Writing a book is a lengthy and never-ending task. Your hard work does not just involve sleepless nights planning each element of the book. Once you are done writing and editing, you will also have to look into releasing the book in the market.
With the advancement and convenience of digital technology, a lot of readers now prefer eBooks since they can carry hundreds of books with them simultaneously on their digital reading devices. Hence, if you are planning to release your book, you do not only have to deal with physical manuscript publishing but also eBook publishing.
Furthermore, publishing involves multiple steps. You can either self-publish your book or reach out to a distributor. If you reach out to a publisher directly, you will have to be involved in each step of the way, like deciding the eBook format, choosing the design cover, etc.
However, if you coordinate with the distributor through an eBook aggregator, you will save yourself a lot of hassle. An eBook aggregator does not only offer services related to eBook format, sales and distribution, and marketing but also comes with a variety of other advantages.
Before we dive into the numerous other advantages of hiring an eBook aggregator, let us understand who eBook aggregators are.
What is an eBook Aggregator?
Before the popularity of eBooks, aggregators were mainly responsible for supplying select eBooks to academic libraries. They used to be the middlemen between the author, the distributor, and the library.
However, things have drastically changed now. Not just academic libraries but a majority of readers prefer eBooks due to a variety of factors like convenience, affordability, accessibility, etc.
An eBook aggregator in the current times serves as the link between the author and the distributor. A good eBook aggregator will simplify the distribution process for you and ensure that your work is available on all the right platforms.
An eBook aggregator also takes care of other important tasks which must be done while publishing an eBook, like deciding on the eBook format, integration with ILS suppliers, creating a management workflow, etc.
All you would have to do is upload the manuscript on the eBook aggregator’s platform. The aggregator will take care of everything moving forward.
Most aggregators allow you to access your user account and track the progress through the dashboard. For instance, the dashboard provides a lot of information, like all the eBook stores your book is available in, monthly sales, live sales reporting, promotional campaign results, etc.
Advantages of an eBook Aggregator
Wide and Diverse Reach
It is almost impossible for you or your distributor to know about as many eBook stores as an eBook aggregator. As they are deeply embedded in the eBook sales market, they have a wide and diverse network of both national and international eBook retailers.
Working independently will require a lot of research before deciding to add an eBook retailer to your distribution list. Aggregators have already done the research and would be able to tell you accurately which retailer will work the best for you and why.
Library Distribution
Although not many people go to public libraries these days, an aggregator can still make your work visible and available in libraries for added benefit.
Academic and public libraries often reach out to eBook aggregators to update their collections. Public libraries usually pay a handsome price for updating their eBook collection with the latest and relevant eBooks.
Keeping Track of Sales
Tracking the sales of your book is not as easy as it sounds. It requires great analytical skills and precision. Even if the process is automated, it requires expertise to read the analytical reports.
An eBook aggregator will keep track of the sales for you, along with conducting other reporting and analytical work. The aggregator will also identify stress factors (if any) harming the sales of your book.
eBook Conversions
Your eBook format can play a major role in how well your book does. Each platform prefers a particular kind of format to allow them to cater to their audience efficiently.
Your eBook aggregator will take care of these conversions for you. Most of them have automated processes to convert books into formats like EPUB, PDF, MOBI, etc.
Distribution Rights
Traditional publishing houses often make authors sign a contract where authors end up surrendering their rights to their books.
For instance, the contract agrees on adapting the book into movies/series/audiobooks, foreign market rights, other publication options, etc. On the other hand, working with an eBook aggregator allows you to keep all your rights.
Even if you do not agree to sign the contract, publishing houses have numerous experts on staff to negotiate deals with you. With an eBook aggregator, you will be saved from such complications and enjoy exclusive rights for your hard work.
Editing and Proofreading
Some eBook aggregators provide editing and proofreading services for authors, considering that editing one’s work can be emotionally and mentally exhausting.
They have expert editors who focus on each element of your book while editing and proofreading. However, this does not imply you do not have a say in the process. You can work in tandem with the editors to figure out what works best for you and your work.
Top 5 eBook Aggregators in the Market
Draft2Digital
- A very wide distribution channel
- Authors retain higher listing prices
- Free conversion to other formats
- Daily sales reporting
KITABOO
- Wide and diverse distribution
- Offline access
- DRM-protected and encrypted platform
- Free demo on request
Publish Drive
- A wide and diverse distribution channel
- Invoice management
- Live sales reporting
- Monthly loyalty tracking
- Reporting and analytics of sales
Streetlib
- Distribution options for both small and well-established distributors
- Access to the weekly sales report
- Partnership with popular platforms Apple, Amazon, Kobo, etc.
- Editorial facilities available
eBookIt!
- Editing and proofreading service for the author
- Marketing and promotional campaign creation
- On-demand audiobook creation
- Daily and monthly sales tracking
Final Words
It is okay to feel a little overwhelmed due to information overload after reading about eBook aggregators. There are numerous aggregators in the market, and it might be a little difficult for you to choose the best option for you.
Do not worry. You can easily find an aggregator who will play a significant role in easing out post-writing and publication processes for you. We wish you all the very best on your journey!
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Kitaboo is a cloud-based content platform to create-publish & securely distribute interactive mobile-ready ebooks.
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