floydsaunders

Dec 14, 20248 min read

Selecting the Best Self-Publishing Platform

by Floyd Saunders

A Comparison of Amazon KDP, IngramSpark and Draft2Digital/Smashwords

When selecting a self-publishing platform, it's crucial to evaluate factors such as distribution reach, user experience, royalty structures, and promotional tools. Here's a detailed comparison of three prominent platforms: Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Draft2Digital, and Smashwords Store.

Key Takeaways for Selecting a Self-Publishing Platform

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP):

· Direct access to Amazon's vast customer base.

· User-friendly interface for uploading manuscripts and covers.

· Offers eBook and print-on-demand paperback services.

· Promotional tools like Kindle Countdown Deals (via KDP Select).

· Exclusivity required for KDP Select.

· Limited print customization options.

· Royalties: 35% or 70% for eBooks, depending on pricing and distribution.

IngramSpark:

· Extensive distribution network, including 40,000+ retailers, libraries, and schools.

· Wide range of print options, including hardcover and custom trim sizes.

· Charges setup and revision fees.

· Complex pricing structure with wholesale discounts.

· Less intuitive interface and slower customer support.

Draft2Digital (D2D):

· Broad distribution of your eBooks to multiple retailers (e.g., Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo).

· Automated formatting tools and easy-to-use interface.

· No exclusivity requirements.

· Retains 10% of the retail price as fees.

· Lacks promotional tools like KDP Select.

· Focuses on simplifying the publishing process for first-time authors.

· Option to use Smashwords, especially for fiction.

Start With Amazon

For Amazon-centric publishing, KDP is ideal. Authors aiming for professional print quality and bookstore reach should consider IngramSpark. For broader distribution and ease of use, Draft2Digital is a solid choice. Combining platforms (e.g., KDP for Amazon and IngramSpark/D2D for wider distribution) often yields the best results.

To get the widest distribution of your self-published books use all three: Amazon KDP for its promotional tools, IngramSpark for its distribution to multiple retailers and libraries and Draft2Digtal for eBooks.

When choosing a self-publishing platform, it's essential to evaluate factors such as distribution reach, print options, costs, royalties, and user experience. Here's a detailed comparison between Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and IngramSpark to help you make an informed decision.

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Amazon KDP is a great starting place for a new self-published author, but only if you are using the promotional tools available and have a well-developed launch plan for marketing your books.

Distribution: KDP enables authors to publish eBooks and print-on-demand paperbacks directly on Amazon, the world's largest online retailer, providing access to a vast audience.
Ease of Use: KDP offers a user-friendly interface for uploading manuscripts and cover designs. However, formatting can be complex, and authors may need to invest time to ensure proper formatting.
Royalties: KDP offers royalty rates of 35% or 70%, depending on the book's pricing and distribution options. The 70% royalty applies to eBooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99.
Promotional Tools: Enrolling in KDP Select grants access to promotional tools like Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions. However, KDP Select requires exclusivity, meaning the eBook cannot be sold on other platforms during the enrollment period.

Comparing Distribution Reach

KDP allows authors to publish eBooks and paperbacks directly on Amazon, providing access to its vast global customer base. However, its distribution is primarily limited to Amazon, which may not be ideal if you're looking to reach readers through other channels, like bookstores. Novlr

IngramSpark: IngramSpark offers extensive distribution through the Ingram Book Group, connecting your book to over 40,000 retailers, libraries, and schools worldwide, including online retailers like Amazon. This broad network increases the potential for your book to be stocked in physical bookstores and accessed by libraries. Self Published Whiz

Print Options and Quality

KDP: KDP provides print-on-demand services for paperbacks and, more recently, limited hardcover options. Authors can choose from various standard trim sizes and select either glossy or matte finishes. However, customization options are somewhat limited compared to IngramSpark. Clear Sight Books

IngramSpark: IngramSpark offers a wider array of print options, including multiple trim sizes, paper types (50 lb or 70 lb), and binding styles such as hardcover with dust jackets. This flexibility allows for a more professional and customized presentation of your book. Launch My Book

Costs and Fees:

KDP: KDP does not charge upfront fees for publishing eBooks or paperbacks. Authors can upload and revise files free of charge. However, opting for expanded distribution reduces the royalty rate to 40%. Old Mate Media

IngramSpark: IngramSpark charges a setup fee of $49 for print books and $25 for eBooks, with a combined print and eBook setup fee of $49. Revisions after 60 days from publication incur additional fees. Despite these costs, IngramSpark's extensive distribution network can justify the investment. Clear Sight Books

Royalties and Pricing Control:

KDP: KDP offers a 60% royalty rate on paperbacks sold on Amazon. For eBooks, authors can choose between 35% and 70% royalty options, depending on pricing and distribution choices. Old Mate Media

IngramSpark: IngramSpark allows authors to set wholesale discounts (typically between 40-55%) and offers a 45% royalty rate after deducting the wholesale discount and print costs. This structure provides flexibility in pricing, which can be advantageous for reaching different markets. Atticus Publishing

User Experience and Support:

KDP: KDP is known for its user-friendly interface, making the publishing process straightforward. It offers responsive customer support and comprehensive resources to assist authors. Atticus Publishing

IngramSpark: IngramSpark provides a robust platform with extensive distribution options. However, some authors find its interface less intuitive, and customer support has been reported as less responsive compared to KDP. Launch My Book

Key Considerations:

Exclusivity: KDP offers programs like Kindle Unlimited, which require exclusivity, meaning your eBook cannot be sold on other platforms during the enrollment period. In contrast, IngramSpark does not impose exclusivity, allowing for broader distribution. Pope Books
Bookstore Relationships: Many bookstores are hesitant to stock books published through Amazon due to competitive reasons. IngramSpark's association with the Ingram Book Group makes it a preferred choice for authors aiming to have their books available in physical bookstores. Launch My Book

Draft2Digital and Smashwords Store

Self-published authors will find Draft2Digital is a great way to distribute eBooks versions of their books. It can get eBooks distributes to multiple retailers, including Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo, as well as libraries. This broadens the potential readership beyond a single platform.

Ease of Use: Known for its simplicity, Draft2Digital provides automated formatting tools and allows authors to create end matter like "Also By" pages easily. The platform is praised for its user-friendly interface, making it accessible for first-time authors.
Royalties: Draft2Digital takes approximately 10% of the retail price as its fee, allowing authors to retain about 60% of the list price after retailer cuts. There are no upfront fees, and payments are made monthly, with no minimum threshold for PayPal and direct deposit.
Promotional Tools: While Draft2Digital doesn't offer promotional tools akin to KDP Select, it provides Universal Book Links, enabling authors to promote their books across multiple retailers with a single link.

Draft2Digital acquisition of Smashwords in 2022, united two major self-publishing platforms. This merger combines their resources to better serve authors and publishers, offering enhanced tools and expanded distribution networks. The combined company operates under the Draft2Digital name, with the Smashwords Store continuing as a distinct brand. Draft2Digital

Smashwords has traditionally been a popular platform for specific types of authors, and its unique features make it appealing to a variety of writers.

Fiction Authors

Romance, fantasy, science fiction, and erotica have historically done well on Smashwords Store because of its ability to reach niche audiences through partnerships with eBook retailers like Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and libraries. Smashwords’ coupon codes and “name your price” options appeal to fiction authors experimenting with pricing strategies.

Beginners in Self-Publishing

Smashwords Store is a good choice for new authors because of its user-friendly platform, particularly if you follow best practices including properly format your manuscript according to the Smashwords Style Guide. New authors should use a professional cover design, as visual appeal is critical in eBook sales.

Authors can upload their books without upfront costs, which is attractive for those testing the waters of self-publishing.

Unlike traditional publishing, Smashwords allows authors to retain complete rights to their work, a key draw for indie creators.

Authors must actively promote their work through social media, newsletters, and blogs since Smashwords Store does not handle marketing for authors.

Challenges for New Authors

The sheer volume of books available can make it challenging for new authors to stand out without a solid marketing strategy.

Authors who succeed often have well-written, professionally edited books and focus on genres with strong eBook sales potential. You need to do your marketing to build an audience.

Smashwords Store:

Distribution: Smashwords Store distributes eBooks to major retailers like Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo, as well as libraries. It also operates its own store, offering another sales avenue.
Ease of Use: Smashwords Store has specific formatting requirements, and adhering to their style guide can be challenging for some authors. The platform's interface is considered less intuitive compared to others.
Royalties: Authors earn 60% of the list price on sales through most retailers and up to 80% on sales through the Smashwords Store. Payments are made monthly, with a minimum threshold of $75 for certain payment methods.
Promotional Tools: Smashwords Store offers features like coupon codes for promotions and preorders without final files, allowing for flexible marketing strategies.

Decision Factors

Distribution Reach:

While KDP provides direct access to Amazon's vast customer base, using aggregators like Draft2Digital or Smashwords can place your book on multiple platforms, potentially reaching a wider audience.

· KDP: Best for Amazon-focused sales.

· D2D and Smashwords: Ideal for multi-platform distribution.

· IngramSpark: Great for bookstore and library access.

Print Options:

· KDP: Limited customization for print books.

· IngramSpark: Highly customizable with professional print options.

Costs and Royalties:

· KDP: No upfront fees; competitive royalty rates.

· IngramSpark: Setup fees but broader distribution opportunities.

Best Fit for Authors:

KDP: Authors focusing on Amazon's market and leveraging promotional tools.
IngramSpark: Authors prioritizing bookstore/library access and professional print options.
D2D/Smashwords: Authors seeking wide eBook distribution without exclusivity constraints.

Summary

If your primary goal is to leverage Amazon's vast customer base with a straightforward publishing process, KDP is a suitable choice. However, if you seek wider distribution, including access to bookstores and libraries, and desire more print options, IngramSpark may be more advantageous. Many authors opt to use both platforms to maximize their reach—publishing directly with KDP for Amazon sales and using IngramSpark for broader distribution. Assess your specific goals, budget, and target audience to determine the best approach for your self-publishing journey.

If maximizing exposure on Amazon with access to specific promotional tools is your priority, KDP might be the best choice. If you aim for broader distribution without exclusivity constraints and prefer user-friendly formatting tools, Draft2Digital could be more advantageous. Smashwords offers extensive distribution and promotional features but may require more effort in formatting. Assess your specific needs, technical comfort level, and marketing strategy to select the platform that aligns best with your publishing goals.

Author Floyd Saunders discussed options for self-publishing.

Floyd Saunders: Is a self-published author of several books and a content creator. He writes about self-publishing success and challenges on his blog. Follow along to learn more about publishing your books and to gain from his experiences.

Floyd has a wide range of experiences to draw from having worked in investment banking, strategic sourcing and management of technology and software development in additional to an extensive background in management training.