Barnes & Noble Press: Complete Guide for Self-Publishing Authors
Barnes & Noble Press is the only major self-publishing platform connected to physical bookstores. Non-exclusive, 65% ebook royalties, and B&N Shelves placement opportunities — B&N Press is a high-value addition to any wide distribution strategy.
Build Your Launch Strategy →How to Publish on Barnes & Noble Press
Create Your B&N Press Account
Sign up at press.barnesandnoble.com with a US bank account and tax information. B&N Press currently requires US residency or a US tax ID for direct payment.
Prepare Your EPUB File
Export a clean EPUB from your writing software or hire a formatter. Validate with the free EPUBCheck tool before upload. Well-formed EPUBs display correctly across all Nook devices.
Set Up Your Book Details
Enter your title, description (use keyword-rich text), categories (up to 2 BISAC categories), and pricing. B&N's 65% royalty window: $2.99–$9.99.
Upload and Preview
Upload your EPUB and cover (minimum 750px wide, preferred 1400×2100px). Use B&N's online previewer to check formatting on Nook HD, Nook GlowLight, and the Nook app.
Submit and Go Live
Submit for publication. B&N reviews content within 24–72 hours. Once approved, your book is live on BN.com, searchable, and available for Nook app download.
B&N Press vs Amazon KDP: Key Differences
Exclusivity
B&N Press: fully non-exclusive. KDP Select: 90-day exclusivity required for Kindle Unlimited enrollment. B&N lets you publish everywhere simultaneously.
Physical Presence
B&N Press connects to 600+ Barnes & Noble stores via B&N Shelves. KDP has no physical retail connection — only digital and Amazon warehouse fulfillment.
Royalty Structure
Both pay 65%/35% based on price range. B&N's 65% window is $2.99–$9.99, matching KDP. Print royalties are comparable — subtract print cost from list price.
Market Share
Amazon dominates ebook sales. B&N holds the second-largest US share. For maximum revenue, wide distribution (both platforms plus Apple, Kobo) outperforms Amazon-exclusive for most genres.
Launch on B&N Press with Reviews Ready
Your B&N launch needs reviews just like Amazon. iWrity ARC readers post on whichever platform they use — build launch-day social proof across all retailers.
Start ARC Campaign →Frequently Asked Questions
What royalty rate does Barnes & Noble Press pay?+
Barnes & Noble Press pays 65% royalties on ebooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99, and 40% on ebooks priced outside that range. Print-on-demand paperbacks pay 55% of the list price minus print cost. B&N Press also offers B&N Shelves placement opportunities for qualifying titles — physical bookstore visibility that no other self-publishing platform provides.
Does Barnes & Noble Press require exclusivity?+
No. Barnes & Noble Press is entirely non-exclusive. You can publish on B&N Press while simultaneously listing on Amazon KDP, Apple Books, Kobo, and everywhere else. There is no Kindle Unlimited-style exclusivity program at B&N — wide distribution is the default and encouraged.
What file formats does Barnes & Noble Press accept?+
B&N Press accepts EPUB (strongly preferred), DOC/DOCX (auto-converted), and PDF for fixed-layout books. For print books, B&N Press accepts PDF with specific trim sizes and bleed requirements. EPUB produces the best reading experience on Nook devices and the Nook app for reflowable ebooks.
How long does it take for a book to go live on Barnes & Noble?+
B&N Press typically publishes ebooks within 24–72 hours after upload approval. Print books take 3–5 business days. Once live, your book appears on BN.com and in the Nook app. B&N's review process is standard quality checking — no exclusivity review period like Amazon KDP Select.
Is Barnes & Noble Press worth it for self-publishing authors?+
Yes, especially for wide distribution strategies. Nook holds a meaningful share of the US ebook market, and B&N Press is the only major self-publishing platform connected to physical bookstores. B&N Shelves placements can result in actual store displays. Authors publishing wide report B&N as a consistent secondary revenue stream alongside Amazon.
Do I need reviews on Barnes & Noble as well as Amazon?+
BN.com has its own review system and reader reviews improve conversion there. For maximum launch impact, prioritize Amazon reviews (higher traffic, more purchase decisions) while encouraging your ARC readers to also leave reviews on B&N. iWrity ARC readers can post reviews on whichever platform they use — many read on multiple devices.