Exclusive Guide: How to self-publish and get paid without using Amazon

Why Consider Alternatives to Amazon?

Amazon may dominate the self-publishing world, but it’s not the only—or always the best—option. Many authors are seeking more control, better royalty terms, and alternatives that don’t lock them into exclusive deals. Whether you’re looking for ethical publishing, wider creative freedom, or stronger author support, it’s entirely possible to self-publish and earn money without relying on Amazon.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to do exactly that—step by step.

Step 1: Write and Format Your Book Professionally

A high-quality book begins with strong content. Focus on crafting a compelling story or valuable nonfiction resource, then polish your manuscript with editing and formatting.

Free tools to get you started:

• Google Docs or LibreOffice for writing
• Hemingway or Grammarly for grammar and readability
• Free formatting templates for print and eBooks

If your budget allows, consider investing in a freelance editor or designer—but you can start lean and level up later.

Step 2: Choose a Non-Amazon Publishing Platform

There are now several platforms that allow indie authors to publish books without going through Amazon. These include:

• PubliWrite — A fast-growing platform offering publishing, licensing, and direct monetization tools for indie authors.
• Draft2Digital — Distributes your book to retailers like Apple Books, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.
• Google Play Books — A strong platform for Android and global reach.

PubliWrite stands out by giving authors full control over pricing, sales rights, and licensing options without tying you to a single distributor.

Step 3: Set Up Your Sales Page and Get Paid Directly

Unlike Amazon, many platforms now allow you to sell directly to readers. This means you:

• Keep more of your revenue
• Build an email list of your customers
• Avoid the limitations of proprietary ecosystems

On PubliWrite, for example, you can set your pricing, choose your formats (eBook, paperback, hardcover), and receive payments directly into your account. You also gain access to analytics and customer insights—tools that Amazon often withholds.

Step 4: Promote Your Book Without Relying on Retailer Algorithms

Without Amazon’s ecosystem recommending your book to shoppers, your marketing strategy needs to be more direct and reader-focused. The good news? This also gives you more control over your brand, your data, and your relationship with readers.

Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Build a simple author website or landing page with your book info and a purchase link (use tools like Carrd, WordPress, or Leadpages).
• Grow your email list: Offer a free chapter or bonus content in exchange for readers’ emails.
• Leverage social media: Use TikTok (BookTok), Instagram (Reels and Stories), and Facebook groups to share your writing journey, book teasers, and reader testimonials.
• Pitch your book to blogs, newsletters, or book influencers that cover your genre.
• Run giveaways or bundle deals to generate excitement and word-of-mouth.
• Participate in reader communities where your ideal audience hangs out—Reddit, Discord groups, Goodreads forums, etc.

By focusing on community-driven and content-rich marketing, you can build buzz and drive traffic directly to your book without needing Amazon’s ad system at all.

Platforms like PubliWrite also help with visibility by highlighting new and trending titles within their own community.

Step 5: Monetize Beyond the Book

Don’t stop at book sales. Think like a content entrepreneur and turn your book into a larger ecosystem:

• Offer a paid newsletter (e.g., on Substack)
• Create a workbook or journal companion
• Sell audio versions or merchandise
• License your content via PubliRights

Many authors now earn more from spinoffs and licensing than from book sales alone. Having full rights and flexible publishing terms is key to unlocking these revenue streams.

Step 6: Protect Your Rights and Earnings

Platforms like PubliWrite offer tools to protect your intellectual property.

Through PubliRights, you can:

• License your book for AI training or educational use
• Create a passive source of income
• Retain all your ownership while earning royalties from new opportunities

This kind of flexibility is hard to find in mainstream marketplaces, and it’s a game-changer for authors building long-term income.

Final Thoughts: Publish Smart, Earn More

You don’t need to rely on Amazon to be a successful indie author. In 2025, self-publishing has evolved, and smart authors are exploring alternative platforms that give them control, flexibility, and better revenue.

PubliWrite is one of those platforms—built with indie creators in mind. If you’re publishing your first book or managing a growing backlist, PubliWrite provides the tools, community, and freedom to succeed on your own terms.

So take the leap. Publish your story, get paid directly, and grow your writing career—without anyone but you holding the keys.