Have you ever dreamed of becoming a published author, and sharing your stories and ideas? The traditional publishing route can seem daunting and out of reach for many aspiring writers. However, with the rise of self-publishing platforms, publishing your book has never been more accessible or affordable. In this guide, we’ll explore how you can publish your book for free using the seven best sites for self-publishing.
If you’ve finished writing your book or are nearing completion, you may wonder how to publish it without breaking the bank. While traditional publishing is certainly an option to explore, self-publishing allows authors around the world to publish their works for free while maintaining more creative control and income.
Understanding Self-Publishing to Publish a Free Book
Self-publishing is the process of publishing a book without the involvement of traditional publishing houses. One of the biggest advantages of self-publishing is the creative control it gives authors over their work. From the cover design to the pricing, authors have the final say in every aspect of the publishing process. Additionally, self-published authors typically earn higher royalties compared to traditional publishing.
The process of self-publishing involves several key steps, including editing, formatting, and cover design. While these tasks may seem daunting, many self-publishing platforms offer tools and resources to help authors through the process.
Steps to Publish a Free Book
- Prepare your manuscript: Before publishing, it’s essential to edit and format your manuscript to ensure it meets the standards of your chosen platform.
- Create a cover: A professional-looking cover is crucial for attracting readers. Consider hiring a designer or using a platform’s cover design tools.
- Set a price: Consider your pricing strategy carefully. Pricing too high may deter readers, while pricing too low may devalue your work.
- Publish your book: Once your manuscript is ready, upload it to your chosen platform and follow the steps to publish it. Be sure to review your book carefully before making it available to readers.
Formatting Your Book for Free
Formatting your book is essential to ensure it looks professional and is easy to read. Many self-publishing platforms offer tools and resources to help you format your book for free. These tools often include templates and guidelines for formatting your manuscript, as well as tips for designing your book cover.
When formatting your book, consider the following tips:
- Use a readable font and font size.
- Include page numbers and chapter headings.
- Ensure your margins are consistent.
- Use images and illustrations sparingly, as they can increase file size and printing costs.
Best Sites to Publish a Free Book
1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Amazon’s KDP is a well-known platform for self-publishing, offering both new and experienced authors the opportunity to share their work with a global audience. Originating from Amazon’s roots as a bookselling platform, KDP now facilitates the sale of over 485 million ebooks annually through the Kindle Store, a significant portion of which comes from self-published titles.
- Royalties: 70% on ebooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99, or 35% if priced below $2.99.
- Territories Covered: 13 Kindle Stores with a worldwide reach.
- Notable Feature(s): KDP Select.
Authors can upload their ebooks to KDP at no cost, making them available for purchase to millions of readers worldwide through various Amazon stores, including Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.
One standout feature of KDP is KDP Select, Amazon’s exclusivity program. By enrolling in KDP Select, authors agree to sell their ebooks exclusively on Amazon for 90 days. After this period, authors can choose to renew their commitment or opt-out.
In exchange for exclusivity, authors gain access to several benefits, including enrollment in Kindle Unlimited (KU), a subscription service where readers can access and read unlimited ebooks for a monthly fee. Authors earn royalties based on the number of pages read, according to Amazon’s Kindle Edition Normalized Pages (KENP) rate. Additionally, authors can run limited-time Kindle Countdown Deals and offer their ebooks for free during promotional periods.
If you’re considering publishing your book through Amazon KDP, be sure to explore our detailed guide on how to publish a book on Amazon in 6 simple steps.
2. Kobo Writing Life
- Royalties: Kobo Writing Life offers competitive royalties of 70% on ebooks priced $2.99 and higher, or 45% for books priced below $2.99.
- Territories Covered: The platform distributes to online bookstores of leading retailers in over 190 countries, providing authors with a global reach.
- Notable Feature(s): Authors on Kobo Writing Life have access to detailed sales analytics and an exclusive promotional tool. This tool allows authors to submit their titles directly to Kobo merchandisers for promotional opportunities.
Canadian company Rakuten Kobo, known simply as Kobo, launched Kobo Writing Life in 2012, establishing itself as one of Amazon’s major competitors. With millions of readers discovering new favorites worldwide, Kobo’s international reach is impressive.
Kobo Writing Life stands out for its user-friendly platform, making it an attractive choice for authors new to self-publishing. If you choose Kobo Writing Life to self-publish your book, you’ll benefit from its intuitive interface, detailed analytics, and promotional opportunities.
3. Apple Books
Apple Books is a well-known self-publishing platform that offers authors a straightforward way to publish their work. Founded in 2010, Apple Books provides access to a wide audience of readers through its presence in over 50 countries and regions.
To start publishing on Apple Books, all you need is an iTunes Connect account, which you can easily create if you don’t already have one. One of the standout features of Apple Books is its unique royalty payment scheme. Regardless of the price point of your ebook, Apple Books offers a generous 70% royalty rate for every copy sold.
Apple Books prides itself on its transparency, stating that there are no exclusivity requirements or hidden fees. Authors can expect to receive their payments within 45 days following the end of each month.
If you’re interested in publishing and selling your book on Apple Books, be sure to check out our detailed guide and marketing tips!
4. Barnes & Noble (B&N) Press
Barnes & Noble Press is a self-publishing company that offers authors the opportunity to publish their books and reach a wide audience. Here’s what you need to know about publishing with B&N Press:
- Royalties: Authors can earn up to 70% royalties on ebooks priced above $0.99 and 55% on printed books, minus printing costs.
- Territories Covered: B&N Press offers distribution to 590+ B&N bookstores across the USA, as well as millions of readers worldwide through B&N’s website.
- Notable Feature(s): Exclusive marketing programs to help authors promote their books.
Publishing with B&N Press allows authors to fulfill the dream of having their books available in a popular brick-and-mortar bookstore. Readers can easily order printed copies of the author’s book from any B&N store, making it accessible to family, friends, and fans.
Additionally, authors can reach a global audience as readers around the world can find and purchase the author’s ebook on B&N’s website or through their NOOK devices.
B&N Press also offers exclusive marketing programs, including online promotions, featured collections, and genre and deals newsletters. These programs help authors increase visibility and attract more readers to their books.
5. IngramSpark
- Territories Covered: 40,000+ outlets around the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
- Notable Feature(s): Global book distribution, free publishing tools and resources.
If you’re aiming to reach a wide range of retailers, libraries, schools, e-commerce companies, and independent bookstores, IngramSpark is a compelling choice. As an online book aggregator, IngramSpark publishes and distributes your book to online retailers globally, consolidates your sales, and provides detailed sales reports—all in one convenient location. In exchange, IngramSpark receives a portion of your royalties.
Owned by Ingram, the world’s largest book wholesale distributor, IngramSpark offers distribution of both ebooks and print books to over 40,000 outlets. In addition to its global book distribution, IngramSpark provides a suite of free publishing tools and resources. These include a print and ship calculator, cover template generator, and book-building tool, making it easier for authors to self-publish professionally.
6. StreetLib
StreetLib, a book aggregator originally founded in Italy in 2006, has grown to offer author and publisher portals in over 21 countries across 6 continents. With a worldwide reach, StreetLib allows authors to publish and distribute ebooks and audiobooks to subscription services and retailers globally. Their website is designed for multilingual support, available in English, Italian, Spanish, Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil, making it an ideal platform for reaching an international audience.
- Royalties: StreetLib offers authors 10% of the book’s retail price per copy sold, providing a fair compensation for their work.
- Territories Covered: With author and publisher portals in over 21 countries, StreetLib provides a wide-reaching distribution network, ensuring that your book reaches readers around the world.
7. Draft2Digital (D2D)
Draft2Digital (D2D) is a self-publishing company known for its user-friendly interface and streamlined website design. With D2D, authors can publish their books and reach a wide audience across 15+ digital storefronts worldwide, including Amazon, Apple Books, Kobo, Smashwords, OverDrive, and Everand.
- Royalties: Authors receive 10% of the book’s retail price per copy sold.
- Territories Covered: D2D’s reach extends globally, making it a great choice for authors looking to expand their readership.
- Notable Features: D2D offers several notable features, including Universal Links and an Automated End-Matter tool.
Universal Links simplifies the process for readers to find and purchase an author’s book by combining various retailer links into a single link to the book’s sales page. The Automated End-Matter tool automatically adds an author’s newly published book to the “Also by this author” section of any other book they’ve distributed via D2D.
If you’re interested in trying out D2D, we recommend checking out our detailed review first to learn more about its features and benefits.
And there you have it — 7 self-publishing services you can use that won’t drain your bank account. If you want to learn more about how much money you could potentially make from self-publishing, check out our detailed post on what authors can expect to earn from their books, as well as our 8 tips for making money by writing books.
Marketing Your Self-Published Book
Marketing is key to success as a self-published author. Here are some tips to help you market your book effectively:
- Utilize social media to build an online presence and engage with readers.
- Offer promotions, such as discounts or freebies, to attract new readers.
- Seek reviews from readers and book bloggers to boost your book’s visibility.
- Engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages, and participating in online discussions.
Conclusion
Self-publishing offers a unique opportunity for aspiring authors to share their stories with the world. By using the seven best sites for self-publishing, you can publish your book for free and reach millions of readers worldwide. So what are you waiting for? Leap and publish a book for free today!
FAQs
1. Can I publish a free book?
Yes, many self-publishing platforms offer free publishing services. While there may be optional paid services, such as professional editing or premium distribution, it is possible to publish your book for free.
2. Do I retain the rights to my book when self-publishing?
Yes, when you self-publish your book, you retain all the rights to your work. This includes the rights to distribution, adaptation, and any other rights associated with your book.
3. How do I format my book for self-publishing?
Most self-publishing platforms offer guidelines and templates for formatting your book. You can also use word processing software like Microsoft Word or Google Docs to format your manuscript according to industry standards.
4. How do I market my self-published book?
Marketing your self-published book involves building an online presence, engaging with readers on social media, offering promotions, seeking reviews, and participating in online discussions and book events.
5. Can I make money from publishing a book for free?
Yes, self-published authors can earn royalties from sales of their books. The amount you earn depends on factors such as the price of your book, the platform you use, and the number of copies sold.
