Self-publishing has evolved into a mainstream pathway for authors, granting creative control, financial independence, and a direct connection to readers. Among the myriad platforms available, Barnes & Noble Press has emerged as a prominent choice for independent authors looking to publish both eBooks and print editions. With its long-standing reputation in the literary world, coupled with extensive distribution channels, Barnes & Noble Press offers a compelling platform for authors to self-publish and market their work.

In this blog post, we will dive deep into the process of self-publishing with Barnes & Noble Press, offering detailed insights into each step, key features, benefits, and some best practices to help you succeed as a self-published author.

What is Barnes & Noble Press?

Barnes & Noble Press is a self-publishing platform provided by Barnes & Noble, one of the largest booksellers in the United States. The platform allows authors to publish their books in two primary formats: eBook and print-on-demand paperback or hardcover. One of its distinguishing features is its connection to Barnes & Noble's retail and online stores, making it easier for authors to reach a vast audience of book buyers.

While platforms like Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) are more widely known in the self-publishing industry, Barnes & Noble Press provides some unique advantages, particularly for authors aiming to reach readers within the U.S. and utilize brick-and-mortar stores for promotional opportunities.


Why Choose Barnes & Noble Press for Self-Publishing?

Before diving into the how-to process, it’s important to understand why Barnes & Noble Press might be the right platform for your self-publishing journey. Here are a few compelling reasons:

  1. No Upfront Costs: Self-publishing on Barnes & Noble Press is free. Authors don't need to pay any setup fees to publish their eBooks or print books.
  2. Royalties: Barnes & Noble Press offers competitive royalty rates. Authors earn up to 70% royalties on eBook sales, which is comparable to industry standards.
  3. Print-on-Demand: Instead of managing print runs and stock, authors can use print-on-demand services for paperback and hardcover books, meaning books are only printed when ordered. This drastically reduces the risk and cost of managing physical inventory.
  4. Quality Print Editions: Barnes & Noble Press is known for its high-quality print-on-demand services, offering authors various options for book sizes, paper quality, and binding (including hardcovers).
  5. Distribution and Exposure: Publishing with Barnes & Noble Press gives authors direct access to Barnes & Noble's online store, and in some cases, even opportunities to feature their books in physical retail locations.
  6. Promotion: As one of the largest booksellers in the U.S., Barnes & Noble offers opportunities to promote your work through book signings, special author events, and online promotions.
  7. Author Control: Self-publishing through this platform ensures that authors retain complete control over their work, from content to pricing and cover design.


Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Publishing with Barnes & Noble Press


1. Creating an Account

To begin, you need to create an account with Barnes & Noble Press. If you already have a Barnes & Noble account for shopping online, you can use that same account. If not, simply visit the Barnes & Noble Press website and sign up for a free account.

Once logged in, you'll be directed to a dashboard where you can start creating your project.

2. Decide Between eBook or Print

Barnes & Noble Press allows you to choose whether you want to publish an eBook, a print edition, or both. Depending on your goals and audience, you can start with one format or publish simultaneously in both.

  • eBooks: Offer easy access to digital readers, with higher royalties and no printing costs.
  • Print Editions: Offer a tangible product that can be distributed both online and (potentially) in stores, making it an excellent option for readers who prefer physical books.

You’ll be asked to choose your format early in the process, so it’s important to have a clear understanding of what you want from your book project.

3. Manuscript Preparation

Before uploading your manuscript, it’s essential to ensure that your book is polished and properly formatted. This step often includes several key components:

  • Editing and Proofreading: Ensure your manuscript is free of spelling, grammar, and structural errors. Professional editing services are highly recommended, even for self-published works.
  • Formatting: Formatting is critical, especially for print books. Ensure your book is formatted according to the requirements of Barnes & Noble Press. This typically involves setting proper margins, headers, footers, and page numbers.
    • For eBooks, make sure your manuscript is in ePub format. The platform also accepts .doc and .docx files and converts them into ePub.
    • For print books, you can upload your manuscript in PDF format, ensuring it adheres to their print specifications.

Barnes & Noble Press offers a manuscript formatting guide, which is helpful for authors unfamiliar with the nuances of preparing files for publication.

4. Cover Design

Your book cover is the first thing a reader will notice, so it’s worth investing time and resources to create a professional-looking design. Barnes & Noble Press provides two options for cover creation:

  • Upload Your Own Cover: If you have a cover designed by a professional, you can upload it directly to the platform.
  • Use the Cover Creator Tool: Barnes & Noble Press offers an in-house cover creator tool, which allows authors to create basic book covers using templates. While this tool is user-friendly, it’s recommended to hire a professional designer for a more customized and high-quality cover.

For print editions, you’ll also need to provide a back cover and spine design, ensuring that the entire wrap-around cover fits the exact dimensions of your chosen book size.

5. Book Metadata

Metadata refers to the details about your book that help potential readers discover it, including:

  • Title
  • Subtitle (if applicable)
  • Author Name
  • Series Title (if applicable)
  • Description: Write a compelling book description that draws readers in.
  • ISBN: Barnes & Noble Press offers a free ISBN (International Standard Book Number) for your print book or eBook if you don’t already have one. This is essential for distribution and cataloging purposes.

Make sure to spend time crafting accurate and engaging metadata, as this will affect your book’s visibility in search results and potential marketing efforts.

6. Pricing and Royalties

Barnes & Noble Press gives authors full control over their pricing, which is a huge benefit in the self-publishing world. Pricing strategies may vary depending on your goals:

  • eBook Pricing: For eBooks, Barnes & Noble Press offers up to 70% royalties on books priced between $2.99 and $9.99. For books outside this range, royalty rates decrease to 40%.
  • Print Book Pricing: For print editions, authors will need to consider printing costs when setting the price. Barnes & Noble Press allows authors to set the retail price, but keep in mind that a portion of the revenue will go towards printing and distribution fees.

Pricing should be competitive but also reflective of the quality of your book. Research similar titles in your genre to determine a pricing strategy that aligns with market expectations.

7. Distribution Channels

One of the major advantages of publishing with Barnes & Noble Press is access to a vast distribution network. Your eBook will be available for purchase on Barnes & Noble’s Nook platform, as well as potentially other eBook retailers if you choose to distribute widely.

For print books, your titles will be listed on Barnes & Noble’s website and potentially available for order in their physical stores. The inclusion of your print book in retail stores is not guaranteed, but well-performing titles or authors with strong marketing strategies may be able to pitch their books for in-store promotion.

8. Review and Publish

Before your book goes live, you’ll have a chance to review all the details. Ensure everything from the manuscript to the cover, metadata, and pricing is accurate and as polished as possible.

Once you’re satisfied, click the "Publish" button. For eBooks, your book will be available for purchase within a few days. Print books typically take longer to process, as the platform ensures print quality and reviews the cover and layout for compliance.


Marketing and Promoting Your Self-Published Book

Publishing your book is only half the battle. Once your book is live on Barnes & Noble Press, you’ll need to focus on marketing and promotion to drive sales and readership.

1. Build an Author Platform

Having a robust online presence is essential for modern authors. Consider creating:

  • A personal website: This should include information about you, your books, and a blog or newsletter to engage with readers.
  • Social Media: Promote your work on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Engage with other authors, readers, and literary communities.
  • Email List: Building an email list of readers can help you keep your audience informed about new releases, promotions, and events.

2. Utilize Barnes & Noble’s Promotional Tools

Barnes & Noble offers several promotional opportunities for self-published authors, including special marketing campaigns for eBooks and discounts on print editions. Keep an eye on seasonal promotions and opportunities to feature your book in Barnes & Noble’s promotional emails and advertisements.

3. Leverage Book Signings and Events

If you have a print book, consider reaching out to your local Barnes & Noble store to inquire about hosting a book signing or author event. These events can drive local sales and help you connect with readers in person.

4. Paid Advertising

Consider investing in paid advertising to boost visibility for your book. This could include Facebook ads, Google AdWords, or book-specific platforms like BookBub and Goodreads. Be strategic with your budget and target audience to maximize the return on investment.

5. Collect Reviews

Reviews are a powerful marketing tool. Encourage readers to leave reviews on Barnes & Noble’s website and other platforms like Goodreads and Amazon. Having a solid base of positive reviews can significantly boost your book’s credibility and visibility.


Final Thoughts

Self-publishing with Barnes & Noble Press offers a fantastic opportunity for authors to take control of their publishing journey. Whether you're a seasoned writer or a first-time author, Barnes & Noble Press provides the tools, resources, and support to bring your book to life, distribute it widely, and potentially see it on the shelves of one of the largest book retailers in the world.

While self-publishing requires effort, especially when it comes to marketing and building an audience, the rewards can be substantial. You retain full control over your work, earn competitive royalties, and have the opportunity to engage directly with your readers.

With proper planning, dedication, and the right promotional strategies, Barnes & Noble Press can be a powerful platform to launch your career as an independent author.