The Distribution Tab
In the Distribution tab of your book creation process, you can select which platforms and stores will sell your book. Shelf Indulgence distributes to major retailers, libraries, and subscription services worldwide.
Available Distribution Channels
Major eBook Retailers
Apple Books
Available in 150+ countries, integrated with Apple devices. Strong presence in US, UK, Canada, Australia.
Google Play Books
Global reach in 75+ countries. Strong Android user base, web reader available.
Kobo
Major retailer in Canada, Europe, Australia. Kobo Plus subscription service available.
Barnes & Noble
Leading US bookstore chain with Nook e-readers and apps.
Library Networks
- OverDrive - World's largest digital library platform with Libby app
Learn more about library distribution →
Subscription Services
- Kobo Plus - All-you-can-read subscription (20+ markets)
- Storytel - Audiobook and ebook subscription (25+ markets, strong in Nordic countries)
Direct-to-Reader
Sell directly from your own website:
- Higher royalties (82% vs 45-70% through stores)
- Build direct relationship with readers
- Control pricing and promotions
- Capture email addresses for marketing
Distribution Strategy
Go Wide (Recommended)
Selecting all available channels maximizes your reach:
- More readers can discover your book
- Different platforms dominate different markets
- Diversifies revenue streams
- Reduces dependency on single retailer
Recommendation: Select All Channels
Unless you have a specific reason to exclude a channel, we recommend distributing to all available platforms. You can always remove channels later if needed.
Selective Distribution
Reasons you might exclude certain channels:
- Amazon exclusivity - If enrolled in KDP Select elsewhere
- Regional restrictions - Content not suitable for certain markets
- Pricing conflicts - Different pricing strategies by channel
- Direct-only strategy - Building email list before wide release
Regional Considerations
North America
- US - Apple Books, Google Play, Barnes & Noble, OverDrive
- Canada - Kobo (Canadian company), Apple Books, Google Play
Europe
- UK - Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo
- EU - Kobo Plus subscription, Google Play, Apple Books
- Nordic - Storytel dominates audiobook/ebook subscriptions
Asia-Pacific
- Australia/NZ - Kobo, Apple Books, Google Play
- Asia - Google Play strong in Android markets
Changing Distribution
You can update distribution channels after publication:
- Go to My Shelf and select your book
- Navigate to Distribution tab
- Add or remove channels
- Save changes
- New channels take 3-7 days to go live
- Removed channels take 24-48 hours to delist
Distribution Timeline
Time from publication to live on each channel:
| Channel | Review Time | Total Time to Live |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Books | 2-3 days | 3-5 days |
| Google Play | 1-2 days | 2-4 days |
| Kobo | 2-4 days | 3-6 days |
| Barnes & Noble | 3-7 days | 5-10 days |
| OverDrive | 7-14 days | 10-21 days |