Google Play Books lets self-published authors sell ebooks and audiobooks directly in the Google Play store through a dashboard called Partner Center. Ebooks earn 70% of the list price in more than 60 countries, there is no exclusivity, and Google can turn an ebook into an audiobook with its free auto-narration tool. It is one of the large stores many authors skip, which is part of its appeal.
At a glance
| What it is | Google’s direct ebook and audiobook store for publishers and authors |
| Ebook royalty | 70% of list price in 60+ countries; 52% elsewhere |
| Audiobooks | Human-narrated uploads and free auto-narration |
| Cost to publish | Free |
| Exclusivity | None |
| Dashboard | Partner Center |
How it works
You open a Partner Center account, add your tax and payment details and accept the terms of service. Then you add a book to your catalog, upload an EPUB or PDF and a cover, set prices by country and publish. If you don’t have an ISBN, Partner Center can assign a Google book ID instead.
What you earn
Google pays 70% of the list price on ebooks sold to readers in more than 60 supported countries, for partners who accepted its updated terms. The old price bands are gone, so the 70% applies at any price in those countries. Elsewhere the split is 52%. The 70% applies to your list price even when Google discounts the book to readers.
Auto-narrated audiobooks
Partner Center can convert an EPUB into an audiobook using Google’s text-to-speech voices. Google has run the tool without a program fee, and it says it will notify publishers of any change. Auto-narrated titles earn a lower split than ebooks, so check the rate shown for your account. Human-narrated audiobooks can also be uploaded as audio files.
Where you can sell from
Not every country can open a seller account, and fewer can sell audiobooks than ebooks. Google’s supported countries table in its help center lists which countries can sign up and which formats each can sell. Check it before you plan an audio edition.
Pricing and discounts
Google sometimes discounts books to readers. This used to push authors to raise list prices to protect income, but the 70% is now paid on the list price you set. Watch for price matching with other stores, especially Amazon, if you publish there too.
Getting started
Have a clean EPUB, a cover, your tax details and a payment account ready. Set up your seller profile first, then add one book and check how it displays before uploading the rest of your catalog.
Common mistakes
Authors often abandon Partner Center because it looks built for publishing houses. Others forget to set prices for each country and end up with odd local prices. A third mistake is uploading a book that is already distributed to Google through an aggregator, which creates duplicates.
Going direct or through a distributor
Distributors such as Draft2Digital can also send books to Google Play. Going direct gives you the 70% split without a distributor’s commission and access to auto-narration. Using a distributor saves time if you sell in many stores. Pick one route per book.
Owen’s take
Google Play Books is worth the setup for any author going wide. The 70% split, the reach on Android devices and the free audio tool make it one of the better direct stores, even if the dashboard takes some getting used to.
Who it suits
It suits wide authors who want another direct store and those curious about cheap audiobook editions. It suits less well authors exclusive to Amazon through KDP Select, who can’t sell the ebook elsewhere.
Similar options
- Apple Books for Authors pays 70% direct on Apple.
- Kobo Writing Life reaches Kobo readers directly.
- Draft2Digital can send your book to Google and other stores.
- Kindle Direct Publishing covers Amazon.
More options are in Self-Publishing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 70% royalty in 60+ countries at any price
- Free auto-narrated audiobooks
- No exclusivity
Cons
- Partner Center feels complex at first
- Seller sign-up limited to some countries
- Audio formats limited to fewer countries
FAQ
How much does Google Play Books pay authors?
70% of the list price on ebooks in more than 60 countries, and 52% elsewhere.
Is it free to publish on Google Play Books?
Yes. There is no fee to open an account or upload a book.
Can Google make an audiobook from my ebook?
Yes, Partner Center has an auto-narration tool that converts an EPUB to audio.
Do I need an ISBN?
No. Google can assign its own book ID.
Can I also sell on Amazon?
Yes, unless your ebook is enrolled in KDP Select, which requires exclusivity.
