Today, I’ve compiled a list of marketplaces where self-published authors and small publishers can “cut out the middleman” in getting their books out there. These are places that can publish e- and sometimes print books directly from the files you upload and the metadata you input. This list is not exhaustive, and I welcome any additions you readers might wish to make, but it should be a good place to start at any rate. They are arranged alphabetically.
| Company | Formats | Additional Notes |
| Amazon | E, PB | Pre-order function not available for print books; Dust jacket option not available for hardcover |
| Barnes & Noble | E, PB, HC | Pre-order function available for all formats |
| Bookchain | E | Have not actually tried it yet |
| Dreame | E | Must copy-paste chapter by chapter and publish the same way; can be very time-consuming |
| DriveTHRU Fiction | E, PB, HC | Print copies require special PDF X/a-1 files to come out right; Dust jacket option not available for hardcover |
| E-Sentral | E | Make sure files are error-free; re-uploading and de-listing old ones a lot of hassle |
| Gardners | E | Must have a minimum of 15 titles to be considered |
| Google Play | E | Can set international prices; Pre-order function |
| Hummingbird DM | E | Requires download of WinSCP or similar software to upload files; can sell from your own HDM storefront to maximize profits |
| PayHip | E, PB*, HC* | Can sell from storefront, but fulfillment of physical goods is on you; website embed function available |
| Rakuten Kobo | E | Can set international prices; Distributes to Kobo+ and Overdrive as well; Pre-order function |
| StreetLib | E, PB | Can set international prices; can also use this as a channel to distribute to other markets; Pre-order function for e-books |
| XinXii | E | Can use this as a channel to distribute to other markets, though royalty rates not as high; Pre-order function |
I may add to this list in future (for instance, when I get into audiobooks), or else make an entirely new table and post it later. Either way, I hope this is useful to those out there looking to give your titles maximum distribution. Until next time!