Best Self-Publishing Platforms in 2025: Top 15 Options for Authors
- Jan 3
- 5 min read
Self-publishing has become a central force in the book industry, providing writers with direct access to readers through digital and print-on-demand technology. A small number of platforms dominate the field—Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing and IngramSpark among them—while others, such as Draft2Digital, Barnes & Noble Press, and Apple Books, provide authors with alternative routes to distribution. The landscape also includes Lulu and Blurb for high-quality print projects, Smashwords and PublishDrive for wide eBook reach, and BookBaby for full-service support. Recent years have expanded the field further with Kobo Writing Life, Google Play Books, Author’s Republic for audiobooks, and ComiXology Submit for comics. Hybrid publishing services, though more complex, also play a role for some. Together, these platforms demonstrate how independent authors can tailor publishing strategies to their goals, balancing visibility, cost, and creative control in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Self-Publishing Platforms for Independent Authors
Self-publishing has become a cornerstone of the modern book industry, offering authors unprecedented control over their work and direct access to global readers. With numerous platforms available, selecting the right one requires careful consideration of distribution reach, royalty models, and production quality. Below is a detailed look at the ten leading self-publishing platforms shaping today’s independent publishing landscape.
1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing dominates the self-publishing market, giving authors access to the world’s largest online bookstore. Writers can release eBooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers through print-on-demand services, thereby avoiding the financial risks associated with bulk printing. Royalties range from 35% to 70% depending on price and territory. KDP Select offers promotional tools such as Kindle Unlimited, though it requires exclusivity for eBook distribution. For most independent authors, KDP remains the gateway to visibility and sales.
Continue reading: Amazon KDP: Step-by-Step Guide to Publishing on Kindle Direct.
2. IngramSpark
IngramSpark is the platform of choice for authors seeking broad print distribution beyond Amazon. With ties to the Ingram Content Group catalog, titles become available to independent bookstores, libraries, and academic institutions worldwide. While there are setup and revision fees, the reach is unmatched for authors aiming to see their books on physical shelves. Many pair IngramSpark with KDP: Amazon for online sales and IngramSpark for wholesale and retail distribution.
3. Draft2Digital
Draft2Digital simplifies eBook distribution by serving as an aggregator. Authors upload their manuscripts once and can distribute them to Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, libraries, and international outlets. The platform also provides free formatting tools, automated back matter, and universal retail links. Its royalty-splitting feature is especially useful for co-authored projects. With no upfront costs and straightforward reporting, Draft2Digital is considered one of the most user-friendly options available.
4. Barnes & Noble Press
Barnes & Noble Press allows authors to publish directly to the Nook store and produce print editions for sale through Barnes & Noble’s website. Print-on-demand allows you to order copies for personal use or distribution at events. Authors who perform well online may be considered for placement in physical Barnes & Noble stores, providing opportunities for visibility that extend beyond digital channels.
5. Apple Books
Apple Books offers authors a direct route into the Apple ecosystem, allowing them to reach millions of readers across iOS devices. With a flat 70% royalty rate on most sales and no exclusivity requirements, it is an attractive complement to KDP. Authors can publish directly using a Mac or distribute via aggregators like Draft2Digital or PublishDrive. Apple Books is particularly strong for international sales, where Apple devices dominate mobile reading.
6. Lulu
Lulu is best known for high-quality print-on-demand services and its flexibility with formats, including photo books, art books, and academic works. It also distributes to major online retailers and offers authors the ability to sell directly through Lulu’s own bookstore. For projects where design and print quality are paramount, Lulu stands out as a strong option.
7. Blurb
Blurb caters to visually driven projects such as photo books, cookbooks, and portfolios. Its design software integrates with tools like Adobe InDesign and Lightroom, giving authors more creative control over layout and presentation. Blurb also provides options for both print and digital editions, making it a leading platform for creators who value aesthetics as much as distribution.
8. Smashwords
One of the earliest self-publishing platforms, Smashwords, remains an important distribution tool for eBooks. It converts manuscripts into multiple formats and distributes them to major retailers and library systems. Now operating under Draft2Digital following a merger, Smashwords retains its strength in library placement and access to niche retailers. Authors who want to maximize their eBook reach continue to use Smashwords as part of a multi-platform strategy.
9. PublishDrive
PublishDrive focuses on global distribution, making books available in more than 400 online stores and digital platforms worldwide. The company offers a subscription-based model that allows authors to keep 100% of their royalties in exchange for a monthly fee, which can be more cost-effective for those with multiple titles. Its emphasis on international markets makes it attractive to authors seeking to reach beyond North America and Europe.
10. BookBaby
BookBaby positions itself as a full-service self-publishing provider. In addition to distribution, it offers editing, cover design, formatting, and marketing packages. Authors can publish both print and digital editions, with sales distributed across major retailers and BookBaby’s own store. While it comes at a higher cost than DIY platforms, BookBaby appeals to writers who want professional support throughout the process.
11. Kobo Writing Life
Kobo Writing Life gives authors direct access to Kobo’s global eBook store, which has a strong presence in Canada, Europe, and Asia. Authors can publish without exclusivity and earn up to 70% royalties on eligible price points. The platform is particularly valuable for wide-distribution strategies, as it reaches readers in regions where Kobo competes effectively with Amazon. Its author dashboard also provides transparent sales data across international markets.
12. Google Play Books Partner Center
Google Play Books provides access to one of the largest digital marketplaces through Android devices and Google’s search ecosystem. Authors benefit from global visibility, as book descriptions and metadata are indexed directly in Google search results. Pricing flexibility, promotional discounting, and broad international reach make the platform attractive, though its royalty structure differs from that of Amazon or Apple. For authors seeking to enhance discoverability across search and mobile devices, Google Play can serve as a strategic complement to other outlets.
13. Author’s Republic
Author’s Republic specializes in audiobook distribution, providing access to platforms such as Audible, iTunes, and Google Play. As audiobooks continue to grow in market share, this service gives self-published authors an efficient way to enter the format without managing multiple accounts across retailers. Authors maintain control over pricing and can distribute their work globally, making it a valuable addition for writers who want to expand their work into audio formats alongside print and digital editions.
14. ComiXology Submit
For authors and artists working in graphic novels or comics, ComiXology Submit offers direct distribution to one of the most influential digital comics platforms. Titles reach a large readership dedicated to illustrated storytelling, providing visibility that is difficult to replicate through general eBook platforms. While niche, the service allows creators to tap into a specialized audience that actively seeks out new independent voices in comics publishing.
15. Hybrid and Assisted Publishing Services
Beyond platform-based distribution, some companies position themselves as hybrid publishers, offering editing, cover design, formatting, and marketing support in addition to distribution. These services can provide professional polish and guidance, though they often come with significant costs or revenue-sharing models. Authors considering this path must carefully evaluate contracts, retain ownership of their rights, and weigh the value against the investment. The Alliance of Independent Authors regularly reviews and rates such services, making it a valuable resource for authors assessing the legitimacy of these services.
Choosing the Right Platform
Selecting the best self-publishing platform depends on an author’s goals. Those seeking maximum visibility on Amazon will prioritize KDP, while authors aiming for bookstore and library access will consider IngramSpark. Aggregators like Draft2Digital or PublishDrive simplify wide distribution, while niche platforms such as Blurb or Lulu excel in specialized formats. Many independent authors utilize a combination of these platforms to strike a balance between reach, cost, and creative control.