Top Self-Publishing Platforms 2026: Draft2Digital vs. Amazon KDP vs. IngramSpark – Which Pays Authors More?

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, this guide for UK authors comparing Amazon KDP, Draft2Digital, and IngramSpark uncovers which self-publishing platform delivers the highest royalties for your ebooks and print books, with updated rates, and smart hybrid strategies to maximise your earnings in today’s evolving market.

The self-publishing landscape in 2026 continues to evolve, with authors in the UK and beyond weighing options for maximum reach, ease of use, and — crucially — earnings. Three standout platforms dominate discussions: Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) for its massive marketplace dominance, Draft2Digital (D2D) for straightforward wide ebook distribution (and growing print options), and IngramSpark for professional-grade print distribution to bookstores and libraries.

This comparison focuses on royalties (the key factor in “which pays more”), using current 2026 structures. Note that actual earnings depend on your book’s format (ebook vs print), list price, page count, ink type, trim size, sales channel, and printing costs. Royalties are net after platform fees, retailer cuts, and production expenses.

Ebook Royalties: Where Most Indie Earnings Happen

Ebooks often deliver the highest per-unit payouts due to low/no production costs.

• Amazon KDP
  The 70% royalty option remains available for books priced £2.99–£9.99 (or equivalent in other currencies; delivery fees apply, typically low at ~£0.05–£0.10 per file). Below £2.99 or above £9.99, it drops to 35%. KDP dominates UK ebook sales, so even at 70%, high volume can mean more total income. Exclusive to KDP Select for Kindle Unlimited page reads (KENP), which add extra earnings.
• Draft2Digital
  As of January 2026, D2D pays 75% of list price for books £2.99+, the highest among major aggregators. Below £2.99, it drops to 40%. D2D takes ~10% cut, then distributes to Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, libraries (OverDrive, Hoopla), and more — but not directly to Amazon (you can upload separately to KDP). This “wide” approach avoids exclusivity.
• IngramSpark
  Pays up to 85% of net revenue (after retailer cuts). For ebooks, this often nets around 60–70% effective to the author, depending on the store. Strong for library and international reach, but less competitive for pure ebook volume compared to KDP or D2D.

Verdict for ebooks: Draft2Digital edges out on percentage for £2.99+ titles in wide distribution, but Amazon KDP often pays more overall due to sheer market share (many UK authors report 70–80% of ebook sales from Amazon).

Print Royalties: Paperbacks and Hardcovers

Print involves printing costs subtracted from royalties, so net per sale varies widely. Use each platform’s calculators for precise figures.

• Amazon KDP
  Standard distribution (Amazon sales): 50–60% of list price minus printing costs. As of mid-2025 changes (still in effect in 2026), books priced below ~£7.99–£9.99 (thresholds vary by marketplace) get 50% instead of 60%. Expanded distribution (non-Amazon): Lower at ~40%. Printing costs are competitive (e.g., a 200-page black & white paperback might cost £3–£5). Many UK authors price £9.99–£14.99 to hit 60% and maximise royalties.
• Draft2Digital (D2D Print)
  ~45% of list price minus printing costs (D2D takes ~10%, retailers take the rest). Recent 2026 print cost increases (industry-wide) have slightly reduced nets, but it’s user-friendly for wide print distribution. Good for authors avoiding Ingram setup.
• IngramSpark
  You set the wholesale discount (recommended 55% for bookstores/libraries), then earn the remainder minus printing costs and a 1.875% market access fee (as of 2026). Nets often £2–£4 per sale on a £12–£16 book after costs (£4–£6 for similar specs). Best for physical bookstore placement, but lower per-sale royalties than KDP on Amazon-only sales due to fees and discounts.

Example comparison (approximate for a 200-page black & white paperback, £12.99 list price, sold via main channels):

• KDP (Amazon sale, 60% tier): ~£3–£5 royalty after ~£4–£5 print cost.
• D2D Print: ~£2.50–£4 after costs.
• IngramSpark (55% discount): ~£2–£3.50 after costs + fee.

Verdict for print: Amazon KDP typically pays the most per sale on Amazon (its biggest channel), while IngramSpark wins for non-Amazon reach (bookstores, libraries) despite lower nets.

Which Platform Pays Authors More Overall in 2026?

• Amazon KDP often pays the most in raw pounds for UK authors, thanks to Amazon’s dominance in both ebook and print sales. Many indies earn 70–90% of income here, especially with Kindle Unlimited.
• Draft2Digital shines for wide distribution without exclusivity — higher ebook percentages and simple tools make it ideal if you’re avoiding Amazon lock-in or targeting libraries/multiple stores.
• IngramSpark rarely pays the highest per unit but enables broader physical distribution, which can lead to more sales volume (and prestige) over time.

Most successful UK authors in 2026 use a hybrid: KDP for Amazon (and KDP Select if KU fits your genre), plus D2D or IngramSpark for wide distribution. This maximises reach and earnings without full exclusivity.

Final Recommendations for UK Authors

• Go all-in on Amazon KDP if your priority is simplicity and maximum earnings from Amazon’s ecosystem.
• Choose Draft2Digital for easy wide ebooks (and print) with strong royalties.
• Opt for IngramSpark if you want bookstore/library availability and professional print quality.

Whichever you pick, focus on quality covers, editing, SEO-optimised descriptions, and marketing — that’s what truly drives royalties. Check each platform’s royalty calculators (KDP’s is excellent) with your book’s specs for exact numbers, and experiment if possible. Self-publishing success in 2026 is about smart choices and consistent effort. Happy publishing!