Ditch the gatekeepers, claim your creative control, and independently create and publish your manuscript. Self-publishing for modern authors has emerged as a lucrative choice, offering them complete access and control to manage publishing roles. From manuscript production to editing and design, indie publishers retain creative autonomy over every aspect of book publishing. They metricuoulsy handle publishing, marketing, pricing, and distribution as well. First-time authors who have worked in collaboration with a traditional publishing house have faced publishing hassles. The specific challenges are losing creative control, finding a literary agent, and publisher rejection, navigating complex editing and formatting procedures, inadequate marketing support, low royalty rates, and a prolonged publishing process. Such challenges led to a major transformation, allowing self-publishing authors to reframe their minds towards adapting digital publishing path.
Self-publishing, amalgamated with AI technology, has made publishing more accessible, quick, and efficient. AI, as an efficient partner for self-publishers, automates the publishing workflow, including editing and proofreading of the draft, and book cover designs. An AI-powered algorithm has digitized the printing industry through automation, error detection, quality control, design assistance, and inventory management.
Indie authors and publishers utilize user-friendly self-publishing platforms such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, Draft2Digital (D2D), and Lulu for robust publishing and distribution of books. Choosing the right publishing platform is a key decision for first-time authors, allowing them to gain autonomy and control over manuscript publishing, distribution, and royalties.
Novice authors and publishers who plan to self-publish books with a limited publishing cost are required to employ Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing). Book Publishing on Amazon for beginners follows a smooth and convenient procedure. The authors sign up for an Amazon KDP account and upload the file. They edit and export the file into different print and publishing formats. With self-publishing, indie authors do not face the same publishing challenges as compared to traditional publishing. KDP provides authors with enhanced publishing control and rights, enabling them to create books in various genres and formats. Using a specific KDP account, indie authors publish numerous e-books, paperback, and hardcover books of different genres. For mass printing of books, self-publishers employ print-on-demand services that print single copies or multiple books per received orders. The published books reach the book market within 24-48 hours and are distributed to worldwide clients.
If you intend to publicize and distribute your books to a broad audience, the best option is to employ IngramSpark. The self-publishing platform includes a vast distribution network comprising physical bookstores, retailers, and libraries that maximizes print books’ discoverability and sales among the global community. If self-publishers and authors still find it difficult to identify an appropriate publishing route, they are propelled to seek professional publishing services. Professional publishers help indie authors choose a publishing platform based on their required publishing goals, such as capturing niche book markets, maximizing book reach, and distribution.
Overview of Amazon Kindle Publishing: KDP’s Connection to the Amazon Marketplace
KDP Publishing for EPUB And Printed Formats
In the digital publishing era, online publishing sites have created a new paradigm, facilitating authors to wear the hats of a writer, editor, cover designer, formatter, marketer, and business manager. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, a top-tier self-publishing platform, has reshaped the global publishing trends. Amazon, the world’s largest bookseller, has tapped market dominance, holding approximately 80% of the share of both print and e-book markets. Amazon KDP, established in 2007, facilitates new self-published writers to flexibly publish different formats such as e-books, PDF, Mobipocket, audiobooks, paperbacks, and hardcover books directly on Amazon’s global marketplaces, while retaining their entire publishing control and rights.
For printed publication, Kindle Direct Publishing allows authors to leverage print-on-demand technology. This digital printing method prints a single copy or makes multiple prints based on customers’ orders. POD eliminates upfront and inventory costs as printed publications are shipped to customers across the globe. First-time authors smoothly update their books and print new editions as needed.
Free-to-Upload platform along with Formatting and Design of E-book Covers
A cost-effective digital publishing platform benefits self-published authors, allowing them to leverage the user-friendly interface to publish e-books on Amazon. A simplified publishing process for e-books allows self-publishing authors to employ the Kindle Create publishing tool to export and convert files. The Kindle ecosystem helps first-time authors to upload files for free. The next step follows the comprehensive formatting of the book. The designers enhance the book layout, enrich the front and back cover designs of the book, and set appropriate color patterns and typography. The other formatting includes adjusting the font style and size, adding an index, table of contents, and checking page numbers.
Adding Metadata Elements
Once the file is meticulously proofread, the publishing supervisor clicks on the e-book section and adds significant metadata details. It comprises a brief author’s bio, preface, book series information, and the ISBN of the printed manuscript. The self-publishers also have the autonomy to set reasonable book prices and gain higher royalty rates. After having entered the publishing details, the publishers preview the content quality, formatting, and cover design, and add catchy images and other visual elements that help create a fascinating digital format manuscript.
Worldwide Distribution through Amazon
In contrast to traditional publishing, self-publishing authors experience a speedy and efficient publishing process. It simply takes a few minutes to get the manuscript published in numerous formats. In around 48 to 72 hours, the e-books are published and appear in the Kindle store and are distributed to a broad audience.
Leveraging Amazon’s Fee Marketing Tools
Authors prioritizing high Amazon visibility utilize KDP’s free marketing tools to increase their book discoverability on Amazon Kindle. Self-publishing authors get signed up in KDP Select, that automatically adds Kindle e-books to Kindle Unlimited (KU) and makes them available to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. A free, 90-day program allows authors to access different promotional opportunities, such as Amazon’s Kindle Countdown Deals, Kindle Unlimited, and Amazon Advertising. Moreover, KDP Select also offers a monthly subscription to read unlimited Kindle e-books.
Kindle Countdown Deals allow authors to offer discounted prices of e-books for a short period of time. The authors offer a free book promotion for up to five days within the KDP Select membership period.
To increase the marketability of e-books, self-published authors create an author page. It includes the key author’s specifics, such as an updated profile, details of published works, and upcoming publishing projects. The authors interact with the audience through blog posts and book reviews. The audience also tracks new book releases on the author’s platform.
The book publishers also avail the KDP Select All Stars Bonus incentive. The Amazon promotional deal offers a monthly bonus to the selected books that gain high visibility in Kindle Unlimited. The publishers set an appropriate book’s price and royalty rate per KDP’s terms and conditions before publishing.
In short, budget-conscious authors utilize Amazon Marketplace to attain creative control over managing publishing workflow. Quick publishing and wider distribution networks comprising dealers, online retailers, distributors, and online bookstores release books in various formats. They help authors navigate local and international markets and promote their printed and published manuscripts to the global reader community.
Amazon Publishing Assistance for Modern Publishers
David McKay Publications is a comprehensive publishing firm that caters to the needs of today’s publishing environment by providing Amazon publishing services for modern authors. The publishing services offered by David McKay include professional editing, cover design, publishing, and worldwide distribution that are specifically designed for the Amazon platform. The Amazon publishing team assists self-publishing authors in releasing their e-books, paperbacks, and even hardcovers at no cost. Publishing a book on Amazon allows authors to align their Amazon publishing objectives with their personal brand. Utilizing Amazon Author Central helps authors establish their credibility and boost the visibility of their printed and published works among a broad audience. Thus, publishing through Amazon assists first-time authors in boosting their book’s visibility globally.
IngramSpark-Key Features
Authors who require a wide distribution of books and a broad bookstore presence often prefer to choose IngramSpark. The best self-publishing platform with vast access to bookstores and libraries, offers global distribution for both print and ebooks. The centralized platform manages both digital format publishing and printing services. The printing includes three forms of printing, such as black and white, 306-page, and paperback books. The publishing platform also offers digital printing utilizing print-on-demand technology for both hardcover and paperback with different paper options, trim sizes, and binding types. When a printing order is placed through IngramSpark, the platform uses its large network of printers and online retailers to print and ship the book directly to the customer or to the bookstore.
E-book publishing with IngramSpark allows self-publishers to upload files in EPUB format without paying any cost. As the book gets published, self-published authors manage the global distribution and sales of the ebook through major retailers such as Amazon, Apple, and Barnes & Noble. The other significant features include sending standardized metadata to a vast network of retailers for quick and efficient book distribution.
IngramSpark sales strategies involve setting appropriate pricing and share purchase links with bookstores, libraries, and online retailers for book promotions and distribution. Authors who intend to get more control over pricing and distribution have the option to access IngramSpark self-publishing services. Indie authors get connected to a vast network of retailers, and also utilize direct-to-customer sales, which helps boost the marketing and sales of both e-books and paper books globally.
Which Platform Should You Choose? (Decision Guide)
Choose KDP if:
You Want No Upfront Cost
With the democratization of publishing, self-publishing platforms such as the Amazon Publishing platform have empowered authors to sidestep the traditional gatekeepers and employ their creative control in managing the entire publishing process. So, whether you are a new self-publishing author or an experienced publisher, you opt to access the self-publishing platform that allows you to publish and sell books on Amazon KDP without paying upfront costs. Amazon Publishing lets publishers create a free checklist of e-books to be sold on Amazon KDP. The publishers and the Amazon publishing team share the revenue depending on high e-book sales.
Your Main Audience is Amazon
Another reason for choosing book publishing on Amazon is promoting e-books through Amazon’s global marketplace, which attracts a broad Amazon audience. KDP Select, a promotional tool of Amazon KDP, enrolls the e-book, allowing millions of Kindle users to access the published e-books. Furthermore, authors also incite new Amazon readers through a 90-day limited-time free promotion as offered by Amazon KDP. As the author’s existing and newly released digital manuscripts are listed for sale across Amazon’s global marketplaces, more readers visit the Amazon product page to place purchasing orders.
You Want Fast Publishing
Amazon self-publishers desire self self-publish numerous ebooks and physical books in less time. Self-publishing through Kindle Direct Publishing makes e-books and paperbacks accessible on Amazon’s publishing site. Additionally, e-books are also uploaded to Amazon’s FAST streaming service. It showcases different categories of books with the author’s profile to help increase book discoverability on Amazon. Amazon’s free ad video content comprises catchy visuals and content directs shoppers to the book’s detail page for purchasing.
You Intend to Release an E-Book-only Title
The cost of publishing a book allows budget-conscious authors to opt for Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) to publish and distribute their e-books only. As e-book readers across the globe get a monthly subscription to KDP Select, they instantly download the e-books to read or make direct purchases. It helps new authors gain visibility and boost e-book sales. Moreover, indie authors also earn higher royalties, around 70%, depending on the book’s price and sales.
You Don’t Need Bookstore Distribution
The publishers who desire to have direct access to consumer purchasing prefer the Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform. Amazon Publishing does not employ a traditional bookstore for distribution; instead, it uses Amazon’s extensive online marketplace for sales, which gives direct access to online shoppers to purchase e-books.
Choose IngramSpark if:
You want your Book in Bookstores or Libraries
IngramSpark has come up as a lucrative option for new self-publishing authors who want to increase the visibility of their books on online publishing platforms. Or trying to get their physical book into a store’s inventory. IngramSpark has extended its distribution networks to more than 40,000 online and physical bookstores and libraries, in contrast to KDP printing and distribution services. Many booksellers, retailers, and libraries receive printed books from publishers using IngramSpark publishing services. The retailers buy books at a discounted price of between 40% and 55%. Reselling the printed books to customers across the globe helps distribution networks boost sales and generate high revenue.
Your Priority is Print Quality
Self-publishers who offer a variety of print book sales opt for IngramSpark. The best self-publishing platform has streamlined its print-on-demand services as it offers a variety of print options, such as hardcover formats, laminated, and jacketed. Different paper types and forms, and specialized color printing that gives an exclusive look to the paperbacks or hardcover books
You want Greater Control over Pricing
If you have self-published numerous books through IngramSpark, you must know that the platform enables you to maintain your control over pricing and getting specific ISBNs for different editions and formats. Moreover, you can also keep your publishing imprint as well.
You are Publishing Hardcover or Special Editions
Many authors look for cost-effective publishing of hardcovers and special editions.IngramSpark helps self-publishing authors to create visually appealing hardcover and paperback versions of their books. With IngramSpark, publishers have the option of using digital cloth and jacketed case laminate book covers that help create professional, premium editions.
Choose BOTH Platforms if:
Ingram and Amazon have a collaborative relationship in boosting book publishing and distribution. Many authors prefer using both Amazon KDP and IngramSpark to gain maximum book. reach, Independent authors reach Amazon customers directly through KDP. leading to better visibility, higher royalties, and high Amazon sales. Independent bookstores, retailers, and libraries do not directly order published books from Amazon/KDP. Through IngramSpark, the retailers get connected to a global distribution network and further sell books at a lower discount to the audience to earn a high revenue.
Amazon’s publishing platform allows publishers to create a direct listing for Amazon to increase book discoverability in the Amazon marketplace. Utilizing IngramSpark helps publishers build an extensive global distribution network, comprising international markets. The publishers use KDP only for Amazon sales, and they earn a higher royalty rate on those direct Amazon sales orders executed through IngramSpark.The authors purchase their own ISBNs from Bowker in the US and use the same identification code for both platforms. Thus, exclusive e-books and print publishing directly reach Amazon customers through the Amazon marketplace. IngramSpark uses the Global Connect program, which builds a strong relationship with a broad network of printers, marketers, and publishers, and helps get their books into the wholesale channels.
To Recapitulate
Whether self-publishers, authors, or bookstores are looking to establish an online presence or enhance a book’s visibility, there are numerous options available to utilize a profitable self-publishing platform. Presently, Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) has emerged as a revenue-generating route that permits independent authors and publishers to gain direct access to Amazon’s marketplace. Self-publishing through Amazon provides options for both print and ebook production and distribution. The Kindle Marketplace allows publishers to print individual books or multiple titles using print-on-demand services. Hardcover or paperback editions can be directly purchased via product pages, or the Amazon distribution team can handle shipping to customers. Authors aiming for broader global distribution often turn to IngramSpark, which connects publishers with over 40,000 retailers, libraries, and online platforms around the globe, helping them reach a larger audience with their published works. Therefore, if you plan to utilize both IngramSpark and KDP for printing and distributing print books and ebooks, it’s important to note that you cannot opt for KDP’s expanded distribution service, as its distribution capabilities are limited. Self-publishers aiming for significant sales on Amazon need to create a comprehensive catalog of e-books on the Amazon marketplace, since customers come to the site to buy books within their favorite genres. IngramSpark is generally the better option for extensive distribution, as it provides access to international book markets.
Regarding upfront costs, both Amazon KDP and IngramSpark do not require a setup fee for print and/or ebooks. However, IngramSpark imposes a charge if authors make modifications to the final manuscript. Authors using IngramSpark retain more control over their pricing and royalty rates, potentially earning higher net royalties per book sale. In contrast, royalty rates on Amazon are fixed; authors receive approximately 60% royalties for print books and between 35% to 70% for ebooks. Another crucial aspect that authors should be aware of is that the KDP publishing process is remarkably swift. The user-friendly interface of KDP enables authors to quickly convert their files into various publishing formats, with the book being published and available on the Amazon marketplace within 72 hours. On the other hand, IngramSpark features a more complicated dashboard, and the publishing process through this platform takes significantly longer. Submitting files for publication and going through the pre-checking process requires additional time. Amazon KDP offers promotional tools like Kindle Select, which provides monthly subscriptions that allow consumers to read books for free. This program includes 90-day access periods for Kindle Unlimited along with various promotional features.
In short, the decision to choose between IngramSpark and Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) centers around the specific publishing needs of an author. Whether new authors and publishers wish to carve out a niche in a competitive market, enhance their visibility, or achieve broader retail distribution to increase book discoverability and drive high sales volume.
