Kobo Writing Life (KWL) is Rakuten Kobo’s free self-publishing platform. It puts your ebooks and audiobooks in the Kobo store and its partner stores in more than 190 countries. Ebooks priced at $2.99 or more earn 70%; cheaper ones earn 45%. You can also enrol titles in Kobo Plus, its subscription service, without exclusivity.
At a glance
| What it is | Kobo’s direct publishing platform |
| Reach | Kobo store and partners in 190+ countries |
| Royalty | 70% at $2.99+; 45% below |
| Formats | Ebooks and audiobooks (no print) |
| Subscription | Kobo Plus, non-exclusive |
| Cost | Free |
| Promotions | Editorial promotions by application |
How it works
You create an account, upload an EPUB and cover, set prices by territory and publish. KWL gives you access to Kobo promotions you can apply for, and lets you enrol titles in Kobo Plus, where you earn based on how much subscribers read.
Kobo Plus
Unlike Kindle Unlimited, Kobo Plus doesn’t require exclusivity. You can enrol a title while selling it everywhere else. It is strongest in markets where Kobo has many readers, such as the Netherlands and Canada.
What you can realistically earn
Kobo is strongest outside the US, especially in Canada and parts of Europe. Authors who sell wide often find Kobo a steady second or third store.
Getting started
Upload a validated EPUB, price at $2.99 or more for 70%, and apply for promotions once you have a few reviews.
Common mistakes
Some authors price below $2.99 and drop to 45%. Others skip Kobo promotions, which are a key way to be found. A third mistake is ignoring international pricing, where Kobo readers are strongest.
Promotions
KWL lets authors apply for store promotions, such as discounted deals and themed collections. Acceptance is editorial and selective, but promotions can bring a noticeable boost. Having a series and reviews helps.
Keeping track
KWL reports separate retail and Kobo Plus earnings. Check them monthly to see whether Kobo Plus adds income without reducing retail sales.
Kobo Plus payments
Kobo Plus pays based on how much of your book subscribers read, from a shared pool. Earnings per read are lower than a full sale, but they come without giving up other stores, which makes enrolment a low-risk test.
Is it worth it?
For any wide author, yes, especially with readers in Canada or Europe.
Before you publish
Check that your EPUB validates, prepare a cover and decide prices for major territories such as the US, Canada, the UK and Europe. Link series books so readers can find the next one.
Final tip
Kobo readers love series. A first-in-series price drop, combined with a promotion application, is one of the best ways to be found.
Audiobooks on Kobo
KWL also accepts audiobooks, which appear in Kobo’s audiobook store and subscription. If you already have an audiobook produced non-exclusively, Kobo is an easy extra outlet.
Kobo and libraries
Kobo’s sister company OverDrive serves many libraries, so a Kobo presence fits well with a library strategy through distributors.
Who earns most here
Romance, mystery, fantasy and thriller authors with series often do best, especially with readers in Canada, the Netherlands, the UK and Australia. Translated editions can also find readers in Kobo’s European markets.
Pricing
Keep main titles at $2.99 or above to earn 70%, and use short-term promotions rather than permanent low prices to attract new readers.
Owen’s take
Kobo Writing Life is essential for any wide author, especially with readers outside the US. Kobo Plus is a low-risk extra.
Who it suits
It suits wide authors, especially with international readers. It suits less well authors who need print, which KWL doesn’t offer.
Similar options
- Apple Books for Authors pays 70% at any price.
- Draft2Digital reaches Kobo and others.
- Barnes & Noble Press sells on Nook.
- Kindle Direct Publishing covers Amazon.
More options are in Self-Publishing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Global reach
- 70% royalty from $2.99
- Non-exclusive subscription
Cons
- 45% below $2.99
- No print books
- Smaller US market
FAQ
What royalty does Kobo pay?
70% at $2.99 or more, 45% below.
Is Kobo Plus exclusive?
No.
Can I publish print books on Kobo?
No, KWL handles ebooks and audiobooks only.
Is Kobo Writing Life free?
Yes.
Where is Kobo strongest?
Canada and parts of Europe.
