What do you mean by saying, “I would like to be published on several platforms”? This is, in fact, an ambitious and realistic goal in the publishing realm of today. Diverse are the outlets-from digital to print, and everything is available for authors to get published. This has made it easier than ever before for authors to publish their work for different audiences. But what then does it take to get the book or the content across several different platforms, and how would you then effectively approach this strategy?
Let’s consider how you can start making this a reality in the actual writing process, through the publishing process, and possibly in more than one channel.
Should You Go Wide or Stay Exclusive?
The matter that really needs your attention is whether you should publish on one platform or on all of them at once. However, exclusive publication of KDP is possible with KDP Select, which offers participation in Kindle Unlimited and the use of promotional tools while restricted from publishing that same digital book elsewhere during enrollment.
If your mindset is “I would like to be published in several platforms,” surely the better way to go is going wide. It intends to provide access to readers of the whole world while preventing you from dependency on a single retail operator. Distribution to several storefronts with a single upload can be made easier if you use Draft2Digital or PublishDrive.
How Do You Format for Multiple Platforms?
Formatting differs among various publishing platforms, and being aware of such differences would ensure that your book looks professional, irrespective of where it is displayed. EPUB would be defined as the most standard digital format, while Amazon would prefer a Kindle-optimized version. Print platforms such as IngramSpark or KDP Print would have specific requirements for cover size, trim size, margins, and bleeds.
For a truly wide-ranging publication, one could opt to use formatting software like Vellum (Mac) or Atticus (cross-platform), which export your manuscript in the correct file formats for each store. If this seems overwhelming, formatting services by professionals are, of course, also available, which would spare you great amounts of time and stress.
How Do You Handle ISBNs Across Platforms?
ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is used to catalog and track your book. Some platforms, such as Amazon, will assign you one free of charge, but it is non-transferable. If you wish to truly hold on to your publishing rights and publish widely, then it’s better to procure your ISBNs via official channels such as Bowker (in the US). Control of metadata is important here. Furthermore, you can assign the same ISBN across all formats of your work globally: digital, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook, thus giving a little more truth to the statement “I would like to be published in several platforms.”
What About Audiobooks and Alternative Formats?
This publishing is not reliant only on print and eBooks, but the growing demand for audiobooks has also led to gaining ground for services such as ACX, Find away Voices, and Kobo Writing Life for publishing your audio version of books into outlets such as Audible, iTunes, etc. If your mindset is “I would like to be published in several platforms,” then growing to audio really opens up your audience. Some readers will prefer to consume their reading on the go, and audiobooks will really attract that audience.
You might also consider serialized storytelling platforms such as Kindle Vella or Wattpad, depending on your genre. These platforms are just for readers who like to Read by episodes, thereby offering another opportunity to gain wider exposure.
Can You Keep Track of Everything on Your Own?
The management of a book is challenging from a logistical point of view across multiple platforms. You need to keep an eye on prices, monitor sales data, track marketing performance across all channels, and apply your updates.
Fortunately, some tools and aggregators make such activities easy for you. Through distribution dashboards, you can update metadata, pricing, or files in one place and synchronize those changes to many stores.
You can also have a central marketing landing page, either through Booklined, Books2Read, or Link tree, to send readers quickly to their store of choice. If your publishing dream starts with the words, “ I would like to be published in several platforms being organized and utilizing good tools are key investments.
How Can You Build a Brand Across Platforms?
Publishing in many various networks is one thing; establishing a unified author brand across all of them is quite another. Having that consistent presence is imperative. Everywhere you appear, use the same author bio, author photo, and tone in your descriptions. Your website and social media should reflect that brand, and your book pages should always have links that are accurate and up-to-date.
Can You Really Succeed Across All These Channels?
To shorten, yes, it happens with patience and consistency. Publishing in various platforms means maximum visibility, maximum opportunity, and maximum growth for your readership. Although the initial setup may be quite time-consuming, the well-oiled machine you put together thereafter will require minimal time and effort to maintain.
From within these digital looks, many authors proclaim, “I would like to be published on several platforms,” and when they add the timely dissemination of valid traffic with promotional efforts, sustainable results and growth over time really come to pass.
Ready to Expand Your Reach?
If one thinks of being published on several platforms, this is the best time to act! There is technology and the necessary tools that now enable you to market your book to a global audience in a variety of formats and storefronts. It begins with you taking that first step!
Let your publishing journey be as big as your vision. Start preparing your manuscript, explore your distribution options, and make your author presence known across platforms. Whether it’s your first book or your tenth, the goal of being published in several platforms is completely within reach. Ready to make it happen? Let us help you take your idea from draft to distribution with expert guidance and publishing support.
