Kobo Writing Life
Reach readers in over 190 countries.
Overview
Kobo Writing Life (KWL) is the self-publishing portal for Rakuten Kobo, a major global ebook retailer. It allows authors to publish their ebooks directly to Kobo's international stores. Kobo has a significant market share in countries like Canada and parts of Europe, making it a key platform for authors wanting to build a global readership.
✨ Key Features
- Direct publishing to Kobo's global stores
- Access to Kobo Plus, a subscription reading service in select countries
- User-friendly dashboard and sales reporting
- No exclusivity required
- Free to publish
🎯 Key Differentiators
- Strong international presence, particularly in Canada.
- Partnerships with major international retailers.
- Kobo Plus subscription program offers an alternative revenue stream.
Unique Value: Provides direct access to a significant global ebook market outside of Amazon, empowering authors to build an international brand and diversify their sales channels.
🎯 Use Cases (3)
✅ Best For
- Publishing ebooks directly to the Kobo store and its international partners.
💡 Check With Vendor
Verify these considerations match your specific requirements:
- Authors who only want to manage one platform and prefer an aggregator to handle Kobo distribution.
🏆 Alternatives
While aggregators can distribute to Kobo, publishing direct via KWL gives authors more control over pricing, promotions, and faster access to sales data for that specific platform.
💻 Platforms
🔌 Integrations
🛟 Support Options
- ✓ Email Support
🔒 Compliance & Security
💰 Pricing
Free tier: Free to upload and publish. Kobo takes a percentage of sales as royalty.
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