Creation to Publication' - February 2025'

Creation to Publication' - February 2025'

"Self-Publishing: Comparing Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Apple Books, Draft2Digital & More"

Self-publishing across multiple platforms allows you to maximize your book’s reach and earnings.

Here is a breakdown of the benefits of publishing on Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Apple Books, Draft2Digital, and other major platforms:

1. Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)

Best for: Dominating Amazon sales, Kindle eBooks, and print-on-demand paperbacks.

? Pros:

  • Massive Amazon audience (world’s largest book retailer).
  • Up to 70% royalties on Kindle eBooks.
  • Fast publishing (24-72 hours).
  • Kindle Unlimited & KDP Select (optional exclusivity for extra earnings).
  • Free print-on-demand (POD) (no upfront printing costs).
  • Amazon Ads & promotions tools available.

? Cons:

  • Limited distribution (mostly Amazon-focused).
  • Bookstores & libraries prefer IngramSpark over KDP’s expanded distribution.
  • No hardcover option (unless using KDP Hardcover, which has limited trim sizes).

Best Strategy: Publish on KDP for Amazon and disable Expanded Distribution if using IngramSpark.

2. IngramSpark

Best for: Getting into bookstores, libraries, and global retailers.

? Pros:

  • Access to 40,000+ bookstores & libraries (Barnes & Noble, Walmart, indie stores, etc.).
  • Higher-quality print options (hardcover, premium paper, etc.).
  • Bulk order discounts for authors.
  • Non-exclusive agreement (you can publish elsewhere).

? Cons:

  • Setup fees (but occasional promo codes waive these).
  • Lower royalties than KDP for direct Amazon sales.
  • More complex setup and updates take longer.

Best Strategy: Use IngramSpark for wide print distribution and KDP for Amazon paperbacks.

3. Apple Books

Best for: Selling eBooks directly to iPhone, iPad, and Mac users.

? Pros:

  • Up to 70% royalties on eBooks (no exclusivity required).
  • Direct access to Apple’s audience (millions of iOS users).
  • Better eBook formatting & reader experience than Kindle.
  • Apple promo tools like price promotions and pre-orders.

? Cons:

  • Not as big as Amazon in book sales.
  • Mac required to publish directly (or use an aggregator like Draft2Digital).

Best Strategy: Publish here in addition to Amazon for a larger audience.

4. Draft2Digital (D2D)

Best for: Easy wide distribution to multiple retailers at once.

? Pros:

  • Distributes to Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, libraries, and more.
  • No upfront fees (they take a small % of sales).
  • Auto-formatting tools (easier than IngramSpark).
  • Universal book links for marketing.

? Cons:

  • Takes a cut of royalties (instead of direct full royalties from each store).
  • Does not support Amazon Kindle (you will need to upload there separately).

Best Strategy: Use D2D for wide eBook distribution, while using KDP for Amazon Kindle.

5. Kobo Writing Life

Best for: Canadian & international readers

? Pros:

  • 70% royalties, promotions, direct uploads

? Cons:

  • Not as big as Amazon/Apple

6. Barnes & Noble Press

Best for: US-based print & eBook sales

? Pros:

  • High royalties, no exclusivity

? Cons:

  • Less global reach

7. Smashwords

Best for: Libraries & smaller stores

? Pros:

  • ?Access to OverDrive & indie markets

? Cons:

  • ?D2D is often better

8. Google Play Books

Best for: Android & Google users

? Pros:

  • ?70% royalties, global audience

? Cons:

  • ?Clunky interface, piracy issues


?? Best Multi-Platform Strategy

  1. Amazon KDP → For Kindle & Amazon print sales.
  2. IngramSpark → For print books in bookstores & libraries.
  3. Apple Books + Draft2Digital → For wide eBook sales outside Amazon.
  4. Kobo Writing Life + Google Play Books → If you want extra global reach.


Self-publishing can be a great choice for many authors!

Here are some compelling reasons to go down the self-publishing route:

Here is a selection of our authors and their books

1. Full Creative Control

?? You have complete control over your book’s content, cover design, formatting, and marketing strategy. No one forces changes you don’t agree with.

2. Faster Publication

?? Traditional publishing can take years. With self-publishing, you can release your book in months (or even weeks) once it's ready.

3. Higher Royalties

?? Traditional publishers often offer around 10-15% in royalties, while self-published authors can earn up to 70% (depending on the platform, like Amazon KDP or IngramSpark).

4. Ownership of Rights

?? You keep the rights to your book, meaning you can republish, create audiobooks, or sell film rights without any restrictions.

5. No Gatekeepers

?? You don’t have to wait for an agent or publisher to approve your work. If you believe in your story, you can publish it directly to readers.

6. Direct Connection with Readers

?? Self-publishing lets you build a fanbase and interact with readers through newsletters, social media, and events.

7. Ability to Niche Down

?? Traditional publishers focus on broad markets, but self-publishing allows you to cater to smaller, passionate audiences (e.g., a specific subgenre or topic).

8. Flexibility in Pricing & Promotion

?? You set your book’s price, run discounts, and experiment with promotional strategies without publisher restrictions.

9. More Publishing Options

?? You can publish in eBook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook formats across multiple platforms, maximizing your reach.

10. The Satisfaction of Doing It Yourself

?? There's a unique pride in bringing your book to life on your own terms, from writing to publishing and beyond.


In short, writing a book is a multifaceted endeavour that can benefit your personal growth, career, and legacy, while also contributing to a wider community of readers and thinkers.

Our Books

If you want to find out more about self-publishing and publishing in general, then look out the books we have created. 'How to self-publish your book', has many tips and recommendations that you can hopefully use on your publishing journey.'50 strategies for boosting book sales', these 50 Book Marketing Ideas will hopefully help you to connect with your audience and promote your book so others can also enjoy all your hard work!

Thanks for your book 'How to publish your Book’ which has been my bible these last few months as I prepare to publish my first book called 'A Life Without Hands' ..it will be launched at the Faversham Literary Festival on Feb 24th 2025.

Frances Beaumont, Author

Shout out for Mark Gedye ?? Just started reading his book “50 Strategies for Boosting Book Sales” to help a client with some new ideas. Thanks for all the great advice in person too Mark.

Kate Golby Kennedy        


?? Would you like to bring your book to life and into the hands of readers worldwide.

We help authors take their books from ‘Creation to Publication.’

As self-publishing specialists, we work with authors to turn their manuscripts into successful published books. guiding them through each step, from editing and cover design to marketing and distribution, ensuring their book stands out in a competitive market.

With personalized strategies tailored to your goals, we make the complex world of self-publishing simple and accessible, helping you retain creative control and maximize their profits.

https://www.interprosolutions.co.uk



Deborah Mulvany

I help you achieve complete mental well-being by dealing with your emotional responses, stresses, and unhealthy behaviours to gain freedom. I am a Remedial Hypnotist, CONTROL Practitioner, and Presenter.

2 周

Brilliant advice here Mark I will need your help when im done but in the mean time this is fantastic info

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