Barnes & Noble Press: Is It Worth It?
As authors look for alternatives to Amazon, Barnes & Noble Press is gaining renewed attention. But is it worth it in 2025? Let's explore the platform.
As authors look for alternatives to Amazon, Barnes & Noble Press is gaining renewed attention. But is it worth it in 2025? Let's explore the platform.
What Is Barnes & Noble Press?
Barnes & Noble Press (BNP) is the official self-publishing platform of the Barnes & Noble retail chain. It allows authors to publish ebooks and print books directly to the B&N ecosystem.
Retail Integration
Your book becomes part of the Barnes & Noble retail ecosystem, giving it credibility and access to B&N's customer base.
Pros of Barnes & Noble Press
Retail Credibility
Being on bn.com gives your book a professional polish
Exclusive Promotions
BNP offers unique promos, like features in seasonal sales or curated email blasts
Zero Upfront Fees
Publishing is free, and the user-friendly dashboard makes it easy
Good Print Quality
The print-on-demand service has steadily improved and is great for most indie books
Cons of Barnes & Noble Press
Limited Distribution
BNP only distributes within the Barnes & Noble ecosystem
No Hardcover Option
As of mid-2025, BNP still does not offer hardcover publishing
No ISBN Provided
You must supply your own ISBN for print books, which is an upfront cost
Will BNP Get My Book on Physical Store Shelves?
Not automatically. In-store placement is rare and depends on local manager approval, sales performance, and the quality of your book. However, publishing directly with BNP makes you more eligible than using an aggregator.
💡 Tip: Focus on online sales through bn.com, which has a much larger reach than physical stores.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Yes, with the right expectations. Barnes & Noble Press is not a one-stop shop, but it's a smart addition to a multi-platform publishing strategy. It's ideal for authors who want to:
Sell to B&N Customers
Reach Nook readers and B&N shoppers
Diversify Income
Beyond Amazon revenue
Exclusive Promotions
Participate in retail promotions
⚠️ However, it shouldn't be your only platform. For maximum reach, combine BNP with KDP for Amazon and IngramSpark for wide global distribution.
The Hybrid Strategy
For maximum reach, combine BNP with other platforms:
Amazon KDP
Massive audience and revenue
Popular fiction genres
IngramSpark
Professional print distribution
Global bookstore reach
Draft2Digital
Easy multi-platform distribution
Going wide efficiently
Need Help with Barnes & Noble Press?
At Books Sphere we can help you publish on Barnes & Noble Press and create a comprehensive multi-platform strategy that maximizes your book's reach.
BNP Publishing
Professional setup and optimization
Multi-Platform Strategy
Coordinate across all platforms
Marketing Support
Promote across all channels
Make the Right Choice
Barnes & Noble Press offers unique opportunities for authors looking to diversify beyond Amazon. While it shouldn't be your only platform, it's a valuable addition to a comprehensive publishing strategy.
Ready to expand your reach with Barnes & Noble Press? Contact Books Sphere today to get started.
Ready to Publish on Barnes & Noble Press?
Let our team help you publish on BNP and create a comprehensive multi-platform strategy that maximizes your book's reach and revenue.
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