Self-publishing and self-publishing platforms: What are they anyway?
Self-publishing refers to the independent publication of a book by the author – without a traditional publisher. The authors themselves take responsibility for editing, design, marketing and sales or use service providers for this purpose.
Such service providers are often self-publishing platforms – specialized online services that support authors with technical means in the publishing process. They offer tools for book creation (e.g. formatting, cover design), organize distribution as print books or e-books via online shops and bookstores, and usually allow a high royalty share of the sales proceeds. Some platforms are free of charge, others offer paid service packages.
The largest self-publishing providers in German-speaking countries
BoD (Books on Demand): Longest in Business
BoD is the most experienced provider in German self-publishing – on the market since 1997. BoD is particularly strong in bookstore sales as well as in professional additional services such as editing, cover design and marketing. Authors commit themselves exclusively to BoD for at least one year.
Self-publishing with BoD at a glance:
- Founded: 1997
- BoD is really good at this: Pioneer in print-on-demand, strong bookstore sales, extensive additional services, experienced editorial team
- Sizes: E-book and print
- Costs for publication: from 39 euros (three different options bookable)
- Conditions of contract: Minimum contract period 1 year, transfer of all rights of use to BoD (exclusive)
- Distribution channels: Amazon, bookstores, own shops
- Optional services: Extensive additional services such as proofreading, editing, book block design, book marketing, cover design, blurb, plot reviews
Tredition
Tredition convinces with a professional, technically high-quality appearance, strong bookstore connections and a lot of flexibility in terms of equipment and book updates. Publication is free of charge, the rights remain with the authors, so parallel publications are also possible. Particularly practical: for those who are planning several titles, a separate imprint can be set up.
Self-publishing with tredition at a glance:
- Founded: 2006
- This is what tredition is really good at: Professional appearance, strong bookstore connection, free book updates, extensive equipment options (paper types, cover covers and finishes), own imprint possible
- Sizes: E-book and print
- Cost of publication: free
- Terms and conditions: no contract period, can be terminated at any time, transfer of non-exclusive exploitation rights to tredition, parallel publication via other publishers or platforms possible
- Distribution channels: Amazon, bookstore, own shop
- Optional services: Imprint service, layout, cover design, proofreading, editing, project support with final check
Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)
Amazon KDP offers a straightforward publishing process for anyone who wants to pounce on Amazon stores worldwide, but excludes other sales channels. Publication is free and non-exclusive, optional additional services for cover or book design are not offered, instead there is the opportunity to participate in price promotions with KDP Select.
Self-publishing with KDP at a glance:
- Founded: 2007 (international)
- KDP is really good at this: Highest reach via Amazon directly
- Sizes: E-book and print
- Cost of publication: free
- Terms and conditions: no contract period, can be terminated at any time, transfer of non-exclusive exploitation rights to KDP, parallel publication via other publishers or platforms possible
- Distribution channels: Amazon worldwide
- Optional services: KDP Select (participation in promotions), Kindle Unlimited
epubli
Epubli enables easy and fast publishing, for which it provides numerous styles. The platform offers flexible equipment options for print books, but exclusive usage rights are transferred. Additional services such as editing or marketing are not available directly from epubli.
Self-publishing with epubli at a glance:
- Founded: 2008
- This is what epubli is really good at: Easy publishing, strong bookstore connection, extensive equipment options (paper types, cover covers and finishes)
- Sizes: E-book and print
- Cost of publication: free
- Terms and conditions: no contract period, can be cancelled at any time, transfer of all rights of use to epubli (exclusive)
- Distribution channels: Amazon, bookstore, own shop
- Optional services: none offered directly via epubli
neobooks
Neobooks is particularly exciting for authors who want to be discovered: Uploading a manuscript can open the door to a publishing contract. The publication is free of charge and non-exclusive, and there is also a cooperation with epubli for print publications. Perfect for newcomers looking for a publisher.
Self-publishing with neobooks at a glance:
- Founded: 2010
- This is what neobooks is really good at: Talent scouting for publishers via e-book publication (you upload your manuscript and may be discovered by editors from well-known publishers)
- Formats: e-book only, but cooperation with epubli for print publication
- Cost of publication: free
- Terms of contract: no contract period, can be terminated at any time, transfer of non-exclusive exploitation rights to neobooks, parallel publication via other publishers or platforms possible
- Distribution channels: Amazon, bookstore, own shop
- Optional services: possibly publisher contacts
Tolino Media
Tolino Media offers self-publishers direct access to major German bookstores such as Thalia or Hugendubel. The e-book publication is free of charge, for print the provision of the ISBN including connection to the VLB costs a one-time fee of 18.90 euros. The rights of use remain with the authors.
Self-publishing with Tolino Media at a glance:
- Founded: 2015
- Tolino Media is really good at this: Direct access to Thalia, Hugendubel & Co.
- Sizes: E-book and print
- Costs for publication: free of charge for e-books, one-time fee of 18.90 euros for print
- Terms of contract: no contract period, can be terminated at any time, transfer of non-exclusive exploitation rights to Tolino, parallel publication via other publishers or platforms possible
- Distribution channels: Tolino shops and bookstores; Amazon, Apple Books and Google Play can be added as options
- Optional services: none offered directly through Tolino
What distinguishes GRIN
Many self-publishing platforms rely on do-it-yourself: authors upload their manuscripts, take care of the layout, cover design, imprint and all technical details independently. If you’re familiar with it, you’ll get along well – but for those who prefer to concentrate on what they do best – writing – there is a real alternative at GRIN.
At GRIN, we personally accompany our authors from the very beginning. Everyone receives a fixed contact person who is available to answer any questions they may have. Cover design and layout are not stumbling blocks: We develop the book cover together with our authors and ensure that the finished book not only looks professional, but also meets all legal and design standards. This makes self-publishing uncomplicated, individual – and successful.
Self-publishing with GRIN at a glance:
- Founded: 1998
- GRIN is really good at this: over 25 years of experience in publishing academic texts, which is now being transferred to non-academic texts; Strong bookstore sales, extensive additional services, experienced editorial team, personal author support, own book series easily possible
- Sizes: E-book and print
- Costs for publication: from 99 euros
- Conditions of contract: Minimum contract term 2 years, transfer of non-exclusive exploitation rights to GRIN, parallel publication via other publishers or platforms possible
- Distribution channels: Amazon, bookstores, Google Play, own shops
- Optional services: Extensive additional services such as proofreading, editing with plot check, layout, cover design, blurb
You bring the creativity, we bring the know-how. You get an individually designed book, fair conditions with up to 50% royalty and full control over your rights of use. Your work will be published as a print and e-book, is available worldwide – and all this risk-free thanks to print-on-demand. With over 25 years of experience behind us, we get your book exactly where it belongs – in the hands of your readers worldwide.
Ready to share your story with the world?
Checklist: These are the advantages of self-publishing with GRIN
- Over 25 years of publishing experience: We’re not new to this – we’ve been living and breathing publishing for over two decades, and we bring that expertise into every book we publish.
- A real person for your project: You’ll have a dedicated contact person who will guide you through the whole publishing process.
- Fair royalties: With us, you get up to 50% fee.You can earn up to 50% royalties with us.
- Tailored design: From cover to layout, we design everything to fit your book – professionally, stylishly, and made to measure.
- Print & Digital: Your book will be available as both an e-book and a printed edition – with its own ISBN, of course.
- Worldwide distribution: Your book is available in over 300 online shops – from Amazon to Thalia. Your readers will find you everywhere.
- Open to all genres: Non-fiction, guides, fiction, children’s books, biographies – whatever your story is, we’ve got you.
- You choose your level of visibility: Publish under your real name, a pseudonym, or anonymously – your choice.
- You retain the rights of use: With the author’s contract , you grant us non-exclusive exploitation rights, i.e. you are free to offer your manuscript on other platforms.
- Risk-free printing: We print using the print-on-demand process. So a book is only printed when it has been ordered and neither we nor you risk being stuck with a print run.
Sources:
Frequently Asked Questions
In the case of traditional publishers, the publisher takes over the entire publication management (editing, cover, marketing) and pays a fee or advances. With self-publishing, the author retains control and responsibility over the book, decides everything himself and usually receives a higher royalty share.
No. At GRIN, the cover is professionally designed in close cooperation with you so that your book has a high-quality, individual appearance.
Yes, because with GRIN you only grant non-exclusive exploitation rights . So you can also publish your book at the same time with other providers.
The release starts at 99 euros. This includes personal support, professional design and the provision of your book as an e-book and print edition including ISBN.
After completion and approval, your book will be listed in over 300 online shops within a few days – including Amazon, Thalia and many other booksellers worldwide.
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