How to Distribute Your Book to 50+ Global Platforms

Reach Millions of Readers Worldwide with Smart eBook Publishing Strategies.

Publishing your book is just the first step — getting it into the hands (and screens) of readers around the world is where real success begins. With today’s powerful ebook publishing tools, authors can distribute their fictional books, non fictional books, and children’s eBooks to over 50 global platforms — without a traditional publisher.

But how do you actually do it? Let’s walk through how to make your book available everywhere — from Amazon KDP to Apple Books, Kobo, Google Play Books, and beyond.

Why Global Distribution Matters

Did you know that the global ebook publishing market is expected to exceed $33 billion by 2028 (Statista Report)? And while Amazon dominates the U.S. market, platforms like Kobo Writing Life, Apple Books, and Google Play Books account for nearly 40% of eBook sales outside North America (WordsRated Research).

Expanding your reach ensures that your children’s stories, fictional novels, and non-fiction guides can be read in countries you’ve never even visited. The more platforms you appear on, the higher your chances of visibility, reviews, and long-term readership.

For example, authors who distribute to 30+ channels through aggregators like Draft2Digital or PublishDrive report up to 3× more sales within six months than those limited to a single platform (Written Word Media).

The Three Smart Ways to Go Global

There are three main routes to distribute your book globally — each with its strengths and trade-offs.

Amazon KDP – The Starting Point

No matter where you’re based, Amazon KDP is the natural first step. With a market share of over 80% in the U.S. (Reedsy Marketplace), it gives your book instant visibility on Kindle Unlimited, Amazon.com, and international stores in 13+ regions.

When you enroll in KDP Select, your eBook becomes part of Kindle Unlimited, where readers pay by pages read. However, the catch is exclusivity — you can’t distribute the same ebook on other platforms during the 90-day enrollment.

If you want full creative control and multi-platform distribution, skip exclusivity and publish “wide.”

Use Aggregators to Reach 50+ Platforms

If you want to publish on multiple stores without manually uploading to each one, use aggregators like:

Draft2Digital – connects you to Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and OverDrive (for libraries).
PublishDrive – distributes to 400+ stores globally, including Google Play Books, Bookmate, and Scribd.
StreetLib – supports both ebooks and print-on-demand books with strong European reach.
Smashwords (now merged with Draft2Digital) – great for indie authors and niche genres.

According to PublishDrive Analytics 2024, authors using their global distribution tools can reach more than 2 billion potential readers across 193 countries.

Aggregators typically take around 10–15% of royalties in exchange for wide exposure and convenience — a worthy trade for most independent authors.

Direct Uploads for Maximum Control

Some platforms allow authors to upload directly for more control over metadata, royalties, and promotions. Here are top platforms worth considering:

Apple Books for Authors — 70% royalties, huge iOS audience.
Kobo Writing Life — popular in Canada and Europe, up to 70% royalties.
Google Play Books Partner Center — ideal for SEO visibility through Google search results.
Barnes & Noble Press — perfect for U.S. readers and physical store presence.
IngramSpark — gives bookstore access worldwide.

While this option takes more time, it gives you direct control over pricing, categories, and book promotions. Many top authors mix both — using aggregators for reach and direct uploads for better profit margins.

Optimizing for Global Discoverability

Distribution is only effective if your book stands out. To increase discoverability:

Use targeted keywords (like “fictional books,” “non fictional books,” “children’s Ebook”) in titles and descriptions.
Translate your book’s metadata using DeepL Translate for non-English markets.
Create region-specific promotions through BookBub or Written Word Media.
Optimize your title and subtitle for search using tools like Publisher Rocket.
Ensure formatting is professional — read The Importance of Book Formatting and Interior Design.

Authors who localize and optimize metadata for each region see up to 70% higher international sales (PublishDrive Global Data Report 2024).

Real-World Example: The Hybrid Success Strategy

Take bestselling indie author Mark Dawson, who used Amazon KDP for ebooks and IngramSpark for print. By combining both, he sold over 2 million copies worldwide. (The Creative Penn Podcast).

This hybrid approach — KDP for visibility + IngramSpark or aggregators for reach — remains the most efficient strategy for modern authors.

Final Thoughts: Your Book Deserves a Global Stage

Global distribution isn’t just a technical step — it’s how you transform your ebook publishing dream into a global brand. Whether you’re writing children’s stories, fictional novels, or non fictional guides, there’s a world of readers waiting to discover your words.

Start with Amazon KDP for visibility, use Draft2Digital or PublishDrive for reach, and make sure your book is polished with expert ghostwriting & book editing before it goes live.

Your next reader might be sitting in Tokyo, Paris, or Sydney — and your book deserves to reach them all.