Where To Sell An Ebook Online For Maximum Profit?

I've been selling ebooks online for a while now, and I've found that Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is hands down the best platform for maximizing profit. The reach is insane, and the royalties are pretty generous if you price your book between $2.99 and $9.99. You get up to 70% royalty, which is way better than most other platforms. Plus, being on Amazon means your book is visible to millions of readers. I also recommend using Draft2Digital for wider distribution to places like Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. They take a small cut, but it’s worth it for the extra exposure. Another tip is to leverage social media and email lists to drive traffic directly to your sales page. Platforms like Gumroad or Payhip are great for selling directly to your audience without middlemen taking a huge chunk. Just make sure your ebook has a professional cover and a solid blurb—those things really make a difference in sales.

Selling ebooks online can be super lucrative if you know where to focus your energy. I’ve experimented with multiple platforms, and here’s what I’ve learned.

Amazon KDP is the obvious choice because of its massive audience and high royalty rates, especially if you enroll in Kindle Unlimited. But don’t stop there. Smashwords is another fantastic option for indie authors. They distribute to a ton of retailers, including libraries, which can give your book long-term visibility. The downside is their formatting requirements are strict, but it’s worth the effort.

If you’re writing niche content, like fanfiction or erotica, platforms like Patreon or even Etsy can work surprisingly well. Patreon lets you sell chapters or exclusive content to subscribers, while Etsy attracts buyers looking for unique, self-published works.

For those who want full control, setting up a Shopify store or using Payhip to sell directly can cut out platform fees. Pair this with a strong social media strategy—TikTok and Instagram are gold for book promotion. I’ve seen authors make bank just by posting relatable content and linking to their store.

Lastly, don’t overlook libraries. Services like OverDrive and Hoopla allow readers to borrow your ebook, and you earn royalties per borrow. It’s not instant cash, but it adds up over time.

I’m all about maximizing profits when it comes to selling ebooks, and I’ve found that diversifying your platforms is key. Amazon KDP is a no-brainer for its reach, but relying solely on it can limit your earnings.

Apple Books is a sleeper hit—it’s especially great if your audience leans toward iOS users. The royalty rate is solid, and the platform is less saturated than Amazon. Kobo is another underrated gem, particularly for readers outside the US. They have a loyal customer base and often run promotions that can boost your sales.

If you’re into serialized content, platforms like Radish or Wattpad can be lucrative. Radish pays for exclusive content, and Wattpad’s Paid Stories program lets you monetize your work once you’ve built a following. I’ve seen authors transition free Wattpad stories to paid platforms with huge success.

For direct sales, Gumroad is my go-to. It’s simple, takes a small fee, and integrates well with social media. Combine this with a newsletter to keep readers engaged and coming back for more. The key is to experiment and track where your audience is most responsive—then double down on those platforms.