Authors face a critical decision when releasing their books digitally. Should you publish exclusively on one platform or spread across multiple retailers? The choice between publishing on Apple Books and Amazon shapes everything from royalties to reader reach.
Many writers assume Amazon is the only option worth considering. After all, it dominates the ebook market. But Apple Books serves millions of loyal readers who prefer their ecosystem. Understanding both platforms helps you make smarter distribution choices.
This guide breaks down the real differences between these publishing giants. You’ll learn which platform fits your goals and how to succeed on each one.
Which Platform Reaches More Readers?
Amazon absolutely dominates the ebook market share. They control roughly 67% of digital book sales in the United States. Their massive customer base means more potential readers discover your book. Kindle devices and apps are everywhere.
How Easy Is Each Platform to Use?
The publishing process varies dramatically when comparing publishing on Apple Books and Amazon. Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing system is straightforward. Upload your manuscript, add metadata, design a cover, and publish. Most books go live within 24 hours.
Apple Books Connect requires more setup initially. You need an Apple ID and must provide tax information. The dashboard feels less intuitive than Amazon’s. But once you’re set up, uploading books becomes simple enough.
Amazon offers better promotional tools built into their platform. You can run Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions. Their advertising platform lets you create targeted ads directly. Tracking sales happens in real-time through detailed dashboards.
Apple provides fewer built-in marketing options. Their promotional opportunities are limited. You cannot run price promotions as freely. Sales reporting updates more slowly than Amazon’s instant data. This frustrates authors who like monitoring performance closely.
What Are the Technical Requirements?
File preparation differs between platforms. Amazon accepts manuscripts in several formats including Word documents. Their system converts files automatically. The preview tool shows how your book will look on different devices.
Apple Books prefers EPUB files. You can create these using free tools like Calibre or paid software like Vellum. The quality control process is stricter. Apple rejects books with formatting errors more frequently than Amazon does.
Cover requirements also vary. Amazon needs to cover at least 1000 pixels on the shortest side. They recommend 2560 x 1600 pixels. Apple wants covers at least 1400 pixels wide. Both platforms accept JPG or PNG files.
Interior formatting matters more on Apple Books. Their readers expect polished, professional layouts. Amazon readers forgive minor formatting quirks more easily. If you plan on publishing on Apple Books vs Amazon simultaneously, design for Apple’s higher standards. Your book will look great everywhere.
Can You Publish on Both Platforms?
Absolutely, unless you join Amazon’s KDP Select program. That exclusivity requirement locks you into Amazon alone. You cannot publish the ebook version anywhere else. Print books and audiobooks remain unrestricted.
Many successful authors use wide distribution strategies. They publish on Amazon, Apple Books, and other retailers simultaneously. This approach maximizes potential readership. Why limit yourself to one store when readers shop everywhere?
The KDP Select trade-off deserves careful consideration. You gain access to Kindle Unlimited and promotional tools. But you lose Apple’s market and other retailers like Kobo and Barnes & Noble. Is that worth it?
Some authors start exclusively with Amazon to build momentum. They use KDP Select for 90 days, then go wide. Others publish wide from day one. Your strategy depends on your goals and genre. Romance and fantasy authors often thrive in Kindle Unlimited. Literary fiction and nonfiction might perform better with wide distribution.
How Do Marketing Options Differ?
Amazon provides robust advertising tools. Amazon Ads let you target specific keywords and categories. You set daily budgets and bid on placements. The system integrates seamlessly with your book listings. Many authors generate significant sales through Amazon advertising.
Apple Books offers virtually no self-service advertising. They occasionally feature books editorially. Getting featured requires luck or connections. Their merchandising team curates collections and recommendations. You cannot pay for placement or visibility.
This difference matters enormously for book launches. Amazon lets you control your visibility through advertising spend. Apple requires organic discovery or external marketing efforts. You must drive traffic to Apple Books through social media, email lists, or other channels.
Pricing flexibility also affects marketing. Amazon allows you to change prices instantly. Run a 99-cent sale today and return to full price tomorrow. Apple requires price changes through their system, which processes more slowly. Quick promotional pricing works better on Amazon.
Which Platform Is Better for Series?
Series authors face unique considerations when publishing on Apple Books vs Amazon. Amazon publishing algorithms favor the series strongly. When readers finish book one, the system immediately recommends book two. Kindle Unlimited subscribers binge entire series, generating substantial page-read income.
Apple Books handles the series less elegantly. The reading experience flows well, but discovery algorithms don’t push series as aggressively. Readers must manually find subsequent books. This creates more friction in the buying process.
Amazon’s also-bought feature helps the series tremendously. When someone views your book, they see what other readers purchased. This leads readers through your entire catalog naturally. Apple Books lacks similar recommendation features.
However, Apple Books displays the series beautifully. The store shows all books in a series together. Readers can easily buy the complete set. The visual presentation looks more polished than Amazon’s utilitarian layout.
What About International Sales?
Geographic performance varies significantly between platforms. Amazon dominates in the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany. They perform well in most English-speaking markets. Their reach into developing markets exceeds Apple’s substantially.
Apple Books shines in affluent English-speaking countries. Canadian authors often see better results on Apple than Amazon. Australian readers embrace Apple’s platform enthusiastically. The United Kingdom remains competitive between both platforms.
Language options differ too. Amazon supports more languages and regional stores. Authors can publish translated versions easily. Apple Books operates in fewer countries but covers major markets well.
Currency and payment processing work differently. Amazon pays in your local currency through various methods. Apple uses different payment systems depending on your region. International authors should research payment options carefully before choosing platforms.
How Do You Decide Which Platform Fits Your Goals?
Your decision for publishing on Apple Books and Amazon depends on multiple factors. Start by examining your genre. Where do your readers shop? Romance readers live on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited. Apple Books attracts literary fiction and nonfiction readers.
Consider your technical comfort level. Amazon’s platform is more forgiving for beginners. Apple requires slightly more technical knowledge. If technology frustrates you, Amazon might feel more accessible.
Think about your marketing strategy. Can you drive external traffic to your books? Apple Books rewards authors who bring their own audiences. Amazon provides tools to build audiences on their platform. Your existing marketing channels influence which approach works better.
Evaluate your income goals realistically. Amazon generates higher volume for most authors. But Apple’s better royalty structure on certain book types matters. Calculate potential earnings based on your pricing strategy and book format.
Should You Go Exclusive or Wide?
This question haunts every independent author. Going exclusive with Amazon through KDP Select provides tangible benefits. Kindle Unlimited exposes your book to voracious readers. Promotional tools help launch new releases. The algorithm rewards exclusivity with better visibility.
But publishing wide across Apple Books, Amazon, and other platforms diversifies income. You reach readers who refuse to shop on Amazon. Platform changes or policy updates affect you less. Multiple income streams create stability.
Test both approaches if possible. Write a standalone book and publish it widely. See how it performs on Apple versus Amazon. Write another book and try KDP Select. Compare results objectively. Real data beats speculation every time.
Many authors find hybrid strategies work best. Publish some titles exclusively and others wide. Keep series in KDP Select while releasing standalone books everywhere. Experiment until you find what works for your unique situation.
Making Your Publishing Decision
Choosing between Apple Books and Amazon shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Both platforms serve different purposes in your publishing career. Amazon provides volume and built-in marketing tools. Apple offers better royalties on certain books and serves affluent readers.
Most successful authors eventually publish on multiple platforms. Starting with one makes sense while you learn. Amazon’s market dominance makes it the logical first choice for many. But don’t ignore Apple Books forever.
Track your results carefully. Watch which platform generates more income per reader. Notice where reviews accumulate faster. Pay attention to which readers engage more deeply. Data guides better decisions than assumptions.
Your publishing journey will evolve. The right choice today might change next year. Stay flexible and willing to adjust strategies. The goal isn’t picking the perfect platform. The goal is reaching readers and building a sustainable writing career across whatever platforms serve that mission best.
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