This question comes up a lot because authors are understandably interested in having the largest reach possible for their books. Amazon isn’t doing authors any favors, either, by offering what appears to be a good (and mostly “free”) publishing choice, even if it immediately traps authors into a de facto exclusive arrangement that limits the author’s choices when it comes to marketing and distribution.

The problem is, the publishing division operated by Amazon only extends to Amazon since Amazon is only interested in helping themselves.

This leaves many authors considering publishing their book on multiple platforms or with multiple self-publishing companies to reach a broader market for their book.

That potentially causes other problems with duplicate ISBNs, or single editions of books with various AISN and ISBNs from across multiple sources.

It even causes headaches with multiple revenue streams and therefore multiple W-9s (which means more complicated taxes).

Ultimately, it’s easier (and potentially less expensive in the long-run) for authors to select one single self-publishing platform that reaches all the potential distribution channels simultaneously, including Amazon AND Barnes & Noble AND Apple AND Ingram AND Baker & Taylor AND Bertram, AND… etc, etc, etc.

Since this is an Outskirts Press blog, any guesses as to what that self-publishing company is called? Yep, it’s the one that was just named the #1 self-publishing company for the 8th year in a row by Top Consumer Reviews.

Let’s look at the details of the best distribution network in self-publishing below:

Once your physical book (paperback/hardback) is published with Outskirts Press, it is distributed through the world’s largest wholesale distributors (like Ingram, Bowkers, and Baker & Taylor to mention just a few) to over 60,000 retailers worldwide (like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, Powells, and thousands of others).

If your book has a Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN), it will also be distributed to thousands of libraries through distributors like Baker & Taylor. Don’t worry, it’s easy to acquire an LCCN through Outskirts Press.

If your book is Christian-focused you will also have availability to Christian bookstores through Spring Arbor. Don’t worry, if your book is eligible, we’ll submit it for you.

Through our Global Connect program, international bookstore and retail orders are filled through print facilities as close to their location as possible—to keep shipping costs low, and allow your book to have global reach.  We partner with print facilities in Australia, Brazil, China, England, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Poland, South Korea, South Africa, and Spain.

Global Reach
Digital distribution and Print-on-Demand (POD) production means your book can be distributed and accessed by readers everywhere. This global reach allows authors to reach a vast and diverse audience, transcending geographical boundaries.

Instant Access
Readers can purchase your book from just about any book retail website they visit. This convenience is highly valued by consumers, as they don’t have to wait for physical copies to become available in stores.

Lower Production Costs
Producing and distributing POD books is generally more cost-effective than traditional offset print publishing since there are no up-front, out-of-pocket printing, shipping, or warehousing costs.

Easier Updates and Revisions
Authors and publishers can easily update or revise POD books because you will rarely have boxes and boxes of books printed in advance. This is particularly beneficial for textbooks, reference materials, and works that require periodic updates.

Environmental Impact
Print-on-Demand books reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional, large scale, offset printing (such as paper production and transportation). It aligns with eco-friendly practices and sustainability.

Greater Control
Authors have more control over pricing, distribution, and marketing strategies for POD books. You can experiment with pricing models, run promotions, and make adjustments.

Speed to Market
POD self-publishing empowers you to publish within a matter of weeks instead of the much longer timeframes (sometimes years) associated with traditional publishing.

Long-Term Availability
Self-published books that are digitally distributed on-demand can remain available for an extended period at a nominal cost, even if they are not bestsellers.

Not surprisingly, many of these advantages are also shared by ebooks and Audiobooks, both of which are also available to publish through Outskirts Press.

To learn more about how worldwide digital distribution and zero-inventory management works, click here.

Have you written a book that you’d like to publish?

Connect with a Publishing Consultant today to learn how Outskirts Press can help YOU publish YOUR masterpiece:

• Call 1-888-672-6657
• Live Chat at OutskirtsPress.com
• Schedule a free consultation 

Outskirts Press stands behind our book printing and design services with the best 100% satisfaction guarantee in the self-publishing industry. Start publishing today.

The post Should I Self-Publish My Book on Different Platforms? appeared first on Self-Publishing News for Self Publishing Authors.