Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble Press (Nook) for Indie Authors

When it comes to selling books in the U.S. market, Barnes & Noble is a household name with a national presence, a network of over 600 retail stores, and a massive online footprint. As the largest brick-and-mortar bookstore chain in the United States, it also powers B&N Press, its digital self-publishing platform for eBooks, print-on-demand paperbacks, and now audiobooks. B&N Press gives indie authors direct access to a loyal base of tens of millions of monthly readers, many of whom prefer shopping directly from the B&N website or through their NOOK devices and apps.

While exact numbers of indie authors using B&N Press are not made public, industry estimates suggest tens of thousands of authors have published on the platform since its rebranding in 2018. It plays a critical role in the “wide publishing” ecosystem, especially for U.S.-based readers. Whether you're looking to list your books alongside bestsellers or tap into Barnes & Noble’s curated promotional opportunities, B&N Press offers powerful reach for indie authors with full creative control.



Platform History from Origin to Present Day

Barnes & Noble’s publishing journey began in the early 2010s with PubIt!, a digital platform that allowed authors to publish eBooks for NOOK readers. As self-publishing grew, so did the need for a more streamlined and modernized system. In 2018, PubIt! was officially replaced with B&N Press, a redesigned and more user-friendly platform that brought eBook and print publishing together under one roof.

The new B&N Press aimed to offer a more direct alternative to Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), emphasizing support for indie authors without requiring exclusivity. Since its relaunch, Barnes & Noble has added print-on-demand paperbacks, preorders, and audiobook integration (via Findaway Voices and other channels). Today, the platform is known for its clean interface, simple publishing tools, and growing marketing opportunities—all designed to give authors a credible, wide-distribution alternative to Amazon.

How B&N Fits in a WIDE Strategy

Publishing wide means making your books available through multiple platforms and retailers rather than relying exclusively on Amazon. Barnes & Noble Press is a cornerstone of this strategy, particularly for reaching U.S. readers who shop at brick-and-mortar stores or prefer NOOK devices.

Here’s how B&N Press enhances a wide strategy:

• You retain full rights and control of your content.

• There is no exclusivity requirement, allowing simultaneous distribution on Amazon, Apple, Kobo, etc.

• Books are available on BN.com, NOOK apps, and even have the potential to be picked up for physical store placement.

• Preorders, discounts, and marketing tools can be used in coordination with campaigns on other platforms.

What B&N Offers Indie Authors

Barnes & Noble Press provides indie authors with tools to publish and sell eBooks, print-on-demand paperbacks, and audiobooks directly through the B&N ecosystem. Authors can upload their manuscripts, design custom covers, set their prices, and publish without upfront fees. You’ll also have access to a real-time sales dashboard, downloadable royalty reports, and a growing set of promotional tools.

The NOOK platform supports EPUB files for eBooks, while paperback books are printed on demand with options for trim sizes, paper color, and cover finish. B&N also connects authors to Findaway Voices and other audiobook partners for audio distribution, enabling true multi-format publishing from one central platform.

Publishing with B&N Press gives indie authors brand alignment with a trusted retailer, robust discoverability features, and complete control over their work and revenue.

Terms, Royalties, and Payment Structure

Barnes & Noble Press offers clear, competitive terms for indie authors. There are no listing fees, and you retain 100% ownership of your work. Here's how the royalty structure breaks down:

• Royalties

  • eBooks priced between $0.99 and $199.99: You earn 70% royalty on the list price.

  • Print books: Royalties vary based on book specifications but generally range from 40% to 55% of list price, minus printing costs.

  • Audiobooks: Distributed via partners like Findaway Voices; royalty rates vary by partner but average 40% to 45%.

• Payment Schedule

  • Royalties are paid 60 days after the end of each month.

  • Payments are made via direct deposit, and the minimum payout threshold is $10.

• Other Terms

  • There is no exclusivity requirement.

  • Authors are responsible for their own ISBNs for print (B&N will provide a free ISBN if needed).

  • You can unpublish or update your book at any time.

These terms make B&N Press one of the most author-friendly platforms in the self-publishing space.

Platform Comparison Chart

Marketing Offered Through B&N Press and How to Leverage It

Barnes & Noble Press has developed an increasingly robust suite of marketing tools that helps self-published authors gain exposure in a crowded marketplace. Unlike Amazon, which requires exclusivity for most of its promotional features, B&N allows wide authors to participate in discoverability-enhancing campaigns without sacrificing control or distribution reach. Whether you're promoting a new release, boosting a backlist title, or running a seasonal campaign, B&N Press offers targeted, flexible options to help you connect with readers.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s available and how to use each feature effectively:

• Preorders (eBook & Print)
  Set up preorders for both formats without final files. Build early momentum, collect pre-launch sales, and sync with newsletter swaps and marketing campaigns.

• Sampling (Read Preview Feature)
  Shoppers can preview a portion of your eBook before buying, directly on the product page. A strong opening chapter boosts buyer confidence.

• Coupons (Author-Created Discount Codes)
  You can create limited-time, trackable coupon codes to use in email campaigns or giveaways. Great for building your list or rewarding loyal readers.

• Monthly & Seasonal Promotions (Curated Submissions)
  B&N runs themed promotions (Romance Month, Indie Spotlights, etc.). Submit your book for a chance to be featured on high-traffic landing pages and email lists.

• Staff Picks and Curated Collections
  Your book may be hand-selected for popular indie roundups. Strong covers and reviews improve your chances.

• Email Newsletter Features
  If accepted into a promotion, your title could be featured in genre-specific newsletters sent to thousands of B&N readers.

• Audiobook Showcases (NOOK Audiobooks)
  Audiobooks submitted via Findaway can be promoted through NOOK Audiobook’s digital storefront and genre lists.

• Banner Generator Tool
  Use B&N’s banner creator to design promo images linking to your book. Perfect for blog posts, social media, and reader magnets.

• Social Media Spotlights and BN Reads Blog
  Exceptional indie titles may be featured on B&N’s official blog or promoted via their Facebook and Twitter feeds.

All these tools can be layered and used year-round as part of a wider promotional plan. Unlike other retailers, B&N gives you access to targeted marketing tools without exclusivity, making it a reliable pillar of your indie marketing strategy.

Pros and Cons of Using B&N Press

Pros:

• High royalty rates (70%) on eBooks.

• Full control over pricing, distribution, and rights.

• Audiobook and print integration from one dashboard.

• No exclusivity required to access marketing tools.

• Author coupons and monthly promotions available.

• Preorders available for both eBook and print.

Cons:

• U.S.-focused audience; limited global reach compared to Kobo or Apple.

• No built-in print distribution to retail stores without special arrangements.

• Fewer advanced analytics than Amazon KDP.

• Limited storefront visibility unless accepted into promotions.

ScribeCount Integration with B&N Press

ScribeCount supports Barnes & Noble Press as one of its core data sources. With a connected account, you can:

• Track daily and monthly sales across B&N, Amazon, Apple, Kobo, and others.

• View earnings, trends, and series performance across retailers in one dashboard.

• Export reports for tax season or advertising purposes.

• Monitor read-through and advertising ROI.

ScribeCount simplifies wide publishing analytics so you can spend more time writing and marketing and less time clicking through spreadsheets.

Learn more at ScribeCount.com

Conclusion

Barnes & Noble Press is more than just a secondary sales platform—it’s a vital piece of your wide publishing toolkit. With flexible royalty terms, multi-format support, reader-trusted branding, and a growing list of marketing tools available to all authors, B&N gives you real control without locking you into exclusivity. Its reach may be primarily U.S.-centric, but for many indie authors, that’s exactly where the bulk of sales are made.

Whether you're just getting started or expanding wide from KDP, don’t underestimate what Barnes & Noble Press can do for your publishing career.