Last Updated on January 16, 2023
Are you interested in self-publishing and looking for free self publishing sites? You might be interested in this information. Here’s a list of the best free self publishing sites 2023.
But first, let’s look at a few things to do before using free publishing companies.
We want to make sure you’re aware of everything you need to publish properly.
- The first step is self-explanatory. If it’s your first time writing a book, there are a ton of resources you can tap into. Read Stephen King’s On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. Or learn from bestselling books in your desired genre.
- After completing your first draft, you want to edit the heck out of it. I strongly recommend hiring a professional editor. You can also ask your network, look for beta readers, or do a swap with another writer.
- Every book needs a cover design. I suggest outsourcing this work to a professional, too. Find a designer on sites like Upwork or Fiverr. But if you’re under a budget, try out Canva. It’s a free tool for folks with no design skills. And do brush up on how to create a book cover for free.
- Using free book publishing sites involves uploading files in the right formats. The exact requirements differ depending on the store you pick, plus the book format you wish to publish: ebook, audio, or print. Generally, you’ll need your 1) cover file and 2) main manuscript file formatted correctly. See these guides on how to format an ebook, how to create an audiobook, and how to print-on-demand.
- Don’t forget to develop a marketing plan.
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Best Free Self Publishing Sites
After taking care of the basics, you’re ready to self-publish with any of these free book publishing companies. Without further ado, here’s a list of the best free self publishing sites 2023.
1. Amazon KDP
If you’re familiar with the topic of self-publishing, then you know Amazon KDP is THE place to publish as an indie author or publisher. That’s because the online retailer captures at least half of the digital book market. Out of all the free ebook publishing sites out there, KDP is king.
2. PublishDrive
PublishDrive is an aggregator site, meaning they distribute to multiple spaces. The platform reaches all major channels in this list, such as Amazon plus thousands more.
3. Barnes & Noble Press
The other half of the book market not occupied by Amazon KDP includes Barnes & Noble. In fact, Barnes & Noble is the main competitor of KDP. The renowned bookstore reaches millions of readers on its book site BN.com and e-reader NOOK.
“If you’re interested in selling print books, Barnes and Noble has one of the best services when it comes to the quality and printing options available.”
4. Apple Books
That’s right, you can list your book on Apple Books for free. With the app pre-installed on every Apple device, that’s a pool of over a billion users all over the world.
5. Google Play Books
The Google Play Books app is pre-installed on every Android device. And it’s Google, the largest search engine that has ever existed. Creating a dedicated books page under Google can help you rank higher in organic searches and boost your online advertising efforts.
6. IngramSpark
IngramSpark is a platform perfect for those interested in distributing print books. Ebook is available, too. But Ingram super specializes in print-on-demand, reaching over 39,000 channels.
“Print-on-demand (POD) is a printing technology and business process that prints a book only when an order is made. This became a game-changer for small and medium-sized publishers, where you no longer have to print a ton of books in advance. It lets you list your book online without having prints in stock. This not only gets rid of the logistics hassle, but it saves money too.”
7. Kobo Writing Life
Heard of Walmart? Kobo can get your self-published book on Walmart’s website. In case you haven’t heard of Walmart, it’s one of the largest retail stores in the U.S. Along with the infamous Walmart, Kobo reaches other prominent stores around the globe.