Begin with the edition
Choose a route for a defined edition, not for an abstract book. List its formats, territories, languages, price intention, identifiers, contributor roles, and rights that must remain available. Ebook, print, audio, direct sale, library supply, and translation can have different partners and different constraints. A choice that is reasonable for one ebook does not automatically govern a paperback or an audiobook.
Then state the reader objective. Is the priority retailer discovery, bookstore orderability, library availability, direct customer contact, a managed editorial partnership, or a controlled small release? A route can support more than one objective, but the tradeoffs become clearer when one is primary.
Compare the obligations
For each candidate, read the current agreement and write who controls the files, customer price, discount, returns, payment timing, tax, customer service, metadata changes, and rights to leave. Include any exclusivity by format, territory, or term. Do not call a route “wide” or “direct” until the actual edition and sales path are named.
Apple Books says direct ebook rights holders determine customer price, receive 70% ebook royalties regardless of price point, and face no exclusivity requirement on that service. This is a platform statement about its direct ebook program; it does not calculate an author’s net income, distribution cost, tax position, or performance on another retailer.
Model the handoff
Make a one-page route sheet before uploading: upstream provider, downstream destinations, files delivered, identifiers used, account owner, dates, and the person who verifies the live listing. Add the path for a price change, corrected file, return, customer question, and rights reversion. This turns vague distribution language into a map someone can operate.
For a partnered route, ask what the partner actually supplies: editorial work, cash advance, manufacturing, sales representation, account access, marketing, or only a paid package. Distinguish a service being available from a result being promised. The responsible comparison is about obligations and evidence, not a universal ranking of publishing models.
Sources & limits
This is a comparison framework, not investment, tax, legal, or contract advice. It makes no sales, library-selection, or royalty promise.
- Measure book sales
Apple Books for Authors · Source undated · Consulted 15 Sept 2026Apple Books for Authors states that direct ebook rights holders set the customer price, earn 70% royalties on ebooks regardless of price point, and have no exclusivity requirement.
- How to enroll in KDP Select
Amazon KDP · Source undated · Consulted 15 Sept 2026KDP publishes separate enrollment requirements and guidance for KDP Select.
Send a correction with the passage and supporting source.
