Leanpub brings ebook and course writing together with a storefront where readers can buy authors’ work. Authors can write in a browser or on a computer, preview or publish with one click, or upload an existing ebook. They can work in Leanpub Flavoured Markdown or Markua, or use Bring Your Own Book to upload PDF, EPUB, or MOBI files. Authors set minimum and suggested prices; readers choose how much to pay, including more than the suggested price. Royalties are 80% on purchases of $7.99 and up, and 80% minus $0.50 below $7.99. The free plan allows three books, one course, and up to five previews or publishes each month. Paid plans are listed at 8.99 USD per month for Mini Author, 13.99 USD per month for Light Author, and 18.99 USD per month for Pro Author, billed every three months at the stated totals. Features across plans include PDF and EPUB export, reflowable layouts, ebook validation, and accessibility tools. Leanpub is available on the web and through its API.
Who it is for
Leanpub suits authors creating ebooks or courses who want publishing tools alongside a place to sell their work. Its free tier may suit authors with modest publishing needs; higher plans add capacity, exports, and integrations.
What is good
- Write in a browser or on a computer.
- Upload PDF, EPUB, and MOBI books.
- Readers choose what to pay.
- PDF and EPUB export are supported.
- Free plan includes three books and one course.
What to know first
- Free Author allows five previews or publishes monthly.
- Purchase-related information is retained indefinitely unless deletion is requested.
- API use is subject to per-key rate limits.
Verdict
Leanpub combines book and course production with an integrated storefront and reader-selected pricing. Check the plan’s publishing limits and royalty terms against your needs before choosing it.
Leanpub plans and pricing
All plansCompared on eBook creation software
- Free plan
- Yes
- EPUB export
- Yes
- PDF export
- Yes
- Reflowable layout
- Yes
- Ebook validation
- Yes
- Accessibility tools
- Yes
- Import formats
- PDF, EPUB, DOCX
