The 11 Best Platforms to Sell eBooks: A Guide for Extra Online Income

Looking to sell your eBook but unsure where to start? Discover the best platforms to sell eBooks, from popular retailers to custom storefronts, so you can reach more readers and boost your income.

Selling eBooks can be an exciting way to earn income online, and there are many platforms to help you get started. Generally, these platforms fall into two main categories: book retailers and distributors.

• Book Retailers like Amazon, Google Play Books, and Apple Books offer huge audiences with built-in user bases, which is great for instant visibility. However, they also come with high competition.
• Distributors such as PublishDrive spread your book across multiple stores, expanding your reach further with minimal setup.

Alternatively, you could create your own online store using platforms like Shopify, which gives you complete control over branding and customer interactions. 

This option may take more effort upfront but can lead to long-term brand growth and deeper connections with your readers.

There are countless online platforms to seel eBooks. However, today we’ve put together a complete guide featuring the 11 most popular ones. Check out the pros and cons of each to make the right choice.

Top 11 Overview: The Best Platforms to Sell eBooks

Platform	Cost	Transaction Fees	Royalties to Author	Accepted Formats
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing	Free	None	70% for books priced $2.99–$9.99, 35% otherwise	EPUB, MOBI
Kobo Writing Life	Free	None	70% for books above $2.99; 45% otherwise	EPUB
Sellfy	$29–$99/month	No transaction fees	100% minus standard PayPal/Stripe fees	PDF, EPUB
Google Play Books	Free	None	70% in most regions; 52% in some areas	EPUB, PDF
Apple Books	Free	None	70% on all sales	EPUB
PublishDrive	$100+/month	None	100% minus subscription cost	EPUB
Shopify	$29+/month	0.5%–2% transaction fee	100% minus transaction fees	Custom formats
Barnes & Noble Press	Free	None	70% on all sales	EPUB
Lulu	Free or paid	Variable	Varies based on channel	EPUB, PDF
Payhip	Free or $29/month	0–5% transaction fee	100% minus transaction fees	PDF, EPUB
Podia	$39+/month	None	100% minus Stripe/PayPal fees	PDF, EPUB

In Detail: Meet the 11 Best Platforms

Ready to self-publish your books and reach readers worldwide? Here’s a closer look at the best platforms to help you turn your eBook into a success story. 

1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Amazon, the world’s largest book retailer, allows authors to publish eBooks on its Kindle platform, reaching millions globally. With KDP, self-published authors can easily upload and sell their eBooks, reaching a wide audience with minimal setup.

• Cost: publishing with KDP is free.
• Ease of Use: KDP simplifies publishing with tools like Kindle Create for formatting and Cover Creator for customized covers. The process takes just three steps, with your eBook available on Amazon within 72 hours. Helpful guides and a support center make it beginner-friendly.
• Audience Reach: your eBook becomes available to Kindle readers and Kindle Unlimited subscribers in multiple countries, including the U.S., U.K., Brazil, and Japan.
• Commissions & Fees: Amazon KDF has two royalty options:
  • 70% for eBooks priced between $2.99 – $9.99.
  • 35% for eBooks outside this range.

• Marketing Resources: KDP offers robust marketing options, including Kindle Unlimited for royalties based on pages read and Amazon Ads for targeted promotion. You can also participate in special sales events like Kindle Countdown Deals to increase your book’s exposure and reach a larger audience.
• Payment: royalties are paid monthly via direct deposit, wire transfer, or check (processing times vary).
• Accepted Formats: accepts PDF for eBooks with bleed and DOC, DOCX, RTF, HTML, or TXT files for non-bleed eBooks.

2. Kobo Writing Life

Kobo Writing Life lets authors self-publish eBooks and audiobooks globally with ease. The platform provides access to millions of readers, including distribution through Walmart and OverDrive for libraries. With no exclusivity requirements, authors keep all rights and receive royalties up to 70%.

• Cost: Kobo is free for distributing eBooks, with no fees.
• Ease of Use: Kobo’s user-friendly interface, Kobo Writing Life, is popular among independent authors for its simplicity in publishing and sales tracking.
• Audience Reach: Kobo connects with over 12 million readers in 190+ countries, with strong readership in Canada, Australia, and the Netherlands. It also reaches Walmart customers in the U.S. Kobo also offers an e-reading subscription service, Kobo Plus, allowing authors to reach a steady base of subscribers actively engaged in eBook discovery.
• Commissions & Fees: Kobo offers a 70% royalty for books priced at $2.99 or above and 45% for lower-priced titles. Royalties are 60% for Kobo Plus subscription reads and 50% through OverDrive library sales.
• Marketing Resources: authors can promote on platforms like Walmart and public libraries via OverDrive, or enroll in Kobo Plus.
• Payment: Kobo pays monthly via EFT, with a $50 minimum threshold.
• Copyright & Support: authors keep all rights, no exclusivity required. Resources include Kobo Writing Life and an extensive help section.
• Accepted Formats: EPUB, EPUB2, EPUB3, PDF, FlePub, and MOBI.

3. Sellfy

Sellfy is a versatile, user-friendly platform for creators to sell digital products, including eBooks, and set up a custom store without transaction fees.

• Cost: Sellfy offers three pricing plans, starting at $22/month for up to $10,000 in sales annually. Higher plans, such as the Business ($59/month) and Premium ($119/month), include additional features for expanding your reach and boosting revenue.
• Ease of Use: setting up an online store with Sellfy is extremely user-friendly, requiring just a few clicks, making it accessible for beginners.
• Audience Reach: unlike Amazon, Sellfy doesn’t have an existing customer base, so you’ll need to build your own audience. However, it provides tools to help expand your reach, like custom store links and integration with social media.
• Commissions and Fees: there are no transaction fees on sales, but standard payment processor fees apply (PayPal/Stripe).
• Pricing and Promotions: sellfy supports discount codes, affiliate marketing, cart abandonment emails, and upselling to help you engage customers and boost sales.
• Marketing Resources: built-in tools like email marketing, Facebook/Twitter ad pixel tracking, and upselling options provide robust resources to market and promote your eBook.
• Payment Methods: payments are processed instantly through PayPal and Stripe, giving you quick access to your earnings.
• Copyright Protection: Sellfy respects your ownership rights, so you retain all intellectual property and copyright.
• Writer Support: Sellfy offers 24/7 email support, and its help center provides extensive resources.
• Accepted Formats: Sellfy supports EPUB and PDF formats, making it easy to upload and sell your eBooks.

4. Google Play Books

Google Play Books lets authors distribute eBooks to a vast audience, leveraging the global reach of Android devices and Google’s search engine. With free publishing, high revenue splits, and easy integration with Google marketing tools, it’s a strong choice for self-publishers.

• Cost: publishing on Google Play Books is free, allowing authors to earn without upfront fees.
• Ease of Use: the platform is straightforward for eBook uploads, sales tracking, and marketing integration.
• Audience Reach: books are available on all Android devices and promoted via Google’s search engine, with previews on Google Books.
• Commissions and Fees: authors receive a 70% revenue split in most regions; a 52% split applies in others.
• Pricing and Promotions: you set your price and retain most of the revenue. AdWords can be used for targeted promotions.
• Marketing Resources: Google Books and AdWords enable targeted marketing, while Google Analytics provides insights into audience behavior.
• Payment Methods: authors receive payments through EFT or wire transfer in eligible countries.
• Copyright Protection: you retain all rights to your content.
• Writer Support: access to the Google Play Books Partner Center with support options, including chat and call assistance.
• Accepted Formats: supports ePub and PDF files.

5. Apple Books for Authors

Apple Books offers authors a unique opportunity to reach the massive Apple user base worldwide. With no publishing fees, flexible pricing options, and multiple marketing tools, it’s a top choice for self-published authors.

• Cost: publishing on Apple Books is free.
• Ease of Use: Apple Books has an intuitive interface for uploading, managing, and promoting eBooks.
• Audience Reach: available in over 50 countries, Apple Books reaches more than 1.4 billion users globally, with a strong presence in the U.S., Europe, Japan, and Australia.
• Commissions and Fees: authors earn a 70% royalty on all sales.
• Pricing and Promotions: set your own prices and promotions. Use tools like price intervals and pre-orders to enhance visibility.
• Marketing Resources: Apple Books provides custom assets, badges, QR codes, promo codes, and an affiliate program to boost your book’s reach.
• Payment Methods: payments are made monthly via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).
• Copyright Protection: authors retain full copyright over their content.
• Writer Support: Apple Books offers resources and support through articles, tutorials, and a dedicated support team.
• Accepted Formats: supports EPUB, PDF, and the iBook (IBA) format.

6. PublishDrive

PublishDrive supports global distribution across major platforms (Amazon, Apple, Google Books, Ingram, Barnes & Noble), allowing authors to publish in ebook, audiobook, and paperback formats.

• Cost: plans start at $0, with additional paid options for more features.
• Ease of Use: with one-click distribution, PublishDrive simplifies the self-publishing process for international reach.
• Audience Reach: access global markets via multiple retailers and libraries.
• Commissions and Fees: authors retain full royalties, though some subscription fees may apply.
• Pricing and Promotions: offers integrated promotion tools, including Amazon ads, price promotions, review copies, and exclusive sales events.
• Marketing Resources: book marketing services, store partnerships, newsletters, and promotional events are available.
• Payment Methods: supports payments via bank transfer, Wise, check, PayPal, and Payoneer, with options varying in speed and fees.
• Copyright Protection: authors retain full copyright. PublishDrive holds nonexclusive rights for distribution but allows authors to manage territories and remove books as desired.
• Writer Support: basic support with free plans; advanced support and analytics in paid plans.
• Accepted Formats: supports multiple formats, including EPUB and PDF.

7. Shopify

While often associated with physical products, Shopify also lets you sell eBooks easily. You create an online store, upload your eBook, and start selling.

• Cost: starts at $1 for the first month; standard plans begin at $14/month.
• Ease of Use: Shopify’s drag-and-drop interface is user-friendly, allowing quick store setup without coding knowledge.
• Audience Reach: unlike book-specific platforms, Shopify doesn’t provide a built-in audience, but Shopify Audiences and SEO tools help drive traffic.
• Commissions and Fees: transaction fees range from 2% (Basic) to 0.6% (Advanced) based on your plan.
• Pricing and Promotions: set your own prices, run promotions, and offer discount codes.
• Marketing Resources: SEO tools, blog integration, email marketing, and social media sharing features enhance visibility. Shopify also supports an AI chatbot for customer engagement.
• Payment Methods: Shopify Payments offers varied payout options, with support for different currencies in most regions.
• Copyright Protection: you retain full copyright over your work, with Shopify upholding DMCA guidelines for content protection.
• Writer Support: access to Shopify’s blog, community forums, and 24/7 support.
• Accepted Formats: PDF, ePub, MOBI, and ZIP files.

8. Barnes & Noble Press

With a legacy dating back to 1873, Barnes & Noble offers independent authors a platform to publish and promote their eBooks through B&N Press, accessing its vast readership in the U.S.

• Cost: free to publish, with no hidden fees.
• Ease of Use: user-friendly platform, with third-party services available for editing, design, marketing, and more.
• Audience Reach: focused on U.S. readers, especially appealing to the 25-34 demographic.
• Commissions and Fees: 70% royalty on sales; payments issued monthly with a $10 threshold.
• Pricing and Promotions: authors set their own prices and can participate in promotions, including BookTrib and ScoreIt partnerships to boost visibility.
• Marketing Resources: features include Read In Store previews, eGifting, affiliate programs, and promotional tools to expand reach.
• Payment Methods: payments are made via EFT, with a 30-day delay after the sale month.
• Copyright Protection: authors retain full rights to their work.
• Writer Support: B&N Press offers extensive author resources, self-publishing support, and connections with helpful third-party partners.
• Accepted Formats: EPUB and PagePerfect™ for eBooks, supported on NOOK devices and apps.

9. Lulu

Lulu is an accessible platform for self-published authors to distribute their books globally, reaching online and brick-and-mortar stores via its Global Distribution Network.

• Cost: free to publish, with a revenue share: authors earn 80% of the gross profit.
• Ease of Use: Lulu provides user-friendly tools, from tutorials to downloadable templates, streamlining the publishing process.
• Audience Reach: worldwide distribution through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Ingram Book Company. ISBN required for global reach.
• Commissions and Fees: authors can estimate revenue using Lulu’s pricing calculator.
• Pricing and Promotions: set custom pricing and promotional options.
• Marketing Resources: expanded audience reach through partner distributors.
• Payment Methods: payments via check in USD or PayPal.
• Copyright Protection: authors retain full rights to their work.
• Writer Support: Lulu offers an extensive knowledge base, templates, and tutorials.
• Accepted Formats: EPUB and PDF; PDF is limited to the Lulu Bookstore.

10. Payhip

Payhip is an easy-to-use platform to sell digital downloads like eBooks and courses, offering customizable storefronts without technical skills.

• Cost:
  • Free plan: 5% transaction fee
  • Plus plan: $29/month with a 2% fee
  • Pro plan: $99/month with no transaction fees

• Ease of Use: build your own website in minutes using their no-code store builder.
• Audience Reach: reach international audiences with built-in translation options.
• Commissions and Fees: transaction fees vary by plan, from 5% to no fees on the Pro plan.
• Pricing and Promotions: set your own prices, create discount codes, and use referral options.
• Marketing Resources: tools for affiliate marketing, cross-selling, upselling, and customer reviews.
• Payment Methods: payments go instantly to your PayPal or Stripe account after each sale.
• Copyright Protection: authors retain full rights, and Payhip offers PDF stamping and download limits for security.
• Writer Support: comprehensive help center and customer support.
• Accepted Formats: supports all eBook formats.

11. Podia

Podia allows entrepreneurs and content creators to easily set up online stores for digital products, offering seamless integration for building an audience.

• Cost
  • 30-day free trial
  • Mover Plan: $33/month with a 5% fee
  • Shaker Plan: $75/month, no transaction fees

• Ease of Use: intuitive, minimalist design simplifies store setup and student experience.
• Audience Reach: requires social media promotion, but offers various integrations.
• Commissions and Fees: vary by plan, with no fees on the Shaker Plan.
• Pricing and Promotions: set custom prices, offer discounts, and use coupons.
• Marketing Resources: includes email marketing, landing pages, and integrations.
• Payment Methods: direct payouts to Stripe or PayPal.
• Copyright Protection: retain all rights to your work.
• Writer Support robust help center, tutorials, and 7-day support.
• Accepted Formats: supports all digital formats.

Tips to Maximize Profits and Exposure

Now that we’ve covered the top platforms to sell eBooks, let’s discuss strategies to maximize your profits and reach a larger audience. These tips can help you increase visibility and sales, regardless of the platform you choose.

1. Conduct Market Research: make sure your eBook aligns with topics people are searching for. A compelling title and SEO-optimized description will boost visibility.
2. Prioritize Quality: well-crafted content not only retains readers but also encourages word-of-mouth referrals.
3. Build an Audience: engage potential readers through social media or paid ads. Developing a following can create a loyal customer base and improve sales.
4. Diversify Platforms: you own the rights to your book, so distribute it across multiple platforms like your website, Amazon, and Google Play Books to expand reach. By using multiple self-publishing platforms, you can increase their reach and cater to different reader preferences across several channels.
5. Leverage Platform-Specific Resources: each platform offers unique promotional tools — explore and utilize them to maximize exposure.

By following these steps, you’ll be set up to capture a wider audience and increase profits, no matter where you’re selling.

To Wrap It Up

Choosing the best platform to sell eBooks can make all the difference in reaching your audience and maximizing profits. With options like Amazon, Kobo, and Payhip, each platform offers unique features — from built-in marketing tools to global distribution. Don’t feel limited; you can distribute on multiple platforms to reach as many readers as possible.

Ready to learn more about making your eBook profitable? Check out Ebookmaker’s blog for more tips on boosting eBook sales and visibility.