📚 Self-publishing books: platforms for authors in Europe
Have you ever wondered how to publish your own book without the help of a traditional publishing house? In today's digital world, it has become not only possible, but also profitable. Thanks to specialized platforms, authors can self-publish their books, maintaining control over all aspects of the process and earning money from sales. In this article, we will look at European resources that will help you become a self-publisher.
📌 You can start publishing, for example, through the Amazon KDP platform, which provides all the necessary tools for publishing a book.
🖋️ Why is it worth publishing a book yourself?
Self-publishing opens up a multitude of opportunities for authors. Instead of waiting for approval from publishers, you can upload the text yourself, create a cover, and sell the book on popular platforms like Amazon or Kobo. Self-publishing allows you to retain copyright and earn up to 70-80% of the profit from each sale, unlike traditional publishing, where the author's income rarely exceeds 10-15%. Key benefits of self-publishing:
- Full control over the process: from design to price.
- High Income: Authors receive a large share of the sales of their books.
- Global publishing opportunity: books can be sold in different countries around the world.
📈 Review of popular platforms for self-publishing books
There are many self-publishing services available in Europe, and the following platforms remain the leaders in 2024:
| Platform | Book type | Peculiarities | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon KDP | Electronic, printed | Huge audience, print on demand support, global marketplace | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| IngramSpark | Electronic, printed | Wide possibilities for printing and distribution of printed books | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Lulu | Electronic, printed | Easy to use, print on demand, possibility to sell through your own store | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Kobo Writing Life | Electronic | Popular in Europe and Canada, high share of the author's income | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Draft2Digital | Electronic | Wide distribution possibilities on different platforms, ease of use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| BookBaby | Electronic, printed | Comprehensive services for authors: editing, design, marketing | ⭐⭐⭐ |
1 Amazon KDP
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing
— is one of the most popular self-publishing platforms in the world. It allows authors to publish both e-books and printed books. The platform is easy to use and provides access to a huge audience through Amazon. Authors can earn up to 70% on e-book sales and about 60% on printed books.
2 IngramSpark
specializes in print-on-demand books and their global distribution. It is the perfect choice for those who want to publish books in physical form. IngramSpark partners with major retailers, which allows your books to reach shelves around the world.
3 Lulu
— is an easy-to-use platform for publishing e-books and printed books. Authors can set their own prices and sell their books through Lulu, Amazon, or other retailers. Lulu offers a print-on-demand service that allows you to order small print runs of books.
4 Kobo Writing Life
is aimed at the European and Canadian markets, offering authors 70% of e-book sales. The platform makes it easy to upload books and track their sales, and provides access to a wide readership through affiliate programs.
5 Draft2Digital
6 BookBaby
offers authors not only publishing tools, but also additional services such as editing, cover design, and marketing. It is a great option for those who want a comprehensive approach to book publishing.
💰 How to make money from self-publishing?
The main benefit of self-publishing is the ability to earn a high percentage of sales. On average, authors earn between 60% and 80% of the book's price, depending on the platform they choose and the type of book (e-book or print). For example, on Amazon KDP, you can earn up to 70% of e-book sales and about 60% of print sales. However, some platforms may charge additional fees for printing books on demand. An example of income calculation:
| Price of the book | Platform commission | The remaining amount | Author's share (80%) | Author's income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | $30 | $70 | 80% | $56 |
✍️ Registration of the publication agreement
To start selling, you need to sign a contract with the platform. Depending on the service, the registration process may differ:
- Online contract. Most platforms allow you to sign a contract online, which greatly simplifies the process.
- Printed contract: Some platforms, like IngramSpark, also offer the option to sign a contract on paper and send it by mail.
Review the terms of the agreement carefully before signing to avoid any possible misunderstandings, especially regarding copyright and profit sharing.
⁉️🤔 Popular questions and answers
- Which platform to choose for publishing?
Amazon KDP and IngramSpark are two of the most popular platforms. The choice depends on your goals and the type of book.
- How much can you make from self-publishing?
On average, authors earn between 60% and 80% of the book's price, depending on the platform.
- Do I have to pay to publish a book?
Publishing an ebook is free on most platforms, but there may be fees for print-on-demand or additional services.
- How to protect your copyright?
Most platforms reserve all rights for the author, but it is important to read the contract carefully before signing.
- How quickly can you publish a book?
The publication process usually takes from a few days to a week.
- Is it possible to publish a book on multiple platforms at once?
Yes, most platforms allow you to publish books on other marketplaces in parallel.
- Is a license required to sell a book in other countries?
No, most platforms automatically provide the ability to sell books worldwide.
- Is it possible to publish books in different languages?
Yes, many platforms support publishing in multiple languages.
💎 Results
Self-publishing books has become accessible to everyone in 2024. Platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Kobo, and Lulu offer authors the ability to quickly and easily publish their book, while maintaining control over all aspects of the process and receiving a high share of sales. Thanks to these services, any author can realize their dream of publishing a book internationally, while protecting their copyright and managing their revenue.