An ebook needs a route from its finished file to the shops where readers can buy it. As a self-published author, you can upload it to retailers yourself, use a distributor or combine the two.

Choose where and how to distribute

Start by listing the retailers and territories you want to reach. You might focus on one shop used by your audience or make the book available through several. If you want readers to borrow it from libraries, look for a route that includes library channels.

Uploading directly means opening an account with an individual retailer and managing your listing there. An aggregator sends your ebook to multiple outlets from one account, leaving you with fewer systems to manage.

A plan for self publishing book distribution can use both approaches: upload directly to a priority retailer, then use an aggregator for other shops. Record which route supplies each outlet and deselect overlapping channels where possible. If you are changing an existing arrangement, follow the services’ instructions to avoid creating competing listings.

Compare costs and exclusivity

Look beyond the headline royalty. A service might charge an upfront fee, take a share of sales or apply other deductions. Compare payment schedules and administration too. A direct account may offer a higher return, but you will also manage that retailer’s updates yourself.

Say you set a UK list price of £4.99. Use each service’s current terms to estimate what you would receive from a sale. The amount can differ with the retailer, price and distribution route.

Examine exclusivity commitments before enrolling in a programme. Amazon KDP Select, for example, requires ebook exclusivity; publishing through KDP alone is not the same as enrolling in Select. Exclusivity may suit an author happy to concentrate on one channel. Wider distribution allows the ebook to reach readers through other outlets.

Prepare your ebook and book details

EPUB is a common ebook format, although services have their own acceptance and conversion requirements. Check those requirements and prepare the cover separately to the requested specifications.

Preview the finished file, not just the manuscript. Test chapter links and look for misplaced images, awkward spacing and text that becomes difficult to read when resized. Check illustrated books on a smaller screen as well as a larger one.

Keep a reference copy of your title, author name, description, series details and other book information, known as metadata. Use it when setting up each listing to keep the details consistent. Make sure you have permission to distribute material belonging to someone else, including images.

Check availability after publication

Once a listing appears, check its cover, description, price and release date. Where possible, view the shop from the intended market and confirm that the expected purchase option is available. A successful upload alone does not establish that readers can buy the ebook everywhere you planned.

Save the live URLs and note the route responsible for each listing. If a shop is missing or showing the wrong details, review the submission status and any service messages. Then contact the existing distributor with the title and a clear description of the problem before trying a second route.