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If you’re thinking about self-publishing, you’ve probably run into Amazon KDP pretty quickly. It’s popular for a reason. But in my experience, “popular” doesn’t always mean “best fit.” Sometimes the formatting feels fiddly, sometimes you don’t want to be locked into one retailer, and sometimes you just want to test a different audience.
So yeah—Amazon KDP can be legit, but it’s also not the only game in town. If you want to diversify your ebook and print sales, these 9 platforms are worth a serious look. I’m going to focus on what actually matters: distribution reach, how easy the upload process feels, what you can control (pricing, formats, print options), and the trade-offs you’ll run into.
9 Alternatives to Amazon KDP
There’s no question about whether Amazon KDP is legit or even whether you can earn with KDP. But if KDP isn’t working for you—maybe you want broader ebook distribution, maybe you’re not into the KDP Select exclusivity angle, or maybe you’d rather sell print books through wider retail channels—then here are 9 alternatives to Amazon KDP that I’d actually test.
1. Smashwords
Smashwords is one of those platforms that feels built for authors who want simple digital publishing without a bunch of extra noise. I used it a while back to get ebooks into multiple stores, and what I noticed right away was how straightforward the upload process is—especially compared to platforms that try to do everything at once.
Smashwords’ big strength is distribution. It pushes ebooks to major retailers like Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Apple Books. That means you’re not relying on one storefront for your entire sales strategy.
Pricing and royalties are where Smashwords tends to stand out. In my experience, you get more control than you might expect, and the royalty structure can be better than some other options—especially when sales happen through their direct channels.
One more practical perk: Smashwords includes analytics. If you care about what readers are doing (and you should), having sales and trend data in one place saves time.
Now, the trade-off. Smashwords doesn’t really bundle “done-for-you” services like editing, cover design, or marketing. If you need those, you’ll be sourcing them separately.
Also, while the interface is easy, you still need to format your ebook correctly. If your manuscript is messy, you’ll feel it during publishing.
Feature Comparison with Amazon KDP
- Distribution Network: Smashwords distributes to multiple ebook retailers (including Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Apple Books). Amazon KDP is mostly Amazon-focused, so your audience can be more concentrated.
- Royalty Rates: Smashwords often offers higher royalty rates than Amazon KDP, particularly for sales made through Smashwords’ channels.
- User Interface and Ease of Use: Smashwords feels more “direct.” If you’re new, it can be less intimidating than KDP’s more complex setup.
- Exclusive Programs: Smashwords doesn’t require exclusivity like KDP Select does. So you can publish across platforms without locking yourself in.
- Ideal for: Authors who want broad ebook distribution, a simpler publishing workflow, and a royalty structure that’s generally more favorable.
2. Draft2Digital
Draft2Digital is the one I usually recommend when someone wants an easier publishing experience. When I tested it, the upload and formatting steps felt calm and predictable—like it was designed for authors who don’t want to spend their entire day wrestling with file conversions.
It also has automatic conversion. That matters. A lot. If you’ve ever tried publishing and then realized your formatting broke in one store but not another, you know why this feature is a big deal.
The standout feature here is the Universal Book Link (UBL). Instead of giving readers a different link for each retailer, it gives you one link that routes to where the book is available. For promos, that’s honestly a lifesaver. I’ve used UBL-style links in posts and newsletters, and it makes your marketing cleaner.
Draft2Digital also distributes to major retailers and library channels, including Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. So you’re not stuck with one ecosystem.
One more thing I liked: the pricing model is commission-based, so you’re not paying upfront just to publish. You keep your rights, and you’re not locked into a “pay to play” setup.
Just don’t expect built-in editing or cover design services. You’ll still need to handle those yourself (or hire someone).
Feature Comparison with Amazon KDP
- User Interface and Automation: Draft2Digital is more guided and automated for formatting and conversion, while Amazon KDP can feel more manual depending on your workflow.
- Distribution Network: Draft2Digital reaches multiple retailers and library distributors, not just Amazon.
- Universal Book Link (UBL): One link for multiple retailers makes promotion easier than managing separate links.
- Royalties and Pricing Model: Draft2Digital uses a commission-based model with competitive royalties; KDP has options that vary by program and pricing tier.
- Ideal for: Authors who want simplicity, automation, and multi-retailer distribution without the hassle.
3. IngramSpark
IngramSpark is the one I look at when I care about print quality and broader “real-world” distribution. My experience with it was pretty clear: the print books feel more “store-ready,” and the reach goes beyond just online purchases.
They support both print and ebook formats, and their distribution network includes major retailers, independent bookstores, libraries, and schools. If you want your book to be available through channels that bookstores actually use, this is a strong candidate.
The print quality is genuinely impressive. You can choose hardcover and paperback, and the paper/binding options feel more “professional” than what you get from some simpler POD setups.
But here’s the catch: the platform is more technical. It gives you a lot of control, which is great—until you’re new and you just want to upload a file and move on. You’ll likely spend more time on settings and formatting checks.
IngramSpark also charges a setup fee for each title (covering print and ebook formats). So if you’re testing multiple books at once, that cost can add up.
That said, they provide tools and resources for formatting and design, plus a royalty calculator so you can estimate earnings before you commit.
Feature Comparison with Amazon KDP
- Print Quality and Options: IngramSpark offers stronger print options (including hardcover) and tends to deliver a more premium physical product than Amazon’s more limited print setup.
- Distribution Network for Print Books: IngramSpark is built for print distribution—major retailers, independent bookstores, and libraries. Amazon KDP is more centered on Amazon.com.
- Setup Fee and Royalties: IngramSpark typically requires a setup fee per title, while Amazon KDP is usually easier on upfront costs. The royalty structure is straightforward once you’re in.
- Technical Interface: More settings, more control, more “learning curve.” If you like precision, you’ll appreciate it.
- Ideal for: Authors who want excellent print quality and wider offline distribution—and who don’t mind a more technical publishing process.
4. Lulu
Lulu is one of those platforms that feels flexible. I liked it most for authors who care about the physical details—sizes, paper types, bindings—because Lulu gives you a lot more choices than some “standard template” POD providers.
Another thing I noticed: Lulu’s print-on-demand model makes it easier to avoid inventory risk. You’re not paying to print a bunch of copies upfront, which is great when you’re still testing demand.
The platform itself is reasonably user-friendly. When I set up a book, the steps weren’t confusing, and the instructions were clear enough that I didn’t feel totally lost.
For distribution, Lulu can sell through its own bookstore and also through major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. So you get that mix of direct sales plus wider reach.
Pricing is transparent too—you set your prices, and you earn royalties based on that. There’s also a profit calculator, which is useful when you’re trying to figure out what price point actually makes sense.
Bottom line: if you want more control over the physical product and you like the idea of both direct and retail sales, Lulu is a solid alternative.
Feature Comparison with Amazon KDP
- Customization and Print Options: Lulu offers more physical customization (sizes, paper types, bindings) than Amazon KDP’s typical options.
- Print-on-Demand Service: POD keeps upfront costs low and helps reduce waste. Lulu’s approach is similar in concept to KDP, but with different customization choices.
- User Interface and Ease of Use: Lulu is fairly straightforward, even if you’re not super technical.
- Direct Sales through Lulu’s Online Bookstore: You can sell directly through Lulu too, which can improve margins compared to relying only on marketplaces.
- Ideal for: Authors who want customization and a balance between direct sales and broader distribution.
5. Kobo Writing Life
Kobo Writing Life is a platform I checked because it has a strong ebook focus and a real international vibe. If your goal is to reach readers outside the typical Amazon-heavy audience, it’s worth adding Kobo to your lineup.
What stood out to me is Kobo’s presence in Canada and its popularity in other countries. That international footprint can matter more than people think—especially if your marketing is global or if your genre tends to do well with international readers.
The publishing workflow is also pretty smooth. I found the interface easy to navigate: upload your manuscript, set pricing, choose distribution. It’s not overly complicated, and it doesn’t feel like you need a technical degree to get it right.
Kobo also offers promotional opportunities. I’ve seen authors benefit from being featured in Kobo marketing campaigns, and even if you’re not expecting miracles, those visibility boosts can move the needle.
Royalties are competitive, and you can set your own book prices. That pricing flexibility helps when you’re trying to test different price points or match market expectations.
One limitation: Kobo doesn’t really include editing or cover design. So you’ll need your ebook files and cover ready (or be comfortable outsourcing).
Feature Comparison with Amazon KDP
- Global Market Focus: Kobo is more internationally oriented (with strong Canada coverage), while Amazon KDP is often more US-centric in how authors experience it.
- Promotional Opportunities: Kobo has its own promotional tools and campaigns that aren’t identical to what you get inside Amazon’s ecosystem.
- Royalty Rates and Pricing Flexibility: Competitive royalties plus the ability to set pricing helps you tailor strategy by market.
- Ebook-centric Platform: Kobo is primarily ebook-focused, while KDP also leans heavily into print-on-demand.
- Ideal for: Authors who want international ebook distribution and a platform with built-in promotional possibilities.
6. Apple Books for Authors
Apple Books for Authors is one I found interesting because it’s so tied to Apple’s ecosystem. If your readers are iPhone, iPad, or Mac users (and lots of them are), that integration can be a real advantage.
The biggest “wow” factor is how clean the publishing experience feels. The interface is simple and polished, like… it actually matches the Apple design philosophy. I didn’t feel like I was fighting the system just to get a book live.
And because Apple Books is directly used across Apple devices, your book can show up for a big audience without you needing to do extra work for device compatibility.
There are no upfront fees for publishing, and the royalty structure is competitive. You can also set your own prices, which is important if you’re testing promos or different price points.
Just keep in mind: Apple Books doesn’t provide editing or cover design. So if your manuscript isn’t ready (or your cover isn’t right), you’ll need to fix that before publishing.
Feature Comparison with Amazon KDP
- Device Integration: Apple Books is built around Apple devices, giving Apple users a smooth reading experience. Amazon KDP targets a broader range of devices and platforms.
- User Experience and Interface: Apple Books tends to be more streamlined and “lightweight,” while KDP can be more complex depending on your setup.
- Focused Audience Reach: You’re targeting Apple device users specifically, which can be great if that matches your reader base.
- Royalty and Pricing: Both offer competitive royalties, but Apple Books gives you strong pricing flexibility for the Apple market.
- Ideal for: Authors who want a simple publishing workflow and want to reach readers who primarily use Apple devices.
7. Barns & Noble Press
Barnes & Noble Press is a pretty compelling alternative if you want to target the US audience and you like the idea of being connected to a major bookstore brand.
What I like most about it is the direct link to Barnes & Noble’s marketplace. That means your book can show up on Barnes & Noble’s site, which gives you visibility beyond just “posting and hoping.”
The publishing workflow is also pretty easy. Uploading and managing books doesn’t feel like a maze. If you’ve already published somewhere else, you’ll probably pick it up quickly.
There’s also a physical angle: Barnes & Noble Press can offer opportunities for print books to be considered for in-store placement. That’s huge if your goal is to see your book on actual shelves.
Royalties and pricing are flexible, and the platform sometimes runs promotions and discounts. Those occasional pushes can help your book get noticed faster.
One limitation: it’s mostly focused on the US market. If you’re aiming for heavy international discovery, you’ll want additional channels alongside B&N Press.
Feature Comparison with Amazon KDP
- Market Focus: Barnes & Noble Press is largely US-focused, while Amazon KDP is more globally experienced through Amazon’s ecosystem.
- In-Store Placement Opportunities: B&N Press offers a real chance at physical placement in Barnes & Noble stores—something KDP doesn’t directly provide in the same way.
- Royalties and Pricing: Competitive royalties plus pricing flexibility, with occasional promotions that can add visibility.
- User Interface: Generally user-friendly and easy to manage—similar “feel” to KDP for many authors.
- Ideal for: Authors targeting US readers and wanting the possibility of bookstore shelf exposure.
8. Google Play Books
Google Play Books is a smart option if you want to tap into the Android and Google ecosystem. When I looked at it, the main selling point was obvious: your book can reach readers who use Google Play across phones, tablets, and other devices.
The publishing process is also straightforward. You get step-by-step guidance for uploading, setting prices, and managing distribution. I found the interface efficient, which matters when you’re trying to publish quickly and avoid formatting headaches.
Royalties are competitive, and you can set your own prices. I also like the idea of global pricing control—because you can adjust based on what different markets will actually pay.
Google Play Books is ebook-focused and doesn’t offer print-on-demand in the same way some other platforms do. So if you’re only chasing print sales, it won’t be your main solution. But for ebooks, it’s a strong add-on.
Like most platforms here, it doesn’t include editing or cover design. Your files need to be ready before you hit publish.
Feature Comparison with Amazon KDP
- Integration with Google Ecosystem: Google Play Books plugs into Google Play, giving you access to Android and Google users. Amazon KDP is more centered around Amazon’s marketplace.
- Global Pricing Control: You can manage pricing across markets more directly than with some Amazon setups.
- Ebook Focus: Google Play Books emphasizes ebooks, while Amazon KDP also supports print-on-demand.
- Royalty Rates and Pricing Flexibility: Competitive royalties plus more control over how your prices work globally.
- Ideal for: Authors focused on ebook distribution who want broader digital reach through Google Play.
9. Blurb
Blurb is different from the other options on this list, and that’s exactly why I’m including it. If you’re publishing something visual—photo books, cookbooks, art books, specialty design-heavy projects—Blurb is one of the platforms that feels like it was built for that.
The print quality is a big deal here. I’ve always noticed that Blurb-style books tend to look more “finished,” especially when you have full-page images or layouts that need to be crisp.
Blurb’s customization options are also strong. You can choose book size, paper type, and cover design in ways that feel more flexible than standard POD templates. If you have a specific design vision, you’ll probably enjoy the control.
They also have BookWright software for creating and laying out books. In my experience, it’s user-friendly enough to get going without needing a professional design tool—though you still need to know what you want your layout to do.
Blurb supports ebooks too, but the platform’s real strength is print. They offer print-on-demand, so you’re not stuck buying inventory upfront.
For sales, you can sell through Blurb’s website and also distribute to global retailers like Amazon and Apple Books. Still, Blurb is more focused on helping you sell directly through their platform than some of the other ebook-first distributors.
One thing to be aware of: printing costs may be higher than some alternatives. For visual books, that cost can be worth it because the quality shows.
Feature Comparison with Amazon KDP
- Focus on Visual and Specialty Books: Blurb is excellent for photo books, art books, and other visual-centric projects—areas where Amazon KDP isn’t as specifically tailored.
- Customization and Design Tools: Blurb gives more advanced creative control over layout and appearance.
- Print Quality and Options: High-quality print output with more paper and size choices for design-forward books.
- Direct Sales Through Blurb’s Website: Encourages direct-to-customer sales, which can improve margins compared to relying only on Amazon’s marketplace.
- Ideal for: Creators, photographers, designers, and authors with visual-heavy books who care about professional print presentation and customization.
Conclusion
Switching off Amazon KDP (or adding alternatives alongside it) really can open up more opportunities. Each platform here has a different “sweet spot”—some are better for ebooks and broad digital distribution, others are built for print quality, and a few are clearly geared toward specialty visual books.
If you’re serious about growing sales, I’d treat this like diversification, not an all-or-nothing decision. Publish where it makes sense for your audience, your formatting comfort level, and the kind of book you’re making. Then watch what happens when readers aren’t all funneling through one store.
