Top 10 Book Distribution Services for Authors in 2024

• Nov 05, 2024
• 7 min read

• Tags: Self-Publishing, Traditional Publishing

Want your book to reach millions of readers? This is where book distribution plays an important role!  In this article, we’ll explore the best book distribution services in 2024. 

This list includes good options for both: self-publishing authors and those opting for traditional publishing. We’ve also added those companies that offer Amazon book distribution services. 

So, let’s begin by understanding the types of distribution services! (Skip this if you already know the types of distributors and directly explore the top 10 services in the next section.)

Types of distributors

• • • Wholesalers: They buy books in large quantities from publishers and sell them to retailers, libraries, and other customers. For example, Ingram Content Group.  
    • Independent distributors: These are smaller companies that help publishers promote and sell their books to specific markets or regions. For example, Consortium Book Sales & Distribution, Midpoint Trade Books
    • Aggregators: They collect and distribute eBooks and other digital content from various publishers to online retailers and libraries. For example, Baker & Taylor, Independent Publishers Group, Smashwords, Ingram Content Group, etc. 
    • Library suppliers: These distributors specialize in providing books and other materials to libraries. For example, Follett School Solutions and Mackin Educational Resources. 
    • Print-on-demand (POD) distributors: They print and distribute books as they are ordered, reducing the need for large print runs and inventory storage. For example, Amazon KDP, PaperTrue, etc.  
    • Ebook Distributors: They focus on distributing digital books (e-books) to online retailers and libraries. For example, OverDrive, Smashwords, Draft2Digital
    • University Press Distributors: These distributors work with university presses to promote and sell academic books to universities, libraries, and the general public.
    • Specialty Distributors: They focus on distributing books in specific genres, such as comic books, graphic novels, or religious titles. Diamond Comic Distributors, Anchor Distributors (Christian books).

1. PaperTrue 

A globally trusted self-publishing company, PaperTrue provides expert book distribution services. Whether you want to reach readers in Europe, Asia, or beyond, PaperTrue makes it possible. 

Important features of Papertrue’s book distribution services are: 

• • • Distributing hardcovers, paperbacks, and eBooks worldwide
    • Online distribution on Amazon, Lulu, CreateSpace, Lulu, Barnes & Noble
    • Audiobook distribution on Google Play, Apple Books & Kobo
    • Shipping the books in 2-10 days 

With this PaperTrue’s expert team also handles every crucial step – from uploading your eBook and metadata to book promotion and audiobook creation, Plus, they can also edit your book, create a stunning book cover, handle book printing, secure an ISBN, and create a copyright page!

2. Ingram Content Group 

Distributing books to 40,000+ bookstores, libraries, and online retailers, Ingram Content Group operates on a wholesale model. They purchase books from publishers and resell them to retailers and libraries at a discount. 

Using the Coresource Digital Distribution option, the book can also be easily uploaded as an EPUB, E-PDF, Print PDF, MP3, and Print Cover Files simultaneously. Coresource also provides 50+ sales reports to analyze your book sales. Through this platform, you can easily distribute books on Baker & Taylor Books, Barnes & Noble Press, Amazon, and other online platforms. 

With this, the company offers a complete package of services, including book printing, inventory management, marketing support, sales tools, and analytics. 

3. PublishDrive 

PublishDrive distributes books to 390,000+ stores and 200+ libraries, including India, Europe, and China. They distribute books on all major platforms like Amazon, Apple, Google Books, Ingram, and Barnes & Noble. 

With this, PublishDrive also provides in-built analytics, sales reports, eBook conversion, and an in-built tool for effectively managing Amazon ads. They offer a free trial for publishing one eBook on 35 distribution channels for $16.99 per month. 

4. Independent Publishers Group 

Founded in 1971, Independent Publishers Group (IPG) is one of the largest independent book distributors in the United States. They operate on a commission-based model, earning a percentage of the sales they generate for their client publishers. Orders are usually shipped via UPS and are delivered in 7 to 10 days. 

This book distribution company also charges 3% if an author has made a credit card payment of more than $1000. For shipping, the minimum requirement is an order of US$100 or CA$125. 

5. ReaderLink 

One of the biggest book distributors in North America, ReaderLink distributes hardcover, trade, and paperback books to 100,000+ outlets. It has 6 distribution centers across the United States. 

ReaderLink also promises book distribution within two business days in any retail store in the USA. They have also partnered with top book publishing companies like Penguin, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, and Hachette for book publishing. Furthermore, ReaderLink also provides additional services like book marketing, publishing, and merchandising. 

6. Baker & Taylor 

Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Baker & Taylor offers book distribution services to small and medium-sized publishers. Partnering with 5,000+ libraries, Baker & Taylor is one of the leading suppliers of library content. 

Some of Baker & Taylor’s essential features publishers must agree to are: 

• • • • A discount of 55% on the retail list price
      • Any inbound freight prices will be paid by publishers
      • Payments within 90 days 

Publishers must pay $350 for listing one advertised title on Baker & Taylor’s database. The cost is $200 for each additional book title. 

7. Bookazine 

One of the biggest wholesalers in the U.S., Bookazine supplies books to 1000+ bookstores and libraries. The minimum requirement for distribution is 20 books.

Bookazine requires any vendor or publisher seeking book distribution services to submit one copy of the book along with two sets of promotional materials. This book must have an ISBN, and EAN barcode with the price printed on it. 

The vendor must also provide information about the carton pack and the number of books published. Bookazine will then get back to the vendor/publisher within 4 weeks. 

8. Gardners 

One of the best distributors of eBooks and audiobooks, Gardner supplies books to 1000+ retailers, libraries, and educational institutions. The book must have a valid ISBN to be considered for book distribution. 

With this, eBooks must also need to be in PDF or EPUB format to be eligible for listing. Also, the publishers must be registered with Nielsen, a leading provider of bibliographic information, book, and sales data. 

9. Mindstirmedia 

A well-established self-publishing company, Mindstirmedia is a leading global book distributor with an extensive network. Their book titles are distributed worldwide through wholesale distributors like Ingram and Baker & Taylor. With this, their books are also sold online through Amazon, Barnes & Noble Press, Books-A-Million, etc. 

Mindstirmedia has relationships with digital printers in various countries, including Brazil, China, Germany, Italy, India, South Korea, and Spain. This allows for efficient and cost-effective printing and distribution of books in international markets.

Now let us see the last platform that provides both book printing and distribution services! 

10. BookBaby 

A popular self-publishing platform, BookBaby has partnered with other top distributors like IngramSpark, Baker & Taylor, Bookazine, Diamond Comic Distributors, and Christianbook Distributors. This enables BookBaby to distribute its books worldwide. 

BookBaby offers print-on-demand services for book distribution. The authors have two options for: 

• • • • Global Distribution Network: This option enables book distribution on Amazon, Powell’s Books, Books-A-Million, Barnes & Noble, Ingram, Baker & Taylor, NACSCORP, Bookazine, Diamond Comic, BPDI, Christian Book Distributors, and 50+ platforms for $399. 
      • BookBaby Bookshop: By paying $149, authors can distribute books on BookBaby Bookshop and get 50% royalties on the retail price. 

How to pick the right distributor? 

Here are some points to help you choose the right distributor: 

• • 1. Choose a distributor that has experience and a strong presence in reaching your target market, whether it’s libraries, independent bookstores, or major retailers.
    2. Research the distributor’s reputation. Look for testimonials, case studies, and references from other publishers and on social media to gauge their effectiveness and reliability.
    3. Compare their rates with industry standards and evaluate how they align with your budget and revenue expectations.
    4. If you plan to distribute your books internationally, choose a distributor with a global network and expertise in navigating different markets and regulations.
    5. Carefully review the distribution contract terms, including the length of the agreement, termination clauses, and any exclusive rights. Ensure that the terms are fair and provide flexibility for your publishing business.

This concludes our article about book distribution services! Now, you can select the best distributor for your book. 

Feel free to reach out to PaperTrue to fulfill your book publishing dream! Whether you require book distribution, book cover design, marketing, book promotion, securing an ISBN, creating a copyright page, or editing and proofreading services, we can help! 

Here are some other useful resources for you: 

• • Top 10 Hardcover Book Printing Services [2024 Update]
  • 10 Best Book Cover Design Services of 2024: Price & Ratings
  • Top 10 Book Marketing Services of 2024: Features and Costs
  • Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing: 2024 Guide
  • What Is a Blurb? Meaning, Examples & 10 Expert Tips

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Priya

Priya has a talent for academic research and enjoys simplifying complex topics. When she's not helping students improve their writing, she can be seen reading poetry, playing the harmonium, or learning classical dance.