Amazon KDP Alternatives for 2025: 9 Platforms Worth Considering

Self-publishing has never been more accessible — and Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the reason many authors have been able to turn their manuscript into a published book with just a few clicks. Since its launch in 2007, KDP has grown into the single largest self-publishing platform in the world, with millions of authors using it to reach Amazon’s vast global audience.

But in 2025, the publishing landscape is far more diverse than it was a decade ago. While KDP is still the go-to starting point for many, authors today have more specialized needs and higher expectations. Some want global distribution beyond Amazon. Others want built-in editing, design, and marketing tools. Many are looking for a more personal, guided publishing experience, or better royalty structures.

In short, KDP is no longer the only game in town — and for some authors, it’s not the best fit at all. Whether you’re looking to expand your reach, simplify your publishing workflow, or have more creative control, there are powerful alternatives ready to step in.

In this guide, we’ll explore nine standout KDP alternatives — from tech-forward all-in-one platforms to hands-on publishing partners — so you can choose the right fit for your book and career.

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Why Authors Seek Amazon KDP Alternatives

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the undisputed giant of self-publishing — and for good reason. It’s free to use, relatively easy to learn, and can take your manuscript from upload to live in the world’s largest bookstore in as little as 72 hours. With Kindle eBooks, paperbacks, and more recently hardcover options, KDP gives authors a fast track to global availability within Amazon’s ecosystem.

For many first-time authors, this is an irresistible combination. Amazon’s built-in audience is massive, and its tools — like Kindle Create for formatting, A+ Content for enhanced product pages, and Amazon Ads for in-platform promotion — make it possible to publish and market without leaving the site. If your focus is speed, zero setup cost, and Amazon dominance, KDP is hard to beat.

But that dominance comes with trade-offs. KDP is Amazon-centric, which means you’re operating within a closed ecosystem. Your promotional tools are tied to Amazon, your sales performance depends heavily on their algorithms, and if you opt into KDP Select, you’ll be locked into eBook exclusivity for the enrollment period — cutting off other retail opportunities. On top of that, KDP doesn’t offer built-in editing, cover design, or marketing campaign tools, so you’ll need to source those from elsewhere.

That’s why many authors eventually look for alternatives that can offer:

• Broader distribution beyond Amazon, including indie bookstores, libraries, and major online retailers like Apple Books, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.
  
• Integrated creative and marketing support so they don’t have to juggle multiple freelancers or platforms.
  
• Greater control over pricing, file formats, and retailer relationships without being tied to a single sales channel.
  

In short, KDP is perfect for quick and affordable access to Amazon’s audience — but it’s not built to be a one-stop shop for all publishing needs. Authors looking for more flexibility, more creative control, or a true all-in-one publishing experience often find that the best results come from combining KDP with other platforms or switching entirely to one that better matches their goals.

Spines — Technology Meets Hands-On Publishing Support

Trustpilot Rating: 4.6/5 (550+ reviews)

Spines blends cutting-edge AI tools with the reassurance of dedicated human project management — giving authors the best of both worlds. It’s built for writers who want speed and simplicity without sacrificing quality or control.

From the moment you join, Spines works to make your publishing process seamless. Your manuscript goes through an AI-powered analysis that evaluates genre fit, audience targeting, tone, and style, then offers actionable suggestions for edits and formatting improvements. This isn’t just basic spell-check — it’s like having an assistant who understands both storytelling and market positioning.

On the visual side, Spines offers a real-time cover design tool, so you can see your book’s cover evolve instantly and tweak it until it matches your vision. You don’t need to juggle between designers and feedback emails — the creative process happens in one place.

Marketing is equally streamlined. With Spines, you can launch ad campaigns on Amazon, Facebook, and Instagram without ever leaving the platform. There’s no need to set up multiple ad accounts or learn complicated targeting dashboards — everything is built-in, designed for authors rather than marketers.

Global distribution covers ebooks, print, and audiobooks, with automated pricing adjustments for each market to stay competitive. And behind the scenes, your dedicated publishing manager handles all the technical details — from ISBNs and metadata to distribution setup and compliance — freeing you to focus entirely on your creative decisions.

• Standout Feature: AI-assisted editing combined with hands-on publishing management for a guided, all-in-one process.
• Why Choose Spines Over Amazon KDP: If you want Amazon reach plus built-in editing, design, and marketing tools — all backed by a personal publishing manager who guides you at every step — Spines gives you the professional polish of a team without the hassle of coordinating it yourself.

Curious about Amazon KDP? Read our in-depth review of Amazon KDP.

IngramSpark — The Bookstore & Library Distribution Leader

Trustpilot Rating: 4.4/5 (3,200+ reviews)

If Amazon KDP is the king of online retail, IngramSpark is the heavyweight champion of bookstore and library distribution. This platform plugs your book into the Ingram Content Network — the same system used by thousands of brick-and-mortar bookstores, academic institutions, and public libraries worldwide. For authors who dream of seeing their book on local store shelves or available for library borrowing, this is where IngramSpark shines.

IngramSpark handles both print-on-demand and ebook distribution, meaning you can publish without upfront print runs and still reach retailers like Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Indigo, and more. You can even set industry-standard wholesale discounts and returns policies, which makes your book more appealing to bookstore buyers — something KDP simply can’t match.

One of the biggest advantages over Amazon KDP is flexibility in pricing and distribution control. You can set separate prices for different territories, decide whether your book is returnable, and even offer special wholesale rates for bulk purchases. This level of control is ideal for authors working with small presses, doing speaking engagements, or selling to niche markets.

IngramSpark also offers professional-level print quality — with options like hardcover with dust jackets, premium color interiors, and a wider range of trim sizes than KDP. It’s a favorite among authors who want their physical books to have a polished, bookstore-ready look.

While IngramSpark doesn’t provide built-in editing or marketing tools, it’s an unbeatable companion to other services when your goal is beyond Amazon distribution. Many authors use KDP for Amazon sales and IngramSpark for everywhere else, creating a dual-channel strategy that maximizes reach.

• Standout Feature: Industry-standard bookstore and library distribution with full control over wholesale pricing and returns.
• Why Choose IngramSpark Over Amazon KDP: If your goal is to get into physical bookstores, libraries, and academic institutions — and you want the flexibility to set professional pricing and returns — IngramSpark delivers what KDP can’t.

Curious about IngramSpark? Read our in-depth review of IngramSpark.

BookBaby — All-in-One Publishing with Strong Author Support

Trustpilot Rating: 4.6/5 (2,200+ reviews)

BookBaby is one of the most well-known full-service self-publishing companies — often described as the “done-for-you” option for indie authors. While Amazon KDP leaves you to handle editing, design, and marketing on your own, BookBaby packages all of these services under one roof. This makes it especially appealing for first-time authors or busy professionals who want the convenience of a single vendor.

From the start, BookBaby offers professional editing, custom cover design, interior formatting, and even audiobook production. Their team walks you through each stage, ensuring your book is polished before it ever hits the shelves. And unlike KDP, which is Amazon-centric, BookBaby distributes your book to a wide range of retailers — including Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and yes, Amazon — giving you a truly wide reach without additional setup.

Where BookBaby stands out is in direct-to-reader sales. Their BookShop platform lets you sell your print and digital books directly from your own author page, keeping more of the royalties than you’d get through traditional retailers. This can be a huge advantage if you have a strong personal brand, mailing list, or speaking career.

BookBaby also takes marketing seriously. They offer custom promotional packages, ad campaign support, and press release distribution — services you’d never find bundled into Amazon KDP. It’s not the cheapest option, but for authors who want professional quality without DIY headaches, it’s an investment that pays off in time saved and stress avoided.

• Standout Feature: True all-in-one publishing — from editing to marketing — with the ability to sell directly to readers.
• Why Choose BookBaby Over Amazon KDP: If you want a guided publishing experience with every major service under one roof, plus the ability to sell directly and keep more royalties, BookBaby offers a professional, hands-off alternative to KDP’s do-it-yourself model.

Curious about BookBaby? Read our in-depth review of BookBaby.

Draft2Digital — The Wide eBook Distributor

Trustpilot Rating: 4.8/5 (500+ reviews)

If KDP is the king of Amazon, Draft2Digital is the champion of wide eBook distribution. This platform is built for authors who want their books to appear everywhere readers shop — not just on Amazon. With just one upload, your eBook can be distributed to Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Tolino, Scribd, OverDrive, Bibliotheca, and many more, including library lending systems worldwide.

One of D2D’s most-loved features is its auto-formatting tool. You can upload your manuscript as a Word document, and the system will instantly produce a clean, professional-looking eBook file — complete with a clickable table of contents and attractive chapter headings. This is a huge time-saver for authors who don’t want to learn complex formatting software.

Marketing is also made simpler with universal book links, which bundle all your retailer links into a single shareable URL that automatically directs readers to their preferred store. And with automated end-matter updates, you can add links to your other books across your entire catalog instantly, boosting cross-sales without re-uploading every file.

D2D has also expanded into print with D2D Print, which offers POD paperbacks with the same simple setup, though print distribution is not yet as extensive as IngramSpark’s. Still, for eBook-first authors, Draft2Digital is unmatched for its ease of use, speed, and reach.

• Standout Feature: Effortless wide eBook distribution with powerful automation tools for formatting and marketing.
• Why Choose Draft2Digital Over KDP: If you want broad eBook reach beyond Amazon, easy formatting, and automated cross-promotion — all without managing multiple retailer dashboards — D2D makes wide publishing almost as simple as going exclusive with KDP.

Smashwords — The Pioneer of Wide Ebook Distribution

Trustpilot Rating: 4.2/5 (1,000+ reviews)

Before “wide distribution” became a buzzword in self-publishing, Smashwords was already making it possible for indie authors to reach dozens of ebook retailers in one go. Now part of Draft2Digital after a 2022 merger, Smashwords continues to be a beloved platform for authors who want their ebooks everywhere — not just Amazon.

Smashwords specializes in distributing to major ebook retailers like Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Scribd, and library systems worldwide. This reach is invaluable for authors who want to diversify sales beyond Amazon’s ecosystem and avoid putting all their eggs in one basket. It’s especially popular with authors who target international audiences or who write in genres like romance, fantasy, and nonfiction where wide availability can pay off.

One of Smashwords’ most unique features is its Smashwords Store, which allows authors to sell directly to readers at higher royalty rates than they’d get through traditional retailers. You can even run custom discounts and coupon codes, making it a handy tool for launches, promotions, or reader engagement campaigns.

Compared to Amazon KDP, Smashwords offers far more flexibility in pricing and file formats. You can set per-retailer prices, distribute free ebooks without restrictions, and upload multiple formats like EPUB, MOBI, and PDF. However, Smashwords is focused solely on ebooks — there’s no print-on-demand option — so authors often pair it with another service for print distribution.

• Standout Feature: Global ebook distribution with flexible pricing, plus a direct-to-reader store for higher royalties.
• Why Choose Smashwords Over Amazon KDP: If your main priority is to get your ebook into as many online stores and libraries as possible — and you want the freedom to run promotions and control pricing — Smashwords offers more flexibility and reach than KDP’s Amazon-first approach.

PublishDrive — Data-Driven Global Publishing

Trustpilot Rating: Limited data

PublishDrive is the go-to choice for authors who want to run their publishing career with the precision of a business. It’s not just a distribution service — it’s a publishing control center that can put your book in over 400 stores, libraries, subscription services, and academic platforms worldwide. This includes giants like Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and regional retailers across Europe, Asia, and beyond.

One of its biggest advantages is territory-based pricing. You can set different prices for different countries or currencies, helping you stay competitive in emerging markets while maximizing revenue in high-income regions. Its AI-enhanced metadata optimization ensures your book is categorized and tagged in ways that improve discoverability — a major advantage for authors who rely on organic reach.

For those managing multiple titles, PublishDrive’s bulk catalog management is a lifesaver. You can update pricing, metadata, and book files for your entire backlist in just a few clicks. Plus, their centralized royalty dashboard consolidates sales reports from hundreds of retailers into one easy-to-read interface, complete with detailed analytics to track trends and make informed marketing decisions.

While it doesn’t handle editing or design, PublishDrive is ideal for experienced indie authors, small publishers, or anyone with a growing catalog who wants the widest reach and the most control over sales data.

• Standout Feature: Advanced analytics, territory-specific pricing, and bulk management for serious authorpreneurs.
• Why Choose PublishDrive Over KDP: If you want data insights, pricing flexibility, and global distribution far beyond Amazon’s ecosystem, PublishDrive gives you the tools to treat your publishing like a fully scaled business.

Lulu — Print-on-Demand & Direct Sales Powerhouse

Trustpilot Rating: 4.1/5 (2,000+ reviews)

Lulu has been a cornerstone of the self-publishing world for over two decades, known for its print-on-demand flexibility and wide distribution network. Whether you’re publishing a standard paperback, a hardcover, a coil-bound workbook, or a full-color art book, Lulu offers a range of formats that outstrips many competitors. Their printing quality is solid, with a variety of trim sizes and paper options to suit everything from novels to coffee table books.

Where Lulu really stands out is in direct-to-consumer sales. Through Lulu Direct, authors can integrate their books into a Shopify or WooCommerce store, effectively turning their own website into a sales hub. This means you keep more control over pricing, profits, and — crucially — your customer data. Unlike Amazon, you’ll actually know who’s buying your book, giving you the chance to build a mailing list and nurture your readership directly.

However, Lulu is a DIY-first platform. While you get great tools for printing and distribution, you won’t find built-in editing, cover design, or marketing support. You’ll need to bring your own creative team or outsource those services. For some authors, that’s a welcome freedom; for others, it’s an intimidating learning curve.

Still, for authors who want total creative control and the ability to sell both through retailers and directly to fans, Lulu is one of the strongest players in the market.

• Standout Feature: Print-on-demand with seamless direct sales integration for full ownership of your audience relationship.
• Why Choose Lulu Over KDP: If you want more print format options, direct-to-customer selling, and greater control over your data, Lulu gives you the tools to run your publishing like a true independent business.

Curious about Lulu? Read our in-depth review of Lulu.

Palmetto Publishing — Concierge-Style Service

Trustpilot Rating: N/A

Palmetto Publishing is for authors who want publishing without the plate-spinning stress. From the very beginning, you’re paired with a dedicated publishing team that becomes your creative partner, guiding you through every stage — from manuscript editing and professional cover design to interior formatting, ISBN setup, global distribution, and marketing strategy.

The experience is deliberately hands-on and collaborative. Your publishing team will manage the timelines, ensure production quality, and keep you looped in for important creative decisions, so you can focus on your book’s vision without getting buried in technical details. Think of it as the opposite of logging into a dashboard and figuring everything out yourself — here, real people walk alongside you.

The trade-off? Palmetto is a premium service, meaning it’s priced higher than DIY platforms like Lulu or KDP. But for authors who value polished, professional results and a stress-free process, that investment often pays for itself in peace of mind and final product quality.

It’s especially appealing for first-time authors or busy professionals who don’t want to juggle multiple freelancers, chase deadlines, or learn the intricacies of publishing software. Palmetto handles the heavy lifting, while you remain in the creative driver’s seat.

• Standout Feature: Fully guided publishing with a creative partnership that respects your vision while delivering professional execution.
• Why Choose Palmetto Over KDP: If you’d rather have a personal publishing team manage your book from concept to shelf and avoid the self-service model entirely, Palmetto offers the kind of high-touch, collaborative experience KDP simply doesn’t provide.

Curious about Palmetto? Read our in-depth review of Palmetto.

Which Amazon KDP Alternative Has the Best Tools for You?

Finding Your Perfect Amazon KDP Alternative

While Amazon KDP will always be a major player in self-publishing, it’s far from the only path to getting your book into readers’ hands. The best alternative depends entirely on your goals. If you want an all-in-one platform with both cutting-edge AI tools and personal guidance, Spines offers the speed and simplicity of tech paired with the reassurance of human expertise. For bookstore and library distribution, IngramSpark is unbeatable, while BookBaby delivers premium, full-service publishing under one roof.

If your focus is wide eBook reach, Draft2Digital or Smashwords are excellent picks, while PublishDrive stands out for authors who treat publishing like a data-driven business. Lulu is ideal if you want to combine print-on-demand with direct sales, Palmetto Publishing gives you a fully guided, concierge-style experience, and Blurb is perfect for visually stunning, design-forward books.

In 2025, many successful authors use a multi-platform strategy, mixing the strengths of several services to maximize reach, control, and profits. Whether you’re after hands-on support, global reach, or niche distribution, the key is matching your publishing ambitions to the platform that’s built to deliver them.