
Kindle Direct Publishing for Dummies: The Ultimate Guide for 2024
Unlock the power of Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) for self-publishing success. Learn key benefits, strategies, and long-term growth opportunities.
Reaching readers is about more than just publishing—learn how to distribute your self-published book beyond Amazon and maximize your sales.
In today’s self-publishing landscape, successfully publishing your book is only half the battle. The other half—arguably the more challenging part—is getting your masterpiece into the hands of readers. While many authors default to Amazon exclusivity, limiting yourself to a single channel could mean missing out on vast potential audiences and revenue streams.
With over 1.7 million books self-published in the US alone last year, standing out requires strategic distribution across multiple platforms. This comprehensive guide explores how indie authors can expand their reach beyond the Amazon ecosystem to maximize sales and readership.
Distribution channels are the pathways your book takes to reach readers. For traditionally published authors, publishers handle this complex network. As a self-published author, this responsibility falls on your shoulders—but it also means you retain complete control over where and how your book is sold.
The “wide” distribution approach (selling through multiple retailers rather than exclusively through one) offers several advantages:
Before diving into specific channels, ensure your book has a properly registered ISBN. An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is your book’s unique identifier, essential for distribution beyond Amazon. At ISBNdirect, we provide affordable ISBNs starting at just $19, significantly lower than the industry standard of $125+ through Bowker directly.
While Amazon commands approximately 68% of online book sales, that leaves a substantial 32% of the market across other platforms:
Apple Books
Barnes & Noble Press
Kobo
Google Play Books
Rather than managing uploads to each platform separately, many authors use aggregator services:
Draft2Digital
PublishDrive
IngramSpark
Each ISBNdirect customer receives a book profile in our portal that makes submitting to these platforms significantly easier. With our ISBN service starting at just $19, you’re saving hundreds compared to traditional publishing while maintaining complete distribution flexibility.
Breaking into brick-and-mortar stores represents a significant milestone for many self-published authors. While challenging, it’s far from impossible:
IngramSpark connects your book to Ingram Content Group’s distribution network—the same system used by major publishers. Key considerations:
Independent bookstores often support local authors and may be more receptive than chains:
With an ISBNdirect ISBN properly registered in the Bookwire database, bookstores can easily look up your title’s details, lending professional credibility to your approach.
Libraries purchase billions of dollars worth of books annually and represent an often-overlooked opportunity for self-published authors:
OverDrive (Libby)
Hoopla
SELF-e
When approaching local libraries:
Libraries require proper metadata, which starts with a registered ISBN. Your ISBNdirect ISBN includes a Bookwire profile, making your book discoverable to library acquisition systems.
Selling directly to readers offers the highest profit margin and valuable customer data:
Think beyond bookstores to places relevant to your content:
Direct sales require a professional appearance, which includes a registered ISBN and barcode. ISBNdirect provides high-resolution barcode files in multiple formats as part of our $19 ISBN package.
With audiobooks growing at 25% annually, this format demands consideration:
ACX/Audible
Findaway Voices
Authors Republic
While audiobooks use ISBNs differently than print books, having a consistent ISBN presence across all your book formats creates a professional author profile. ISBNdirect’s multi-ISBN packages (starting at just $35 for two ISBNs) make this professional approach affordable.
Rather than tackling all channels simultaneously, consider this phased approach:
Pre-Launch (2-3 months before publication)
Launch Phase (Publication month)
Expansion Phase (3-6 months post-launch)
Maturity Phase (6+ months)
ISBNdirect’s self-service portal allows you to manage your book’s metadata and track where it’s registered, making this phased approach significantly easier.
As you expand your distribution footprint, keep these best practices in mind:
While Amazon offers the path of least resistance for self-published authors, limiting yourself to a single channel means leaving significant opportunities untapped. With strategic planning and the right tools—starting with a properly registered ISBN—indie authors can build distribution networks that rival traditional publishers.
ISBNdirect’s affordable ISBN service (starting at just $19) gives authors the professional foundation needed for wide distribution without the traditional publisher price tag. Our self-service portal and Bookwire registration ensure your book has the proper metadata to succeed across all the channels discussed in this article.
Remember: distribution isn’t just about availability—it’s about discovery. Each new channel introduces your book to readers who might never have found it otherwise. By thinking beyond the default single-platform approach, you dramatically increase your book’s chances of finding its audience.
Ready to expand your book’s reach? Get started with ISBNdirect today and take the first step toward truly wide distribution.
Unlock the power of Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) for self-publishing success. Learn key benefits, strategies, and long-term growth opportunities.
Learn how to use the price-sales curve to find your book’s sweet spot, maximize profits, and boost sales as a self-publisher.