Top 8 Notable Free Platforms for Self-Publishing Worth Exploring
Embarking on the journey of self-publishing? If you're still wondering where to publish your book cost-free, look no further. Here's a curated list of top eight platforms designed for indie authors to make their dream a reality.
Preparing for Free Publishing Platforms
Before diving into the world of free publishing, be aware of the essential preparations that ensure a successful publishing process:
- For new authors, immerse yourself in the craft by reading Stephen King's "On Writing" or attending Brandon Sanderson's lectures. Learning from bestselling authors in your genre is an enlightening experience.
- Edit your work diligently. It is highly recommended to hire a professional editor to help refine your manuscript. Alternatively, seek input from beta readers or carry out swaps with another writer.
- A captivating book cover is crucial. Outsource the design to a professional or use tools like Canva if budget is a concern. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of creating a book cover.
- When uploading files, ensure they are in the correct formats, depending on the book format you wish to publish (ebook, audiobook, or print). Familiarize yourself with formatting guides for each format.
(Note: don't forget to develop a marketing plan. Here are cost-effective tips on marketing a self-published book.)*
Armed with the basics, you are ready to venture into the world of self-publishing with these eight free book publishing platforms.
The Best Eight Free Self-Publishing Sites
Here is a swift rundown of the top eight free sites for self-publishing:
1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
The most popular choice for self-publishing, Amazon KDP, is a must for indie authors. It commands at least half of the digital book market. Out of all the free ebook publishing sites, KDP is the undisputed leader.
- Formats available: Ebook, audiobook, print
- Royalty payout: 70% for books between $2.99 and $9.99, 35% for books priced below $2.99
- Reach: Kindle stores in 13 countries, over 200 million monthly visitors on Amazon.com
- Access: Go to kdp.amazon.com
Also, Amazon offers KDP Select, but it requires an exclusivity period. If you choose this option, your ebook can only be sold on Amazon for the initial 90 days. This might limit your earning potential. Consider this strategy if focusing on maximizing three months' worth of royalties sounds vital. Alternatively, test other free publishing sites after the 90-day period.
2.
This platform is an aggregator site, distributing your book to multiple platforms, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble – all for free, with no upfront fees or requiring credit card information. With a subscription-based model and zero sales commission, you get to keep 100% of your royalties. Other features include book promotion, print-on-demand converter, print cover template generator, free ebook converter, and more.
- Formats available: Ebook, audiobook, print
- Royalty payout: 100% of earned royalties
- Reach: 400+ digital bookstores and thousands of libraries
- Access: Go to
3. Barnes & Noble Press
The main competitor to Amazon KDP, Barnes & Noble, offers free self-publishing services. With millions of readers on BN.com and the e-reader NOOK, it presents a profitable opportunity for indie authors. Barnes and Noble excels in print book services, with a wide range of options available.
- Formats available: Ebook, print
- Royalty payout: 70% for ebooks, 55% for print books
- Reach: Millions of readers on BN.com and NOOK devices
- Access: Go to press.barnesandnoble.com
4. Apple Books
Your book can be listed on Apple Books for free. With a pre-installed app on all Apple devices (over a billion users worldwide), it's a quick way to reach a wide audience. Furthermore, our website can recommend your book to Apple's editorial team for a promotional feature, increasing your book's visibility.
- Formats available: Ebook, audiobook (via one of Apple's approved partners like our website)
- Royalty payout: 70% for most books
- Reach: Over 1.4 billion Apple users in over 50 countries
- Access: Go to authors.apple.com
5. Google Play Books
A popular choice for self-publishing, Google Play Books is another no-cost option with a built-in readership. By creating a dedicated books page under Google, you can boost your book's searchability, helping you rank higher in organic searches and improving online advertising efforts.
- Formats available: Ebook, audiobook
- Royalty payout: 70% for most books
- Reach: Over 3+ billion Android users in over 75 countries
- Access: Go to play.google.com
6. IngramSpark
Specializing in print-on-demand services, IngramSpark is a highly valued platform for self-publishers. With over 39,000 channels, it ensures your book reaches a global audience without additional inventory costs.
- Formats available: Ebook, print
- Royalty payout: 65-70% depending on the market
- Reach: Over 39,000 stores
- Access: Go to myaccount.ingramspark.com/account/signup
7. Kobo Writing Life
Publishing your book on Kobo Writing Life can connect you with the Walmart audience and other international markets. With a competitive royalty payout, it opens up opportunities to reach readers worldwide.
- Formats available: Ebook, print
- Royalty payout: 70% for books above $2.99, 45% if below $2.99
- Reach: Online bookstores in over 190 countries, over 275 million monthly visitors on Walmart.com
- Access: Go to kobo.com/writinglife
8. Dreame
A fast-growing reading service, Dreame, based in Southeast Asia, is a promising platform for indie authors. With millions of readers, it offers self-publishers a new avenue for reaching a wider audience.
- Formats available: Ebook (e-stories)
- Royalty payout: 25% via our website
- Reach: Millions of readers
- Access: Go to starywriting.com
With these top eight platforms, self-publishing has never been more accessible for indie authors. To maximize your book's reach, consider going wide (distributing to multiple stores) and focus on marketing, engagement, and strategic planning.
- To complement your self-publishing journey, delve into 'education-and-self-development' resources such as Stephen King's "On Writing" or Brandon Sanderson's lectures to enrich your understanding of the craft.
- In addition to focusing on your 'lifestyle' by preparing your book for publication, invest time in 'home-and-garden' projects to create a productive and inspiring work environment that fosters creativity. For instance, you may utilize tools like Canva for designing a professional book cover or revamp your home office space to boost your morale while writing.
