Navigating Distribution Platforms: How to Get Your Book into Readers’ Hands

Selecting the right distribution platforms is one of the most critical decisions in your self-publishing journey. These platforms not only determine where and how your book will be available but also directly impact your ability to connect with readers and generate sales. From global giants like Amazon KDP—which accounts for over 80% of all U.S. self-published eBook sales—to wide distribution options like IngramSpark and Draft2Digital, which provide access to over 40,000 retailers and libraries worldwide, each platform offers unique advantages and trade-offs.

For authors looking to maximize reach beyond Amazon, wide distribution can open doors to independent bookstores and library systems, though it often requires additional marketing efforts to stand out. On the other hand, direct sales through an author’s website or platforms like Shopify can offer up to 95% of the sale price—far more than the 35–70% earned through major retailers—giving authors greater control over pricing, reader engagement, and long-term brand building.

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