eBook Success: 11 Must-Use Platforms for Selling Your eBook

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iContentMaker.com has helped many clients write, publish, and distribute eBooks, this is a list of platforms where you can sell your eBook!

Ready to take your eBook from idea to income? With the rising popularity of digital publishing, there’s never been a better time to sell your eBook online. But with so many platforms to choose from, it can feel overwhelming deciding where to get started. Whether you’re a seasoned author or just getting your feet wet, picking the right platform can make all the difference in reaching your audience and maximizing your sales. In this guide, we’ll cover the 11 best platforms where you can sell your eBook, boost your visibility, and start making serious profits.

1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

  • Why It’s Great: Amazon is the largest eBook marketplace, and with KDP, you can sell directly to millions of Kindle users. The platform allows you to set your own pricing, run promotions, and reach a global audience.
  • Features:
    • Option to enroll in Kindle Unlimited, which pays authors based on page reads.
    • Access to Amazon’s massive built-in audience.
    • Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions to increase visibility.
  • URL: Kindle Direct Publishing

2. Apple Books (iBooks)

  • Why It’s Great: Apple Books is another large marketplace with a dedicated audience of iOS users. Publishing on Apple Books allows you to reach readers who use iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
  • Features:
    • Integrated with Apple’s ecosystem, making it easy for iOS users to purchase your eBook.
    • Direct-to-customer publishing without needing an aggregator.
    • Apple’s platform supports promotional pricing and free downloads for exposure.
  • URL: Apple Books for Authors

3. Kobo Writing Life

  • Why It’s Great: Kobo has a strong presence in international markets, making it a good option if you want to reach readers outside the U.S., especially in Canada, Europe, and Asia.
  • Features:
    • You can sell eBooks in 190 countries.
    • Offers a flexible royalty model (up to 70% royalties).
    • You can distribute your eBook to libraries through OverDrive.
  • URL: Kobo Writing Life

4. Barnes & Noble Press (formerly Nook Press)

  • Why It’s Great: Barnes & Noble’s Nook platform allows you to reach millions of U.S. readers who prefer this retailer. Although not as large as Amazon, Nook still has a loyal following.
  • Features:
    • Easy-to-use platform for uploading and selling your eBook.
    • Barnes & Noble offers promotional opportunities for featured titles.
  • URL: Barnes & Noble Press

5. Smashwords

  • Why It’s Great: Smashwords is a popular aggregator that distributes your eBook to multiple retailers, including Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. It’s a one-stop shop for getting your book into many marketplaces.
  • Features:
    • Wide distribution to many smaller retailers and library systems.
    • Authors retain control over pricing and distribution options.
    • Offers promotional tools such as discount codes and free giveaways.
  • URL: Smashwords

6. Draft2Digital

  • Why It’s Great: Like Smashwords, Draft2Digital is an aggregator that helps you distribute your eBook across multiple platforms (including Amazon, Apple Books, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble) from one dashboard.
  • Features:
    • Easy-to-use interface with free formatting tools.
    • Distribution to multiple retailers and library platforms (like OverDrive).
    • Offers automatic conversion of your manuscript into eBook formats.
  • URL: Draft2Digital

7. Payhip

  • Why It’s Great: Payhip allows you to sell eBooks directly from your own website or through social media, giving you full control over pricing and sales. It’s great for selling digital downloads without middlemen.
  • Features:
    • Zero upfront costs—Payhip only takes a percentage of your sales.
    • Integration with your website, allowing you to sell directly to customers.
    • Offers affiliate marketing and discount code features to drive sales.
  • URL: Payhip

8. Gumroad

  • Why It’s Great: Gumroad is a platform for creators to sell digital products, including eBooks. It’s an ideal platform if you have a niche audience and want to sell directly without relying on large retailers.
  • Features:
    • Easy to set up and integrates with social media and websites.
    • Allows you to create membership subscriptions or pay-what-you-want pricing.
    • Offers the ability to send updates, newsletters, and additional content to buyers.
  • URL: Gumroad

9. Sellfy

  • Why It’s Great: Sellfy is another platform for selling digital products like eBooks, directly from your own site or social media. It offers an easy-to-use storefront and integrates with Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
  • Features:
    • Easy customization of your storefront.
    • No transaction fees on the paid plan.
    • Built-in marketing tools, including email marketing and discount codes.
  • URL: Sellfy

10. Blurb

  • Why It’s Great: Known primarily for print-on-demand books, Blurb also allows you to sell eBooks. If you’re considering offering both digital and print versions of The Art of Snore, Blurb is a good option.
  • Features:
    • Print and eBook integration.
    • Distribution to Amazon and Apple Books.
    • You keep 100% of the profit on digital sales made through your own site.
  • URL: Blurb

11. Etsy (For Niche Audiences)

  • Why It’s Great: Etsy is known for handmade and creative products, but it’s also a platform for selling digital downloads, including eBooks. If your eBook appeals to an audience interested in wellness, self-care, or personal development, Etsy can be a good fit.
  • Features:
    • Large audience of buyers looking for unique, handmade, and digital products.
    • Low listing fees and a large marketplace.
  • URL: Etsy

By listing your eBook on multiple platforms, you’ll be able to maximize its reach and ensure it’s available to a diverse audience. Each marketplace has its own strengths, so diversifying where your eBook is sold will help you reach people with different buying preferences.