Royalty Comparison Calculator
What each store pays you at the same price
The same ebook earns different amounts on different stores, because each platform sets its own royalty rules. Seeing them side by side at one price is the clearest way to weigh going exclusive with Amazon against distributing wide.
Which store pays authors the most?
At a $2.99 to $9.99 price the headline rates are close: Amazon, Apple, Kobo and Google all pay around 70%. The difference is that Amazon deducts a delivery fee on the 70% tier, while Apple and Google pay a flat 70% with none, so for large files the wide stores can pay slightly more per sale.
Should I go exclusive with Amazon or wide?
Exclusivity through KDP Select unlocks Kindle Unlimited page-read income, which suits binge-read fiction and series. Wide distribution reaches Apple, Kobo and library systems, which suits non-fiction, slower-burn titles and authors building a long-term catalogue. Many authors test exclusive first, then go wide.
Do I have to publish to each store separately?
You can upload to each directly, or use an aggregator that pushes to all of them from one dashboard in exchange for a small cut. Direct gives you full royalty and faster price changes; an aggregator saves time when managing many stores.
Frequently asked questions
Which ebook store has the best royalty?
At standard prices Amazon, Apple, Kobo and Google all pay near 70%. Apple and Google charge no delivery fee, so they can edge ahead on large files.
Is it better to be exclusive to Amazon?
Exclusivity adds Kindle Unlimited income, which helps fast-read fiction and series. Wide suits non-fiction and long-term catalogues. It depends on your book.
Does Barnes & Noble pay less?
B&N Press pays about 65% in the $2.99 to $9.99 band, slightly below the 70% of the major stores.
Can I be on Amazon and other stores at once?
Yes, as long as you are not enrolled in KDP Select, which requires ebook exclusivity to Amazon.