So, you’ve written a book—or you’re close—and now the big question is: how do you get it out into the world? The truth is, publishing your book has never been easier or more doable. Thanks to self-publishing platforms, you don’t need to wait for a big publishing deal to share your story with readers.

Whether you’ve written a novel, a children’s book, a cookbook, or even a personal journal, some platforms make it simple to publish and sell your work. In this guide, we’ll break down the best self-publishing platforms and help you figure out which one suits your goals.

Popularity of Self-publishing

Why Self-Publishing Has Become So Popular

Years ago, getting published meant convincing a traditional publisher to take a chance on your book. Now, writers are skipping the middleman and doing it themselves—and for good reason. Self-publishing gives you full control over your work, from the cover to the price to where it’s sold.

You don’t have to wait months for approval. You don’t lose rights to your work. And best of all, you earn more per sale. It’s not just an option anymore—it’s a real opportunity.

Amazon KDP – The Go-To Choice for New Authors

When most people think about self-publishing, Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the first name that comes up. And with good reason—it’s the biggest player in the space. Through KDP, you can publish both eBooks and paperbacks and have them sold directly on Amazon, the world’s largest online bookstore.

Setting up your book is pretty simple. You upload your manuscript, add a cover (they even offer a cover creator tool), write a description, and choose your price. Once it’s published, your book is available worldwide within 72 hours.

Why it stands out:

  • Amazon is where most readers already shop
  • You can earn up to 70% on eBook sales
  • Real-time sales tracking helps you understand your performance
  • Print-on-demand means you don’t need to order or ship anything yourself

Apple Books – Great for iPhone and iPad Readers

Apple Books for Authors is Apple’s self-publishing portal, and it’s perfect if you want to target readers who use Apple devices. While it’s limited to eBooks, it gives you great visibility on iPhones, iPads, and Macs through the native Apple Books app.

The platform offers detailed sales reports, flexible pricing, and no upfront costs. You’ll need a Mac computer to publish directly, but you can use third-party services like Draft2Digital if you’re working from a PC.

Why it’s useful:

  • Strong brand trust among Apple users
  • High royalties, up to 70%
  • Ideal for design-conscious writers who want a sleek experience

Barnes and Noble Press – Ideal for US Print Distribution

Barnes & Noble Press lets you publish eBooks and print books and sell them through the Barnes & Noble website and, in some cases, physical stores. While its reach isn’t as big as Amazon’s, it’s still a respected name in the book world.

The platform is user-friendly and available for free. You can also order copies of your print book at a discount, which is great if you want to sell books at events or through your website.

Why authors like it:

  • Recognizable brand
  • Easy print-on-demand setup
  • Access to physical retail (if your book performs well)

Kobo Writing Life – Reach Readers Outside the US

Kobo Writing Life is a self-publishing platform run by Rakuten Kobo, and it’s popular in Canada, Europe, and other international markets. If your goal is to reach readers globally, this is a great place to start.

You can publish eBooks directly and earn up to 70% in royalties. Kobo also has strong partnerships with libraries, which means your book could be available to borrow as well as buy.

Why it’s worth checking out:

  • Great for reaching international readers
  • Clean, easy-to-use interface
  • Good integration with library systems

Draft2Digital – Publish to Many Stores in One Step

If managing accounts on multiple platforms sounds like a hassle, Draft2Digital is here to help. This service lets you upload your book once and distribute it across several major platforms—including Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and others.

You don’t pay upfront. Instead, Draft2Digital takes about 10% of the royalties you earn from sales. They also offer free tools for formatting your book and creating a professional-looking layout.

What makes it great:

  • One upload, multiple stores
  • Clean dashboard for tracking everything
  • Free, no-hassle formatting tools

Smashwords – A Pioneer in eBook Distribution

Smashwords is one of the original self-publishing platforms, focusing mainly on eBook distribution. It allows you to publish your book and make it available in online bookstores, libraries, and other smaller outlets that larger platforms might skip.

Smashwords has now merged with Draft2Digital, so you get access to both distribution networks when you sign up with either platform.

Why consider it:

  • Broad, niche distribution
  • Access to indie retailers and libraries
  • Strong history in self-publishing

Reedsy – Professional Help When You Need It

Reedsy isn’t a publishing platform, but it’s incredibly useful. Think of it as a marketplace for finding experts who can help you finish your book. You can hire editors, cover designers, marketers, and even ghostwriters.

Reedsy also offers a free formatting tool that helps you export your book in both ePub and PDF formats.

Who it’s for:

  • Authors who want a polished final product
  • Writers who need help with editing or design
  • Anyone looking for professional guidance

Lulu – Flexible Print Options and Custom Products

Lulu is known for its flexibility. You can create everything from standard paperbacks to hardcover books, photo books, and calendars. You can also sell through Lulu’s store or connect it to your website using their online tools.

While the learning curve is a bit steeper, it gives you more control over your final product. That makes Lulu a favorite for creators who want to offer something a little different.

Best for:

  • Books that go beyond standard formats
  • Authors selling directly to their audience
  • Creators looking for premium printing

Blurb – Perfect for Visual and Creative Books

Blurb is a top choice for creative professionals. It allows you to create high-quality photo books, art books, cookbooks, and other visually rich publications. You can use Blurb’s free design tools or connect it with software like Adobe InDesign.

A blurb isn’t ideal for plain-text novels, but if your book has lots of images or needs a special design, it’s hard to beat.

Recommended for:

  • Artists, designers, and photographers
  • Authors creating gift or coffee table books
  • Anyone who needs top-notch printing

How to Choose the Right Platform for You

The best platform depends on what matters most to you. Are you trying to reach the most readers, make the most money, or create the best-looking print book possible?

Here’s a quick way to think about it:

  • Wide reach: Start with Amazon KDP and consider Draft2Digital
  • Print quality: Look at Lulu or Blurb
  • Global sales: Try Kobo Writing Life
  • Apple audience: Use Apple Books (directly or through D2D)
  • Extra help needed: Use Reedsy for editing or design

Final Thoughts

Self-publishing gives you the power to share your work on your terms. With so many platforms available, you can choose what fits you best—whether that means fast publishing, wide reach, or full creative control.

You’ve already done the hard part by writing the book. Now, it’s time to pick the right platform and take that final step. Wherever you start, know that your story is ready to be heard—and the tools to publish it are right at your fingertips.