Launching your first book? You might be staring at a hundred tabs right now, wondering: Which self-publishing platform is actually best for new authors?
I’ve been there. When I self-published my first book, I thought the hardest part was writing it, but it turned out, choosing where to publish was just as overwhelming.
Every platform promised something different: higher royalties, better exposure, exclusive perks. It felt like trying to pick the right door on a game show, except my book—my heart and soul—was the prize on the line.
So if you’re asking that same question in 2025, you’re not alone. The truth is, your platform choice can make or break your author journey. The right platform can turn your manuscript into a profitable, professional-looking book. The wrong one? It can bury your work in a sea of unread titles, no matter how good your story is.
Millions of books are self-published each year, which is both exciting and a little terrifying. On one hand, it means more creative freedom and control for writers like us. On the other hand, it means more competition and far less room for error.
With so many new titles flooding the market, your choice of platform matters more than ever. And if you’re serious about giving your book a real shot, not just publishing it, but selling it, then you need a platform that aligns with your goals, your genre, and your audience.
So let’s break down the best self-publishing platforms for new authors in 2025, what makes each one unique, and how you can choose the right fit based on your goals. No fluff. Just clear, honest advice from someone who’s already made the rookie mistakes so you don’t have to.
Why Your Platform Choice Matters More Than You Think
Think of a publishing platform like a launchpad. Some are optimized to blast your book into global orbit. Others might only get you off the ground and leave you circling in obscurity. The truth is, your book deserves more than just a quiet release.
As a first-time author, your platform is your foundation. It should work with you, not against you. You need a setup that feels intuitive, doesn’t nickel-and-dime you, and gets your work in front of real readers, not buried on page 37 of a search result.
Your ideal platform should give you:
- Simple tools for uploading and formatting your book
- Competitive royalty rates and pricing control
- Broad distribution to retailers and libraries
- Basic marketing features or third-party integrations
- Ownership of your rights and flexibility to expand
And here’s where many first-time authors get tripped up: they chase the platform with the highest royalties, thinking that’s the smartest financial move. I get it. It looks great on paper. But I’ve seen it firsthand: a 70% royalty doesn’t mean much if no one’s actually finding your book.
That percentage of nothing? Still nothing. Visibility matters more. You’re better off with a slightly lower cut on a platform that actively gets your book into readers’ hands than clinging to a higher rate that comes with radio silence.
Publishing is part art, part business. And business thrives on reach. So pick the launchpad that gives your book the best shot at being seen, shared, and remembered.
The Best Self-Publishing Platforms for First-Time Authors in 2025
Let’s look at the leading players, based on reach, ease of use, royalties, and overall value for beginners. These platforms are stepping stones to building your author brand.
I remember feeling overwhelmed when I was choosing my first one, but breaking it down like this made the decision much easier.
1. Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Amazon’s KDP still dominates the self-publishing world, and for good reason. It’s fast, intuitive, and directly tied to the world’s biggest book marketplace, which means your book can be discovered by millions of readers from day one.
Whether you’re publishing an eBook or a paperback, KDP handles it all in one place.
You earn up to 70% royalties on eBooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99 and 60% minus printing costs on paperbacks, which is one of the best royalty structures out there for beginners.
You don’t have to be on every platform. That’s a recipe for burnout, especially if this is your first time publishing.
If you choose to enroll in KDP Select, you get additional perks like access to Kindle Unlimited, countdown deals, and free promo days, but it comes with a catch: your eBook must stay exclusive to Amazon for 90 days.
Why it’s great: KDP offers a massive built-in audience, instant publication (often within 72 hours), and powerful backend tools to track your sales and page reads.
Even bestselling indie author Mark Dawson says it best: “You have access to the biggest bookstore in the world.” For most new authors, this is the easiest and most rewarding place to start.
2. Draft2Digital
If you want to go beyond Amazon without losing your mind managing multiple accounts, Draft2Digital is your best friend. It lets you upload your eBook once, and they’ll distribute it to major platforms like Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and even libraries, no extra logins or hassle.
They take about 10% of the retail price, which means your cut still stays close to 60% after retailers take theirs. For something that saves so much time, that’s more than fair. Their auto-formatting tool also makes your manuscript look clean and professional with zero tech stress.
Why it’s great: It’s the ultimate hands-off wide publishing tool. If you’re not ready to commit to Amazon exclusivity or just want your book to reach readers in as many places as possible, this is the route I wish I had taken sooner.
3. IngramSpark
When it comes to print, IngramSpark is the gold standard. Unlike KDP, which mostly keeps your print book within Amazon’s ecosystem, IngramSpark connects you to over 40,000 retailers, including local indie bookstores, libraries, and academic institutions through the Ingram Book Group.
Yes, there are setup fees, and yes, you’ll need to handle your own ISBN. But in exchange, you gain access to a more traditional-style distribution system. That means your book can actually sit on a shelf in a bookstore, not just a virtual one.
Why it’s great: If your dream is to walk into a bookstore and see your name on a spine, this is your best bet. Many authors using IngramSpark claim to see a better chance of being picked up by libraries or bookstores than those who only published on Amazon.
4. Barnes & Noble Press
This one’s ideal if you’re US-based and want to connect directly with readers who are loyal to the Barnes & Noble brand. Their platform is free to use, supports both eBook and paperback formats, and offers up to 70% royalties on digital sales.
If your book performs well online, it might even get featured in physical Barnes & Noble stores, which is a dream for many new authors.
Why it’s great: Built-in trust. Readers already know and love the brand, and that familiarity can go a long way in building your early readership. For me, publishing here felt like a badge of legitimacy.
5. Kobo Writing Life
Outside the US, Kobo is a major player, especially in Canada, the UK, and parts of Europe and Asia. If you want to tap into international markets, this is a smart platform to use alongside others. You earn 70% royalties on eBooks priced over $2.99, and you get access to geo-targeted pricing, which lets you adjust prices for different countries.
Kobo even has a partnership with Walmart for print exposure in North America, which adds another layer of visibility.
Why it’s great: If global reach is your goal, Kobo helps you get there without the complexity of managing foreign storefronts. It’s like a passport for your book.
6. Apple Books for Authors
If your ideal reader uses an iPhone, iPad, or MacBook, this is where you want your book to be. Apple Books for Authors gives you 70% royalties and access to beautiful analytics and clean publishing tools. Everything integrates seamlessly with Mac software like Pages, which makes uploading a breeze.
Why it’s great: It’s perfect for books with rich visuals, like cookbooks or art memoirs. Plus, Apple users tend to be loyal and willing to pay for premium content, which can mean higher conversions for authors like you.
7. Lulu
Lulu is the wild card here, but in the best way. It’s the go-to platform for creative formats beyond just novels. Want to publish a planner, a textbook, a journal, or even a photobook? Lulu’s print-on-demand model makes that possible without ordering in bulk.
You can also sell directly from your own website using Lulu’s integration tools.
Why it’s great: Total flexibility. If you’ve got a unique vision for your project—something that doesn’t fit the traditional mold—Lulu gives you room to experiment without a huge upfront investment.
How to Pick the Right Platform Based on Your Goals
You don’t have to be on every platform. That’s a recipe for burnout, especially if this is your first time publishing.
In fact, starting with just one platform helps you focus your energy where it actually moves the needle, like writing your next book, building an email list, or testing your marketing chops.
Step 1: When I started out, I thought more platforms meant more visibility. But the truth is, every platform has its quirks, different file requirements, royalty rules, and dashboards to learn.
Trying to master all of them at once will slow you down more than it helps. So here’s a cheat sheet to help you match your publishing goals with the right platform:
Step 2: Want maximum exposure? Start with Amazon KDP. It’s where most readers are already searching. Your book will show up in Amazon’s search results, be eligible for Kindle Unlimited (if you enroll), and you can publish both eBooks and paperbacks in one place.
For a first-time author, this platform is practically plug-and-play.
Step 3: Want bookstore placement? Try IngramSpark. This is the go-to if you dream of seeing your book in independent bookstores or libraries. Ingram has global reach and connects directly to retailers, but it does come with setup fees and a learning curve.
Worth it if print sales and prestige are on your radar.
Step 4: Publishing outside the US? Go with Kobo Writing Life. Kobo dominates markets like Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe. Plus, they partner with Walmart, giving your book potential in-store reach in the U.S. too. They’re easy to use and offer solid royalty rates.
The right platform can turn your manuscript into a profitable, professional-looking book. The wrong one? It can bury your work in a sea of unread titles.
Step 5: Want to avoid exclusivity? Use Draft2Digital or Apple Books. Draft2Digital lets you go wide with minimal fuss, automatically formatting your eBook and sending it to multiple stores.
Apple Books gives you access to iOS readers and great sales data if you’re already part of the Apple ecosystem.
Step 6: Publishing visual or niche projects? Look into Lulu. Whether you’re creating a photo book, planner, workbook, or something totally offbeat, Lulu gives you the tools to customize your layout and reach a specific audience.
It’s especially handy if you plan to sell physical copies through your own website or store.
The key here is to start where your readers are likely to be, not just where you think you “should” be. Choose one platform, learn its ins and outs, and build from there.
A Word on Costs and Pitfalls
Some platforms are free to use, while others like IngramSpark charge setup or revision fees. Always read the fine print—what seems “free” at first can quickly add up if you’re revising your files often or upgrading services.
For example, IngramSpark might charge you $25–$49 just to upload or update your book, depending on the format.
Free ISBNs, for instance, often tie your book to the publisher’s imprint. That might not seem like a big deal now, but down the line, it can affect your ability to move your book elsewhere or be seen as truly independent.
When I first self-published, I grabbed the free ISBN without thinking twice. Later, when I tried to get my book into bookstores, I realized the ISBN listed Amazon, not me, as the publisher. That was a headache I didn’t need.
And remember: publishing is just step one. If you’re not prepared to market your book, even the best self-publishing platform can’t help you sell. Your book won’t magically appear in readers’ hands.
You’ll need to hustle—think email lists, launch teams, promo sites, maybe even TikTok if that’s your vibe. The platform can give you a door; it’s up to you to invite readers in.
What I Wish I Knew as a First-Time Author
When I launched my first book, I chose KDP exclusively because it was the most popular. It worked. I saw downloads, got reviews, and even made decent royalties.
But looking back, I wish I had planned for expansion earlier, like using Draft2Digital to reach other stores or prepping my files for IngramSpark to tap into bookstores. I didn’t realize how many readers shop outside of Amazon, or how much credibility you can gain just by having your book available at libraries or indie bookshops.
Had I known that I could publish on KDP and still use Draft2Digital or IngramSpark (as long as I managed rights carefully), I would’ve started that process sooner. Not because KDP isn’t powerful—it absolutely is, but because I limited my book’s reach by sticking to one channel for too long.
Start simple, but build with the long game in mind. Your book deserves more than one shelf, and today’s best self-publishing platforms make it easier than ever to go wide without drowning in complexity.
If I could go back, I’d still begin with KDP, but I’d already have my Draft2Digital and IngramSpark plans in the queue.
Don’t Overthink It. Just Start.
Here’s the truth: There is no perfect platform. There’s only the one that helps you take action right now.
I’d argue that KDP is still the best first step for most new authors. It’s fast, free, and puts your book in front of millions. But if your goals include wider distribution, international markets, or niche formats, branching out to platforms like Draft2Digital or IngramSpark makes strategic sense.
The most successful authors aren’t the ones who waited for the best tool. They’re the ones who used what they had and got their work out there. So pick a platform, press publish, and let your story find its readers.
