Top 10 Free Book Publishers

There are several free book publishers that can help bring your work to life without the upfront costs. These publishers often operate on different models, such as print-on-demand, digital-only, or hybrid approaches. Following are the top 10 free book publishers:

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP):

Amazon KDP is one of the most popular platforms for self-publishing. It allows authors to publish their books digitally and in print without any upfront costs. KDP offers a royalty structure where authors earn up to 70% on eBook sales and up to 60% on paperback sales. The platform provides tools for formatting, cover design, and marketing, making it accessible for authors of all experience levels. However, the competition is fierce, and authors must invest time in marketing to stand out.

Smashwords:

Smashwords is a digital-only publisher that distributes eBooks to major retailers like Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. It offers a free publishing service with a comprehensive style guide to help authors format their manuscripts. Smashwords takes a percentage of royalties, but authors retain full rights to their work. The platform also provides marketing tools and access to a vast distribution network, though authors need to be proactive in promoting their books.

Draft2Digital:

Draft2Digital is another digital-only publisher that simplifies the eBook publishing process. It offers a user-friendly interface for formatting and distributing books to multiple retailers, including Amazon, Apple Books, and Kobo. Draft2Digital takes a small percentage of royalties but provides robust tools for marketing, such as universal book links and automated formatting. The platform is ideal for authors who want a hassle-free publishing experience.

Lulu:

Lulu is a self-publishing platform that offers both print-on-demand and digital publishing services. It allows authors to publish their books for free and earn royalties on sales. Lulu provides tools for formatting, cover design, and distribution to major retailers. The platform also offers marketing services for an additional fee. Lulu is a good option for authors who want to publish both eBooks and print books without upfront costs.

BookBaby:

BookBaby offers free eBook publishing and a range of paid services for print books and marketing. The platform distributes eBooks to major retailers and provides tools for formatting and cover design. BookBaby takes a percentage of royalties but offers additional services like editing, marketing, and book promotion. It’s a good choice for authors who want a full-service experience and are willing to invest in additional services.

IngramSpark:

IngramSpark is a print-on-demand and digital publishing platform that allows authors to publish their books for free, though there are fees for revisions. It offers global distribution to bookstores, libraries, and online retailers. IngramSpark provides tools for formatting and cover design, and authors retain full rights to their work. The platform is ideal for authors who want wide distribution and professional-quality print books.

Blurb:

Blurb specializes in high-quality print books, including photo books and trade books. It offers free publishing tools and a print-on-demand model, allowing authors to sell their books through Blurb’s bookstore and other retailers. Blurb takes a percentage of royalties and provides tools for formatting and design. The platform is perfect for authors who want to create visually stunning books, though it may not be the best option for text-heavy works.

Scribd:

Scribd is a digital publishing platform that allows authors to upload and distribute their eBooks for free. It operates on a subscription model, where readers pay a monthly fee to access a library of books. Authors earn royalties based on how often their books are read. Scribd is a good option for authors who want to reach a wide audience and are comfortable with the subscription-based model.

Wattpad:

Wattpad is a unique platform that combines social networking with publishing. Authors can upload their books for free and build a community of readers. Wattpad offers opportunities for authors to gain exposure and even get discovered by traditional publishers. While it doesn’t offer direct royalties, it provides a platform for authors to share their work and connect with readers. Wattpad is ideal for authors who want to build an audience and gain feedback on their writing.

Google Play Books:

Google Play Books allows authors to publish and sell their eBooks directly on the Google Play Store. It offers a straightforward publishing process with no upfront costs. Authors earn 70% of the list price on sales. The platform provides tools for formatting and cover design, and books are available to a global audience. Google Play Books is a good option for authors who want to reach Android users and leverage Google’s vast ecosystem.

 

Also read Top 10 Low-Cost Open-Access Book Publishers