which self-publishing service should I use?

If you mean “I have a finished book and want to publish it myself,” my default recommendation is Amazon KDP—but the best choice depends heavily on whether you care most about Amazon, bookstores, or selling “wide.”

My quick recommendation

• Amazon KDP — best default for most first-time authors. It’s free to publish, handles Kindle + print-on-demand, and gives you strong Amazon reach. eBooks can earn 35% or 70%; paperbacks generally earn 50% or 60% before printing costs.
• IngramSpark — best if getting your print book into bookstores and libraries is important. It offers global distribution and print-on-demand.
• Draft2Digital — best if you want to distribute your ebook widely outside Amazon without individually managing lots of retailers.
• Lulu — worth considering for specialty books, photo books, workbooks, and unusual formats.
• Barnes & Noble Press — useful if B&N is particularly important to your audience.

What I'd do

For a typical novel, memoir, nonfiction book, or similar:

KDP for Amazon + IngramSpark for wider print distribution is a very strong combination. You don't necessarily have to pick one service exclusively. Current publishing comparisons likewise tend to recommend combining platforms according to what each does best.

If you're brand new and want the simplest possible route, though, I'd start with KDP alone. You can always expand distribution later.

One important distinction: self-publishing service ≠ publishing package. I would be cautious about companies that charge thousands of dollars for “publishing” when you could retain your rights and publish directly through KDP/IngramSpark.

If you tell me what kind of book it is (novel, children's book, memoir, nonfiction, poetry, etc.), approximate page count, and whether your priority is Amazon sales, bookstores, or maximum profit, I can tell you exactly which setup I'd use.

Choosing the right self-publishing service depends entirely on your budget, technical skill, and where you want your book to be sold. The top platforms divide neatly into free DIY aggregators and paid, full-service providers.

• Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the undisputed giant and best for starting out. It is entirely free to use, handles both ebooks and paperbacks (plus hardcover), and gives you direct access to the largest ebook market in the world. If you enroll in KDP Select, you can run promotions, though it requires your ebook to be exclusive to Amazon.
• Draft2Digital is the premier choice for "going wide". Instead of uploading to Apple, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Google Play individually, you upload once to Draft2Digital, and they distribute your ebook to all major non-Amazon platforms for a small percentage of each sale. It's free to set up and beginner-friendly.
• IngramSpark is the gold standard for independent print distribution. It connects your paperback or hardcover to global wholesale catalogs, meaning brick-and-mortar bookstores and libraries can easily order your book. It does charge minor setup fees, but it's essential if physical bookstore availability is your goal.
• Lulu is a versatile print-on-demand platform great for unique book sizes, photo books, workbooks, or direct-to-consumer sales. They offer great creator control and integrate nicely with global distribution or direct ecommerce tools like Shopify.
• BookBaby is a top-tier, all-inclusive paid service. Unlike Amazon or D2D (which are DIY platforms), BookBaby charges upfront packages to handle editing, professional cover design, formatting, and distribution for you. It's ideal if you have a budget and want hands-on professional assistance without assembling your own freelance team.

To help me narrow down which service fits you best, tell me:

• What genre is your book? (Fiction, non-fiction, children's, poetry?)
• Do you want to sell exclusively on Amazon or go wide across all retailers?
• Are you looking for a free DIY approach or do you have a budget for paid professional help?

If you’re publishing your first book, my default recommendation is Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)—unless you have a specific reason to prioritize bookstores, libraries, or wide distribution.

My quick ranking

1. KDP — my choice for most first-time authors

KDP lets you publish ebooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers without paying an upfront publishing fee. Amazon currently offers up to 70% ebook royalties in eligible territories and up to 60% on print books, after applicable delivery/printing costs.

The big advantage is simplicity: Amazon is where a huge percentage of self-published books actually sell, and you don't need another intermediary to get your book there.

I'd particularly choose KDP if you're writing:

• A novel or series
• Romance, fantasy, thriller, mystery, sci-fi, etc.
• A practical nonfiction book
• A book where Amazon/Kindle sales are likely to be your main market

2. IngramSpark — add this if bookstores matter

IngramSpark is particularly useful for print distribution beyond Amazon. It distributes through a large network of retailers, libraries, universities, and educators. Its current pricing page says account creation and title setup are free.

I'd consider it if you want your paperback/hardcover to be realistically orderable by independent bookstores and libraries, or if you're producing a more bookstore-oriented title.

You can actually use KDP + IngramSpark together rather than choosing one exclusively.

3. Draft2Digital — excellent for going "wide"

Draft2Digital distributes ebooks and print books to multiple retailers and library platforms. Its current terms say its ebook/audiobook commission is generally 15% of payments received from sales channels, while D2D Print pays the author 45% of list price minus printing costs.

This makes sense if your goal is:

"I don't want Amazon to be my only ebook retailer." You can reach other stores and library channels without individually managing every platform.

What I'd do

For a typical first book, I'd probably use:

KDP for Amazon + IngramSpark for broader print distribution + Draft2Digital for wide ebook distribution.

There is one important caveat: don't blindly put the same ebook into every service if you're enrolling it in KDP Select. KDP Select involves Kindle Unlimited and requires ebook exclusivity to Amazon during the enrollment period.

And I would not pay a self-publishing company $2,000–$10,000+ just because they promise to "get your book published." Publishing the book itself is comparatively easy; the valuable services are things like professional editing, cover design, formatting, and marketing.

If you tell me what kind of book you're publishing (novel, memoir, children's book, cookbook, nonfiction, poetry, etc.), approximate word count, and whether you care more about Amazon sales or getting into bookstores, I can tell you exactly which setup I'd use and roughly what it should cost.

Choosing the right self-publishing service depends entirely on your budget, technical skill, and whether you want to do everything yourself (DIY) or hire a company to handle the production.

The top self-publishing services are broken down below by category to help you match your goals:

1. Best Free DIY Platforms (Ebook & Print-on-Demand)

• Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): The undisputed giant for market reach. You can upload your ebook and paperback/hardcover for free, keeping a high percentage of royalties. If you enroll in KDP Select, you get access to Kindle Unlimited promotional tools, though it requires exclusive digital distribution on Amazon. Check out details directly on Amazon KDP.
• Barnes & Noble Press: Excellent if you want a direct pipeline to the Nook ecosystem and physical Barnes & Noble store visibility, with free setup and print-on-demand capabilities. Learn more at Barnes & Noble Press.

2. Best Wide Distribution Aggregators (If you don't want to use Amazon exclusively)

• Draft2Digital: Perfect for distributing your ebook and print books to Apple Books, Kobo, Google Play, and libraries without going through each platform individually. They take a small percentage of royalties rather than upfront fees. Explore features on Draft2Digital.
• PublishDrive: A great aggregator offering global distribution channels (including subscription models and international stores), operating on a flat monthly or percentage fee structure. Check options at PublishDrive.
• IngramSpark: The gold standard for getting your physical book into indie bookstores, libraries, and global wholesale catalogs. It charges small setup fees per format unless you have a promo code, but it integrates well alongside Amazon KDP for "wide" distribution. Review requirements on IngramSpark.

3. Best for Custom Printing & Flexibility

• Lulu: Great for independent creators, workbook designers, or specialty print runs. It offers high-end hardcover options, photo books, and direct-to-consumer sales tools alongside global distribution. Visit Lulu.

4. Best Full-Service / Assisted Publishing (Paid Packages)

• BookBaby: A reputable assisted self-publishing company that handles editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution for a tiered package fee. You retain 100% of your net royalties. See packages on BookBaby.
• MindStir Media: Highly rated for authors looking for a high-touch, guided publishing experience with professional production, marketing add-ons, and optional publicity campaigns. Check details on MindStir Media.

To help narrow down the best choice for you, tell me:

• Are you planning to sell exclusively on Amazon or wide across all retailers?
• Do you need help with editing and cover design , or are your files ready to upload?
• Is your book an ebook, paperback, hardcover, or audiobook?

If you mean self-publishing a book, my short answer is:

My recommendation

For most first-time authors: use Amazon KDP + IngramSpark.

They solve different problems:

KDP is free to use and currently offers up to 70% on eligible ebooks and up to 60% on print books, with print-on-demand so you don't have to purchase inventory.

IngramSpark is particularly useful when you want your print book available beyond Amazon, including through bookstores and libraries. Its current platform says there is no charge to sign up or upload, and it provides global distribution.

Draft2Digital is attractive if you want to distribute an ebook to multiple stores from one dashboard. It handles conversion/distribution and generally takes about 10% of ebook retail price; its current fee structure also includes a $20 activation fee and a $12 annual maintenance fee for accounts earning under $100/year.

What I'd do

If this is your first book, I'd probably choose:

KDP → Amazon IngramSpark → bookstores/libraries/other print distribution Draft2Digital → Apple Books, Kobo, libraries, etc. for ebooks

One important caveat: don't blindly publish the same edition through every service's distribution network, because overlapping distribution can create conflicts. The setup should be planned around where you want each format sold.

If you tell me (1) what kind of book it is, (2) whether it's fiction/nonfiction, (3) ebook, paperback, hardcover, or all three, and (4) whether your priority is making money, getting into bookstores, or simply getting the book published, I can tell you exactly which service(s) I'd use and why.

Choosing the right self-publishing service depends heavily on your budget, technical comfort level , and distribution goals . Self-publishing platforms generally fall into two categories: Free/Aggregator Platforms (where you do-it-yourself and keep high royalties) and Assisted/Paid Services (where you pay a flat fee for professional hand-holding).

The top options on the market match different author needs:

1. The Best Free & Direct Platforms (DIY)

• Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) : The undisputed giant for ebooks and print-on-demand (paperback and hardcover). If you want to reach the largest market of ebook readers, you start here.
  • Pros: Free to use, massive market share, high royalties (up to 70% on ebooks), and access to Kindle Unlimited via KDP Select.
  • Cons: Exclusive enrollment in KDP Select restricts you from selling your ebook on other platforms.
• Draft2Digital (D2D) : The premier aggregator for getting your ebook and print books onto Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and global libraries.
  • Pros: Extremely user-friendly formatting tools, excellent customer service, and distributes wide where Amazon doesn't reach.
  • Cons: Takes a small percentage (about 10%) of your royalties as a cut of what they distribute.
• IngramSpark : The gold standard for getting physical books into brick-and-mortar bookstores, libraries, and independent shops.
  • Pros: Unmatched wholesale distribution to bookstores and libraries globally.
  • Cons: Charges setup fees (though often waived with promo codes) and revision fees; less forgiving interface for beginners.

2. The Best for Independent Print & Custom Projects

• Lulu : Great for independent creators, workbook designers, or specialized print formats.
  • Pros: Excellent print quality, wide array of custom sizing/binding options, and direct global distribution options.
  • Cons: Pricing per individual book order can be higher unless ordering in bulk.
• Barnes & Noble Press : B&N's direct-to-consumer publishing arm.
  • Pros: Easy to use interface, and gives you a direct shot at in-store placement consideration at Barnes & Noble physical locations.
  • Cons: Smaller market share compared to Amazon.

3. The Best Premium & Assisted Services (Paid)

• BookBaby or MindStir Media : Ideal if you have a budget ($1,000 to $5,000+) and want a professional company to handle editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution for you.
  • Pros: Full-service packages, professional quality control, and you retain 100% of your net royalties on many plans.
  • Cons: Expensive upfront costs; you must vet packages carefully to avoid hidden upsells.
• Reedsy : A marketplace rather than a publisher, connecting you with vetted freelance editors, designers, and marketers.
  • Pros: You maintain complete creative and financial control while hiring top-tier industry professionals.
  • Cons: You manage the project management yourself, and costs scale per freelancer hired.

To help me narrow this down, tell me:

• Are you publishing an ebook, a paperback/hardcover, or both?
• Do you want to do it yourself for free or hire a professional service with an upfront budget?
• Do you want to sell exclusively on Amazon or go wide across all retailers?

If you mean self-publishing a book yourself rather than paying a “publishing company” to do everything, my default recommendation is:

My pick for most authors: Amazon KDP

Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is usually the best starting point because it’s free to upload, gives you direct access to Amazon’s enormous book marketplace, and handles both ebooks and print-on-demand. Current comparisons continue to put KDP first for Amazon-focused authors.

But you don't necessarily need to choose only one service:

The setup I'd recommend for a serious indie author: KDP for Amazon + IngramSpark for wide print + Draft2Digital for non-Amazon ebooks. These services solve different distribution problems rather than really competing with each other.

One important distinction: I would not automatically pay a company thousands of dollars for a “self-publishing package.” You can hire an editor, cover designer, formatter, etc. individually and retain much more control over your book and rights.

If you tell me what kind of book you're publishing (novel, memoir, children's book, nonfiction, etc.), whether it's ebook/print/both, and your approximate budget, I can tell you exactly which service/setup I'd choose for your book.

The "best" self-publishing service depends entirely on your budget, technical skills, and whether you want total control or professional hand-holding.

The top platforms break down by category so you can match your needs to the right tool:

• Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) : The undisputed giant for ebooks and print-on-demand paperbacks/hardcovers.
  • Best for: Maximum audience reach, ease of use, and zero upfront costs.
  • The catch: If you enroll in KDP Select (for Kindle Unlimited), you must keep your ebook exclusive to Amazon.
  • Get started: Amazon KDP
• Draft2Digital (D2D) : The premier aggregator for getting your ebook (and now print) onto Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and libraries.
  • Best for: Going "wide" (selling everywhere outside of Amazon) without managing five different dashboard accounts. They take a small percentage of your royalties instead of charging upfront.
  • Get started: Draft2Digital
• IngramSpark : The industry standard for independent authors who want their physical books stocked in brick-and-mortar bookstores and libraries.
  • Best for: Global wholesale distribution and high-quality hardcovers.
  • The catch: It has a steeper learning curve for formatting, though they have transitioned away from standard setup fees to alternative structures like market access fees.
  • Get started: IngramSpark
• Lulu : A versatile print-on-demand platform that excels at direct-to-consumer sales, specialty books (like photo books, poetry, or workbooks), and custom print runs.
  • Best for: Creators wanting to sell directly from their own website (via Shopify or WooCommerce integrations) rather than relying on major retail algorithms.
  • Get started: Lulu
• BookBaby or MindStir Media (Assisted/Paid Services) : These are assisted self-publishing companies where you pay upfront packages for editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution.
  • Best for: Authors with a budget who want a turnkey, professional team to handle production and execution for them.
  • The catch: Can cost thousands of dollars upfront, and you must carefully vet the contract to ensure you keep 100% of your rights and royalties.

To help narrow this down, tell me:

• What genre is your book (fiction, memoir, poetry, workbook)?
• Are you planning to sell ebook, paperback, or hardcover (or all three)?
• Do you want to sell exclusively on Amazon or go wide across all retailers?

Choosing the right self-publishing service depends entirely on your goals, budget, and how much control you want over distribution. There is no single "best" option, but rather the best option for your specific project.

Here is a breakdown of the top platforms categorized by what they do best:

- **Best for:** Absolute beginners, ebooks, and maximum reach on the world's largest retail platform.
- **Strengths:** Free to use, user-friendly, dominates the ebook market, and offers print-on-demand (POD) for paperbacks and hardcovers. Enrolling in *KDP Select* gives you access to Kindle Unlimited (KU) promotional tools.
- **Drawback:** If you choose KDP Select, you must make your ebook exclusive to Amazon. Print distribution outside of Amazon can also feel limited.
- **Link:** Get started via Amazon KDP.[](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EV9vJOGzRX0?vl=en) [[1]](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EV9vJOGzRX0?vl=en)

- **Best for:** Getting your physical books into independent bookstores, libraries, and global academic networks.
- **Strengths:** Unmatched global distribution to over 40,000 retailers and libraries, high-quality printing, and industry-standard wholesale discounts.
- **Drawback:** They charge setup fees (though waived via codes occasionally), and the platform has a steeper learning curve with strict file formatting requirements.
- **Link:** Explore options on IngramSpark.[](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EV9vJOGzRX0?vl=en) [[1]](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EV9vJOGzRX0?vl=en)[[2]](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EV9vJOGzRX0?vl=en)

- **Best for:** "Going wide" (selling your ebook and print books everywhere *except* exclusively on Amazon) with minimal headache.
- **Strengths:** Excellent automated formatting tools, distributes to Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and libraries. They take a percentage of sales rather than charging upfront fees for standard distribution.
- **Drawback:** Retailers take their cut, and you still have to manage Amazon KDP separately if you want your books on Amazon too (though D2D can distribute to Amazon, managing KDP direct is usually preferred).
- **Link:** Check out Draft2Digital.[](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EV9vJOGzRX0?vl=en) [[1]](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EV9vJOGzRX0?vl=en)

- **Best for:** Independent print-on-demand quality, specialty book projects, or direct-to-consumer sales (e.g., integrating with Shopify or Payhip).
- **Strengths:** Superb print quality, competitive printing costs, and great options for niche or independent storefront integration.
- **Drawback:** Lower organic marketplace traffic compared to Amazon or Ingram.
- **Link:** Learn more at Lulu or BookVault.[](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EV9vJOGzRX0?vl=en) [[1]](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EV9vJOGzRX0?vl=en)

- **Best for:** Authors looking to hire vetted, independent professionals (editors, cover designers, formatters) before publishing.
- **Strengths:** High-quality freelance marketplace where you retain 100% control and ownership; they also offer fantastic free educational resources and book-planning tools.
- **Drawback:** It is a marketplace for services, not a direct distributor. You still publish via KDP, D2D, etc.
- **Link:** Browse professionals on Reedsy.[](https://www.manhattanbookgroup.com/2026/07/19/self-publishing-services/) [[1]](https://www.manhattanbookgroup.com/2026/07/19/self-publishing-services/)

To help narrow this down, tell me:

• What format is your book? (ebook, paperback, hardcover, or audio)
• Do you want to go wide (sell on multiple platforms) or stick exclusively to Amazon?
• Are you looking for a free DIY platform or do you need paid assistance with editing/covers?

If you mean self-publishing a book where you keep the rights and control, my default recommendation is:

My recommendation

For most authors: use Amazon KDP + IngramSpark.

• kdp.amazon.com — best for reaching Amazon/Kindle readers and for straightforward print-on-demand. KDP offers ebooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers, with print royalties of up to 60% before printing costs.
• ingramspark.com — best for broader print distribution, particularly if you want bookstores, libraries, schools, and independent retailers to be able to order your book. Its network reaches tens of thousands of retailers, libraries, and other outlets.

I wouldn't pay a "self-publishing company" thousands of dollars just to upload your book. You can retain control and publish directly through these platforms.

Which one fits your goal?

Draft2Digital is particularly useful if you don't want to individually manage multiple ebook retailers. It distributes to Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, libraries and other channels, taking roughly 10% of the retail price as its commission.

One important distinction: KDP's Expanded Distribution isn't the same thing as having a strong bookstore distribution strategy. KDP says Expanded Distribution pays 40% of list price minus printing costs, while IngramSpark is built around a much larger wholesale distribution network.

If this were my book

I'd generally do:

Professional editing → professional cover → KDP for Amazon → IngramSpark for wider print distribution → Draft2Digital only if I wanted additional ebook channels.

The answer changes quite a bit depending on what kind of book you're publishing (novel, nonfiction, children's book, memoir, cookbook, academic book, etc.) and whether your priority is making money, getting into bookstores, building an author career, or simply getting the book published.

If you tell me what kind of book it is, approximate page count, and whether you already have the manuscript/cover, I can tell you which setup I'd use and roughly what it should cost.