Practical guide
Official publishing resources
Start with first-party documentation. Services and requirements change, so confirm current terms, eligibility, formats and territory coverage before committing.
Last reviewed: 14 August 2026
Ebook creation
Kindle Direct Publishing provides Amazon’s official ebook and print publishing guidance. Apple Books for Authors explains EPUB and direct delivery routes. EPUBCheck is the publishing community’s standard EPUB conformance checker.
Ebook distribution
Kobo Writing Life and Apple Books for Authors support direct publishing. Draft2Digital is an aggregator. Compare current reach, terms and controls using their own documentation.
Print distribution
IngramSpark offers print-on-demand and distribution services. KDP also provides print publishing. Check trim, cover, proof and return choices carefully.
Audiobook production
ACX combines production and distribution options in supported markets. Its current agreements and eligibility determine what is available to an author.
Audiobook distribution
Spotify for Authors describes Spotify’s current direct audiobook route and wider-distribution connection. Author’s Republic provides aggregated distribution. Compare exclusivity, territory, reporting and withdrawal terms.
Accessibility and standards
The W3C publishes the EPUB 3.3 specification and EPUB Accessibility specification. These are technical references; platform guidance can make them easier to apply.
How this list is chosen
Listings are informational and do not imply endorsement. There are no paid rankings or affiliate links. Links were checked on 14 August 2026; external services can change after that date.