Distribution and reach
KDP is strictly about selling a book on Amazon, while BookBaby offers considerable reach through their distribution systems which includes Amazon and all of the other popular online bookstores. Both also offer Print On Demand services, so you don't need to stock inventory. However, there are differences in terms of how distribution is handled, the quality of the book printing, and where your book shows up.
Kindle Direct Publishing
KDP requires authors to format their books to meet Amazon's strict guidelines. If your manuscript isn't properly formatted, it can lead to errors, awkward page breaks, or even rejection. KDP offers basic templates, but achieving a bookstore-quality layout often requires hiring a professional or spending hours troubleshooting.
KDP operates largely as a do-it-yourself platform with minimal direct customer service. If you run into issues — whether with file uploads, formatting, or distribution — you're often left to sift through online forums or wait for email support, which can be slow and frustrating.
BookBaby
BookBaby offers a much wider range of distribution channels, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and independent bookstores. With BookBaby Bookshop, you set the retail price of your book and keep 85% of your eBook royalties, 75% of your audiobook royalties, and 50% of your printed book royalties.
Printing quality and options
When it comes to print quality, there's no contest. BookBaby produces bookstore-quality books, while KDP's inkjet-printed books often feel cheap and washed out.
Kindle Direct Publishing
KDP gives you Print On Demand, but with limited customization. You're limited to cream or white interior paper, and matte or glossy cover finishes. Binding quality is standard, but may not be ideal for books that will be heavily handled or used frequently like children's books or cookbooks. KDP is also very limited in terms of available trim sizes, paper weights, and finishes.
BookBaby
BookBaby is known for its high-quality print production, including custom book printing with more advanced options than what's available from Kindle Direct Publishing. For example, you can opt for a hardcover book with a dust jacket, a softcover book, and more, with a variety of paper options and trim sizes.
Superior quality color printing also makes BookBaby your best choice if you're going to be printing a photo book, art book, or children's book, where vivid, highly detailed illustrations are a must.
Pricing details
BookBaby delivers exceptional value by combining top-tier book production, expert design services, and wide-reaching distribution — all at a price that makes sense for authors.
Kindle Direct Publishing
KDP is entirely free to use. You only pay for printing costs when a book is sold. Printing fees are subtracted from your royalties. The cost for printing will depend on your page count, ink type, and trim size. KDP is decidedly geared toward affordability rather than customizability.
BookBaby
Provides a convenient and fun to use royalty calculator so that you can set your book's retail price and see exactly how much you will earn per sale. Use BookBaby's book printing quote tool to get an instant price based on your book's specifications (trim size, page count, quantity, paper type, etc.).
Additional services
Kindle Direct Publishing
KDP is built around a self-service platform. As an author, you'll upload your file, format your book, and handle distribution all on your own. There are tools available for free to help you format your book, like Kindle Create, but even with these tools, you may not get the professional-grade results you expect and you might need a degree in publishing to successfully get through to your book launch.
BookBaby
BookBaby, on the other hand, offers full-service publishing plans that handle editing, formatting, cover design, and marketing support. If you'd rather be guided step-by-step through the process, BookBaby is an excellent option. You also have the option to create a custom author website and sell your book directly in the BookBaby Bookshop. Other additional services include social media marketing, press release writing, book launch strategies, and even translation.
Who is each service best for?
With so many options and competitive benefits from each Print On Demand provider, how do you know which to choose? Here's our recommendation:
Kindle Direct Publishing
KDP can be a viable option for self-publishing authors who prioritize cost over quality and are comfortable navigating a DIY publishing process with a steep learning curve. However, it's important to understand its limitations before deciding if it's the right fit for your book. You get what you pay for.
BookBaby
If, on the other hand, you'd like to be guided through the printing and publication process, with plenty of expert support from everyone from book designers to marketing professionals, BookBaby is a better option. You also get the added benefits of more choices when it comes to giving your book a premium look and feel, which is where many first impressions about a book and its contents are made.
Even after your book has already been printed, you can take advantage of BookBaby's services to help you market it, using everything from Facebook ads to press releases, which may generate media interest in your story. Learn more about how BookBaby can help you bring your publication goals to life with a beautiful book you'll be proud to show off!
Contact us today to learn more about self-publishing your book!