E-book Selling Sites

 

Comprehensive Guide to E-book Selling Sites

E-books have become a popular medium for authors to share their knowledge, stories, and expertise. Selling e-books online can be a lucrative business if you choose the right platform. Here is a detailed guide to the top e-book selling sites, including their features, pros, cons, and how to get started.

1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Overview Amazon KDP is the largest and most popular e-book publishing platform. It offers authors the ability to reach millions of readers worldwide through Amazon’s extensive network.

Features

• Wide Reach: Access to Amazon's global marketplace.
• KDP Select: Exclusive program offering promotional tools like Kindle Unlimited and Kindle Countdown Deals.
• Royalties: Authors can earn up to 70% royalties on sales.
• Formats: Supports Kindle-specific formats (MOBI and AZW).
• Ease of Use: User-friendly interface and straightforward publishing process.

Pros

• Huge Audience: Access to millions of potential readers.
• Marketing Tools: Various promotional options through KDP Select.
• Revenue: Competitive royalty rates.
• Analytics: Detailed sales reports and analytics.

Cons

• Exclusive Requirements: KDP Select requires exclusivity.
• Competitive: High competition due to the vast number of authors.

Getting Started

1. Create an Amazon KDP Account: Sign up at kdp.amazon.com.
2. Prepare Your Manuscript: Format your e-book for Kindle (using tools like Kindle Create).
3. Upload Your E-book: Upload your manuscript and cover, set your pricing, and select royalty options.
4. Promote Your E-book: Use Amazon’s promotional tools and other marketing strategies to reach readers.

2. Apple Books (formerly iBooks)

Overview Apple Books is Apple’s e-bookstore, providing authors access to millions of iOS users worldwide.

Features

• Wide Distribution: Access to iPhone, iPad, and Mac users.
• Exclusive Offers: Apple offers promotions and features for selected books.
• Interactive Books: Support for multimedia-rich e-books with iBooks Author.
• Royalties: Up to 70% royalties on sales.

Pros

• Large Audience: Access to millions of iOS users.
• Interactive Content: Great for multimedia e-books.
• No Exclusivity Required: Freedom to publish elsewhere.

Cons

• Apple Ecosystem: Limited to Apple device users.
• Higher Barriers: More stringent formatting and content requirements.

Getting Started

1. Create an Apple ID: Sign up for an Apple ID if you don’t have one.
2. Enroll in iTunes Connect: Apply to distribute books via iTunes Connect.
3. Prepare Your E-book: Use iBooks Author or other tools to format your e-book.
4. Upload and Publish: Submit your e-book through iTunes Connect, set your pricing, and publish.

3. Barnes & Noble Press (formerly Nook Press)

Overview Barnes & Noble Press is the self-publishing platform for the Nook e-reader and Barnes & Noble's online bookstore.

Features

• Wide Distribution: Reach Nook users and Barnes & Noble’s customer base.
• Print Options: Offer both e-books and print-on-demand paperbacks.
• Royalties: Competitive royalty rates.
• Ease of Use: User-friendly platform for uploading and managing e-books.

Pros

• Brand Recognition: Association with a well-known bookstore.
• Print-on-Demand: Ability to sell physical books alongside e-books.
• Royalties: Attractive royalty options.

Cons

• Nook User Base: Smaller compared to Amazon’s audience.
• Limited International Reach: Primarily US-based audience.

Getting Started

1. Sign Up: Create an account at press.barnesandnoble.com.
2. Prepare Your Manuscript: Format your e-book according to Nook specifications.
3. Upload Your E-book: Upload your manuscript and cover, set your pricing, and publish.
4. Promote Your Book: Utilize Barnes & Noble’s promotional tools and other marketing strategies.

4. Kobo Writing Life

Overview Kobo Writing Life is the self-publishing platform for the Kobo e-reader, known for its global reach and author-friendly policies.

Features

• Wide Distribution: Access to millions of Kobo users worldwide.
• Library Distribution: Sell e-books to libraries through OverDrive.
• Royalties: Up to 70% royalties on sales.
• Formats: Supports EPUB format.

Pros

• Global Reach: Strong international presence.
• No Exclusivity: Freedom to publish elsewhere.
• Library Sales: Access to library distribution networks.

Cons

• Smaller Market Share: Smaller user base compared to Amazon.
• Less Promotional Tools: Fewer marketing options within the platform.

Getting Started

1. Create an Account: Sign up at writinglife.kobobooks.com.
2. Prepare Your E-book: Format your e-book in EPUB format.
3. Upload and Publish: Upload your manuscript and cover, set your pricing, and publish.
4. Promote Your E-book: Leverage Kobo’s promotional opportunities and external marketing strategies.

5. Smashwords

Overview Smashwords is an e-book distributor that offers authors access to multiple online retailers and library services through a single platform.

Features

• Wide Distribution: Distributes to major retailers like Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and more.
• Library Distribution: Access to library networks.
• Royalties: Up to 80% royalties on sales through Smashwords Store.
• Formats: Supports multiple formats including EPUB and MOBI.

Pros

• Broad Distribution: Reach multiple platforms from one account.
• Higher Royalties: Attractive royalty rates.
• Flexibility: No exclusivity requirements.

Cons

• Complex Formatting: Strict formatting guidelines.
• Less Direct Control: Limited control over individual retailer listings.

Getting Started

1. Create an Account: Sign up at smashwords.com.
2. Prepare Your Manuscript: Format your e-book according to Smashwords’ Style Guide.
3. Upload and Publish: Upload your manuscript and cover, set your pricing, and distribute.
4. Promote Your E-book: Use Smashwords’ tools and external marketing strategies to reach readers.

6. Draft2Digital

Overview Draft2Digital is a user-friendly distribution service that helps authors publish and distribute e-books to multiple platforms.

Features

• Wide Distribution: Distributes to major retailers and libraries.
• Ease of Use: Simplified formatting and publishing process.
• Royalties: Competitive royalty rates.
• Author Services: Includes formatting, universal book links, and marketing tools.

Pros

• User-Friendly: Easy to use, even for beginners.
• Broad Reach: Access to multiple platforms.
• Support: Excellent customer support and author services.

Cons

• Service Fees: Takes a small percentage of royalties.
• Less Control: Limited control over individual retailer listings.

Getting Started

1. Create an Account: Sign up at draft2digital.com.
2. Prepare Your E-book: Upload your manuscript and Draft2Digital will handle the formatting.
3. Publish and Distribute: Choose your distribution channels and publish.
4. Promote Your E-book: Use Draft2Digital’s marketing tools and external strategies to reach readers.

Conclusion

Choosing the right platform for selling your e-book depends on your specific needs, target audience, and marketing strategy. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

• Amazon KDP: Best for maximum reach and built-in marketing tools.
• Apple Books: Ideal for targeting iOS users and creating interactive e-books.
• Barnes & Noble Press: Great for US-based authors wanting print-on-demand options.
• Kobo Writing Life: Excellent for international reach and library distribution.
• Smashwords: Perfect for broad distribution with higher royalties.
• Draft2Digital: Best for ease of use and support services.