For many indie authors, the world of self-publishing is both empowering and filled with choices. While major platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and IngramSpark are well-known and widely used, they’re not the only ways to bring your book to life. From niche markets to DIY options, today’s self-publishing world offers diverse paths that cater to a range of needs, goals, and preferences.
In this blog, we’ll explore other self-publishing options that provide alternative publishing routes for indie authors who want to take a different approach. Whether you're seeking a more hands-on experience, want greater control over your distribution, or are simply curious about what’s out there, this guide will introduce you to some of the less traditional options available.
Why Consider Alternative Publishing Routes?
Before diving into specific platforms and methods, let’s look at why indie authors might choose alternative publishing routes over the mainstream self-publishing options.
Creative Control
Some self-publishing platforms provide greater flexibility in terms of formatting, pricing, and distribution. Alternative routes can give you more creative control, allowing you to produce a book that truly reflects your vision.
Niche Distribution
If you’re writing for a specialized audience—such as local history buffs, poetry enthusiasts, or fans of a unique genre—certain platforms allow you to focus on niche distribution, reaching the exact readers you want.
Avoiding Competition
Platforms like KDP have millions of books available, which can make it hard for your title to stand out. Exploring non-traditional publishing options may help your book avoid the highly saturated mainstream market and reach dedicated readers through different channels.
Print Quality and Customization
Some self-publishing routes prioritize high-quality print options, which can be particularly appealing for photo books, art books, or premium hardcovers that require special attention to detail.
With these benefits in mind, let’s look at some of the lesser-known yet powerful indie author choices for self-publishing.
Blurb
Blurb is an excellent choice for authors who want to produce high-quality, visually stunning books. Known for its focus on photo books, art books, and other visually intensive projects, Blurb offers a range of formats, including trade books, magazines, and eBooks.
Best For: Art books, photo books, cookbooks, and children’s books.
Key Features: Blurb offers free design tools like BookWright and Adobe InDesign plug-ins to help authors design their books. It also provides high-quality print options, including hardcover with dust jacket, softcover, and premium paper choices.
Distribution: Blurb allows you to sell your book directly through its platform and gives the option for distribution through Amazon and Ingram, making it versatile for authors looking to reach different audiences.
Blurb’s emphasis on visual quality makes it a unique choice for authors focused on the aesthetic presentation of their work.
Lulu
Lulu has been a player in the self-publishing industry for over a decade and offers a versatile range of services for both print and digital books. Lulu’s primary focus is on print-on-demand (POD), allowing authors to publish without holding inventory.
Best For: Authors seeking high-quality POD with customization options.
Key Features: Lulu provides an extensive range of book formats and sizes, including hardcover, paperback, and even spiral-bound options. Authors can also create photo books, calendars, and other print products.
Distribution: Lulu offers distribution through major online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Ingram. Additionally, authors can sell directly through Lulu’s marketplace, which can be advantageous for reaching niche audiences.
Lulu is ideal for indie authors who want print versatility without compromising on quality, making it a great choice for customized or specialty books.
Draft2Digital
Draft2Digital is a digital-focused self-publishing platform known for its user-friendly tools and wide eBook distribution network. Unlike some other platforms, Draft2Digital doesn’t charge upfront fees; instead, it takes a small percentage of royalties.
Best For: Authors who primarily want to publish and distribute eBooks.
Key Features: Draft2Digital simplifies eBook formatting, allowing authors to easily create eBooks without needing advanced design skills. It also offers automatic page numbering, chapter headings, and other formatting options, making the process straightforward.
Distribution: Draft2Digital distributes to major eBook retailers like Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. It also allows authors to publish their books in libraries through services like OverDrive.
For authors who want to reach a wide digital audience without dealing with complex formatting or distribution hassles, Draft2Digital is a powerful option.
BookBaby
BookBaby is a self-publishing service that offers full-service options, from editing and design to distribution and marketing. It’s a one-stop shop for authors who want professional assistance with every aspect of publishing.
Best For: Authors looking for professional, end-to-end self-publishing services.
Key Features: BookBaby provides design services, cover creation, editing, and marketing support. It offers both print-on-demand and ebook options, and authors can choose from a variety of book formats and paper types.
Distribution: BookBaby distributes to major retailers like Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Ingram. It also offers direct-to-reader sales through BookShop, where authors earn higher royalties.
While BookBaby requires upfront investment, its comprehensive services make it ideal for authors who want a polished, professionally produced book.
Unbound
Unbound combines crowdfunding with self-publishing, allowing authors to raise funds for their book projects before they’re published. If you’re an author with a dedicated fanbase or a unique story idea, Unbound provides a platform for getting reader support and feedback early in the process.
Best For: Authors with a strong online presence or niche audience.
Key Features: Unbound lets authors pitch their ideas to potential readers, who can then pledge to support the project. Once the funding goal is met, Unbound manages the production and distribution.
Distribution: Books published through Unbound are distributed through major retailers and can reach bookstores as well. The platform’s crowdfunding model allows authors to gauge interest and secure a reader base before publication.
Unbound is an innovative choice for authors looking to build reader engagement and generate interest before their book even hits the shelves.
PublishDrive
PublishDrive is a distribution platform that’s especially attractive for authors who want to reach an international audience. PublishDrive distributes eBooks to over 400 stores worldwide, including in emerging markets where other platforms may not reach.
Best For: Authors seeking wide digital distribution, particularly to international markets.
Key Features: PublishDrive offers detailed analytics, royalty management, and promotional tools. It’s particularly user-friendly, allowing authors to easily manage and track sales across multiple regions.
Distribution: In addition to major retailers like Amazon and Apple Books, PublishDrive reaches international markets through platforms like Tolino in Europe and Dangdang in China.
With its extensive reach, PublishDrive is a powerful option for authors aiming for global distribution.
Kobo Writing Life
Kobo Writing Life is the self-publishing platform of Rakuten Kobo, a popular eReader company in Canada and parts of Europe. Kobo’s platform allows indie authors to publish and distribute their eBooks on the Kobo store.
Best For: Authors focused on the Canadian and European markets.
Key Features: Kobo Writing Life offers flexible pricing, promotional opportunities, and tools for tracking sales performance. It also supports multiple languages, making it an attractive choice for authors who want to reach non-English-speaking audiences.
Distribution: While distribution is primarily through Kobo’s platform, the company has partnerships with independent bookstores and library services, expanding its reach.
Kobo Writing Life is a great choice for authors looking to connect with readers in international markets, particularly those with strong eReader use.
Finding the Right Path for Your Book
With so many non-traditional publishing options available, it’s essential to choose the route that best aligns with your goals. Here are a few questions to help you decide:
What is your target audience? Consider whether your audience prefers eBooks, print books, or specific formats, and choose a platform that caters to those preferences.
What level of control do you want? Some platforms offer more creative control, while others provide additional services at the cost of flexibility.
What are your budget and marketing plans? Some platforms, like BookBaby, offer full-service support but require upfront costs, while others, like Draft2Digital, only take a percentage of royalties.
How One Small Step Writing Services Can Help
At One Small Step Writing Services, we understand that the self-publishing journey can be complex, especially with so many options. Whether you need help choosing the right platform, formatting your book, or marketing your work, our team offers services tailored to your goals. We’re here to guide you through the diverse paths of self-publishing so you can bring your story to life and reach the audience you deserve.
What Other Self-Publishing Options Are Right For Me?
The world of self-publishing offers indie authors a multitude of options. By exploring other self-publishing options beyond the mainstream, you can find a path that suits your creative vision, connects with your readers, and helps you build a lasting legacy. Whether you choose a full-service platform or a DIY approach, remember that the most important thing is to stay true to your story and find the platform that aligns with your goals.
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