Kobo Writing Life
I am wondering if anyone here has used Kobo Writing Life (self-publishing) for their e-books and what their experiences were like
Thank you.
Mary Ann
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Not a platform I am aware about Mary Ann, but.... I wait with eager anticipation to hear what others who have used it have to say!!
Every day is a learning day here! :-)
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Hi Mary,
I don't have much experience with Kobo Writing Life, but I've done some research:
Kobo Writing Life (KWL) is a self-publishing platform that allows authors to publish and distribute eBooks globally through Kobo’s store and partner retailers. It’s a solid alternative to Amazon KDP, especially for those looking to diversify their book sales beyond Amazon.
Pros of Kobo Writing Life:
✅ Wide Global Reach – Kobo has a strong presence in Canada, Europe, and parts of Asia, making it a great way to reach international readers.
✅ Higher Royalties – Authors can earn 70% royalties on books priced over $2.99 (or equivalent in other currencies), with no delivery fees.
✅ No Exclusivity Requirement – Unlike Kindle Unlimited, Kobo doesn’t require exclusivity, allowing authors to sell on multiple platforms.
✅ Easy-to-Use Interface – KWL’s dashboard is user-friendly, with clear analytics and tools to manage your books.
✅ Integrated Promotions – Kobo offers promotional tools for authors, including the ability to submit books for special promotions on their platform.
✅ Library Distribution – Kobo partners with OverDrive, making it easier for indie authors to get their books into libraries.
Cons of Kobo Writing Life:
❌ Smaller Market Share Compared to Amazon – While Kobo is big in Canada and some international markets, its audience is still much smaller than Kindle’s.
❌ Limited Advertising Options – Unlike Amazon, Kobo doesn’t have its own built-in ad platform. Authors have to rely on other marketing strategies.
❌ Fewer Readers in the U.S. – If most of your audience is American, Kobo might not be as effective for sales.
❌ No Print-On-Demand – KWL is strictly for eBooks, meaning you’ll need another service (like IngramSpark) if you want a print edition.
Who is Kobo Writing Life Best For?
• Authors looking to diversify beyond Amazon
• Writers with a strong international audience
• Those who don’t want to be locked into Kindle’s exclusivity
• Authors who use wide distribution strategies
Final Thoughts
Kobo Writing Life is a great platform for indie authors who want more control over their books and access to an international audience. It works best when used alongside other platforms like Amazon KDP, Apple Books, and Google Play.
However, if your main audience is in the U.S., it may not be your top-selling platform.
Thank you, Boris.
One thing. When you say “Those who don’t want to be locked into Kindle’s exclusivity.”
Do you mean that if you sign up to Kindle. you are not allowed to use another platform at the same time?
Mary Ann
Kindle exclusivity, if you’ll choose one, lasts for 90 days. It’s applicable for e-books only.
Thanks. Time to do more homework :)