Where to Sell eBooks Online: Top 20 Self Publishing Platforms to Consider

In today’s digital world, selling ebooks online has become one of the most popular ways for authors and entrepreneurs to generate passive income. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a beginner exploring self-publishing, knowing where to sell ebooks is crucial to maximizing your reach and earnings. This guide explores the top 20 best ebook platforms to consider, helping you make informed decisions and set your publishing journey up for success.

Why Choosing the Right Platform to Sell eBooks Online Matters

Before diving into the list of platforms, it’s important to understand why selecting the right ebook selling site can significantly impact your success.

Different platforms offer varying royalty rates, marketing tools, distribution channels, and audience sizes. Some platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) provide unparalleled market reach, while others offer greater control over pricing and customer data. For authors aiming to make consistent profits, picking the right self-publishing platform that aligns with your goals and book genre is essential.

Top 20 Best eBook Platforms to Sell Your eBooks Online

Here’s a detailed overview of the best platforms where you can sell ebooks online in 2025. Each offers unique features tailored to different types of authors and content.

1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Amazon KDP is the most popular platform for selling ebooks online, boasting millions of readers worldwide. With competitive royalty rates up to 70% and tools like Kindle Unlimited, it’s ideal for authors looking for massive exposure.

Pros: Huge audience, easy to use, strong marketing tools
Cons: Highly competitive, exclusivity options limit other platforms

2. Apple Books

Apple Books offers access to millions of Apple users and supports beautiful ebook formatting. It’s a great choice for authors targeting iOS users.

Pros: High-quality presentation, wide Apple ecosystem reach
Cons: Mac required for publishing, smaller market share than Amazon

3. Kobo Writing Life

Kobo Writing Life is known for its international reach, especially strong in Canada and Europe. It offers competitive royalties and author-friendly policies.

Pros: Global distribution, flexible pricing
Cons: Smaller audience compared to Amazon

4. Google Play Books

Google Play Books integrates seamlessly with Google’s ecosystem, making it easy for Android users to discover and purchase ebooks.

Pros: Large Android user base, no exclusivity
Cons: Royalties can vary, interface less intuitive for some

5. Smashwords

Smashwords distributes ebooks to multiple retailers, including Apple, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo, making it an excellent aggregator for wide distribution.

Pros: Broad distribution, author-friendly interface
Cons: Formatting requirements can be strict

6. Draft2Digital

Known for its simplicity, Draft2Digital offers automated formatting and distribution to major retailers, helping authors focus on writing.

Pros: Easy to use, automatic formatting, wide distribution
Cons: Service fees apply

7. Barnes & Noble Press

Perfect for reaching Nook users, Barnes & Noble Press allows authors to publish and sell ebooks directly on the Barnes & Noble platform.

Pros: Niche audience, straightforward publishing process
Cons: Smaller market share

8. Payhip

Payhip enables authors to sell ebooks directly to customers with full control over pricing and customer data. It’s ideal for authors wanting direct sales.

Pros: Full control, integrates with your website
Cons: Requires marketing effort to drive traffic

9. Gumroad

Gumroad is another excellent platform for direct ebook sales, popular among creatives and independent authors.

Pros: Simple checkout, subscription options
Cons: Transaction fees apply

10. Lulu

Lulu specializes in print-on-demand and ebook publishing, with strong distribution channels including Ingram.

Pros: Print and digital options, global reach
Cons: Setup can be complex for beginners

11. Blurb

Blurb is perfect for authors creating photo books or illustrated ebooks with high-quality print options.

Pros: High-quality printing, creative control
Cons: Less focus on typical ebooks

12. Sellfy

Sellfy offers a complete e-commerce platform for digital products, including ebooks, with easy storefront setup.

Pros: Simple setup, marketing tools
Cons: Monthly fees

13. StreetLib

StreetLib is a global ebook distributor with extensive retailer partnerships, supporting multiple languages and currencies.

Pros: International reach, wide distribution
Cons: Less well-known in the U.S.

14. Leanpub

Ideal for authors publishing ongoing or technical content, Leanpub supports iterative publishing and reader feedback.

Pros: Great for tech and educational content
Cons: Niche audience

15. BookBaby

BookBaby provides comprehensive publishing services, including editing, design, and distribution.

Pros: Full-service support
Cons: Higher upfront costs

16. PublishDrive

PublishDrive offers global ebook distribution with marketing tools tailored for indie authors.

Pros: Large distribution network, good analytics
Cons: Subscription pricing model

17. Etsy

Though known for handmade goods, Etsy is growing as a marketplace for niche ebooks, especially planners and craft guides.

Pros: Unique niche market
Cons: Not a traditional ebook platform

18. Scribd

Scribd is a subscription-based platform where authors earn royalties based on engagement.

Pros: Large subscription audience
Cons: Royalties depend on reads, not sales

19. IngramSpark

IngramSpark offers robust print-on-demand and ebook distribution to bookstores and libraries worldwide.

Pros: Professional distribution channels
Cons: Setup fees, requires some technical knowledge

20. ClickBank

ClickBank is popular for selling ebooks related to business, self-help, and marketing with affiliate marketing support.

Pros: Affiliate marketing built-in
Cons: Not ideal for fiction or traditional publishing

How to Choose the Best Platform for Your eBook

Selecting the right platform depends on your goals:

• For maximum reach: Amazon KDP and Draft2Digital are top choices.
• For international sales: Kobo and StreetLib shine.
• For full control: Payhip and Gumroad let you sell directly to your audience.
• For niche or iterative content: Leanpub or Etsy might be ideal.

Always consider royalty rates, exclusivity, marketing tools, and distribution breadth. Using multiple platforms can also diversify income streams.

Step-by-Step Guide to Selling Your eBook Online

1. Prepare your ebook: Format for your chosen platform, create an eye-catching cover, and write an optimized description using keywords.
2. Set your pricing: Research competitor prices and consider experimenting with promotions.
3. Upload and publish: Follow platform-specific guidelines carefully to avoid errors.
4. Market your book: Build an author website, grow an email list, leverage social media, and consider paid advertising.
5. Monitor performance: Use analytics tools provided by platforms to refine your marketing strategy.

Tips to Maximize Your eBook Sales and Revenue

• Use targeted keywords in your book title, description, and metadata to boost discoverability.
• Collect reader reviews and respond professionally to feedback.
• Offer multiple formats—ebooks, audiobooks, print—to reach different audiences.
• Collaborate with influencers or bloggers in your niche.
• Run timed promotions and discounts strategically to increase visibility.

Conclusion

Selling ebooks online offers tremendous opportunities for authors to earn passive income and reach global audiences. By choosing the right platform and applying proven marketing strategies, you can turn your writing into a successful business. Start exploring these top 20 ebook platforms today and find the perfect fit for your book and goals.

If you want personalized help with ebook publishing, marketing plans, or platform setup, feel free to reach out or download our free eBook Publishing Success Checklist to get started.