E-Book Marketplaces:

  • Self-Publishing Platforms: Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, Smashwords
  • Specialized Digital Bookstores: Kobo Writing Life, Barnes & Noble Press

Suitable for: Writers, authors, independent publishers

E-Book

E-Book:

Detailed overview of the commission structures and requirements for selling on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, Smashwords, Kobo Writing Life and Barnes & Noble Press:

1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
  • Commissions:

    • Digital books:

      • 35% commission for books priced below $2.99 and above $9.99.

      • 70% commission for books priced between $2.99 and $9.99.

    • Paperbacks:

      • 60% of the list price, after subtracting printing costs.

  • Fixed Costs: No registration or publication costs. Printing copy fees may apply.
  • Difference Between Individuals and Corporations: No significant differences in commission rates.
  • Tiered Models: No specific tiered models; rates depend on the book price.
  • Different Sales Models and Services: KDP primarily offers digital and print book services.
  • Product Conditions: Must comply with KDP’s standards.
  • Income Payment Timing: Typically paid monthly.
  • Minimum Income for Payment: Minimum threshold is $10.
  • Transaction Fees for Payment: No specific transaction fees; may include taxes.
  • Membership Conditions: Free sign-up with a KDP account required.
  • Initial Registration Cost: No upfront payment required.
  • Initial Publication Cost: No initial publication costs.

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing

2. Smashwords

  • Commissions:

    • 15% commission for sales on the platform, meaning you keep 85%.

    • Typical royalties from retailers are 60%.

  • Fixed Costs: No fees for publishing.
  • Difference Between Individuals and Corporations: Similar to KDP, no significant differences exist.
  • Tiered Models: No tiered models; may vary by retailer.
  • Different Sales Models and Services: Offers distribution to various platforms.
  • Product Conditions: Must conform to Smashwords’ formatting standards.
  • Income Payment Timing: Payments are made quarterly.
  • Minimum Income for Payment: No specific threshold mentioned.
  • Transaction Fees for Payment: No direct transaction fees.
  • Membership Conditions: Free registration required.
  • Initial Registration Cost: No costs associated with initial registration.
  • Initial Publication Cost: No upfront costs for publication.

Smashwords

3. Kobo Writing Life

  • Commissions:
    • 70% for digital books if pricing meets conditions (minimum price of $2.99).
    • 45% or 20% for higher-priced books accordingly.
  • Fixed Costs: No costs for distributing eBooks.
  • Difference Between Individuals and Corporations: No significant distinctions in commission rates.
  • Tiered Models: There are tiered models based on price.
  • Different Sales Models and Services: Kobo Writing Life allows authors to control content and manage promotions.
  • Product Conditions: Must meet distribution standards set by Kobo.
  • Income Payment Timing: Payments typically made monthly.
  • Minimum Income for Payment: Usually, no minimum is specified, but the book should be priced at a minimum of $2.99.
  • Transaction Fees for Payment: No specific transaction fees, but Kobo typically takes a share.
  • Membership Conditions: Free registration is required.
  • Initial Registration Cost: No upfront payment is needed.
  • Initial Publication Cost: There are no costs for publication initially.

Kobo Writing Life

4. Barnes & Noble Press

  • Commissions:

    • 70% for digital book sales.

    • 55% for print sales, minus printing costs.

    • 40% for lower-priced books.

  • Fixed Costs: No costs for publishing or registration.
  • Difference Between Individuals and Corporations: No significant differences noted.
  • Tiered Models: Tiered models exist depending on book pricing.
  • Different Sales Models and Services: Offers flexibility in pricing without hidden costs.
  • Product Conditions: Must meet content guidelines set by B&N.
  • Income Payment Timing: Monthly payments are made.
  • Minimum Income for Payment: Generally $10.
  • Transaction Fees for Payment: No specific transaction fees noted.
  • Membership Conditions: Free sign-up is required.
  • Initial Registration Cost: No costs for initial registration.
  • Initial Publication Cost: No upfront costs for publication exist.

Barnes & Noble Press