Apple Books for Authors is Apple’s programme for self-published writers. You can sell ebooks directly in the Apple Books store and earn 70% of the price on every sale, whatever the price. There is no exclusivity, no delivery fee and no price-matching requirement. Apple also offers free digital narration that turns eligible ebooks into audiobooks.
At a glance
| What it is | Apple’s direct publishing programme |
| Ebook royalty | 70% at any price |
| Exclusivity | None |
| Delivery fees | None |
| Payment | Within 45 days after month end |
| Audiobooks | Free digital narration for eligible titles |
| Pre-orders | Available |
How it works
You create an account, upload your EPUB and cover, set prices by country and publish. Apple sells the book through the Books app on iPhone, iPad and Mac. You can also set up pre-orders before the book is finished and offer free books without limits.
Digital narration
Apple’s digital narration creates an audiobook from your ebook for free, with voices for fiction, romance, mystery, science fiction and fantasy, nonfiction and self-development. You earn from audiobook sales without paying a narrator.
What you can realistically earn
Apple’s share of ebook sales is smaller than Amazon’s in many markets, but its flat 70% rate means higher-priced books earn more per sale than on stores with price bands. Readers on Apple devices can be loyal buyers once they find you.
Getting started
Prepare a valid EPUB and set prices in each currency. Use pre-orders to build early interest and check whether your title qualifies for digital narration.
Common mistakes
Some authors upload an EPUB that fails validation and wonder why the book is delayed. Others forget to set prices in each currency, leaving odd conversions. A third mistake is ignoring pre-orders, which can help a launch on Apple.
Promotions and discovery
Apple Books runs editorial features and promotions, including for independent authors. Free first-in-series books are common on Apple, since Apple has no limits on free titles. A free first book can bring readers to the rest of a series.
Keeping track
Apple’s dashboard shows sales by country and title. Watch which countries buy most and adjust prices there.
Is it worth it?
For wide authors, yes. It is free, pays a flat 70% and adds audiobooks at no cost.
Before you publish
Check that your EPUB passes validation, prepare a high-resolution cover and decide prices for key countries. If you want an audiobook, check whether your genre is eligible for digital narration.
Final tip
Add the Apple Books link to your website and newsletter. Apple readers often prefer buying in the Books app, and a direct link makes that easy.
Audiobooks through partners
If you already have a produced audiobook, you can sell it on Apple Books through Apple’s preferred partners. Digital narration is for turning an existing ebook into audio for free.
Series and box sets
Series do well on Apple. Linking books in a series and offering box sets can raise earnings per reader.
Who earns most here
Series authors in romance, fantasy, mystery and thrillers often do well on Apple, where readers follow series and respond to promotions. Nonfiction authors can benefit from digital narration, turning a single ebook into an audiobook at no cost.
Pricing
Because Apple pays 70% at any price, box sets and premium nonfiction priced above typical ebook prices earn more per sale than on stores with price bands.
Owen’s take
Going direct to Apple is easy, and the flat 70% makes it worth it for any wide author. Free narration is a strong extra.
Who it suits
It suits authors selling wide, especially series and genre fiction. It suits less well authors exclusive to Kindle Unlimited.
Similar options
- Kobo Writing Life also pays 70%.
- Draft2Digital reaches Apple and others in one go.
- Barnes & Noble Press sells on Nook.
- Kindle Direct Publishing covers Amazon.
More options are in Self-Publishing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 70% at any price
- No exclusivity or delivery fees
- Free digital narration
Cons
- Smaller market than Amazon in many countries
- EPUB must validate
- Fewer marketing tools for authors
FAQ
What royalty does Apple Books pay?
70% of the sale price at any price.
Does Apple require exclusivity?
No.
When does Apple pay?
Within 45 days after the end of each month.
Can Apple turn my ebook into an audiobook?
Yes, with free digital narration for eligible titles.
Can I set up pre-orders?
Yes.
