For authors seeking to share their creative works with the world, self-publishing companies offer an accessible and flexible method for getting their work into the hands of readers. Thanks to advancements in digital technology and changes in consumer reading habits, the self-publishing industry has witnessed significant growth over the past decade. Increasingly, authors are choosing to take control of the publication process to ensure that their vision is unaltered as it reaches their audience. There are several reputable self-publishing companies that can kickstart your writing career, including Amazon KDP, Smashwords, and Lulu.
No self-publishing platform is more powerful or more recognized than Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (Amazon KDP). As the world's largest online retailer, Amazon provides self-published authors with a vast potential audience. KDP allows authors to publish both e-books and paperback books for free, with royalties earned based on sales. Authors retain their copyright and can set their list price. With its comprehensive resources and global market reach, KDP offers a viable means for authors to self-publish professionally and potentially earn substantial income.
Smashwords, another popular self-publishing company, is an e-book distributor that caters to independent authors and publishers. It differentiates itself by distributing published works to a wide range of online retailers (including Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Apple Books) and libraries, greatly expanding the author's potential readership. Smashwords also offers a suite of promotional tools to help authors gain more visibility. Authors retain full control over the pricing and sampling of their books, and typically earn 60% of the list price from major retailers and up to 80% when books are sold directly on Smashwords.
Lulu is another self-publishing company that has been supporting independent authors for over fifteen years. It offers everything an author might need, from print-on-demand services to global book distribution. Lulu offers authors up to an 80% royalty rate, one of the highest in the industry. The platform also provides extensive resources for authors, including formatting guides, publishing FAQs, webinars, and a community forum where authors can connect and exchange advice.
Choosing the right self-publishing platform can be critical to an author’s success. Amazon KDP, Smashwords, and Lulu each offer distinct benefits, making them excellent starting points for authors looking to self-publish their work. By presenting your work professionally and grasping the nuances of each platform, an aspiring author can kickstart their career through self-publishing, retaining creative control and potentially earning higher royalties.