Home
Creators
Search Recent Missing Random
Posts
Search DMs Popular Hash Lookup Tags Random
Importer
Import FAQ
Register Favorites Keys Review DMs Logout
Community
Telegram ThePornDude
Home Creators Posts Import Register Favorites Logout

Book publisher poll (Patreon)

Published:
2023-11-21 00:12:35
Imported:
2026-06

Poll

Book publisher poll

  • Amazon 316
  • B&N 294
  • 2023-11-21
  • 610 votes
{'title': 'Book publisher poll', 'choices': [{'text': 'Amazon', 'votes': 316}, {'text': 'B&N', 'votes': 294}], 'closes_at': None, 'created_at': datetime.datetime(2023, 11, 21, 0, 9, 15, tzinfo=datetime.timezone.utc), 'description': None, 'allow_multiple': False, 'total_votes': 610}

Content

The book is coming along and now we're at the point of choosing a publisher. The two top contenders when everything is factored in are Amazon and Barnes and nobles.  (If you know of  pro union, print on demand publisher with any kind of self contained ordering system, please let me know because we've come up dry) 

Comments

Chronic_J

I wish I knew of such a publisher. I have some poetry books I'm looking to publish.

alumpyhorse

please not Amazon.... it's just a thought. I'm asking my book-writing friends about pro union, print on demand publishers with any kind of self contained ordering system.

D.Shepherd

I think at this point, it’s more about getting the book and it’s contents out there, than me banning Amazon. That’s why I chose it.

Fabulous Frog

There’s really no ethical consumption/production to be. I think you’ll reach more folks through Amazon. 🤷🏻‍♂️

Robert Bess

Broad Circulation is Important, so I picked Amazon. But you do you.

Daniel Kubler

I assume you've already looked into AK Press and they didn't tick all the boxes?

Alesia Jenkins

Please do the Audible version as well!

beautfc

Broad reach is honestly the only reason Amazon is even being considered.

Alison Barnes

I mostly read things in e-book format I use a kindle but any ebook in EPUB format will work

beautfc
>>122672750

We will have a different kind of audio book when we get to that part, but you'll be able to get it on just about any device.

Sandra Stevens

Contact Prairie Lights Book store in Iowa City, IA they are well connected and have been in the industry for years. Very progressive as well.

Rob Kerns

I happen to be an independent author/publisher, and if you're talking about a print (i.e. physical) book, I recommend both Amazon AND IngramSpark. IngramSpark is the print-on-demand service of Ingram, which is one of the largest book distributors. In addition to the trade channels (like Books-A-Million! and Barnes & Noble), all the independent bookstores and libraries deal with Ingram and won't touch Amazon for any reason whatsoever. If you'd like to discuss this further, including how to get the best formatted PDF for printing, feel free to PM me here.

limell lawson

Amazon is awful when it comes to allowing public libraries to lend their books. If B&N is any better I hope you go with them.

Sandra Stevens

Prairie Lights 15 South Dubuque St. Iowa City, IA 52240 319-337-2681 800-295-BOOK Store 10am-9pm M-F, 10am-6pm Sat & Sun

Silly Yo

I voted, commented, left. On returning, I have to say I'm loving this community, all of the suggestions you are getting. I am also especially 💕 that we will have an audio version by you. Can't wait until this book is released!

Seidmadr

Does B&N sell internationally? As a fan in Europe I would quite like to get a hold of the book. Also, how bad as a company are B&N? We don't have them where I live, so I have no idea what kind of company they are.

Drew

Self publish is an option, get a foot hold and help others get up too

beautfc
>>122672885

I buy a lot from Haymarket but they submission process doesn't check our boxes sadly.

Janet Michelson

I have published with Amazon and worked with people who publish on Amazon and it's extremely easy. One time i sent an edited ms to an author and he published it an hour later! Traditional publishing would have been a year. We had worked together several times and he trusted me. I'm a good beta reader. Just saying.

beautfc
>>122672710

AK press has a traditional submission process. My first choice were them or Haymarket.

Geoff White

I try not to buy printed books anymore so make sure they can render to e-book

Robbie Frechette

Which publisher will allow the ebook to be read out loud using TTS, without any additional cost? Last I checked, Amazon was not one of them. You have to pay extra for that very basic functionality. I don't hate Amazon, but I hate someone's decision in this case. It's exclusionary.

Tom

Amazon will give you reach (both for print and Kindle), but I don't think it will get you on bookshelves. There are a lot of small-ish bookstores, at least in Massachusetts, that would probably put a book by you on a display. Maybe ask some of them if they have publishing recommendations. Try: An Unlikely Story in Plainville MA (owned by bestselling author Jeff Kinney), Porter Square Books in Cambridge MA, Silver Unicorn Books in Acton MA, or Harvard Book Store in Cambridge MA (not affiliated with the university).

leastbad

I'm not qualified to have an opinion on the subject, but I strongly urge you to drop Cory Doctorow a line and see what he recommends. He's a progressive who has been down this road. https://craphound.com/

Bolloxim

Hard to vote when having little to no experience in ebooks. I do like to pop into b&n though and check out there eclectic collection they usually have in the middle .. get gems in there sometimes.. :)

Andy McGehee

I wonder if PM Press out of Oakland, CA, would suit your needs. I love everything about them, but I don’t know if the POD requirement would fit.

3Steps

6 of one.. half dozen of the other... I am a long time Amazon user. I have several Kindles including the first one. That said.. I'm a fan of the convenience not of the corporation. My youngest is currently slinging books at B&N because you can't do anything but retail with a Psychology degree. So go with whatever works best for you.

alexander gaitan

I have no idea on this topic. Jeff Bezos already has more money than God so maybe b&n? For what it's worth Stephen King's publisher is Simon and Schuster, but I'm not familiar with their business practices either.

beautfc
>>122673300

Don't even worry about that we had an issue with accessibility and have our own audible option that will be more widely accessible than anything currently on offer from any company. It'll take about a month after the print version releases though.

beautfc
>>122673300

I'll just go ahead and tell people in here. There will be a version available read by me super cheap and widely accessible.

Tim Ulmen

I’d rather you go with Amazon and have the book widely available. I haven’t been in a B&N in years that made me want to buy anything or come back.

Sandra Blomberg

I did Google "Barnes and Noble labor practices". If they are true to their word, then I am thinking that they are the better choice of the two. Looking forward to your book. Take Care, Stay Safe And Healthy 🐱🖖✌️☮️🌈

Malachi Witt
>>122673313

I agree. I'm not familiar with book publishing at all but there appears to be a distinction between using Amazon and "publishing house" that will edit and push the book out to brick and mortar. I would assume that the "publishing house" would incur significantly more costs.

Topher Eliot

My son has published books through some other outfit. I forwarded this to him. Be on the lookout for an email from bgaesop.

Joexer

I'd argue Amazon for the far wider audience. The word needs to be out there if organizing is to take place.

Erin Wright

Hi Beau! I'm a long-time fan of yours, and also happen to be an authority in the indie author world when it comes to publishing, etc. I regularly get flown to conferences to give presentations to authors. I cannot overstate how overqualified I am to help you with this question. 😂 I'm not much for bragging, normally, but in this case, I am quite literally your gal. I'd love to do a chat with you via Zoom and help you run through your options. Because I love what you do, I wouldn't charge you for this (it's normally $200 for a one-hour chat with me, and I am regularly booked 6 months out). But for you, I'll make a huge exception. ☺️ Send me a private message here on Patreon and I'll give you my email addy, and we can set something up.

Pete Joachim

Whatever results in the widest audience to find your book! The big picture!

Kelly Brown

Maybe check out AK Press? akpress.org It's worker-run and collectively managed.

TaverenTech aka Joe

I'm sure B&B is better with employees, I just want to be able to read books on my kindle due to vision challenges.

amy armstrong

I’m excited either way. I chose B&N because brick and mortar is preferable imo.

Jennifer Herting

I try to limit the number of hard copies I buy due to space constraints. My choice would be any place that offers a DRM free EPUB.

Jim Vanderveen
>>122674586

tbh, both are likely to use traditional submission, but if Jane picked them, they're worth checking

Pamela Hineman (Lexy Wolfe)

I'm self-published and my publisher (for the books with them) uses IngramSpark. You can set up ebooks, softbound and hardbound versions of your manuscript, they provide templates for covers to be made, and can provide your books to multiple outlets worldwide, to include Amazon and Barnes&Noble. Then your buyers can choose the outlet they prefer.

Johanna Rothman
>>122674213

Listen to Erin. She has way more experience than I do. I only have a dozen self-published books. Listen to her.

Pamela Hineman (Lexy Wolfe)
>>122675535

Also, I would not make print versions of books through Amazon. They used to be decent, but they canned the service they used for self-publishers to make physical media options. And they use the older equipment through IngramSpark shortly after I stopped self-publishing initially. (Started self-publishing again.)

DonnyP

Exciting stuff Sir!!

Randall Jennings

"Other" isn't an option on the poll? What about an encrypted PDF where you sell the password via eBay? The book could be hosted almost anywhere.

Ro

Anything but union-busting Amazon! I hope you find a good indie publisher. I'll pay more if that helps...

Mark Parsons

Voting for the Evil Empire because the book may be seen on site more widely than on B&N.

Thelma Ballew

Don't know if this will work, but what about Lulu.com? One of my profs used to use them.

SilverRayn

I chose B&N because I prefer my nook but I can use the Kindle app if necessary. I just need a digital copy.

Wynter

I usually get my books for my Kindle these days. So please have compatibly for us e-readers. 🙏

Sean Lantis

Amazon would hit a bigger audience. But they just suck sooooooo bad I have to choose B&N. 🤣

Brian Carroll

Wraithmark Creative is an indie publisher. They have collaborated with Daniel Greene of Fantasy News on some very high value special editions. Daniele is an open Socialist so I doubt they are opposed to publishing political literature. Daniele talk ALOT obout the publishing industry and all the pains in the ass that come with it. He's also sel published 2 books so he's really don't it all the ways and he's chosen Wraithmark. Of not them then maybe Haymarket Books.

Triscaleon

AK press publishes a lot of work in this field, at least for print books

Joexer
>>122674099

Look I worked for Amazon and got laid off by them. They treat labor horribly and I don't respect the company. That's a given though. While I'd love to say any publisher would do, the tools to make change belongs in the hands of the people even if some dollars make their way elsewhere. This is not a place to make a statement. The book and what comes of it are.

Diane Mason

I was thinking of Amazon because we're always running into issues with Nooks and B&A are not helpful.

Terran Baylor

B&N chosen only because of Amazon dominance and pushing out the smaller guys. Amazon would make it available for wider audience though.

Xada-Hgla

Unfortunately, no.

CAROL VINEYARD

I only say Amazon because I live in Flagler County FL and there’s nothing here. 🤷‍♀️

Darryl Michaud
>>122673373

I love this suggestion. He generally publishes with Tor for fiction and Verso for NF -- both of which probably have longer approval processes than the team's looking for. His experience with putting out DRM-free audiobooks would definitely be useful Beau's caginess around the audio distribution makes me think he likes the solution they've already come across. If not, Doctorow was excited about using libro.fm for his last audiobook drop: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/doctorow/the-lost-cause-a-novel-of-climate-and-hope/description

Topher Eliot

My Son Thomas sent the following. He can be reached at bgaesop@gmail.com. Hi there! I also publish my own books. I publish mine through the OneBookShelf family of companies. Since I primarily publish roleplaying games, I use DriveThruRPG. You would probably be better off with DriveThruFiction (there isn't a DriveThruNonfiction, sadly), but it's all the same. The printer they use is called Lightning Source. The advantages to working with OneBookShelf rather than Lightning Source directly are customer service and ease of use, and having a dedicated place for people to buy it directly. I have printed with Lulu before, which is the POD service that both Barnes & Noble and Amazon use. I think the Lightning Source books are higher quality.  You can get the layout templates here: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/pub_podbook_templates.php And you can check out their FAQ and guides here: https://help.drivethrupartners.com/hc/en-us If you have any questions or would like help getting set up, let me know! If you do end up using this and would like to thank me in some way, please consider linking to this translation I did of the Enchiridion of Epictetus, a 2nd century Stoic philosophy manual I translated from κοινὴ διάλεκτος into modern, conversational English. The PDF is free, sales of the physical copy support me making more stuff like this:  https://www.drivethrufiction.com/product/225287 Epictetus was a crippled slave who wrote about how the most important thing in life is to live virtuously. His Enchiridion is a handbook of life lessons on how to do that. I did a new translation because all of the freely available translations I could find were written by Victorian gentlemen and very strongly reflected the biases of their time, and so I figured a new one would be of use to modern readers.  I mention that rather than any of the RPG games I've written because it seems a more appropriate fit for your channel, though if you are interested in those I'd be happy to tell you about them.  Thank you and good luck, Thomas Eliot

James Wile

I never use Amazon because of Bezos and the Amazon trying to take over the world.

Barry Eisenberg

I know, I know... Amazon is the antichrist. Just do it. Get the exposure, get the sales and get out.

Deb de Jonge

For exposure it has to be Amazon I'm afraid. Not happy with my choice, but the work that goes into writing a book needs to be properly rewarded and this seems to be your best bet.

IQuestion

Holy choices Beauman! I'll vote after you read these comments by these smart, helpful folks.

Annie

The Author's Guild may be able to help navigate this (https://authorsguild.org/). They aren't a union, but they help organize to get authors health insurance and do other advocacy. It makes a bunch of sense for you to self-publish (I personally would buy any book you write), but if union labor is important to you, you might consider a traditional publishing house that aligns with your values and only uses union printers and paper millers.

Annie
>>122687349

Also, please update the discord link if that's still a thing.

Jeff

Due to hand issues, holding a book for prolonged periods is problematic for me so I read audiobooks almost exclusively. Do you have plans to release it in that format (I typically use audible)?

Jodi Sonderman

Haymarket Books is a very union friendly publisher, though I don't know if they have POD option. If you're at all interested in becoming Beau's Publishing House or something similar, you should check out Independent Book Publishing Association https://www.ibpa-online.org/default.aspx or some of the members who are publishers. The folks at IBPA are super helpful, so they'd probably have a few suggestions for you, even if you're not interested in becoming your own publishing powerhouse.

Rafael
>>122683601

Also, Amazon will help making the printed book available in other countries. Like, I'm from Germany: if it's a B&N-exclusive title, getting it over here can be a mess, and the print version will cost me a hefty bit more.

Pauline Dickinson

B&N don't have UK presence, we have Waterstones, who now own them. So better chance of getting book via Amazon.

Juliet Vorster

I’ve published multiple books via Amazon, and I have a 20+ year career in the print industry. As much as I would rather use a different option for ethical reasons, Amazon offer the best global reach for books. It’s also easy to move into audio format with Audible. I’m very looking forward to getting my copy of your book.

InfamousK

There's nothing ethical in capitalism, which I think means that reach should be the priority. I think that shoves Amazon to the top of the heap. I hope you'll consider an audiobook too, my husband loves your channel but I think he's allergic to paper. I know for a lot of folks with little time that's the case.

Mo po

Removed my earlier comment. I see the comment section is full of professionals with good advice and offers to help, so I'm sure it will work out just fine. Wonderful to see how this community works. Good luck!

beesnaps1

I would love an audio book for sure after you decide your publisher :)

Kangar00

Besides just playing into the closed Amazon ecosystem, an additional option to go wide would be draft2digital.com They use B&N for print, a list of other digital distributors, but they also help distribute to brick and mortar bookstores as well as to libraries. D2D can also publish to Amazon in one go (though they take yet another cut from the sales). A good author friend of mine uses both Amazon and D2D as indie self publisher (10 novels so far) and although you can't ignore Amazon, it's a good move to have another leg to stand on and not completely rely on one company. I've been involved in the technical part of publishing her books and am happy to help out with more specific info.

Robyn Hill

Just another request for an audio book read by the author. Wishing you every success with your publishing efforts.

Dan Beach

Amazon has the broadest spread and absolutely should carry your book.

Annette Caamano

Send a message to Heather Cox Richardson. She just had her book, 'Democracy Awakening', come out and has been doing a book tour. When I google who is the publisher, the first one listed is penquin random house but I see her book all over bookshop.org, Amazon, B&N, to name just a few.

Petra Träm

Your german fans have to rely on Amazon, unfortunately

John Killary

Chose B&N but prefer selfpublishing at this point. You're into helping the folks in need of crisis rescue and support. Publishing under Amazon in particular because it's easier makes no sense in your case. In my humble opinion self publishing is the way to go and I bet your wife and friends would share that opinion. Good fortune with the book in any event. Amazon can carry the book but doesn't have to publish it.

Randall Gauntt

Understanding of the anti-Bezos backlash I still read WaPo and Amazon is at everyone's fingertips. You can't turn down the bandwidth that Amazon offers. I would like it on Audible.

Amy Gleixner

I'm abstaining from voting, but since i haven't seen it in here yet, I'll toss Microcosm out there. They do zines, for the most part, but books also. and I don't know if they do POD (i suspect not) so that might not work for your purposes, but it might be worth touching base with them for the halibut. I hate Amazon... So I'd love to see any other publisher than them... https://microcosmpublishing.com/faq#submit-manuscripts Edited to add: "they make Castro look right wing" has been said of their priorities. They have tons of anti-authoritarian material, so i feel like a Beau book would be right up their alley.

Lisa Braun

No contest, it's definitely Amazon if you're choosing just one. But of course you can publish on multiple sites. My friend publishes his novels on Amazon & Barnes&Noble & kobo & smashwords and has sold FAR more books on Amazon Kindle than everywhere else combined.

bobbie bellinger

I hate that I have to say Amazon because of their reach, but that what happens when you have monopolies and the options in the market have been limited. :-(

Lynlee

I second the suggestion above - check with Heather Cox Richardson. Amazon has enough of my $ already.

CBM

I voted Amazon but find Walmart generally has the best new book prices so I buy from there, if I can. No great choices for purchasing a new book.

Richard J Bachand

I have purchased a lot of "union" books from Labor Notes business@labornotes.org perhaps they can suggest something

Mitchell

sad to see so many amazon... not a good sign for society

Kody Olson
>>122709018

My library doesn't carry self-published titles and I suspect this might be a standard that many reputable organizations may also carry. Doing this might limit Beau's audience.

Zina Justiniano

I recommend Amazon because of Kindle. It's like self-publishing on Amazon.

Zina Justiniano
>>122697425

Amazon Kindle has a text-to-speech function and adjustable font types and sizes. That's why I recommended Kindle. I usually use Kindle. I was blind in one eye, had double vision, and a few other things go wrong which made physically reading difficult. I need the accommodations from time to time, and so do others.

AL Genaro @ The OCD Maker

a lot of my friends have used either AK Press or Microcosm. some other places and i put out some feelers to ask. sometimes they still sell the books via Amazon, but they raise the price there. so if you want a discount you have to buy via the smaller presses and shops.

Randonator

If the choice is BN or Amazon, I'd vote BN just because they are not Amazon--Amazon has way too much reach already.

Anakin Dayton

B&N is limited by physical bookstores. If it's an either/or, choose Amazon.

Rob Kerns
>>122674213

I want to second Johanna’s statement. I stand by my comment offering to help, but honestly, Erin will help better than I could.

Jack Baker

I have to say Amazon becasue of reach and ease of publication.

AL Genaro @ The OCD Maker
>>122746991

I will update as more friends mention other presses/publishers... but I think in most parts of the country, finding the nearest rad activisty book store and asking them for suggestions is good too. that is how I got some zines printed and sold when I moved to a new state.

Kelly Horton

I'm 50% 50% also. Amazon little more since I have prime and it would be super easy for me to get the book right away, but both are great I'm sure.

Patty J Thompson

I work for an Independent publisher, and we use Amazon and B&N, and we get 500x more business from Amazon, and better presence as well. We don't like that they are the big guys and bullies but they make the books available to the audiences in both US and abroad.

Rodney Matheson

I say Trojan Horse this damn thing, let Amazon spread the progressive agenda.

Vanessa Elkins

No ethical consumption under capitalism so both(cuz I LOVE Barnes & Noble), or Amazon for the reach. Thank you for writing the book and I’ll be a preorder for it asap 🙌

Jennifer Parker

I hate Amazon, but I don't have any better options, so go with evil beast. We can take them down many notches later.

Lisa Braun
>>122713040

Trouble is, it's not literally a monopoly, simply a venue that is enormously more popular and convenient than most.

Alice Anne English

Highly recommend Spoken Realms if you do an audiobook. Good people and can get it onto all the major audio platforms. Tell them Alice Anne sent you if you do. (And even though you are a great podcaster, recommend you work with a director—it’s its own medium. Can recommend several who work with authors.) They might know where to point you for physical book publishing too. I’m too many years away from print to be useful myself, unfortunately. Happy to be a beta reader/proofreader if you want, once a copy editor always a copy editor…

ILove Privacy

Amazon would probably be easier for non-US distribution? Hence my vote.

myst0dreamer

You probably know that Amazon is being sued by the SEC for being unfair to sellers. If you could avoid that, I would. But there may be other practical factors you might prioritize.

Michelle Giacalone

It looks like the Harper Collins Union is, as they say, 'the only unionized major book publisher'. I would look at them before going with the rapacious (Amazon) or the has-beens (B&N).

Susan Elizabeth Cowdrey

I really don't understand this question. There is a publisher and then there are marketing streams. If B&N publishes the book, won't it also be marketed on Amazon? You can self publish on both at the same time.

Elaine

Cool! Please consider talking about immigrration. I feel it's the GOP's best chance to drive a wedge further through the USA. THe GOP ignores that it's legal to seek asylum. Everytime I try to get my head around the best way to explain it I get a headache. With Abbott signing a law to arrest immigrants, I feel this issue is about to explode.

MJRuth

I'm ignorant on the topic, but a friend of mine, Joseph Lofthouse, recently self published his book, "Landrace Gardening". He might be able to assist you? You can contact him at http://Lofthouse.com Good luck with the process!

mark brenneman

Howdy there Beau from an undisclosed location in West Asia. After my morning quiet-time your YouTube channel is the first thing I usually jump on. Thank you for all of the work you and your team is doing!

Sebastian Fletcher-Taylor

My qualms about Amazon's business practices are outweighed by the likely good that will come from the information in your book I would say publish wherever will result in the most people reading it.

Robert Kish

https://www.wiley.com/en-us You should look at publishers that have links with education and educational institutions that can put your book into places where it can achieve a wider reach.

Lauren Wagstaff

I’m ok with either. I have a Kindle so I slightly prefer Amazon.

Katrina

If it's published on Amazon I won't be able to buy it as I boycott them. I have a family member who self prints all her books - https://christinahardyment.co.uk/ There's a contact form on her website so you could write and ask her for more info. Mention my name :)

Lynda Colter-Bergh

Only reason I say Amazon (because I despise Amazon) is because you can then sell an audiobook, which, in my opinion, is a MUST. (Since I'm dyslexic and it takes me forever to read anything, I only use audiobooks.) But I will buy an audiobook from anywhere. A friend of mine published his books and was selling them on a site that gave the authors a much higher percentage of the sales. But, it appears he may be only using Amazon now. I know he has tried about everything out there to see where he had the largest impact. I'm wondering if Amazon made him remove his books from the other site. I'm trying to find out what it was. I'll let you know,

James Wile

I will never buy from Amazon. But there is always the direct market through the web. Hint hint wink wink nudge nudge!

Bravo Charlie Hotel

Amazon has the highest/most rapid distribution capacity and there is no ethical consumption under capitalism imho so publish away. Such are the times we live in 😥

Thomas Bernecky

Audible soon too please, moving soon and books are heavy. Pick your narrator (hopefully Beau) carefully. I'll buy one of each.

Durther

Sorry I didn't see this sooner. I have a fiction book that will be done soon, and I will be using Smashwords (has been purchased by Draft2Digital). I don't know about the union angle, the publishing business is on a death spiral for the last several years.

Durther

Smashwords also has a gateway to Kindle. The biggest problem is getting the book in the right format, but when it's done you have all the big players

D.Shepherd

I can’t afford to shop anywhere else BUT Amazon unfortunately, so I’ll pick it.