How to Publish Your eBook on Kobo
Want to expand your global reach beyond Amazon? Kobo could be your next best move. With a strong international presence and a user-friendly platform called Kobo Writing Life, it's an excellent way to get your eBooks into the hands of readers worldwide.
Want to expand your global reach beyond Amazon? Kobo could be your next best move. With a strong international presence and a user-friendly platform called Kobo Writing Life, it's an excellent way to get your eBooks into the hands of readers worldwide.
Why Choose Kobo?
Kobo, owned by e-commerce giant Rakuten, is a top global eBook retailer, especially in Canada, Europe, and Asia. It partners with hundreds of retail chains and libraries (via OverDrive), making your book accessible far beyond Amazon's ecosystem.
Global Distribution
Reach readers in over 190 countries
Library Access
Get your eBooks into public libraries
Author-Friendly Terms
Keep up to 70% of your royalties with no exclusivity
How to Publish on Kobo Writing Life
Create a Kobo Writing Life Account
Go to Kobo Writing Life and sign up with your name and email. Once your account is verified, you're ready to publish.
Add a New eBook
From your dashboard, click "Create New eBook." The process is broken into manageable tabs.
Describe Your eBook
This is where you enter your book's metadata. Be thorough and optimize for discoverability.
Upload Your eBook Content
Upload your manuscript and cover. Kobo accepts .epub, .doc, .docx, and .mobi, but a clean .epub is preferred.
Set Rights and Distribution
Specify where you want to sell your book (choose "World" for global rights) and decide whether to apply DRM.
Set Your Price
Kobo lets you set individual prices for different countries. You earn 70% royalties on eBooks priced between $2.99 and $12.99 USD.
Publish Your eBook
After reviewing all the details, click "Publish eBook." Your book will typically go live within 24 to 72 hours.
Optimizing Your Metadata
When describing your eBook, be thorough and optimize for discoverability:
Title & Subtitle
Keep it clear and keyword-rich.
Author & Publisher Name
Use your name or imprint.
Description
Write a compelling blurb, this is what sells your book!
Categories & Keywords
Choose up to three BISAC categories and add relevant search terms.
File Requirements
Manuscript Format
Kobo accepts .epub, .doc, .docx, and .mobi, but a clean .epub is preferred.
💡 Tip: A properly formatted EPUB file will ensure the best reading experience across all Kobo devices.
Cover Image
Upload a high-resolution JPEG or PNG file.
✅ Recommended: 1600x2400 pixels minimum for best quality
Tips for Success on Kobo
Need Help Publishing on Kobo?
At Books Sphere we can help you publish on Kobo and all other major platforms. Our team handles the technical setup, metadata optimization, and ensures your book looks great on every device.
Multi-Platform Publishing
Publish on Kobo, Amazon, Apple Books, and more
Format Optimization
Ensure your book looks perfect on every device
Marketing Support
Promote your book across all platforms
Expand Your Global Reach
Publishing on Kobo is a smart way to expand your readership, diversify your income, and take your self-publishing career international. With its strong international presence and library partnerships, Kobo offers unique opportunities that complement your Amazon sales.
Ready to reach readers worldwide? Contact Books Sphere today to get started with multi-platform publishing.
Ready to Publish on Kobo?
Let our team help you publish on Kobo and reach readers worldwide. We handle all the technical details so you can focus on writing.
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