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If you're trying to choose between Smashwords and KDP for your self-publishing journey, I get how confusing it can be. You’re probably wondering which platform will give your book the biggest audience, better control over pricing, or easier formatting. The good news is, if you keep reading, I’ll share simple insights to help you pick the right fit. In the end, you'll see how both platforms can work together to boost your book’s success.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- Amazon KDP mainly puts your book in Amazon, which gets over 70% of ebook sales, making it ideal for quick access to a large audience. Smashwords distributes to many stores like Apple, Barnes & Noble, and libraries, broadening exposure but often with fewer sales outside Amazon.
- Both platforms offer good royalty options: KDP gives up to 70% for priced ebooks with easy price changes, while Smashwords offers around 60%, paid quarterly. In both cases, you can run free promotions and discounts.
- KDP is best for authors wanting fast setup and maximum visibility within Amazon, especially for print books. Smashwords is suited for wide distribution and reaching readers who prefer stores and libraries, but it can be more complex to navigate.
Which Self-Publishing Platform Is Better: Smashwords or KDP?
1. Main Focus: Distribution and Reach
Understanding Where Your eBook Will Be Available
When choosing between Smashwords and KDP, it’s essential to consider where your book will be found. Amazon KDP primarily puts your ebook in the Amazon store, which dominates the online book market with a staggering share—over 70% of ebook sales come from Amazon. This means your book is directly available to millions of potential readers browsing Amazon.
In contrast, Smashwords distributes your work to a wide network of retailers such as Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and even libraries. This broader reach can help your book find audiences outside Amazon, including customers who prefer stores or library systems untouched by the Amazon ecosystem.
Pros and Cons of Wide Distribution with Smashwords
Distributing through Smashwords means your ebook appears across multiple platforms, increasing exposure across different audiences. However, the process can be more complex and slower, as each retailer may have its own formatting criteria and review times. Also, since Smashwords’ own store is less visited than Amazon, direct sales might be lower.
Another advantage is pricing flexibility—settings like free promotions or discounted offers are easily manageable, which can attract more readers or build your mailing list. But, it’s worth noting that sales outside Amazon tend to be fewer, so relying solely on diverse platforms may limit your revenue.
Advantages of Selling Mainly on Amazon with KDP
Amazon KDP is a powerhouse for authors wanting quick access to a massive audience. The platform’s intuitive interface makes uploading and publishing straightforward, often taking just a day or two to go live. Plus, Amazon’s recommendation engine and reviews drive a lot of sales, especially for well-priced books in popular categories.
Authors using KDP benefit from royalty rates up to 70% for ebooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99, making it highly profitable on volume. The downside? Your sales are concentrated mainly on Amazon, so if there are changes to algorithms or policies, your income could be affected. Still, if you’re aiming for maximum visibility within Amazon’s ecosystem, KDP remains the top choice.
2. Royalties and Pricing Control
Comparing Earnings and Payment Schedules
Amazon KDP offers up to 70% royalties on ebooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99, which can be a game-changer for authors. The platform pays every month, giving you a reliable income stream. Smashwords typically offers around 60% royalties, but this depends on each retailer’s policies. Payments are made quarterly, which can be less predictable but still dependable.
Pricing Flexibility and Price Changes
KDP allows you to modify your ebook’s price instantly, providing a way to optimize sales with temporary discounts or promotions. Smashwords also offers flexible pricing, including the option to make your book free for promotional purposes, which can help build your reader base or gather reviews.
Perma-Free and Promotional Pricing Options
Both platforms support free giveaways, but Smashwords’ integration with multiple stores means your free book can reach a broader audience. On KDP, enrolling your book in Kindle Unlimited via KDP Select offers a different type of promotional opportunity—readers can borrow your book, and you get paid per page read, which can boost exposure.
5. Print on Demand and Additional Publishing Options
Print Options on Smashwords via Draft2Digital
Although Smashwords itself doesn’t handle print, many authors use Draft2Digital to set up print-on-demand (POD) versions of their books for wider distribution.
This partnership allows you to publish paperbacks and hardcovers that can be sold through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and independent bookstores.
To get started, prepare your manuscript carefully following print formatting guidelines, then connect your Smashwords account via Draft2Digital for seamless setup.
While this route offers reach into physical bookstores, keep in mind that printing costs, royalties, and distribution fees will cut into your profit margins.
Using KDP for Paperback and Hardcover Books
Amazon KDP isn’t limited to ebooks—it's a solid choice for publishing print books, including paperbacks and hardcovers.
Once your manuscript is formatted to their specifications, you can upload your files and set your pricing—all from your dashboard.
Plus, KDP’s print options include a wide array of trim sizes, paper types, and cover finishes to match your book’s style.
Using KDP for print allows for easy local distribution and the option to enroll your print books in programs like "Look Inside" to boost visibility.
Keep in mind, print-on-demand avoids inventory costs, but printing and shipping costs influence your profit margins, so price your books accordingly.
FAQs
Smashwords offers wide distribution to various retailers outside Amazon, while KDP primarily sells through Amazon. Choose Smashwords if you want broad reach, or KDP if focusing on Amazon sales.
KDP offers competitive royalties, especially with Kindle Unlimited. Smashwords provides royalties based on sales across various stores. Your choice depends on your distribution goals and pricing strategy.
KDP has a straightforward uploading process with clear formatting guidelines. Smashwaters's integration with Draft2Digital may add steps, but offers more formatting options for wide distribution.
Using both platforms can maximize your book’s exposure—KDP for Amazon's audience and Smashwords for retailers outside Amazon. Consider your goals and resources when choosing a combined approach.
