I’ve been talking about it for ages — and today, I finally did it.
I took one of the biggest steps (and leaps of faith) as an indie author: I started the process of getting my beloved Crimson Legacy series out to more platforms beyond Amazon.
In Canada, ISBNs (International Standard Book Numbers) are managed through Library and Archives Canada (LAC), and I had to set up an account to apply for them. What I didn’t realize (and maybe should have with better research) is that each format of your book — eBook, hardcover, softcover, audiobook — needs its own unique ISBN.
When I got to the part of the application asking how many ISBNs I’d need in the next three years, I just stared at the screen. How am I supposed to know that?! I ended up putting 100. (Why not? Go big or go home, right?) I already know I’ll need at least 6 for what’s out now, 8 if I get the books into audio. And that’s not counting future books in the series — because The Crimson Legacy story definitely isn’t done yet.
The process can take up to 20 days, and honestly, I felt a bit embarrassed that I didn’t fully realize that before. But hey — we learn as we go, right?
As indie authors, we often wear all the hats: writer, editor, designer, marketer, publicist... and, in this case, self-appointed librarian. The reality is that it’s a lot of work, and sometimes it’s downright overwhelming. I’ve had days where I’m on fire and words pour out effortlessly. Then there are days I stare at a blank screen, completely defeated.
Add in life’s other expectations — family responsibilities, injuries (I’ve been off work for a while now), struggling with my progress, or should I say lack thereof, and that annoying voice whispering “What if you fail?” — and it can be a real cocktail of frustration and self-doubt.
But today felt like a win. Even if I was second-guessing my ISBN number input.
🌟 Expanding Beyond Amazon
Once you have your ISBNs in hand, you can distribute to more platforms. I wanted to share my firsthand experience with some of the big ones for eBooks (and beyond):
📖 Google Play Books
To get started on Google Play Books, I had to create a Google Play Books Partner account. You’ll need a Google account (if you don’t have one already) and set up your details, payment info, and tax information to actually get paid.
Then, you upload your manuscript (PDF or EPUB format), fill in all the important details like your title, author name, ISBN, book description, and keywords. You also choose whether you want to offer a free preview on Google Books or sell directly on Google Play (which still shows a preview on Google Books).
It sounds straightforward, but it does take time — and a bit of patience. Once you’ve uploaded everything and set pricing and regional availability, you’re basically ready to share your book with readers on Google Play and Google Books.
🍏 Apple Books
Publishing on Apple Books is a similar process but has its own quirks. You’ll need an Apple ID and an iTunes Connect account (specifically set up for Apple Books).
Your manuscript needs to be in EPUB format, and the file should be properly formatted, including a professional cover, table of contents, and solid metadata. You upload your book through the Apple Books Publishing Portal, set your pricing and distribution preferences, and wait for Apple’s review before it goes live.
Through iTunes Connect, you can track your sales, update book details, and even access promotional tools.
📚 Kobo Writing Life
Kobo is another great platform. You start by creating a free Kobo Writing Life account, describe your book (title, series info, catchy description, and a strong cover), and upload your manuscript.
After that, you choose your rights and distribution preferences (you can include libraries via OverDrive or opt into Kobo Plus). You set your price, review all the details, and then publish! Kobo makes it pretty straightforward, and you can track your sales and performance in their dashboard.
🛡️ Barnes & Noble Press
Barnes & Noble Press is a free option for indie authors (though they do have a paid package if you want extra services — but at $399, it might not be for everyone).
No upfront costs, no setup fees — just upload your manuscript and cover, set your price, and publish. You can do both eBooks and print books, and you’ll get a solid 70% royalty rate for eBooks.
The reach is smaller than Amazon, but it’s still worth considering to tap into new audiences.
💥 Smashwords
Smashwords is another solid choice for indie eBook publishing, especially if you want wide distribution to places like Apple Books, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.
You’ll need a cleanly formatted EPUB (or DOCX), a great cover, and an irresistible description. Once you upload and set your pricing, Smashwords converts your file into multiple eBook formats and distributes it to their retailer network.
Their tools also allow for direct sales (with higher royalty rates) and promotional discounts. The formatting can be a bit finicky, but it’s worth it for the reach.
🚀 Moving Forward (Finally!)
I’ve realized that a lot of my delays came from fear — fear of failure, fear of the unknown, fear that no one would read my words beyond the small circle I already had.
Sometimes, I procrastinate because believing in myself feels harder than it should. But today I reminded myself that dreams don’t move forward without action.
I’m sharing all this to help other indie authors who might feel stuck or overwhelmed. If you’re waiting for a sign to start expanding your reach — consider this it.
Yes, it might feel intimidating. You might feel unsure (or embarrassed) when you realize you missed something basic like the number of ISBNs you need. But it’s okay. We’re all learning as we go, and each small step is still a step forward.
So, here’s to taking that next big leap — beyond Amazon, beyond fear, and into the hands (and hearts) of new readers everywhere.
I’ll be sharing more on other parts of self-publishing in future blogs, including marketing, book design, and the emotional roller coaster of being an indie author.
In the meantime, thank you for reading, for supporting The Crimson Legacy, and for coming along on this wild voyage with me.
Until next time, Lovelies.
With gratitude and a bit of pirate spirit,
Ambrose Fider 🌹⚔️
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