Publish on Kobo for Free
Short Answer
Kobo Writing Life lets authors publish ebooks without an upfront listing fee. You upload an EPUB and cover, set pricing and territories, then earn royalties when readers buy. File prep and optional editing are still your responsibility.
Educational guide from Authors Pilot. Platform fees and print costs can still apply - always check the retailer's official help pages.
Why authors add Kobo
Kobo reaches readers outside the Amazon-only bubble, especially in Canada and other international markets. Publishing on Kobo for free (no upfront fee) is a common second-channel step after KDP.
If you enrolled in exclusive programs elsewhere, check those terms before going wide on Kobo.
EPUB and cover requirements
Kobo expects a valid EPUB for the manuscript and a high-quality cover image. Validate your EPUB before upload to avoid conversion errors.
Keep typography simple for reflowable fiction and narrative nonfiction. Complex fixed-layout books need extra testing on Kobo devices and apps.
- Use EPUB rather than a Word-only workflow when possible
- Match cover proportions to Kobo’s current guidelines
- Proof your sample on a Kobo app after approval
DIY publish steps on Kobo Writing Life
Create a Writing Life account, complete payment details, then add a new ebook project with title metadata and description.
Upload EPUB and cover, choose categories and territories, set a price, and submit. Review times vary - plan a soft launch, not a same-hour promo blast.
Official resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kobo Writing Life free?
There is no upfront fee to publish through Writing Life. Kobo takes a royalty share on sales. Confirm current rates in your dashboard.
Can I publish the same ebook on KDP and Kobo?
Yes if you are not locked into an exclusivity program. Keep metadata consistent and update both stores when you revise files.
List your live book for discovery
Once your Kobo (or other) edition is live, you can submit a free book listing on Authors Pilot.
Paid Authors Pilot services (optional)
Need formatting help?
Paid book formatting services are available if EPUB prep is blocking your upload.