Side by side
Kindle Direct Publishing vs Printful
Both stand on print-on-demand platforms. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose KDP if you want to publish eligible books for Amazon and retain your rights, with print-on-demand and multiple royalty options. Look elsewhere if you need to publish excluded formats or want to distribute a KDP Select-enrolled Kindle eBook outside the Kindle Store during its term.
Visit Kindle Direct Publishing
Printful combines custom-product production with fulfillment, storefront integrations, and tools for managing designs and orders. The free plan covers a broad set of products and integrations, while Growth adds a monthly fee for discounts and other benefits.
Visit PrintfulThe facts
| Kindle Direct Publishing | Printful | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows | Android, API, iPhone, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Printful Growth: $24.99 a month |
| Plans published | 1 | 5 |
| Maker | Not published | Printful |
| Website | kdp.amazon.com | printful.com |
| On print-on-demand platforms | #3 of 178 | #1 of 178 |
Kindle Direct Publishing: what it does well
- Publishing is free, and authors retain full book rights.
- Supports eBooks, paperbacks and hardcover books.
- Print books are produced on demand.
- Manuscripts can be submitted in DOC/DOCX, KPF, EPUB and other formats.
- Offers Amazon Advertising, previews and sample chapters.
What to know first
- KDP does not allow magazines, periodicals, calendars or spiral-bound books.
- KDP limits new title creation and first-time submission to two titles per format weekly.
- KDP Select requires Kindle eBook exclusivity to the Kindle Store during enrollment.
Printful: what it does well
- No upfront costs; payment follows a customer order.
- Free plan includes 563 custom products.
- Connects with 22 ecommerce platforms and marketplaces.
- Global fulfillment and white-label shipping.
- 24/7 customer support is included on the Free plan.
What to know first
- Free plan sample orders are limited to one monthly.
- Each sample order allows up to three items.
- Growth costs $24.99 a month.
- Enterprise pricing is custom.
Alternatives to Kindle Direct Publishing Alternatives to Printful The whole list