How to Choose a Self-Publishing Platform
- Stuart Grant
- Apr 11
- 2 min read
How to Choose a Self-Publishing Platform
With so many self-publishing platforms out there, it can be hard to know where to begin. Should you go exclusive with Amazon? Go wide to reach more readers? Here’s a breakdown of the top self-publishing platforms for indie authors and how to decide which is right for you.
📘 This article is part of our Ultimate List of Tools for Authors. Be sure to check that out for everything from writing tools to book promotion services.
🛒 1. Amazon KDP
Best for: Maximum reach on Kindle and a strong royalties program Visit Amazon KDP →
As the biggest name in indie publishing, KDP gives you access to Kindle and paperback distribution, as well as the option to join KDP Select and Kindle Unlimited. It’s the go-to choice for many authors—but keep in mind that KDP Select requires exclusivity.
🌍 2. Draft2Digital
Best for: Easy distribution to multiple retailers (going wide)
Draft2Digital lets you publish to Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and more from a single dashboard. You keep control of your files and rights, and they even offer print distribution via D2D Print.
📚 3. IngramSpark
Best for: Print distribution to bookstores and libraries
If your goal is to get into physical bookstores, IngramSpark is your best bet. Their reach includes retailers, libraries, and academic institutions. Just be aware of setup fees and the importance of properly formatted print files.
✍️ 4. Reedsy
Best for: Hiring vetted professionals for editing, design, and marketing
Reedsy isn’t a publishing platform in the traditional sense, but it’s a marketplace for high-quality professionals to help you prepare your book for publication. You can find editors, designers, marketers, and more—all with verified reviews.
🌐 5. PublishDrive
Best for: International distribution and royalty splitting
PublishDrive supports wide distribution and includes features like royalty splitting for co-authors and AI-powered analytics. It’s a great choice if you want to reach global markets and collaborate with others.
🛍️ 6. Kobo Writing Life
Best for: Reaching international ebook marketsVisit Kobo Writing Life →
Kobo is especially strong in Canada, Europe, and Asia. Writing Life gives you control over pricing, promotions, and analytics—and there’s no exclusivity required.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Choosing a publishing platform comes down to your goals. If you want maximum exposure and page reads, Amazon KDP (with Select) is a strong option. If you’d rather build a long-term, global audience, going wide through Draft2Digital or PublishDrive may be better.
You can always start exclusive and go wide later—or vice versa. The key is understanding what you’re trading off and tracking your results.
Next up: Where to Promote Your Book: Top Sites for Indie Authors →
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