Digital publishing is no longer a secondary player to traditional print publishing. In fact, it is often the preferred option for publishers and readers alike. In the digital era, it is rare to see a physical book being released without an electronic version in tandem.
The size of the worldwide eBook market is anticipated to reach US$ 32.19 billion by 2032, from an estimated US$ 19.95 billion in 2022. Although digital content offers breakthrough advantages to publishers over print media, it also creates a more competitive and volatile environment.
To be successful in this complex and trend-driven ecosystem, publishers must pay close attention to how they distribute their content. Therefore, eBook distribution services form a key component of an optimal digital publishing strategy.
Table of Contents:
I. What are eBook Distribution Services?
II. What do eBook Distribution Services Offer?
III. Selection of eBook Distribution Services
IV. How to Make Your eBook Distribution More Effective
V. Conclusion
What are eBook Distribution Services?
eBook distribution services facilitate the availability of eBooks for purchase or download by retail customers. Once you have designed your eBook, the next steps are to publish and then distribute it. Publishing refers to the conversion of the eBook into a readable format like ePub or Mobi.
Distribution is the process via which the published eBook is rendered available for end users. There are multiple options that you can choose from to distribute your eBook for retail purchase.
For example, KITABOO’s cloud-based platform offers a complete workflow for you to design, publish, and distribute your eBook.
What Do eBook Distribution Services Offer?
Minimized Cost and Ease of Publication
Publishing and distributing an eBook demands significant resources and time. Without the support of a dedicated platform, your expenditure to tap into the vast digital content market may quickly skyrocket.
eBook distribution services empower you to publish your content cost-effectively, making it accessible to readers in a few simple steps.
Market Reach and Growth
eBook distribution services will optimize your eBook for various reading platforms like eReaders, tablets, and smartphones. You do not have to publish separate versions that are individually compatible with each of these target devices.
Efficient distribution services also open up pathways to global markets for publishers. This allows you to reach readers irrespective of their geographical location. In addition, eBook distribution services also offer customized publishing capabilities for major international languages, improving accessibility.
Data and Analytics
A data-driven plan for publishing and marketing is key in the world of digital publishing. eBook distribution services provide detailed datasets, actionable user insights, and content engagement patterns, invaluable for customizing your overall strategy.
For instance, digital textbook platforms like KITABOO bring forth such enlightening insights based on how users engage with eBooks. Through data analytics, distribution services offer engagement insights for text and multimedia elements of the eBook, helping publishers fine-tune content.
Selection of eBook Distribution Services
eBook Distribution Strategies
There are two types of platforms to select from when looking for an eBook distribution service:
- Direct-To-Retail: With direct-to-retail platforms, eBook creators engage with retail distributors who have direct access to customers. Examples include Amazon KDP, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Tolino.
- Via Aggregators: Aggregators serve as a single point-of-contact for eBook creators and deal with multiple retail distributors on their behalf. Examples include KITABOO, Draft2Digital, Streetlib, and BookBaby.
Proceeding with direct-to-retail platforms has the following advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages of direct-to-retail platforms
- Direct-to-retail distribution platforms usually have a dominating presence in their accessible market. Your time and resource expenditure is thus minimized.
- You will be able to retain a higher percentage of royalties.
- You can customize your content for each platform.
Disadvantages of direct-to-retail platforms
- For many markets, the dominating platform is unique. Therefore, you may need to engage with multiple direct-to-retail distributors.
- You must upload your eBook to each platform individually, along with the relevant metadata.
- Due to the self-service nature of the platforms, you must be comfortable with the publishing process.
Using an aggregator platform has the following advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages of aggregator platform
- You are only required to upload the base eBook to the aggregator platform once. The platform will handle the rest of the workflow. You get a single point of contact and management for your eBook.
- Aggregators have an in-depth understanding of and access to the various retail distributors. Thus, they can select the right retailer(s) for your eBook.
- Aggregators have a wider reach compared to the focused reach of direct-to-retail platforms.
Disadvantages of aggregator platform
- Aggregators will charge an upfront fee or royalty for the services they provide.
- Revenue disbursement is delayed since there is an intermediary involved.
- The customization potential of your eBook is reduced.
KITABOO’s cloud-based end-to-end eBook solution helps publishers create interactive eBooks and distribute them efficiently, leveraging the above advantages.
Exclusive Distribution vs Diversified Distribution
The exclusivity of your eBook distribution service should depend upon your target market.
As discussed previously, direct-to-retail platforms are dominant in particular geographical locations. So, if you wish to focus on one or two markets, exclusive distribution may be beneficial.
For instance, Amazon’s KDP Select offers several benefits in exchange for exclusivity on their platform for at least 90 days. However, exclusive distribution does not mean that you focus on a widely popular platform.
Even giant publishers like Amazon have several competitors. It may be hard to gain a foothold in such a competitive environment. Establishing a solid base on a small to medium-sized platform may be the better choice for you.
On the other hand, if you plan to target multiple markets, a diversified distribution approach would be preferable. For example, platforms like Kobo and Tolino have a strong presence in Canada and Germany, respectively.
You can also set up your own eStore using KITABOO’s eCommerce engine. It delivers several eBook distribution services, such as hosting eBooks, searching by title and category, and managing prices and promotions.
The approach you choose may also depend on other factors, such as:
- Your experience in the field of publishing
- The budget that you can allocate to publishing and distribution
- The genre of your eBook
Irrespective of the choice you make, the most crucial factor is your dedication to your overall strategy. Creating sustainable engagement with your user base can take time, and a long-term focused approach will be essential.
Guide:
Know How to Create an Interactive eBook
How to Make Your eBook Distribution More Effective
To boost the impact of your eBook distribution service, be cognizant of the following points:
- Your eBook must be formatted professionally and should be able to sustain its formatting after conversion to the publisher’s format.
- Your eBook’s metadata must be closely connected to the keywords that readers may use to search for your eBook.
- The cover page of your eBook must be eye-catching and meet the requirements of your distributor.
Conclusion
A carefully planned publishing and distribution strategy is fundamental to the performance of an eBook. Selecting the appropriate eBook distribution service is a vital cog of this strategy. It will provide an efficient pathway for your content to reach your target users.
You will also receive actionable data and insights to customize your content and publishing strategy to boost your market success. Once you finalize your strategy, pursue it with persistence to succeed in the dynamic and competitive environment of digital publishing.
Personalized content can be published and shared through AI-powered eBook creation platforms such as KITABOO. Businesses can maintain their competitiveness and reach a wider audience by utilizing their data analysis features.
To know more, connect with us now!
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Kitaboo is a cloud-based content platform to create-publish & securely distribute interactive mobile-ready ebooks.
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