Selling ebooks online has never been more accessible — Amazon alone dominates the digital books market, per eMarketer, holding the largest share of online book sales in the US. Whether you want to tap into an existing marketplace or build a fully branded storefront, the platform you choose directly affects your royalties, reach, and tax obligations. If you're still exploring what to write and sell, check out our guide to profitable ebook niches before committing to a platform. For those who want to branch beyond books entirely, our roundup of alternative selling platforms is worth a look too. Here are the seven best platforms to sell ebooks for US customers — let's get started!
Quick Answer
You can sell ebooks on Amazon KDP (earning 35–70% royalties) or Shopify (keeping most revenue minus transaction fees). Amazon offers massive built-in traffic, while Shopify gives full brand control. Both are legitimate options for US sellers, with platform choice affecting royalties, reach, and tax obligations differently.
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Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | $19–25/month | E-commerce Entrepreneurs | Visit Site |
| Amazon Kindle Store | Free to publish; 35–70% royalties | Authors Wanting Maximum Reach | Visit Site |
| Apple Books | Free to publish; 70% royalties | Apple Ecosystem Users | Visit Site |
| Google Play Books | Free to publish; 52–70% royalties | Android & Google Users | Visit Site |
| Barnes & Noble Press | Free to publish; 65–70% royalties | US-Focused Indie Authors | See details |
| Payhip | Free plan; 5% fee (0% on paid plans from $29/month) | Creators Selling Direct | Visit Site |
| Dodo Payments | Free to start; transaction fees apply | Global Tax-Compliant Sellers | See details |
Sell eBooks on Amazon & Shopify: 7 Proven Tips (2026)
Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.
1. Shopify
Shopify lets you sell ebooks directly from your own branded storefront, giving you full control over pricing, customer data, and delivery — something Amazon doesn't offer. You can use apps like Sky Pilot or Fetchapp to automate digital file delivery the moment a customer checks out. According to Marketplace Pulse, Amazon and Shopify together account for roughly half of all U.S. e-commerce, making both platforms worth using simultaneously.
Key details:
- Plans from $19–$25/month with a 3-day free trial
- Keep 100% of revenue minus payment processing fees
- Best for: Entrepreneurs building a long-term author brand
The Kindle Store is the largest ebook marketplace in the world, making it the most direct channel to reach readers who are already searching for titles to buy. Selling ebooks on Amazon through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) puts your book in front of millions of active buyers, with royalty options of 35% or 70% depending on your pricing. Many authors use Amazon as their primary discovery platform while driving repeat purchases through their own Shopify store to capture higher margins and customer emails.
Key details:
- 70% royalty on ebooks priced $2.99–$9.99
- KDP Select enrollment unlocks Kindle Unlimited readership
- Free to publish; no upfront costs
3. Apple Books
Apple Books offers a strong alternative distribution channel for authors who want to reach iOS and Mac users outside of Amazon's ecosystem. You can publish directly through Apple Books for Authors at no cost, setting your own price and keeping 70% of each sale. Pairing Apple Books with a Shopify store works well for authors who want broad marketplace reach while also maintaining a direct-sales channel — if you're already exploring selling books for cash, diversifying across platforms like Apple Books reduces dependence on any single retailer.
Key details:
- 70% royalty on all sales, no exclusivity required
- Access to Apple's global customer base across iPhone, iPad, and Mac
Google Play Books gives ebook sellers access to Android's massive global user base, making it a strong complement to Amazon and Shopify distribution strategies. Authors upload EPUBs or PDFs directly through the Google Play Books Partner Center, set their own prices, and earn 52% royalties. It's particularly effective for reaching international readers in markets where Amazon's Kindle store has less penetration.
Key details:
- 52% royalty rate on all sales
- Free to publish — no upfront fees
- Reaches readers in 75+ countries via Android and Google Play
5. Barnes & Noble Press
Barnes & Noble Press is a direct alternative to Kindle Direct Publishing for authors who want to diversify beyond Amazon. Publishing through B&N Press places your ebook in front of Nook device owners and Barnes & Noble's web shoppers — a distinct audience from Shopify's direct-sale customers. Royalties run 65% on ebooks priced $2.99–$9.99 and 40% outside that range.
Key details:
- 65% royalty on standard pricing tiers
- No exclusivity requirements — combine freely with Amazon or Shopify
- Free to publish with no monthly fees
6. Payhip
Payhip lets you sell ebooks directly to customers without relying on Amazon's revenue share or Shopify's monthly fees, making it a lean alternative for digital-only sellers. You embed a buy button on any site or share a direct storefront link, and Payhip handles delivery, licensing, and VAT automatically. It's particularly useful for authors who want a standalone sales page alongside their Amazon or Shopify presence.
Key details:
- Free plan available (5% transaction fee); paid plans from $29/month reduce fees to 0%
- Built-in EU VAT handling and PDF stamping to deter piracy
- Supports coupon codes, affiliates, and email list integration
7. Dodo Payments
Dodo Payments is a merchant of record platform that simplifies global ebook sales by handling international taxes, compliance, and payment processing on your behalf — a practical complement when expanding beyond Amazon's marketplace or a single Shopify store. It removes the burden of registering for VAT or GST in multiple countries, which is a common friction point for indie authors scaling distribution. Pricing is transaction-based with no large upfront costs, making it accessible for lower-volume ebook sellers testing new markets.
What you get:
- Global tax compliance managed automatically across 50+ countries
- Supports multiple currencies and local payment methods
- No monthly fee — pay per transaction only
Final Words
Whether you prioritize Amazon's massive reach, Shopify's brand control, or a combination of both, these seven methods cover every approach to selling digital products online. Start with whichever platform aligns with your audience and scale from there.