Choosing the Right Digital Platform: A Guide to the Big Five in Self-Publishing

So, you’re a self-published author that’s written the next great novel, children’s book, or non-fiction book, and you’re ready to share it with the world. But hold on, where do you release it? Choosing the right marketplace is like setting up your book on a blind date—it’s gotta be a match if it’s going to work!

For many self-published authors, even those with several years of experience in publishing their own work, it’s difficult to decide exactly where to self-publish. Yet, it’s this wide range of options that gives self-publishing its edge—you’re free to explore and pinpoint the platform that’s the perfect launching pad for your book’s success.

It’s this very diversity, however, that forms one of the biggest advantages of self-publishing: the luxury of choice. You have the freedom to explore and select the best-suited platform for your book. In this quick guide, we’ll introduce you to the largest five self-publishing platforms to help you make an informed decision.

Stay tuned, we’ll be sharing more articles soon with a guide for subscription and niche platforms, where to publish your hard copies, and more!

The Big Five

Let’s take a closer look at the four well-known names you’re likely already familiar with—Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Google Play, and Kobo. Publishing on a large platform is ideal for an author who wants to build an author brand, reach readers from around the world, and target their ideal readers through refined categories and keywords.

At Booksprout, we understand how powerful reviews are for the promotion of your book. All of these platforms facilitate reviews from their readers, and readers who sign up for your book through our service can easily leave reviews on the platform of your choice. It’s one of the many features that our authors love about us!

Now we’ll get to know each of the major players and the benefits of working with them.

Amazon KDP

A global retail giant, they offer a massive digital bookstore and a great many of their digital books are by self-published authors. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is their self-publishing arm, allowing authors to publish and distribute their books as eBooks and paperbacks.

Benefits:

• They offer a vast customer base: Amazon’s reach is global, offering exposure to millions of readers.
• Through their optional program, KDP Select, authors will have access to promotional opportunities and a share of a funding pool. Yet, in order to be part of this funding pool you’ll need to make your eBook exclusive to Amazon for a specific period. The pros of doing KDP Select are the promotional opportunities they offer and the massive reach to their subscriber base.
• The downside is that your book sales depend entirely on Amazon’s audience. Thankfully, Amazon isn’t the only publishing platform out there, so you do have options – keep reading!

Barnes & Noble (B&N) Press

They are well-known as a national book retailer in the United States and have a large eBook user base through Nook Press which is their digital platform ideal for self-published authors.

Benefits:

• Their self-publishing platform, Nook Press, is user-friendly and offers competitive royalty rates and promotional opportunities.
• B&N has a dedicated reader following, particularly among those who prefer the Nook eReader or are loyal to the Barnes & Noble brand.

Apple Books

Apple is a leader in all things technology, and their eBook distribution platform is no different. Their eBooks are easily accessible through its Books app on all iOS devices and Mac computers.

Benefits:

• With a massive ecosystem, Apple is everywhere. Getting your book on Apple Books means potentially reaching millions of Apple device users worldwide.
• Their royalty rate is standard at 70%.
• Unlike some platforms that require exclusivity to access special promotional features, Apple Books doesn’t.

Google Play Books

Google is another platform with a wide global reach. Their answer to digital book distribution is Google Play Books, available on Android devices, iOS, and web browsers.

Benefits:

• Android’s Wide User Base: Android holds a significant market share of the mobile OS space. Publishing on Google Play Books means you can reach this vast audience.
• Non-Exclusivity: Like Apple, Google also doesn’t require exclusivity.
• Google Play Books is available in many countries, giving your book a global audience right from the start.
• Google Play Books offers a subscription program in Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States and only to certain series, including Manga.

Kobo Writing Life

With a clean, user-friendly design, Kobo makes it easy for self-published authors to leverage their strong international presence.

Benefits:

• Kobo Writing Life is the platform for self-publishing on Kobo. It’s a straightforward system that allows authors to upload their e-books and set their own pricing strategy.
• One of the things a lot of authors like about Kobo is the freedom in pricing and the ability to offer your book for free, which is a great way to allow readers to start reading the first book in your series, such as a prequel. If readers like your prequel they can go on to read the rest of the series at cost.
• Through Kobo Plus, readers can enroll in one of three subscription programs that allow them to access unlimited eBooks and audiobooks. Unlike Amazon’s KDP, this subscription plan does not require the author to be exclusive to KDP.

Reviews Matter on Every Platform

Regardless of the platform you select for publishing your book, Booksprout is here for you. Each of the Big Five platforms encourages and provides reviews to their audience, which helps new readers discover the books they want to read. Booksprout is your partner in helping your book garner greater visibility on the platform, or platforms, of your choice.  

Picking the right marketplace isn’t just another box to tick off; it’s setting the stage for your book’s grand debut. Weigh your options, do your research, and go where your audience hangs out. With the right choice, your book won’t just be another title in the crowd—it’ll be a star.

Navigating the Big Five for Your Book’s Success

Choosing the right digital platform for your self-published book is more than just a logistical decision—it’s a strategic move that can set the stage for your book’s success. From Google Play and Amazon to Kobo, Apple Books, and Barnes & Noble, each major player offers its own unique set of advantages and audiences. No matter where you decide to publish, remember that reviews are key to your book’s visibility and success. Booksprout is here to support you in this journey, helping you earn those all-important reviews that can elevate your work and connect it with readers who will love it.