Uncovering the Best BookBaby Alternatives for Independent Authors

BookBaby has long been a go-to platform for independent authors, poets, memoirists, and publishers looking to distribute their eBooks to major retailers like Apple’s iBookstore. As part of the CD Baby family, they've built a strong reputation for helping artists get their work out there. However, the world of independent publishing is vast and ever-evolving, and many authors seek out different functionalities, pricing models, or community aspects. If you're exploring your options, you'll be glad to know there are several excellent BookBaby alternative platforms available.

Top BookBaby Alternatives

Whether you're looking for more control, different royalty structures, or a unique approach to publishing, these alternatives offer compelling solutions for authors ready to share their stories with the world.

Leanpub

Leanpub is a commercial web-based platform that empowers authors to create, curate, edit, publish, and sell books, even based on existing content like a blog. It's a great BookBaby alternative for authors who want to publish in progress and get feedback, allowing for iterative development of their work.

volpen

volpen is a unique, free web-based platform that takes collaborative writing to a new level. Unlike traditional publishing models, each continuing chapter of a book is written by a different author, with submissions going through a voting process. This makes volpen a fascinating BookBaby alternative for those interested in collaborative projects and a community-driven approach to authorship.

SmashWords

SmashWords is a freemium web-based service known for its affordable formatting for inclusion in their Premium Catalog and Kindle Direct Publishing. It's a robust BookBaby alternative, offering essential publishing and DRM-free options, making it a popular choice for authors who want wide distribution without complex formatting hurdles.

PublishMonster

PublishMonster is a commercial web-based platform that allows authors to publish unlimited ebooks into the biggest stores while keeping 100% of their royalties for a low yearly fixed price ($19.90). This makes it a very appealing BookBaby alternative for authors prioritizing maximum royalty retention and direct control over their distribution with features like DRM Free publishing.

With a variety of platforms offering different strengths, independent authors have more choices than ever before. We encourage you to explore these BookBaby alternatives to find the perfect fit for your publishing goals, whether you prioritize collaboration, extensive features, or maximum royalty earnings.