Distribution Reach of Major Self-Publishing Platforms

In the rapidly evolving world of self publishing book companies, an author’s ability to reach readers hinges significantly on the distribution reach of their chosen platform. While a great book is the foundation, getting it in front of as many potential readers as possible – across various countries, devices, and formats – is crucial for success.

The landscape of self-publishing distribution can be broadly categorized into two main types of platforms:

1. Retailers: Platforms that directly sell books to consumers (e.g., Amazon, Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble).
2. Aggregators: Services that take your book files and distribute them to multiple retailers and libraries on your behalf.

Here’s a breakdown of the distribution reach of the major players in the self-publishing space:

1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

• Type: Retailer (direct publishing)
• Distribution Reach: Massive and Global (Amazon Ecosystem)
  • Ebooks (Kindle): KDP is the undisputed leader in ebook sales. Your Kindle ebook is instantly available across all Amazon marketplaces worldwide (e.g., Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Amazon.ca, Amazon.au, Amazon.co.jp, etc.) and readable on Kindle devices, apps, and web readers.
  • Print (Paperback & Hardcover via KDP Print): Your print books are available for purchase directly on all Amazon marketplaces globally, leveraging Amazon’s print-on-demand facilities.
  • Expanded Distribution (for Print): KDP offers an “Expanded Distribution” option for print books, which makes your book discoverable to other retailers and libraries via wholesale channels, but it’s generally considered less robust than dedicated aggregators like IngramSpark for broad physical store reach.
• Key Advantage: Dominant market share and direct access to millions of Amazon customers worldwide.

2. IngramSpark

• Type: Aggregator (primarily print-on-demand wholesaler)
• Distribution Reach: Unparalleled Global Print Network, plus Ebook
  • Print: IngramSpark boasts access to over 40,000 retailers, libraries, and educational institutions globally through Ingram Content Group’s massive network (Ingram Book Group). This includes major bookstore chains like Waterstones (UK), Barnes & Noble (US), independent bookstores, and virtually every online retailer that orders books via wholesale. They have print facilities in the US, UK, Australia, and Brazil, facilitating faster delivery in those regions.
  • Ebooks: IngramSpark also distributes ebooks to various major retailers like Amazon, Apple Books, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.
• Key Advantage: The gold standard for wide print distribution, essential for getting your book into brick-and-mortar stores and libraries worldwide. Many authors use IngramSpark for print while simultaneously using KDP for Amazon-specific ebook sales.

3. Draft2Digital (D2D)

• Type: Aggregator
• Distribution Reach: Excellent for Wide Ebook Distribution, streamlined Print
  • Ebooks: D2D distributes to nearly all major ebook retailers outside of Amazon directly, including:
    • Apple Books (available in over 50 countries)
    • Kobo (available in over 190 countries)
    • Barnes & Noble Nook
    • Google Play Books
    • Scribd (subscription service)
    • Tolino (a consortium of major German retailers)
    • Vivlio (French retailer)
    • And many library platforms like OverDrive, Bibliotheca, Baker & Taylor, Hoopla, and BorrowBox.
  • Print: D2D offers a print-on-demand service that leverages IngramSpark’s network, effectively giving you wide print distribution through a single D2D dashboard.
• Key Advantage: Simplicity and breadth of reach for ebooks to all non-Amazon major retailers and libraries, with an easy add-on for wide print distribution.

4. Apple Books for Authors (formerly iBooks Author)

• Type: Retailer (direct publishing)
• Distribution Reach: Significant, particularly within Apple’s Ecosystem
  • Ebooks: Your ebook is available through the Apple Books store in over 50 countries. Apple has a large and loyal customer base, and many prefer to purchase and read books on their Apple devices.
  • Audiobooks: Apple also supports audiobooks, including options for AI-narrated audiobooks.
• Key Advantage: Access to a large, global audience of Apple device users.

5. Kobo Writing Life (KWL)

• Type: Retailer (direct publishing)
• Distribution Reach: Strong International Ebook Presence
  • Ebooks: Kobo is a Canadian company with a strong international focus, particularly in Canada, Australia, France, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, and the UK, in addition to the US. They boast availability in over 190 countries.
  • Subscription Services: Kobo Plus (a subscription service in certain territories) offers additional reach.
• Key Advantage: Excellent for reaching readers outside the dominant Amazon market, especially in Europe and Commonwealth countries.