What Kobo Writing Life is
Kobo Writing Life lets independent authors publish ebooks and, in many cases, audiobooks directly to the Kobo store. Kobo has readers in many countries, which makes it attractive for authors who want an international audience beyond a single dominant retailer.
Like every direct platform, it rewards authors who give it attention. Accurate metadata, a good cover and sensible pricing help readers find the book, and the platform's promotional tools can help when used thoughtfully.
Who it suits
- Authors who want international reach
- Authors who want to publish directly to a major non-Amazon retailer
- Authors planning to be wide across several retailers
- Authors interested in ebooks and audiobooks
What to prepare before you upload
- A validated EPUB file
- An ebook cover meeting the platform's guidance
- Description, categories and keywords for your target readers
- Pricing for the regions you want to sell in
- Account details for payment and tax
- Series information and consistent author name across stores
Things to weigh up
- Promotional programmes have their own eligibility rules, so check current details
- Regional pricing needs thought
- Going direct to several stores requires separate accounts
- Terms change, so rely on Kobo's own current documentation
How we help
We build and validate your EPUB, design covers and review your metadata so your book is ready for Kobo and for the other retailers you choose.
- Book Interior Layout & Formatting: Professional print and ebook interiors, from typography and chapter openers to platform-ready files.
- Book Cover Design: Custom front, spine and back covers that fit your genre and meet print and ebook specifications.
- Audiobook Creation & Publishing: Narration, production and distribution of your audiobook, prepared to retailer technical requirements.
Common questions
Is Kobo worth the effort if I am already on Amazon?
For many authors it is, particularly when their readers live outside the United States. It adds reach without requiring a different book.
Do I need a separate cover?
Usually the same ebook cover works, but each platform has its own image guidance. We check it for you.
Can I run promotions on Kobo?
Kobo offers promotional tools to eligible titles. Eligibility and rules change, so check Kobo's current programme details.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Platform terms, fees and technical rules change, so check the current help pages of Kobo Writing Life before you decide. Lulu Publishing Services is independent of Kobo Writing Life and is not affiliated with it.