In this post, I want to outline where you can self-publish your book followed by where you should self-publish your book to 1) optimize revenue and 2) optimize distribution.
1 Where You Can Self-publish
The following are locations where you CAN self-publish your book. Just because you CAN, doesn’t mean you SHOULD.
1.1 Amazon Kindle E-book
The largest bookstore on the planet.
1.2 Amazon Print on Demand (POD) Paperback
Have paperback books printed and shipped when ordered using POD paperbacks.
1.3 Smashwords E-book
Smashwords is a one-stop shop for publishing your e-book everywhere but Amazon (e.g. Barnes and Noble, Kobo and the Apple Book Store).
1.4 Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
Optionally, you can bypass Smashwords and publish directly on each site, but I don’t recommend it if you want to save time.
1.5 Lulu Print on Demand (POD) Paperback
An off-Amazon option for POD paperback distribution.
1.6 Audiobook Connection Exchange (ACX) Audiobook on Amazon, Audible and iTunes
An Amazon website where you can hire an audiobook narrator or narrate your own book and upload it for sale on Amazon, Audible and iTunes.
2 Where You Should Self-publish to Maximize Revenue
The following are locations where you SHOULD publish your book to maximize revenue (Amazon only).
2.1 Amazon Kindle E-book
You will generate most of your self-publishing revenue from Amazon Kindle e-book sales. By publishing your e-book exclusively on Amazon, you can enter your book into the KDP Select program to generate additional revenue from book loans and Amazon promotions. Note that the revenue you generate from Amazon exclusivity should exceed that which you generate from other e-book marketing sources.
2.2 Amazon Print on Demand (POD) Paperback
You won’t generate much sales from POD paperbacks on Amazon, yet simply providing a paperback will bolster the sales of your Amazon Kindle e-book. Publish an Amazon Kindle POD paperback because it’s easy and will improve your Amazon Kindle e-book sales.
The only reason to publish a POD paperback is to have it appear on Amazon to bolster your e-book. There is no reason to publish a LULU POD paperback.
Instead of spending money and time producing audiobooks, focus on publishing more Amazon Kindle e-books.
3 Where You Should Self-publish to Maximize Distribution
The following are the locations where you SHOULD publish your book to maximize distribution.
3.1 Amazon Kindle E-book
Maximize revenue.
3.2 Amazon Print on Demand (POD) Paperback
Bolster your e-book sales.
3.3 Smashword E-book
Smashwords will distribute your book to Barnes and Noble, Kobo and the Apple Bookstore so that you don’t have to publish on each site individually. This publishing option will make your book available in as wide a distribution as possible.
I’ll see you in the classroom,
—Brian
