Amazon is the biggest eBook marketplace in the world, but it’s not the only one. Many new and experienced authors are now looking for other platforms to sell eBooks—and for good reasons.
Maybe you want:
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Higher profit margins
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More control over pricing
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A place to build your brand
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To keep more of your sales without sharing a big cut with Amazon
In this post, you’ll discover the best places to sell your eBooks besides Amazon—including both free and paid platforms. Each one offers something different, depending on your goals.
Why Look Beyond Amazon?
Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is popular, but it also comes with some downsides:
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You only keep about 70% (or 35%) of the revenue depending on pricing and region
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It’s a very crowded marketplace
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Some features (like promotions) require exclusivity through KDP Select
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You don’t get full access to buyer emails or customer data
Selling on multiple platforms gives you more freedom, more income opportunities, and direct connection to your audience.
1. Gumroad
Gumroad is one of the best alternatives to Amazon for selling eBooks directly to your audience.
Why it’s great:
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Very beginner-friendly
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You keep 90% of your revenue (after small transaction fees)
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You can build a custom sales page
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No need for a personal website
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Instant delivery of your eBook after purchase
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You collect emails and build your audience
Perfect for:
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Bloggers
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Creators
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First-time authors
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Writers selling guides, tutorials, or niche content
You can start for free and upgrade as your sales grow.
2. Payhip
Payhip is a simple platform that lets you sell digital downloads directly from your blog or social media.
What makes it stand out:
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Zero monthly fees (you pay a 5% transaction fee on each sale)
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Embed your eBook product on your blog
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Works with PayPal or Stripe
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Offers coupons, affiliate programs, and email marketing tools
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Simple sales analytics
Payhip also has options for subscription products and courses, making it flexible as your business grows.
3. Sellfy
Sellfy is another easy-to-use platform that allows you to sell digital and physical products.
Benefits:
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Built-in storefront (no coding required)
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No file size limits for your eBook
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Accepts payments via PayPal and credit card
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Built-in marketing tools like email, upsells, and discounts
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Offers monthly plans (starts at beginner-friendly rates)
Sellfy is ideal for creators who want a professional store without having to build a website from scratch.
4. Shopify (With Digital Download Plugin)
If you’re planning to turn your eBook into a full business, Shopify gives you the power to create a full eCommerce store.
With a digital product plugin, you can:
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Sell eBooks, courses, and even bundles
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Customize the sales experience completely
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Add apps for marketing, automation, and SEO
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Offer multiple payment options
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Build your own brand from day one
Shopify has a monthly cost but offers a 3-day free trial. It’s best if you want full control over your eBook business.
5. Etsy
Most people think of Etsy as a place for handmade crafts, but it's also great for digital products—including eBooks.
Why it works:
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Built-in traffic (millions of buyers)
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Great for niche eBooks (planners, self-help, journals, templates)
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You don’t need a website
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Low listing fee per product
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You keep most of the profits after fees
Etsy is best if your eBook fits a creative or lifestyle theme.
6. Ko-fi
Ko-fi is a donation-based platform that also lets you sell digital content like eBooks.
Features:
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No monthly fees
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Sell eBooks directly to supporters
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You keep nearly all your earnings
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Can be used alongside blog donations
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Set your own price or offer free downloads
Ko-fi is a great way to connect with supporters if you already have a small audience.
7. Notion + Google Drive (For Advanced Creators)
If you’re tech-savvy, you can bypass marketplaces entirely by using:
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Google Drive to host your eBook PDF
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A Notion page or blog to promote and take payments
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Tools like Tally or Gumroad buttons to accept money
This setup lets you keep 100% of your earnings and control everything—but it takes more work to set up.
8. Lulu
Lulu is a print-on-demand and digital publishing platform. You can sell:
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eBooks
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Print books
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Workbooks
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Educational materials
It also distributes to online bookstores like Barnes & Noble and Apple Books.
Lulu is best for authors who want to sell both eBooks and physical copies.
9. Teachable or Thinkific
These are course platforms, but many creators use them to sell:
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eBooks
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Bundles (eBook + video)
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Resource kits
You can upload your eBook as a downloadable file inside a free or paid course. It's a smart way to increase your product’s value.
10. Your Own Blog or Website
This is the most powerful way to sell eBooks if you want full control.
What you need:
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A blog (on Blogger, WordPress, etc.)
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A payment button (via PayPal, Stripe, or Gumroad)
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A download delivery system (Gumroad or Google Drive)
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A product page with a great title, image, and description
Once set up, you can promote your eBook across:
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Pinterest
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Facebook
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WhatsApp
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Email lists
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Blog posts
Owning your platform also gives you long-term control over traffic, pricing, and branding.
How to Choose the Best Platform
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
| Platform | Best For | Free Option? |
|---|---|---|
| Gumroad | Creators and bloggers | Yes |
| Payhip | Small digital shops | Yes |
| Sellfy | Pro-looking store | Limited free plan |
| Shopify | Full eBook business | Trial only |
| Etsy | Creative and lifestyle books | Low fee |
| Ko-fi | Audience donations + sales | Yes |
| Lulu | Print + digital authors | Yes |
| Thinkific | eBook + course bundle | Trial only |
| Blogger | Full control with blog | Yes |
Final Tips for Selling Your eBook
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Write a clear and catchy product description
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Add a great eBook cover image
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Promote your eBook on social media
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Collect emails for future offers
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Price your eBook fairly—start low to gain reviews
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Include bonuses (checklists, templates) to add value
Final Thoughts
Amazon is great—but it’s not your only option. These platforms let you keep more of your profits, connect directly with your readers, and build a business that works for you.
Whether you want a simple shop or a full eBook empire, there's a platform that fits your goals.
Pick one today, upload your eBook, and start earning—on your terms.
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