Self-Publishing Platforms: 8 Steps to Choose the Right One

Self-publishing a book can feel overwhelming, especially with so many platforms out there promising to help you become the next bestseller. Picking one can honestly feel like choosing dessert from a menu—you want everything, but you’ve gotta pick just one.

Don’t worry; we’ve got your back. Stick around, and we’ll walk you through some user-friendly platforms like IngramSpark, BookBaby, Draft2Digital, PublishDrive, and good old Amazon KDP. You’ll find the best fit without the headache or confusion.

Ready? Let’s jump right in!

Step 1: Choose the Best Self-Publishing Platform for Your Needs

Choosing the right self-publishing platform depends on your specific goals, budget, and the type of book you’re publishing.

If you’re looking to publish eBooks exclusively, Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is incredibly popular, with over 90% of self-published authors using it due to its massive audience and straightforward interface.

On the other hand, if you want both printed books and a broader distribution network, consider platforms like IngramSpark or BookBaby, which connect you to bookstores, libraries, and major online retailers worldwide.

Also, think about whether you’re comfortable handling every step yourself or prefer a company that provides more support, including editing, design, and marketing assistance.

Make a list of your “must-haves” versus optional benefits and decide accordingly, keeping cost-effectiveness in mind—especially if it’s your first book or if you’re working with limited funds.

Step 2: Review IngramSpark for Print and Global Distribution

If you’re serious about getting your print books into physical bookstores and libraries around the world, IngramSpark is one option you shouldn’t overlook.

This platform offers professional-quality printing and global distribution through the industry’s biggest book wholesaler, Ingram Content Group.

They’ve been trusted by indie authors for years, and they make it relatively hassle-free—with tools for setting up your book files, cover templates, and easy integration with bookstores’ ordering systems.

Pricing and distribution fees can vary, but there’s usually a setup charge (around $49 per book) plus an annual distribution fee.

A smart approach is to combine KDP for ebooks and IngramSpark for print editions to take advantage of Amazon’s reach and IngramSpark’s bookstore connections simultaneously.

Step 3: Check Out BookBaby for Full-Service Publishing Support

If you’re someone who prefers a bit of hand-holding through your self-publishing journey or simply don’t have the time or expertise to manage every publishing detail yourself, BookBaby is an ideal choice.

They’re a full-service operation offering editing, formatting, professional book cover design, printing, and worldwide distribution—all packaged nicely to simplify your publishing experience.

While this can be more expensive compared to DIY options (packages range from several hundred to a couple thousand dollars depending on your choices), it’s perfect if you’re seeking convenience, quality, and less stress overall.

They also provide great customer support and guidance throughout the whole process, making it easier if you’re new to publishing and uneasy with technical tasks like formatting files for print or ebook distribution.

Considering turning your manuscript into an audiobook, too? BookBaby offers audiobook production support, which is increasingly popular since audiobook demand continues to grow significantly every year.

Of course, if you’re comfortable handling most tasks yourself, you could save money with another platform—but for comprehensive support, BookBaby is a valuable partner.

Step 4: Consider PublishDrive for Subscription-Based Distribution

If you’re the type who loves predictable expenses without those pesky surprise costs sneaking up on you, PublishDrive might be right up your alley.

Rather than taking a percentage of your royalties like many other self-publishing services, they offer a flat subscription fee—this means you keep 100% of your book sales earnings.

It’s a handy option if you’re regularly putting out books and earning steady sales; in that scenario, fixed monthly fees (starting around $19.99 per month) can save you money compared to platforms that charge per-sale percentages.

Plus, PublishDrive pushes your books through global channels, placing your stories in varied digital storefronts and libraries around the world, so you’ll potentially reach readers through multiple markets beyond just Amazon.

But if you’re a first-time author unsure of consistent monthly sales, you might consider starting with something royalty-based first—otherwise, PublishDrive’s approach is ideal if you like straightforward pricing and want to control your expenses from the start.

Step 5: Look into Draft2Digital for Ebook Publishing Simplicity

Ever looked at your manuscript, sighed deeply, and thought “formatting this on my own sounds like a nightmare”? Don’t worry—I’ve been there too.

If ebook formatting or dealing with complicated file types gives you anxiety, then Draft2Digital (D2D) is your new best friend.

This user-friendly platform smooths over the technical mess by converting your simple Word Document straight into various ebook formats like EPUB and MOBI without breaking a sweat.

Another benefit is its automated distribution system which uploads your books quickly to popular retailers like Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Apple Books—all with zero upfront costs.

Draft2Digital lives up to its reputation for ease-of-use, with helpful customer support and no complicated fees; you simply hand over 10% of your royalty earnings per sale as their fee, meaning less hassle upfront.

If your main goal right now involves ebooks only, and you just want it done easily, D2D definitely deserves your attention.

Step 6: Evaluate Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) for Wide Reach and Ebook Sales

If you haven’t yet explored Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), let’s fix that—because skipping this platform means missing out on the biggest marketplace for ebooks out there.

About 90% of self-published authors choose KDP for a reason: its wide reach on Amazon, straightforward publishing process, and the potential for serious royalties, like the $650 million authors reportedly earned through Kindle Unlimited alone just this past year.

No upfront costs, the ability to earn up to 70% royalties per sale, and quick access to Amazon’s Kindle readers make KDP appealing, especially in popular genres like romance novels—which account for about 40% of self-pubbed titles on Amazon.

However, relying solely on KDP can potentially limit your distribution options—your ebooks will primarily sell on Amazon unless you choose additional channels independently.

Still, KDP remains must-try territory if you’re looking to quickly tap into a massive reader base without spending upfront cash.

Step 7: Pick Your Platform Based on Price, Distribution, and Features

Now comes the part where you have to break out your inner detective and carefully weigh the pros and cons based on your own situation.

Make it easy on yourself and ask these key questions: what’s my overall budget, where do I want to sell my book, and how much hand-holding do I want throughout the process?

Crunch some numbers: Compare fees from providers like BookBaby, Draft2Digital, KDP, and PublishDrive based on your expected sales.

If you’re a complete newbie on a tight budget, the easiest no-cost option is usually Amazon’s KDP, at least to test the waters.

Maybe formatting, distribution, and technical tasks overwhelm you—consider paying a little extra for one-stop solutions like BookBaby.

Also consider if you plan to publish multiple books regularly—because platforms like PublishDrive’s subscription model can actually save you money once your sales grow consistently.

In other words, don’t jump into a decision hastily; slow down and realistically determine your book publishing budget first.

Step 8: Start Publishing Your Book with the Chosen Platform

You made it through the jungle of self-publishing options and finally have your winning platform chosen—well done!

Now it’s time to pull the trigger and start the actual publishing process.

Before you upload, double-check your manuscript one last time, keeping an eagle-eye out for grammar errors or typos (if you’re not feeling confident about proofreading, check out some of the best proofreading software to help you polish it).

Your cover is your book’s first impression, so ensure it’s professional, attractive, and clearly readable at thumbnail size (need some design guidance? Here’s a handy guide to choosing the best fonts for book covers).

Set aside enough time to fill out your book metadata carefully—this includes title, subtitle, keywords, and description—because these directly influence your discoverability and success on the platform.

Next, upload your files, review your preview carefully to spot any formatting weirdness, and set an appropriate price point based on similar books in your genre.

Finally, hit that publish button—but don’t stop there; proactively market by sharing your book on social media, author forums, and possibly on your writer or author website (which you should definitely have set up by now!) to maximize your sales and reach more readers fast.

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