Exploring Other Self-Publishing Options: Beyond the Big Two

When people think about self-publishing, the first names that often come to mind are Amazon KDP and IngramSpark. These platforms, often dubbed “the big two,” have carved out significant spaces in the self-publishing world. Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) offers unparalleled access to its vast marketplace, while IngramSpark provides robust distribution options for print books. However, as a self-published author, I’ve found that sticking exclusively to these platforms can sometimes feel limiting. Exploring alternative self-publishing platforms and services can open up new opportunities for reaching diverse audiences, building revenue streams, and maintaining creative control.

In this article, I’ll walk you through some lesser-known but promising self-publishing options. These platforms and strategies offer a fresh perspective and may better align with your specific goals as an author. Whether you’re looking to sell directly to readers, reach niche audiences, or explore new formats, there’s likely an option here that fits your needs.

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Why Look Beyond Amazon KDP and IngramSpark?

While Amazon KDP and IngramSpark dominate the self-publishing conversation, their models may not be ideal for every author. Both platforms have stringent policies, including royalty structures that might not maximize your earnings. Amazon KDP’s exclusivity requirements for Kindle Unlimited, for instance, can limit where you distribute your eBook. IngramSpark charges setup and revision fees, which can add up quickly if you’re making frequent updates.

By exploring alternatives, you can:

Diversify your revenue streams.
Tap into specific niches or communities.
Maintain full creative control over your work.
Experiment with unique publishing formats.

Let’s dive into some of the most promising alternatives to the big two.

Direct-to-Consumer Platforms

One of the most exciting trends in self-publishing is selling directly to readers. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) platforms allow authors to maintain higher royalty percentages and develop closer relationships with their audience.

Gumroad

Gumroad is an intuitive platform for selling digital and physical products directly to consumers. As an author, you can use Gumroad to sell eBooks, audiobooks, or even exclusive bonus content. One of the biggest advantages of Gumroad is its simple pricing model: you pay a small transaction fee per sale, keeping most of the revenue.

For authors, Gumroad is ideal for:

Selling niche content that might not have mainstream appeal.
Bundling eBooks with supplementary materials like worksheets or video guides.
Creating subscription models for serialized stories or exclusive updates.

Payhip

Payhip is another DTC platform that’s gaining traction among authors. With Payhip, you can sell eBooks and other digital products while leveraging features like affiliate marketing, discount codes, and mailing list integration. The platform also supports VAT calculations for international customers, making it particularly useful for authors with a global audience.

Both Gumroad and Payhip empower authors to build and maintain a loyal reader base while sidestepping traditional marketplaces.

Expanded Digital Publishing Platforms

If you’re looking to distribute your eBooks and audiobooks to a broader array of retailers, several platforms specialize in reaching international and niche markets.

Draft2Digital

Draft2Digital simplifies the process of distributing your eBooks to multiple platforms, including Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, and Scribd. Unlike IngramSpark, Draft2Digital doesn’t charge setup fees, and its intuitive interface makes it easy to format your manuscript. The platform also offers tools for creating universal book links, which direct readers to their preferred retailers.

Smashwords

Smashwords is a veteran in the self-publishing space, catering to indie authors who want to reach a diverse array of platforms. Known for its “Meatgrinder” formatting tool, Smashwords ensures that your book meets the technical requirements for dozens of retailers. It also features a unique store where readers can purchase your book directly, allowing you to earn higher royalties.

These platforms are particularly useful for authors who want to maximize their distribution without dealing with multiple accounts across retailers.

Print-On-Demand Services

If print books are a significant part of your strategy, it’s worth exploring alternatives to IngramSpark for print-on-demand (POD) services. Here are a few noteworthy options:

Lulu

Lulu has been a go-to platform for POD publishing for years. It’s especially popular among authors creating niche or specialty books, such as workbooks, calendars, or photo books. Lulu’s user-friendly interface and competitive pricing make it an excellent choice for authors who want flexibility in print formats and distribution.

Blurb

Blurb is ideal for authors creating visually rich books, such as photography collections, art books, or cookbooks. The platform offers high-quality printing and the ability to sell directly through Blurb’s store, your website, or third-party retailers.

Both Lulu and Blurb allow authors to create unique physical products that stand out in the market.

Audiobook Publishing Options

The audiobook market is booming, and while Amazon’s ACX is a popular choice, there are other platforms that offer competitive royalties and distribution options.

Findaway Voices

Findaway Voices provides audiobook distribution to a vast network of retailers, including Audible, Google Play, and libraries. Unlike ACX, Findaway Voices doesn’t lock you into exclusivity agreements, allowing you to distribute your audiobook widely. The platform also offers professional narration services, making it a one-stop shop for audiobook creation.

Authors Direct

Authors Direct, a platform by Findaway, allows you to sell audiobooks directly to your audience. This option is excellent for authors who already have an established fanbase and want to maximize royalties.

Community-Oriented Platforms

Building a community around your work can be just as important as the distribution itself. Platforms that prioritize reader interaction can help you foster loyal fans.

Wattpad

Wattpad is a social storytelling platform where writers can share their stories chapter by chapter. While many authors use Wattpad to build a following, the platform also offers monetization opportunities through its Paid Stories program and Wattpad Books imprint.

Substack

Substack is a newsletter platform that allows writers to monetize their content through subscriptions. Many authors use Substack to serialize their stories, share behind-the-scenes insights, or offer writing advice. It’s an excellent way to connect directly with readers and build a consistent income stream.

Final Thoughts

Exploring alternative self-publishing options can seem daunting at first, especially if you’ve grown accustomed to the established norms of Amazon KDP and IngramSpark. However, stepping outside of these platforms can unlock exciting opportunities for growth, creativity, and profitability.

Each platform mentioned in this article serves a unique purpose, from direct sales and global distribution to community building and specialized formats. By experimenting with these options, you can craft a self-publishing strategy that aligns with your goals and sets you apart in a crowded market.

Whether you’re a seasoned self-published author or just starting your journey, don’t be afraid to explore beyond the big two. The world of self-publishing is vast, and your ideal platform might be just around the corner.