retail Distribution

Most publishing platforms distribute only to select retailers, with Amazon KDP being the most restrictive. While some platforms offer expanded distribution, access to high-street bookshops and libraries is often limited. Without having access to direct trade partnerships and established relationships with booksellers, as Troubador authors do, the chances of getting books stocked in physical bookshops are very low.

No Bookshop Stocking

Due to their limited shelf space, bookshops are highly selective about the titles they stock. Most avoid stocking any books published through KDP, for example, viewing it as a direct competitor to their own bookselling. Additionally, books that lack professional design, quality printing or a strong distribution network will struggle to secure shelf space. Troubador ensures that books meet trade standards, making them far more appealing to retailers and significantly increasing the likelihood of them being stocked.

As Troubador offers trade marketing services and print runs, many of our authors find their books stocked in physical bookshops, including Waterstones. See pictured Dreams of Eden by Jonathan Frost, A Woman of Noble Wit by Rosemary Griggs, and You Are Meant for Something Bigger by Mikaela Jackson

Retailer Exclusivity Restrictions

Some platforms require exclusivity, restricting your ability to sell your book elsewhere. For example, KDP requires authors to distribute exclusively through Amazon for ebooks, meaning they can’t publish the same title on Apple Books, Kobo or other platforms. Troubador, on the other hand, offers flexible and wide distribution across a huge number of global stockists, giving books the maximum possible market reach.

Marketing & Publicity Limitations

While platforms provide some marketing tools, their effectiveness is often very limited. Most authors are left to figure out promotion independently, often struggling to gain traction. For authors that request our help, we execute publicity campaigns, market books to the trade and run paid advertising campaigns alongside other promotional support, helping books reach the right audiences. This significantly improves an author’s chances of success compared to self-publishing alone.

Poor Quality Printed Copies

Print-on-demand (POD) services on platforms like KDP have limited printing capabilities. Rather than having access to the wide range of professional printers that publishers like Troubador do, POD book printing results in lower-quality books compared to the professional print runs that we commission. Issues such as thin paper, uneven trimming and lackluster cover finishes can make a book look unprofessional and unappealing to a reader. Instead, to ensure a quality end product, Troubador commissions high-quality printing, ensuring books meet industry standards and look just as polished as those from the larger traditional publishers.

Lack of Personal Support & Guidance

One of the biggest downsides of publishing platforms is the lack of human interaction. Authors often attempt to navigate a complex publishing process alone, with only generic FAQs and automated support systems to rely on. For authors wanting to be guided through this complex process, we provide personalised guidance, meaning authors can speak directly with our team and receive expert advice every step of the way while still maintaining full control and final say over every element of their project.

Which Option is Right For You?

For authors, there is no right answer that suits every goal. However, if you want a fast, free, and fully independent publishing process, platforms like KDP can be a good fit. However, publishers like Troubador offer a far more comprehensive solution if you prefer a professional, guided approach with broader distribution, trade support and marketing expertise. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the level of control, support, and investment you seek as an author.

Are Book Publishing Platforms Right for Your Project?

When deciding whether a self-publishing platform is the right choice for you, it’s important to carefully consider your individual needs as an author carefully. If you're looking for a quick, cost-effective way to publish and distribute your book across major online retailers, book-publishing platforms offer a strong starting point for your research. These platforms allow for broad reach with relatively little upfront investment, making them ideal for authors seeking independence and speed in the publishing process.

However, if you’re looking for a more personalised experience, a professional product and the opportunity to have your books stocked in bookshops, you may want to explore other options. Self-publishing service providers like Troubador Publishing offer the added benefit of professional guidance, print-on-demand services and access to brick-and-mortar retailers. While this route will require more upfront investment, it will provide the support and infrastructure needed to ensure that your book stands out in a competitive market.

In the end, choosing the right publishing approach depends on the level of control, support, and professional experience you're looking for. Platforms may be a great starting point for those aiming for broad digital distribution, but if you seek a more tailored publishing journey, a different approach with professional assistance could be the key to taking your book to the next level.