If you’re thinking about publishing a book, then you’ve probably heard of Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing). Its massive reach and relatively simple process have become a go-to platform for many aspiring and established authors.
However, with other publishing services, sometimes it becomes hard to decide which one you should choose.
This guide really answers that question in depth. It covers everything from costs and royalties to marketing tools and long-term plans. If you’re just starting out in publishing, this is for you. Our Amazon KDP vs. other publishing services guide will help you make the right and well-informed decision.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon KDP vs. Other Publishing Services: Amazon KDP offers a massive reach and ease of use, making it a popular choice for indie authors, while other services like IngramSpark, Lulu, and Barnes & Noble Press offer more distribution options and specialized services.
- Amazon’s Print-on-Demand Service: Amazon’s print-on-demand feature enables authors to sell paperbacks without worrying about managing stocks, as Amazon prints and ships books when they’re ordered.
- Cost of Publishing on Amazon: KDP is free to use, with Amazon taking a percentage of sales. Paperback printing costs are deducted from your royalties, making it a cost-effective option for many authors.
- Amazon Book Publishing Process: KDP is highly user-friendly as it offers tools like Kindle Create and Cover Creator to help authors publish eBooks and paperbacks seamlessly.
- Customer Support: One of the distinct features of Amazon KDP is that its customer support is primarily online compared to other platforms that offer more direct assistance.
The Basics
1. What is Amazon KDP
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a free platform offered by Amazon that allows authors to publish and sell eBooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers on Amazon.com and other sites around the world. It’s a popular choice for self-published writers, and for good reason.
KDP provides authors with direct access to Amazon’s large customer base, and with its print-on-demand feature, there’s no need to store books or pay for printing upfront.
2. Other Publishing Services
When we say “other publishing services,” we’re talking about platforms like:
- IngramSpark – Known for wide distribution to bookstores and libraries
- Draft2Digital – Focused on eBook distribution across multiple retailers
- Lulu – Great for print books and niche formats
- Smashwords – eBook-centric with a broad reach
- Hybrid publishers – A blend of traditional and self-publishing where you pay for services and get professional support.
Amazon KDP vs. Other Publishing Services: A Detailed Comparison
1. Ease of Use
If you’re writing a book for the first time, how easy it is to publish can really affect your experience. You don’t want to struggle with complicated technical details or formatting issues before your book is published.
Amazon KDP
Amazon KDP is beginner-friendly. The dashboard is easy to use, and the upload process walks you through each step. There’s also a lot of help available through articles, FAQs, and community forums. Authors can easily find their way through categories, pricing, and book settings without much confusion. To use KDP, you do not have to have any background or technical knowledge.
Other Publishing Services
In comparison to KDP, Best Amazon book publishing service like, BookQuill Lulu are also relatively easy to use, though some areas feel slightly outdated. IngramSpark can be a bit tricky to use at first. Its design is aimed at people with experience, which might be overwhelming for newcomers. Hybrid publishers handle everything for you, but this convenience usually costs more.
2. Publishing Costs
Now comes the main part.
Cost of publishing
One of the main worries for self-published authors is the upfront cost. Amazon KDP is popular because it doesn’t have any initial fees, but other services have their own pricing plans.
Amazon KDP
So, how much does Amazon book publishing cost?
Publishing with KDP is completely free. Authors can use Amazon’s free ISBN, although this means Amazon will be listed as the publisher. Optional expenses include proof copies and author copies, which are priced reasonably.
If you are a budget-conscious writer, KDP is the best choice for you.
Other Publishing Services
Costs vary from service to service. For example:
IngramSpark charges a title setup fee (typically $25–49) and fees for file revisions. It also requires you to use your own ISBN. Hybrid publishers usually charge anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000+, bundling editing, formatting, design, and publishing in one package. Apart from these two, Draft2Digital is free as well, but it takes a percentage of your royalties.
3. Royalties
Understanding how much you’ll earn per sale is crucial. Royalties differ across platforms depending on format, pricing, and region.
Amazon KDP
KDP has good royalty rates for authors:
- For eBooks, you get 70% of the sale price if your book is priced between $2.99 and $9.99. If it’s priced outside that range or sold in certain countries, you get 35%.
- For print books, you earn about 60% of the list price, but this is after printing costs are taken out.
This setup helps authors make a decent profit, especially if they sell directly on Amazon.
Other Publishing Services
Other platforms offer varied royalty structures:
- IngramSpark: Roughly 40–55% for print, depending on discounts and wholesale pricing.
- Draft2Digital: Authors receive about 60% after the retailer’s cut.
- Lulu: Offers around 80% of net profit for print books.
- Hybrid publishers: Royalties are often lower, usually around 40–50% after expenses.
4. Distribution Reach
When comparing Amazon KDP vs. other publishing services, people mostly think about earnings and costs, but they forget that your platform’s reach and visibility also matter.
Publishing a book isn’t just about getting it live—it’s about making sure readers can actually FIND and BUY it.
Amazon KDP
Books published through KDP can be found on all Amazon sites, allowing authors to reach millions of buyers around the world. However, if you join KDP Select, you agree to a 90-day period where your eBook can only be sold on Amazon. This means you can’t sell it anywhere else during that time, which restricts your options.
Other Publishing Services
IngramSpark offers extensive global distribution, ensuring that your book is available through more than 40,000 retailers, including libraries, independent bookstores, and academic organizations. On the other hand, Draft2Digital specializes in eBook distribution, making it easy to get your book onto platforms like Apple Books, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. However, it doesn’t offer a direct printing option like Amazon. For authors seeking print options, Amazon print-on-demand contact is a common search that takes writers toward KDP.
Bookquill provides both print and Best Amazon book publishing service and enhances its global reach by partnering with Ingram. Hybrid publishers often claim to provide comprehensive distribution, but it is essential to carefully review your contract to understand what is actually included.
The Amazon Book Publishing Process
Publishing on Amazon KDP is simple, but each step matters. Here’s a quick overview:
1. Prepare Your Manuscript
Edit and format your book properly. Use .docx or .epub for eBooks, and follow KDP’s print specs for paperbacks/hardcovers.
2. Design Your Cover
Upload a custom cover or use KDP’s Cover Creator. Print books need a full wrap design based on the final page count.
3. Create a KDP Account
Sign up at kdp.amazon.com, link your Amazon account, and add tax and payment info.
4. Enter Book Details
Add a title, author name, description, keywords, and select categories. These affect visibility and search ranking.
5. Upload Manuscript and Cover
Upload your files and preview your book using KDP’s built-in tool to catch formatting issues before publishing.
6. ISBN Selection
eBooks don’t need an ISBN. For print, use KDP’s free ISBN (Amazon as publisher) or provide your own.
7. Set Rights & Pricing
Choose global territories and royalty rates (35% or 70%), and set pricing for each marketplace.
8. Preview and Publish
Review everything in KDP’s previewer. Once ready, click “Publish.” Your book usually goes live within 72 hours!
Final Thoughts
Publishing doesn’t have to be a choice between options. Many smart authors use KDP for Amazon and services like Draft2Digital or IngramSpark for wider distribution. This approach is known as “going wide,” which lets you enjoy the benefits of both.
As an author, when you are making a comparison of Amazon KDP vs. other publishing services, remember that it is about making wise choices on how to share your book with others. We hope our guide will help you make the right decision for yourself.
FAQs
Can I publish under a pen name on Amazon KDP?
Absolutely. Amazon allows you to use a pen name instead of your real name. Just enter your chosen name when filling out the author details during the publishing process.
Do I need a barcode for my print book?
No need to worry—Amazon KDP generates a barcode for you automatically if you use their free ISBN or upload your own.
Can I update my book after publishing it on KDP?
Yes! You can edit your manuscript, cover, metadata, or pricing anytime after publishing.
Is ISBN ownership important if I’m not planning to publish widely?
Not necessarily. If you’re publishing only on Amazon, a free KDP ISBN is fine. But if you want to own your publishing rights fully and distribute outside Amazon, it’s smart to buy and use your own ISBN.
