Top 10 Platforms for Selling Books Online (With Pros & Cons)

Whether you’re a self-published author, a small publisher, or someone looking to sell second-hand or rare books, finding the right online platform is key to your success. Each site comes with unique benefits—and some drawbacks—you’ll want to weigh before committing your time and inventory.

Here’s a detailed guide to the top 10 platforms for selling books online in 2025, complete with pros, cons, and tips to help you decide where to sell.

Platform	Best For	Fees/Commission	Format	Built-in Audience
Amazon KDP	Self-publishers	30–65% royalty	eBook/Print	✅ Very High
Etsy	Niche and handmade book sellers	6.5% + listing fees	Print	✅ Moderate
Shopify	Custom bookstores	Monthly fee	Any	❌ (self-promotion)
eBay	Rare & used books	10–15%	Print	✅ High
Bookshop.org	Ethical authors & indie books	Shared margin model	Print	✅ Moderate
B&N Press	Print & Nook eBooks	Up to 70% royalty	eBook/Print	✅ Moderate
Lulu	Print on demand	Variable	Print/eBook	✅ Moderate
Gumroad	Digital-only books	8.5% + $0.30 per sale	eBook/PDF	❌
Blurb	Art/photo book sellers	Variable	Print/eBook	✅ Niche
Payhip	Direct digital sales	5% per sale	eBook	❌

1. Amazon (Kindle Direct Publishing & Seller Central)

Overview:
Amazon is the world’s largest online retailer, making it a prime choice for book sales. Through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), authors can self-publish eBooks and paperbacks, while Seller Central allows for the sale of physical books.

Pros:

• Massive Reach: Access to a global customer base.
• Ease of Use: User-friendly interface for publishing and managing sales.
• Print-on-Demand: No need for inventory storage.
• Marketing Tools: Options like Kindle Countdown Deals and Amazon Ads.

Cons:

• High Competition: Millions of books available, making visibility a challenge.
• Revenue Sharing: Amazon takes a percentage of each sale.
• Limited Customer Data: Sellers have restricted access to buyer information.

Best For:
Authors seeking broad exposure and those comfortable navigating a competitive marketplace.

2. Etsy

Overview:
Etsy is renowned for handmade and vintage items but has become a haven for authors selling unique or niche books.

Pros:

• Niche Audience: Attracts customers looking for unique, handcrafted items.
• Customizable Listings: Flexibility in presenting your books.
• Community Support: Active seller community for advice and collaboration.

Cons:

• Listing Fees: Charges per item listed.
• Transaction Fees: Additional fees on each sale.
• Market Saturation: Growing number of sellers increases competition.

Best For:
Authors of niche genres or those offering personalized or handcrafted books.

3. Shopify

Overview:
Shopify enables sellers to create personalized online stores, offering complete control over branding and customer experience.

Pros:

• Full Customization: Tailor your store’s appearance and functionality.
• Integrated Tools: Access to various apps for marketing, analytics, and more.
• Scalability: Suitable for both small and large-scale operations.

Cons:

• Monthly Fees: Subscription costs can add up.
• Learning Curve: Requires time to set up and manage effectively.
• Traffic Generation: Sellers must drive their own traffic.

Best For:
Authors and publishers looking to establish a branded online presence.

4. eBay

Overview:
eBay is a global marketplace ideal for selling used, rare, or collectible books through auctions or fixed-price listings.

Pros:

• Wide Audience: Millions of active users worldwide.
• Auction Format: Potential for higher earnings on rare items.
• Ease of Listing: Straightforward process to list books.

Cons:

• Fees: Insertion and final value fees apply.
• Shipping Management: Sellers handle packaging and shipping.
• Variable Demand: Sales can fluctuate based on market trends.

Best For:
Sellers of used, rare, or collectible books seeking a broad audience.

5. Bookshop.org

Overview:
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores by sharing profits from online sales, offering an ethical alternative to major retailers.

Pros:

• Supports Local Stores: A portion of sales aids independent bookstores.
• User-Friendly: Simple interface for buyers and sellers.
• Growing Catalog: Expanding selection of books.

Cons:

• Higher Prices: Books may be priced higher than on other platforms.
• Limited Features: Fewer customization options for sellers.
• Smaller Audience: Less traffic compared to giants like Amazon.

Best For:
Authors and sellers who prioritize supporting independent bookstores and ethical commerce.

6. Barnes & Noble Press

Overview:
Barnes & Noble Press offers self-publishing services for eBooks and print books, leveraging the brand’s established reputation.

Pros:

• Brand Recognition: Association with a well-known bookstore chain.
• Print Options: High-quality printing services.
• Royalty Rates: Competitive earnings for authors.

Cons:

• Limited Distribution: Primarily reaches Barnes & Noble customers.
• Less Marketing Support: Fewer promotional tools compared to other platforms.
• Platform Limitations: Fewer customization options for listings.

Best For:
Authors seeking association with a reputable bookstore and quality print services.

7. Lulu

Overview:
Lulu specializes in print-on-demand services, allowing authors to publish and distribute books globally.

Pros:

• Global Distribution: Access to various retailers and markets.
• Format Variety: Options for hardcover, paperback, and more.
• No Upfront Costs: Print-on-demand minimizes initial investment.

Cons:

• Complex Interface: Some users find the platform less intuitive.
• Shipping Costs: Higher fees for international orders.
• Limited Marketing Tools: Authors must handle promotion independently.

Best For:
Authors seeking diverse print options and global distribution without upfront costs.

8. Gumroad

Overview:
Gumroad is a platform for selling digital products directly to consumers, ideal for eBooks and other downloadable content.

Pros:

• Direct Sales: Sell directly to your audience without intermediaries.
• Simple Setup: User-friendly interface for listing products.
• Flexible Pricing: Options for discounts, subscriptions, and more.

Cons:

• Limited Discovery: Relies on sellers to drive traffic.
• Fees: Transaction fees apply to each sale.
• Basic Analytics: Less comprehensive data compared to other platforms.

Best For:
Authors with an existing audience looking to sell digital books directly.

9. Blurb

Overview:
Blurb offers tools for creating and publishing high-quality photo books, magazines, and novels.

Pros:

• Design Tools: Integrated software for book creation.
• Quality Printing: High-resolution print options.
• Distribution Channels: Access to Amazon and other retailers.

Cons:

• Higher Costs: Premium printing services can be expensive.
• Niche Market: Best suited for visual or design-focused books.
• Learning Curve: Requires time to master design tools.

Best For:
Authors and artists creating visually rich books seeking quality printing.

10. Payhip

Overview:
Payhip allows sellers to offer digital downloads directly to customers, with features like discount codes and affiliate programs.

Pros:

• No Monthly Fees: Pay-as-you-go pricing model.
• Integrated Marketing: Tools for coupons, affiliates, and more.
• EU VAT Handling: Automatically manages European tax regulations.

Cons:

• Limited Customization: Basic storefront design options.
• Traffic Generation: Sellers must attract their own customers.
• Digital Only: Focuses solely on digital products.

Best For:
Authors selling digital books directly to a global audience without upfront costs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right platform to sell your books online depends on your specific needs, goals, and resources. Consider factors like audience reach, fees, ease of use, and support services when making your decision. By aligning your strategy with the strengths of these platforms, you can effectively reach your target readers and achieve your publishing objectives.