One of the most common questions new authors ask is where to sell their book. The answer depends on your goals, your audience, and how much control you want over your income.
Here is an honest comparison of the main options.
Your Own Website
Selling directly from your own website means keeping more of each sale, owning your customer relationship, and having full control over how your book is presented.
The challenge is traffic — your website needs visitors before it can generate sales. This takes time and consistent effort to build.
Your own website works best when combined with regular content, social media presence, and email marketing.
Amazon KDP
Amazon is the largest book marketplace in the world. Publishing there gives you immediate access to millions of readers who are already looking for books to buy.
The advantages are real — visibility, trust, and a built-in audience. The disadvantages are also real — Amazon takes a significant percentage of each sale, you have limited control over pricing, and you have no direct relationship with your readers.
Amazon works best for authors who want broad reach and are comfortable with lower margins per sale.
Both Together
Many successful independent authors use both. Amazon for discoverability — readers find the book there. Their own website for direct sales — readers who already trust them buy there at full margin.
This is often the most effective approach for authors who are serious about building a sustainable income from their writing.
Print on Demand
Platforms like Lulu allow you to offer printed copies without holding any stock. A reader orders, the book is printed and shipped directly to them. You never touch the product.
This works well alongside digital sales and gives readers who prefer physical books a way to buy.
Which is right for you?
If you are just starting — begin with Amazon KDP for digital and Lulu for print. Add your own website shop as your audience grows.
If you already have an audience — selling direct from your website should be your priority.
We help authors set up the right combination for their situation. Contact us at worldy.tcp@gmail.com or visit worldy-tcp.com/contact. We respond to all enquiries within 48 hours.
— Orli and The Team at Worldy TCP