Amazon KDP
Pick 1 of 3Amazon's free self-publishing platform for paperback and hardcover with the lowest per-unit print cost and seamless Amazon sales.
Best for: All self-publishing authors who want the lowest print cost and direct Amazon sales — the essential first POD account
Details
- Print Formats
- Paperback, Hardcover
- Distribution Channels
- Amazon, Expanded Distribution
- Shipping Regions
- Worldwide, US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia
Amazon KDP Print is the most essential print-on-demand platform for self-publishing authors — it offers the lowest per-unit printing cost of any major POD service and integrates directly with the world's largest online book retailer. Authors earn 60% royalties on Amazon sales (minus printing costs), with no upfront fees and 1-3 day production times across Amazon's global fulfillment network.
- Best for: All self-publishing authors who want to sell on Amazon — virtually every indie author should publish a print edition here
- Print cost: Approximately $2.30-$6.80 per copy depending on page count and format, deducted from royalties
- Distribution: Expanded Distribution makes books available to libraries, universities, and non-Amazon retailers via Ingram at no extra cost
- Formats: Standard paperback and hardcover in dozens of trim sizes; B&W and color printing
- Pricing: Free to publish — you only pay printing costs, which are deducted from each royalty payment
More Print-on-Demand Tools
Showing 3 of 13 alternatives
See all 13 toolsIngramSpark
Professional self-publishing platform with access to 40,000+ retailers and libraries worldwide via the same Ingram network used by major publishers.
Also offers Paperback
- Best for:
- Authors who want bookstore and library distribution — the only POD service that gets indie books into physical retail and library ordering systems, best paired with KDP
BookBaby
Full-service self-publishing platform with G7-certified print-on-demand, direct-to-reader Bookshop storefront, optional Amazon distribution, and bundled editing, cover design, and audiobook services.
Also offers Paperback
- Best for:
- Authors willing to pay upfront ($199-$399) for a single vendor covering printing, direct sales via BookBaby Bookshop, plus optional editing, cover design, and audiobook production
Draft2Digital Print
Print-on-demand service using Ingram's printing network — no per-title setup fees, no minimum orders, with auto-formatting from Word files and a unified ebook and print dashboard. New accounts pay a one-time $20 activation fee (effective May 14, 2026).
Also offers Paperback
- Best for:
- Authors who want zero-fee Ingram distribution for paperbacks without setup charges — also ideal if you already use D2D for ebooks
Complete Your Toolkit
Other tools authors typically need alongside print-on-demand.