With digital publishing methods on the rise in 2025, authors do not have to hand over their manuscripts to the publishers physically. Digital publishing platforms have simplified the job by revolutionizing the entire book publishing process. Projected to reach $94.94 billion in revenue, with a global audience of 2.6 billion readers, the book publishing market is taking the internet by storm. Furthermore, the market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 1.17% (CAGR 2025-2029), reaching US$99.47 billion by 2029. This signifies how rapidly the publishing industry is growing.
This blog walks you through 11 free platforms that allow an author to publish their book on their own without asking for an arm and leg. Also, if you are searching for any book writing service to help you get started, we are here to help you out!
Are you ready to find out how to publish a book for free? Tighten up your seat belts and let’s begin.
- StreetLib
Writers always want to market their books worldwide without investing a huge chunk of money. This is where StreetLib’s self-publishing technology steps in to help. While it is absolutely free to use, it also provides access to a dashboard, which helps you to monitor your book sales from any corner of the world, anytime.
This platform also allows you to publish your eBook in any language with ease. The platform has no upfront cost and distributes your book to all leading giants like Amazon, Google, Apple, and more. However, before going with this option, you must consider the fact that StreetLib will charge you a 10% commission on each sale for e-books.
- Draft2Digital
Next up, we have the platform Draft2Digital which prioritizes you and your book. They have tools that let you focus on your writing while they care more about the layout, publishing, and distribution. Also, this is the best aggregator platform available. So once you upload your book, it automatically lists it on multiple stores.
Draft2Digital only charges you a fee when you sell a copy of your book. In case of not making sales, you won’t have to pay anything. Moreover, this platform has efficient and friendly customer service catering to any technical error occurrence. However, the customization options of this platform are quite limited.
- Wattpad
Wattpad is known globally as being a home to millions of readers and writers. It is also a great place to network with authors, making it a perfect option for all emerging writers. The platform allows you to write and share the stories on the mobile app minimizing the hassle of multiple edits. You can consider uploading your book within a single go or upload it chapter by chapter.
Furthermore, Wattpad also has a dedicated writer section that helps you learn tips and tricks on using the platform and making the book successful. While publishing a book via Wattpad, the author gets complete control over the book’s upload, editing, and cover. Just keep in mind, Wattpad’s readers expect regular engagement from authors so stay engaged.
- Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
You must have heard about Kindle Direct Publishing, Amazon’s publication platform which was launched in 2007. It allows the authors to publish their books for free on the Kindle Store. Around 487 million eBooks are sold each year via KDP making it an extremely popular choice for all beginners and seasoned authors.
Kindle Direct Publishing is extremely easy to use. You can quickly learn how to self-publish a book for free. The platform also allows you to make changes to in your book even after you have published it. But please note that there is a 60-day payment window in KDP, which means if your book makes $200 in April, you will receive the payment in July.
- Google Play Books
Google Play has more than 3 billion users in up to 75 countries and all of them could potentially read your book if you publish it via Google Play Books. With multiple unique features and a straightforward process of uploading the book, Google Play Books convinces authors to self-publish their writing on the platform.
Furthermore, publishing on Google Play automatically adds a preview of your book to Google Search Engine. You can also run promotions and offer discounts by leveraging Google Play promo codes. Keep in mind, PDF and EPUB are the only available formats for publishing on this platform. For more details, check out our guide on self-publish your book
- Apple Books
Another platform that allows you to publish your book for free is Apple Books. It allows the authors to get their books designed and formatted from text to a professional standard. The platform also supports various file options to upload. Readers can download books to their iPhone or iPad making it a popular platform among consumers.
Moreover, with this platform, you can easily track sales and receive daily reports. Being an author, you can also give away the books for free to some of your regular readers. But there are a few things to consider with Apple Books, like the uploading system is quite tricky to navigate. Also, Apple does not automatically accept all books.
- PublishDrive
If you want to go for fiction or business book publishing for free, opt for PublishDrive which is a marketing and distribution service for books. Launched in 2015 by Kinga Jentetics, this simple platform allows authors to self-publish internationally. With a few easy-to-follow steps, you can become a published author for free. Also, the platform takes 0% of the sales, meaning you receive 100% commission.
PublishDrive is a good option for those who know how to run promotions and optimize Amazon ads. As the platform has 30 million readers globally, authors have a chance to get noticed. However, the platform does charge you $16.99 for a basic monthly plan after your 14-day free trial ends. Also, only .docx and EBUB formats are accepted in PublishDrive.
- KITABOO
KITABOO is another digital publishing platform that allows authors to self-publish their books with an easy-to-understand process. The platform has a lot of interactive features that you can leverage to create your ebook. Also, it supports multiple operating systems like Android, IOS, and Windows. You can also evaluate how your book is performing with advanced analytical features.
With this platform, an author can easily convert books into different formats. But there are a few things to consider with KITABOO. It does not clearly state the royalty rates on the website. Also, you may sign up for a free trial but later on, to use all the features, you will have to contact them for a customized quote.
- Bookrix
Bookrix is the largest self-publication platform that is absolutely free to use. Just like many other eBook publishing platforms, Bookrix also does not require exclusivity and its authors get 70% royalty paid monthly. Before publishing, the platform also allows you to format and optimize your work. Also, your book gets an ISBN via Bookrix which is an International Standard Book Number.
Furthermore, the platform offers a community where readers and authors can connect, take part in writing competitions, and gain feedback. It also distributes eBooks to major retailers such as Amazon, Apple Books, Google Play, Thalia, and Kobo. If you are searching for a good publishing platform, Bookrix is a good choice to go with.
- Lulu
Those who are looking forward to fiction, educational, or even business book publishing, you can trust Lulu. It is an online, self-publishing book and eBook company where authors get their books published without any hassle. Home to several self-publishing authors, this platform provides guidance and assistance to its users with its publishing process.
Lulu dispenses distribution services for a particular fee to ensure that your book reaches readers around the globe. Also, the platform offers formatting, editing, and designing services which help the author with getting started for the publication process. Keep in mind that Lulu only supports EPUB and PDF formats.
- Kobo Writing Life
Last but not least, we have Kobo which is one of the world’s biggest eBookstore, hosting a library of over 4 million manuscripts. Also, it has clear step-by-step instructions to help you set up for your publication. Since Kobo is available in 190 countries, publishing on this platform means immense recognition and up to 70% royalty.
Kobo has avid fiction readers. So, if your book falls into that genre, you must publish it on this platform. Kobo Writing Life also allows you to publish your book simultaneously on other platforms which means more monetary benefits. Furthermore, the platform supports formats like doc, Docx, ODT, EPUB, and MOBI.
Publish Your Book Today!
Publishing your book for free has never been easier, thanks to these 11 powerful platforms. Whether you’re a first-time author or a seasoned writer, digital publishing gives you full control without breaking the bank. Explore these options, find the one that fits your needs, and get your story out to readers worldwide — your publishing journey starts now!
If you’re feeling stuck or need guidance, our expert bookwriting service is here to help you bring your vision to life. Reach out to us ghostwritingmentors.com and take the next step toward becoming a published author.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the easiest platform to publish a book for free?
Platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing and Draft2Digital are user-friendly and popular among new authors.
2. Can I publish a business book for free?
Yes! Platforms like Lulu and PublishDrive support business book publishing without upfront costs.
3. Do I need a book writing service to publish my book?
A book writing service can help with drafting, editing, and formatting, making the publishing process smoother but isn’t mandatory.
4. How long does it take to publish on these free platforms?
Once your manuscript is ready, publishing can take from a few hours to a few days, depending on the platform’s review process.
5. Will I make money publishing for free?
Yes! Most platforms take a small commission but let you earn royalties, sometimes up to 70% of your book sales.
