“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” — Robert Louis Stevenson
Best platform to sell books, how to choose one? As a self-published author, choosing the right platform to sell your book is critical. While self-publishing platforms like KDP and IngramSpark offer distribution, they don’t give you full control over pricing, customer data, or branding. To truly maximize profits and create direct connections with your readers, leveraging an online retail platform is the way to go. Selecting the best eCommerce solution for selling physical books can make all the difference.
Why Sell Directly Through an Online Retail Platform?
Selling your book through your own website or an independent eCommerce platform allows you to:
- Keep more profits: No third-party retailer cuts into your earnings.
- Control branding: Customize the customer experience, from landing pages to checkout.
- Own customer relationships: Collect email addresses and data for future promotions.
- Offer exclusive deals: Bundle books with courses, merchandise, or signed copies.
The Best Platforms to Sell Books
1. Shopify
Shopify is one of the most popular eCommerce platforms, known for its ease of use and scalability. It’s an excellent choice for authors looking to create a fully branded online store.
Pros:
- User-friendly setup with customizable themes
- Built-in marketing tools (SEO, email, and social media integrations)
- Secure and reliable payment processing
Cons:
- Monthly fees (starting at $29/month)
- Transaction fees unless using Shopify Payments
2. WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin that transforms your website into a powerful bookstore. If you already have a WordPress site, this is an ideal option.
Pros:
- Free to use (aside from hosting and premium plugins)
- Fully customizable and open-source
- Large number of plugins for added functionality
- No transaction fees beyond payment processor costs
Cons:
- Requires WordPress knowledge
- Can get complex with too many plugins
3. BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a great alternative to Shopify, offering robust features without requiring third-party apps for essential functions.
Pros:
- No transaction fees on any plan
- Strong built-in SEO features
- Multi-channel selling (syncs with Amazon, eBay, and Facebook)
- Scalable for growing book sales
Cons:
- Higher learning curve than Shopify
- Monthly cost starts at $29
4. Magento
Magento is a powerful eCommerce platform ideal for authors who want full control and scalability for their book sales.
Pros:
- Fully customizable for branding and sales strategies
- No monthly fees (self-hosted version)
- Scalable for growing businesses
- Strong SEO and marketing tools
Cons:
- Requires technical knowledge to set up and maintain
- Hosting and development costs can be high
5. Squarespace Commerce
For authors looking for a sleek, modern website with built-in eCommerce, Squarespace is a great option.
Pros:
- Beautiful templates with drag-and-drop functionality
- All-in-one solution (website + store)
- No need for additional plugins
Cons:
- Less flexibility than WooCommerce or Shopify
- Monthly fee required
6. Wix eCommerce
Wix is a beginner-friendly platform with eCommerce functionality, making it easy to sell books directly from your site.
Pros:
- Intuitive drag-and-drop website builder
- Affordable pricing with eCommerce plans
- Built-in SEO and marketing tools
- No coding required
Cons:
- Less scalable than Shopify or Magento
- Limited third-party integrations
Integrating Fulfillment for Seamless Book Sales
Once your store is set up, fulfilling orders efficiently is crucial. Brand Elevate integrates with most eCommerce platforms, handling:
- Inventory management: you get reports on your inventory management, including suggestions for re-ordering or SLOB prevention.
- Shipping fulfillment: we immediately receive the order, process it, package it, and ship it directly to the provided address, releasing you from any hassle.
- Fast global delivery: we partner with the best carriers so you can make sure each parcel is properly managed and delivered in the best conditions and in a timely manner.
This means you can focus on marketing your book while we handle the operations, we love when you put us to work! If you want to know more about the benefits of having a one-stop-shop printing and fulfillment vendor, check out our blog entry
Real-World Example: Successfully Choosing the Best Platform to Sell Books
Many successful authors have built thriving businesses by selling books directly. For example, Joanna Penn, a bestselling indie author, sells her books via her Shopify-powered store, allowing her to bundle books with courses and exclusive content.
Another great example is Austin Kleon, author of Steal Like an Artist, who sells his books and related products via his website to maintain full control over his brand and sales strategy.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best platform to sell books is essential for maximizing profits and building direct customer relationships. Whether you opt for Shopify, WooCommerce, or another platform, owning your sales channel puts you in control of your book’s success. And with Brand Elevate’s fulfillment services, you can streamline your operations and ensure readers receive high-quality books on time.
Ready to launch your book store? Contact Brand Elevate today to learn how we can handle your fulfillment needs.