10 Amazon KDP alternatives

Sure! Here are 10 alternatives to Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) along with a summary, pricing information, and pros and cons for each one:

1. Smashwords:
– Summary: Smashwords is a popular self-publishing platform for ebooks that distributes to various retailers.
– Pricing: Free to use, but they take a percentage of book sales (15% for sales through Smashwords, 10% for sales through their retail partners).
– Pros: Wide distribution network, including major retailers like Apple Books and Barnes & Noble. Offers free tools for formatting and conversion.
– Cons: Limited to ebook publishing only, not as well-known as Amazon KDP.

2. Draft2Digital:
– Summary: Draft2Digital is a user-friendly platform that helps authors self-publish and distribute ebooks to various retailers.
– Pricing: Free to use, but they take a percentage of book sales (15%).
– Pros: Easy-to-use interface, wide distribution network, including major retailers. Provides tools for formatting and conversion.
– Cons: Limited to ebook publishing only, not as popular as Amazon KDP.

3. Kobo Writing Life:
– Summary: Kobo Writing Life is a self-publishing platform that enables authors to publish and distribute ebooks.
– Pricing: Free to use, and authors receive 70% royalty for sales on Kobo.com.
– Pros: Access to Kobo’s global customer base, easy-to-use interface, flexible pricing options.
– Cons: Limited to ebook publishing, smaller market share compared to Amazon.

4. IngramSpark:
– Summary: IngramSpark is a self-publishing platform that offers print-on-demand and ebook distribution services.
– Pricing: Setup fee of $49 per format (ebook or print), and printing and distribution fees apply.
– Pros: Wide distribution network, including physical bookstores. Offers both ebook and print options.
– Cons: Requires upfront costs, complex pricing structure, not as user-friendly as other platforms.

5. Lulu:
– Summary: Lulu is a self-publishing platform that allows authors to create and distribute ebooks and print-on-demand books.
– Pricing: Free to use, and authors receive 80% royalty for ebooks sold through Lulu.com.
– Pros: Offers both ebook and print options, global distribution network, easy-to-use platform.
– Cons: Limited marketing and promotional tools, less visibility compared to Amazon.

6. Blurb:
– Summary: Blurb is a self-publishing platform specializing in high-quality print-on-demand books.
– Pricing: Varies depending on book format and specifications.
– Pros: Focus on professional print books, customizable layouts, high-quality printing.
– Cons: Limited to print books, less visibility compared to Amazon.

7. BookBaby:
– Summary: BookBaby is a self-publishing platform that offers both ebook and print-on-demand services.
– Pricing: Varies depending on services chosen (e.g., ebook conversion, cover design, etc.).
– Pros: Offers both ebook and print options, marketing services available, global distribution network.
– Cons: Additional costs for services, less visibility compared to Amazon.

8. PublishDrive:
– Summary: PublishDrive is a platform that helps authors publish and distribute ebooks and audiobooks.
– Pricing: Varies depending on the selected plan (e.g., percentage of royalties or a flat fee).
– Pros: Wide distribution network, including major retailers and libraries. Offers marketing tools and global sales reports.
– Cons: Some plans require monthly fees or take higher royalty percentages, limited to ebooks and audiobooks.

9. StreetLib:
– Summary: StreetLib is a self-publish

ing platform that allows authors to publish and distribute ebooks and print-on-demand books.
– Pricing: Free to use, but they take a percentage of book sales (varies depending on the platform used).
– Pros: Wide distribution network, including major retailers and libraries. Offers global sales reporting and marketing tools.
– Cons: Limited marketing and promotional tools, less visibility compared to Amazon.

10. BookRix:
– Summary: BookRix is a self-publishing platform that allows authors to create and distribute ebooks.
– Pricing: Free to use, and authors receive 70% royalty for sales on BookRix.com.
– Pros: Easy-to-use platform, community features for interaction with readers and fellow authors.
– Cons: Limited distribution network, less visibility compared to Amazon.

These alternatives offer different features, pricing structures, and distribution networks. Consider your specific needs and goals when choosing the platform that suits you best.