Using well-established publishing companies has its obvious benefits, but if you’re looking at self-publishing options, here’s a list of the top self-publishing platforms in the U.S.
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MindStir Media
MindStir Media is an award-winning self-publishing company that attracts authors from all over the world. MindStir Media’s distribution network is impressive to say the least, their print books are available in over 30 000 wholesalers, retails and bookstores in over 100 countries. MindStir Media uniquely offers authors the opportunity to be mentored by J.J. Hebert, owner of MindStir Media and author of four Amazon best-selling books. MindStir Media’s publishing packages include this mentorship as well as custom book design, assisted self-publishing in multiple formats, distribution, ebook marketing, and more. Their publishing, marketing and branding services are unparalleled in the industry.
Barnes & Noble Press
Barnes & Noble Press takes new authors through the steps of self-publishing, from picking a format and preparing and uploading files to finally selling their books. Barnes & Noble has a readership of over one million readers with all their published books available on the Nook eReader device. Aside from their Print on demand (POD) services, they also offer paperback and hardcover printing services. Barnes & Noble Press accounts for almost 3% of ebook sales in the U.S. making them a viable choice for self-publishing authors.
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), a self-publishing service offered by Amazon, has a wide-spread global reach. KDP offers both digital and print distribution, which means you can request a paperback copy of your book to accommodate those customers who love the feeling of a book between their fingers Phonics for teens. Uniquely, KDP also allows authors to make changes to their book online and publish it in multiple languages using their language facility. KDP is a reliable and well-established publishing option.
Rakuten Kobo
Kobo is a self-publishing company that simplifies the publishing process by guiding you through each one of the steps. They start by asking you to describe your ebook, upload the content, choose the relevant rights and price point of your work and then click ‘publish’. Within minutes you are provided with a book in an ePub format ready to be released for everyone around the world to read. It’s as simple as that with Kobo.
Smashwords
Smashwords is a major competitor in the self-publishing world. Their aim is to literally ‘smash’ the rigidness of traditional publishing with ‘words’. As one of the largest self-publishing platforms for independent authors, they offer marketing and publishing services and other tools to help authors publish their work. Authors also receive almost 80% of their net sales when publishing through Smashwords. You simply need to sign up and you’re ready to publish.
The final verdict
Working with mainstream publishing companies can at times be a major hassle, but with the five self-publishing platforms listed here, you can publish your work on your own terms and in your own time. Self-publishing companies work in stark contrast to mainstream publishing companies, yet with some of the best publishing, marketing and branding services in the industry, they are definitely worth the consideration.
Learn more about different types and sizes of publishing platforms that are common among writers and publishers, on this website: www.businessserviceschicago.com