How To Self Publish Without Amazon And Keep Full Control?

TL;DR

• Self-publishing without Amazon gives authors more control over royalties, branding, and reader connections.
• Authors choose alternatives to KDP to avoid exclusivity, expand reach, and retain creative freedom.
• Direct retailers like Apple Books, Barnes & Noble Press, Kobo, and Google Play offer higher control and access to niche or international audiences.
• Aggregators such as Draft2Digital, Smashwords, and IngramSpark simplify multi-platform distribution and library access.
• Choosing a mix of direct retailers and aggregators balances control, reach, and efficiency.
• Ex Why Zed supports authors with high-quality printing, custom designs, and personalised guidance to self-publish beyond Amazon successfully.

Finishing your book is only half the battle. The bigger challenge is getting it into readers’ hands. While Amazon feels like the obvious choice, relying on one platform can limit your growth.

Self-publishing is booming, with the number of self-published books rising 264% in the last five years. More authors are now looking beyond Amazon to gain control, reach new audiences, and build lasting careers.

If you’ve ever wondered how to self publish a book without Amazon, this guide is for you.

We’ll explore the key differences between Amazon and other platforms, highlight your publishing alternatives, and show how partners like Ex Why Zed can help you self publish successfully without Amazon.

Why Are Authors Choosing Alternatives To Publishing On Amazon?

For many indie authors, the publishing process with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) feels like a shortcut to instant visibility. But over time, many realize that convenience comes with a cost: dependence on a single retailer. Authors are beginning to ask themselves, “Is it possible to self-publish without Amazon?” and “Do I want my entire writing career tied to one platform like Kindle Direct?”

The shift away from Amazon KDP is less about rejecting Kindle Direct Publishing and more about reclaiming independence. Writers want to:

• Build a brand beyond one marketplace instead of being just another title in a crowded catalog.
• Forge stronger reader connections by selling directly, engaging with indie bookstores, or even running their own shop.
• Expand reach to audiences Amazon doesn’t dominate, like in libraries, schools, or international markets.
• Take control of their creative vision from pricing to book design without automated systems limiting their options.

In short, authors are choosing alternatives because they want freedom, authenticity, and a publishing path that grows with them, not one that locks them in.

Of course, knowing why authors look beyond Amazon is only half the story. To make the right choice, it helps to see how Amazon actually stacks up against other platforms. Here’s a clear comparison that highlights the key differences.

For a balanced view, check out this guide on Self-Publishing on Amazon – Pros and Cons Revealed.

Amazon Vs Other Platforms: What Should Authors Know?

Amazon’s scale comes with trade-offs. Other platforms offer more flexibility, better control, and the ability to grow your author brand on your own terms. Exploring the best options is the next step in deciding where and how to publish your book.

Contact Us Today to discuss your publishing goals and get expert support for your next book project.

Retailers Or Aggregators – What’s The Smarter Choice?

When you start publishing outside Amazon, you’ll face a common question: should you publish directly with retailers or go through an aggregator? Both approaches work, but the smarter choice depends on what matters most to you: control, time, or reach.

Retailers are direct-to-consumer stores. You upload your book to their platform, and it goes straight into their shop for readers to buy.

• This gives you higher royalties since there’s no middle service taking a cut.
• You also get direct access to that store’s promotions and book marketing tools.
• Plus, you stay in charge of how your book looks on that platform.

The trade-off is the workload. If you want to sell in multiple stores, you’ll need to create separate accounts, upload your files one by one, and update everything manually. For one book this isn’t bad, but as your catalog grows, it quickly becomes a chore.

Aggregators make things simpler. Instead of uploading to five or ten stores individually, you upload once, and the aggregator distributes your book to a wide network of retailers and sometimes libraries.

• This means broader reach with a fraction of the effort.
• You can manage everything from a single dashboard, saving time.
• Updates like price changes or new book covers are applied across all platforms at once.

The downside? Aggregators usually take a small cut of your royalties or charge a subscription fee for handling distribution.

So what’s the smarter choice? If you want maximum control and profit per sale, go direct with retailers. If you want wider distribution with less admin work, use an aggregator. I

And if you’re still asking “What are the best self-publishing platforms to use if I want to avoid Amazon?”, the answer is often a mix of both: direct uploads for major stores plus an aggregator for wider reach.

Looking Beyond Amazon: Which Self-Publishing Platforms Should You Try?

When publishing outside Amazon, you’ll find plenty of options. Broadly, these fall into three categories: direct retailers, aggregators, and full-service publishing partners. Let’s explore each of them to see what makes them unique and how they can fit into your publishing journey.

Ex Why Zed as a Publishing Partner

Before diving into specific platforms, it’s worth noting that services like Ex Why Zed can help bridge the gap between self-publishing and professional publishing.

Unlike Amazon KDP’s automated setup, Ex Why Zed offers:

• Bookstore-quality printing that gives your work a professional edge
• Custom binding and premium finishes that elevate your book’s look and feel
• Hands-on guidance from real people rather than automated systems
• Flexible publishing support that strengthens your author brand while preserving independence

For authors asking, “Are there alternatives to Amazon KDP that still give me control?” Ex Why Zed is one of those rare options. They provide the quality, individuality, and creative freedom that makes your book stand out in a crowded market.

If you want a book that makes a lasting impression and strengthens your author brand, Ex Why Zed is the partner to trust. Get your Quote today!

Direct Retailers

If you want to publish straight into a store and connect directly with readers, these are some of the most popular direct retailers to look at:

1. Apple Books

Apple Books is the default reading app on every iPhone, iPad, and Mac. That means millions of potential readers already have it installed and ready to use. Unlike Amazon’s crowded marketplace, Apple Books feels more curated and streamlined, which helps indie authors get noticed.

The platform is also strong in international markets such as Western Europe, Australia, and Asia, where Amazon doesn’t dominate. . If you want to connect with tech-savvy Apple users who value convenience and design, Apple Books is a great place to start.

2. Kobo Writing Life

Kobo iis a strong choice for authors looking to reach readers in the UK and Europe. It partners with local independent bookstores and libraries, giving your book exposure beyond online sales.

One major advantage is Kobo’s country-specific promotions. Authors can feature their books in UK storefronts and run targeted campaigns for local audiences, helping you stand out in a market where Amazon doesn’t always dominate. If you want to connect with UK readers and expand your international reach, Kobo Writing Life is an option worth considering..

3. Google Play Books

Google Play Books combines the power of Google Search with a massive Android user base. Your book can appear in search results and is accessible to readers on millions of devices worldwide.

Available in more than 70 countries, it’s one of the most global options for indie authors. Play Books also allows territory-specific pricing, so you can adjust your strategy by region. If you want wide distribution with strong discoverability, Google Play Books offers both.

While direct retailers give you control and often higher royalties, they can be time consuming to manage if you want your book on multiple platforms. This is where aggregators step in, helping you reach a wider audience with far less effort.

Aggregators

If you don’t want the hassle of uploading your book to every store one by one, aggregators make life easier. You upload once, and they handle getting your book into multiple retailers and even libraries. Here are some of the most popular options:

1. Draft2Digital

Draft2Digital is one of the most trusted aggregators for indie authors. It distributes your book to major platforms like Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and libraries via OverDrive.

Its big advantage is ease of use. You can upload your manuscript, use their free formatting tools, and track all your sales in one dashboard. Payments are made monthly, and instead of upfront costs, Draft2Digital simply takes a small share of royalties.

For authors who want broad ebook distribution without extra admin work, Draft2Digital is often the go-to choice.

2. Smashwords (Now Part of Draft2Digital)

Smashwords, now integrated into Draft2Digital, is known for its long history in indie publishing. While much of its distribution has merged into D2D, the Smashwords Store still offers unique benefits.

It allows authors to run custom coupons, discounts, and free book campaigns, making it useful for driving promotions. Since the merger, authors now get access to both the Smashwords marketplace and Draft2Digital’s wider distribution network.

If you like running your own price promotions and want an additional storefront, Smashwords adds value.

3. IngramSpark

IngramSpark is the industry heavyweight for print distribution. It connects your book to thousands of bookstores, libraries, and schools worldwide through the Ingram Content Group network.

Unlike many platforms, IngramSpark gives your print book a better chance of being stocked or ordered by independent bookstores, something Amazon rarely achieves. It also offers print on demand alongside ebook distribution, though setup fees and annual charges apply.

For authors who want to see their book in brick and mortar stores and libraries, IngramSpark is a top choice.

Final Thoughts

Self-publishing without Amazon is not just possible, it is empowering. You gain more control over your royalties, your branding, and your connection with readers.

Whether you choose direct retailers, aggregators, or a mix of both, the path is yours to design. At the end of the day, self-publishing beyond Amazon is not about avoiding one platform, it is about building a career that lasts on your own terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there alternatives to Amazon KDP?

Yes. Alternatives to Amazon KDP include platforms like Ex Why Zed Apple Books, Barnes & Noble Press, Kobo, Google Play Books, and aggregators such as Draft2Digital and IngramSpark. You can also work with publishing partners like Ex Why Zed for more control and premium print quality.

How can I publish a print or ebook without using Amazon KDP, and what steps should I follow?

To publish without Amazon KDP, first choose your direct retailers. Then pick an aggregator for wider reach. Prepare polished files with a professional cover and formatted interior. Finally, upload your book, set pricing, and market directly to readers.

Can you list reputable companies or services that help authors self-publish without Amazon?

You can distribute your ebook files to major retailers like Kobo and Apple Books while using a service like IngramSpark for high-quality print books. This hybrid approach often yields the best results for reaching a wide audience and maximizing your number of sales. For authors who want premium finishes, personal support, and bookstore-quality printing, Ex Why Zed is also a strong partner to consider.

Which self-publishing platform offers the best royalties besides Amazon?

Many platforms offer excellent royalty rates. Apple Books and Kobo both provide a flat 70% rate on most ebook sales, which is competitive and transparent. Direct retailers typically give authors higher returns per sale compared to marketplaces with restrictive pricing rules, making them a strong choice for maximising royalties.

How can I reach readers worldwide without Amazon?

To reach readers worldwide, use a wide book distribution strategy. Publish directly on international platforms like Kobo and Apple Books, and use an aggregator like IngramSpark to get your book into thousands of global retailers and libraries. This is a common practice for successful indie authors.

Are there any free or low-cost options for self-publishing outside of Amazon?

Yes, many platforms are free to use. Retailers like Kobo and Barnes & Noble Press don't charge setup fees. Aggregators like Draft2Digital are also free, taking a commission only when a book sells, making them a great low-cost option for authors on a tight budget. Ex Why Zed, while not free, offers premium printing, custom finishes, and personal support that add long-term value to your publishing journey.

Is it possible to reach as wide an audience without Amazon, and how can I promote my book?

Yes, it’s possible to reach a wide audience without Amazon by distributing through multiple retailers and using aggregators for global reach. Promotion is key: build an author website, grow an email list, and engage on social media. You can also run book promotions, collaborate with indie bookstores, and leverage libraries or schools to expand visibility. With consistent marketing, you can match, and sometimes surpass Amazon’s reach.