The Scribe Method The Best Way to Write and Publish Your Non-Fiction Book
Everything You Need To Know About Self-Publishing Book Distribution
If you’re self-publishing a book, understanding your distribution options is crucial. From eBooks to paperbacks, hardcovers, and even audiobooks, the right distribution strategy ensures your book reaches as many readers as possible. This guide will walk you through the best ways to distribute each book format and help you decide which options are right for you.
How to Distribute Your eBook
Should You Publish an eBook?
Yes—almost always. While eBooks haven’t replaced print books as once predicted, they still make up a massive portion of book sales. In fact, estimates show that eBook sales totaled around 485 million compared to 800 million print books in 2017. The indie eBook market, particularly in genres like romance, sci-fi, and fantasy, is thriving.
TL;DR: If you have the option to publish an eBook, do it.
eBook Distribution Options
Amazon dominates the U.S. eBook market with an 83% market share, making Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) a must for most authors. However, the remaining 17% still represents millions of sales, and international markets have different dominant platforms.
To maximize your reach, consider distributing your eBook across multiple platforms, including:
- Amazon KDP (for Kindle readers)
- Google Play Books
- Apple Books
- Kobo (dominant in Canada and Japan)
- Nook (Barnes & Noble’s platform)
You can upload your book directly to each retailer or use an aggregator like BookBaby, Smashwords, or Draft2Digital to distribute it everywhere at once.
TL;DR: Use Amazon KDP and third-party platforms to distribute your eBook as widely as possible.
How to Distribute Your Paperback
Should You Publish a Paperback?
Absolutely. Despite the rise of eBooks, print books remain the most popular format for readers. Thanks to print-on-demand (POD) services, self-published authors can distribute high-quality paperbacks without significant upfront costs.
TL;DR: Yes, publish a paperback.
Paperback Printing and Distribution Options
You have two primary printing options:
- Print-on-Demand (POD) – Your book is printed only when ordered, reducing upfront costs. Ideal for most self-published authors.
- Offset Printing – You print books in bulk, reducing per-unit cost but requiring upfront investment and storage. Best for authors expecting large sales volumes.
POD Distribution Options:
- Amazon KDP – Free setup, distributes to Amazon and optionally through Expanded Distribution.
- IngramSpark – $49 setup fee, better international and bookstore distribution than Amazon.
If you use both KDP and IngramSpark, make sure to disable Amazon distribution on IngramSpark to avoid duplicate listings.
Offset Printing Distribution:
- Amazon Advantage – $99/year fee, 45% royalties, requires managing inventory.
- Limited bookstore distribution – Bookstores rarely stock self-published books unless actively pitched by a sales rep.
TL;DR: Most authors should use POD with both KDP and IngramSpark.
How to Distribute Your Hardcover
Should You Publish a Hardcover?
Not necessarily. Hardcovers can be beneficial for premium branding, client gifting, or maximizing revenue for large sales volumes. However, they’re more expensive to produce.
TL;DR: You likely don’t need a hardcover, but it’s a good option for premium branding.
Hardcover Printing and Distribution Options
Unlike paperbacks, Amazon does not offer a POD hardcover option. Your choices are:
- IngramSpark – The only major POD hardcover provider, but Amazon listings may show your book as “out of stock” for weeks.
- Offset Printing – If ordering thousands of copies, costs drop significantly (~$3.50 per copy for 2,000 copies).
TL;DR: If you want a hardcover, use IngramSpark for POD or offset printing for bulk orders.
How to Distribute Your Audiobook
Should You Create an Audiobook?
If you have the budget, absolutely. Audiobooks are the fastest-growing book format, with many readers preferring to consume books this way.
TL;DR: If you can afford to produce an audiobook, do it.
Audiobook Distribution Options
- Audible, Amazon, and Apple Books – Use ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) to distribute here.
- Wide distribution – Use Findaway Voices to distribute to additional platforms like Google Play, Nook Audio, and Scribd.
TL;DR: Use ACX for Amazon/Audible and Findaway Voices for broader reach.
Final Thoughts
Self-publishing book distribution doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding your options and choosing the right mix of platforms, you can get your book into the hands of as many readers as possible.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
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