How to Publish eBooks Online (2025): Tools, Software, and Strategies for Indian Authors

Publishing eBooks goes beyond completing a manuscript. Indian authors often face confusion about which tools to use, how to format files correctly, and how to market their books effectively. The right tools ensure your eBook looks professional, meets platform requirements, and reaches readers globally.

Without proper formatting or software, even great content can get rejected by Amazon KDP, Google Play Books, or Apple Books. Similarly, marketing gaps can prevent readers from discovering your book, limiting your reach and revenue.

Publishing eBooks online in 2025 is about more than writing a manuscript. Indian authors face a complex ecosystem of platforms, file formats, software options, and marketing gaps. Choosing the right self-publishing book software, formatting correctly, and understanding platform-specific rules are essential to avoid delays, rejections, or lost revenue. Many authors focus on writing but underestimate the technical and strategic aspects. 

Write Right has helped over 200 Indian authors understand publishing eBooks, ensuring files are compliant, discoverable, and professional. 

This guide breaks down tools, platforms, and strategies that make the difference between a book that simply exists online and a book that actually reaches readers worldwide.

Step 1: Format Your eBook Correctly

Proper formatting is the foundation of successful publishing of eBooks. Indian authors often struggle with technical issues, which can delay approval or create poor reading experiences. Understanding layouts, file types, and accessibility is essential.

Reflowable vs Fixed Layout

• Reflowable adapts to different screen sizes, ideal for novels and most non-fiction.
• Fixed layout preserves design exactly, suitable for picture books, cookbooks, or graphic-heavy content. Choosing the wrong layout can hurt readability on mobile devices and tablets.

EPUB vs MOBI vs PDF

• EPUB is the standard for most platforms, including Google Play Books and Apple Books.
• MOBI is primarily for Amazon Kindle, though KDP now accepts EPUB.
• PDF works for simple text-heavy books but often loses flexibility on small screens.

Read This Guide For More Clarity: Which Book Format Sells More? EPUB vs. MOBI vs. PDF?

Accessibility Compliance

• Add alt text for images to assist visually impaired readers.
• Ensure headings and chapter markers are consistent.
• Test your eBook on multiple devices to avoid display errors.

A technical editor at Write Right explains, “90 percent of eBook rejections happen because of formatting errors. Proper layout, correct file types, and accessibility features make your book professional and platform-ready.”

Case Study: An Indian author’s Apple Books submission was initially rejected due to inconsistent headings in her EPUB. Write Right restructured the file, embedded alt text, and standardized fonts. Within 48 hours, the eBook was approved and launched successfully across platforms, receiving positive feedback for a seamless reading experience.

[Read The Case Study]

Step 2: Choose the Right Self-Publishing Software

Selecting the right self-publishing book software is crucial for Indian authors. The right tool simplifies writing, formatting, and publishing while minimizing technical hurdles.

Popular Software Options:

• Kindle Create: Free, beginner-friendly, designed for Amazon KDP. Limited for advanced formatting.
• Scrivener: Excellent for organizing large manuscripts and research. Learning curve can be steep.
• Calibre: Free, open-source, good for converting between EPUB, MOBI, and PDF. Not ideal for polished designs.
• Vellum: Mac-only software, produces professional layouts. Expensive and less accessible for Indian authors.
• Atticus: Cloud-based, versatile, supports both eBooks and print. Easier for beginners than Vellum.

Factors to Consider:

• Cost vs features for Indian authors.
• Learning curve and platform compatibility.
• Export options for multiple platforms (Amazon, Google Play, Apple Books).

An Indian author shares, “Scrivener helped me organize my trilogy efficiently and export files for Kindle, Google Play, and Apple Books. Without it, coordinating multiple formats would have been overwhelming.”

Expert Note: A software trainer at Write Right explains, “Vellum produces beautiful books, but Mac-only limitations can be a challenge for Indian authors. Choosing software that balances usability, cost, and output quality is key.”

Read Our Guide How to Self-Publish a Book in India (2025): Step-by-Step Guide to Costs, Indie Options & Marketing

Step 3: Uploading to eBook Publishers & Platforms

Once your manuscript is formatted and ready, the next step is submitting it to eBook publishers and online platforms. Proper uploads ensure your book appears correctly and is discoverable by readers.

Major Platforms for Indian Authors:

• Amazon KDP: Most popular globally. Supports Kindle devices and apps. Easy to set up, strong royalty options.
• Google Play Books: Wide reach on Android devices. Flexible pricing and pre-order options.
• Apple Books: Strong Western readership. Requires EPUB format and Apple-specific metadata.

Aggregators: Tools like Draft2Digital, Smashwords, and NotionPress help distribute to multiple platforms simultaneously. This is useful for wide distribution without manual uploads to each store.

Local Indian eBook Publishers: Some authors may prefer Indian aggregators like Estorytellers, Pothi, Write Right, or NotionPress for regional reach and support with taxes, GST, and currency conversions.

Best Practices:

• Verify platform-specific formatting requirements (e.g., EPUB vs MOBI).
• Include correct ISBNs or ASINs for metadata consistency.
• Double-check cover and metadata before final submission.

A representative from Draft2Digital notes, “Authors in India gain wider global visibility using aggregators. Distribution to multiple platforms ensures no potential reader is missed.”

Case Study: An Indian author uploaded her eBook via Draft2Digital. Write Right helped with formatting and metadata, enabling distribution to six countries. Within the first month, the book received downloads in India, the US, the UK, and Singapore, without errors or platform rejections.

[Here’s How It Worked]

Step 4: Fixing the Marketing Gaps in eBook Publishing

Uploading your eBook is just the start. Most online book publishing platforms do not market your book for you, so proactive promotion is essential to reach readers.

Why Marketing Matters:
Even a well-formatted eBook with strong content can remain invisible without marketing. Metadata, pricing, and discoverability signals influence visibility on stores like Amazon, Google Play, and Apple Books.

Key Strategies for Indian Authors:

• Metadata Optimization: Use accurate categories, compelling descriptions, and targeted keywords. This improves searchability on platforms.
• Advertising: Amazon Ads and Google Ads can boost visibility. Small budgets targeted at genre-specific readers are highly effective.
• Social Media Push: Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn help connect with readers, build anticipation, and drive pre-orders.
• Free Promotions: Short-term discounts or limited-time free offers can boost rankings and reviews, but must be scheduled strategically to avoid devaluing your book.A digital marketing consultant notes, “ROI from eBook ads improves significantly when metadata, pricing, and targeting are aligned. Indian authors often overlook these, losing potential sales.”

Case Study: An Indian author used Write Right to manage KDP Ads and Instagram promotions. Within three weeks, she sold 500 copies. Metadata updates and ad optimization helped her book appear in top searches, demonstrating the power of professional marketing support.

[Explore How We Did It]

Step 5: Managing Updates & Versions

Once your eBook is live, updates and version control become crucial for long-term success. Even minor typos, formatting issues, or content additions can impact reader experience and reviews.

Why Updates Matter:
Readers notice errors, and a poor first impression can affect ratings and sales. Correcting issues quickly ensures credibility and improves discoverability over time.

How Version Control Works:

• Amazon KDP: Allows you to upload revised files, keeping the same ASIN. Readers automatically receive the latest version.
• Google Play Books: Lets you replace your EPUB or PDF while maintaining metadata and previous reviews.
• Apple Books: Supports file replacement for minor updates, but major content changes might require a new edition.
  

When to Release a New Edition:

• Major rewrites or added chapters
• Significant cover redesigns affecting branding
• Substantial changes to content structure

A publishing editor advises, “Regular updates maintain reader trust. Authors who neglect version management risk negative reviews and lost discoverability.”

Case Study: An Indian author collaborated with Write Right to correct formatting errors and update typos across Amazon and Google Play. The improved version received better reviews, increasing her average rating by 0.5 stars and boosting sales organically.

[Read The Full Case Study]

Conclusion: Tools, Strategy, and Marketing Are the Keys to eBook Success

Publishing eBooks online is no longer just about hitting “publish.” Success depends on professional formatting, the right software, strategic platform selection, and closing marketing gaps. Indian authors who master these elements see better discoverability, higher sales, and smoother multi-platform distribution. 

Write Right ensures that every step, from formatting to marketing, is done correctly, bridging technical challenges and knowledge gaps. By combining the right tools with informed strategies, Indian authors can confidently navigate self-publishing book software, eBook publishers, and online platforms, turning a manuscript into a professional, globally visible eBook.

Related Reads:

10 Things Indian Authors Must Know About Online Book Publishing in 2025

A Complete Guide for Indian Authors Publishing on Google Play Books and Apple Books in 2025

FAQs on Publishing eBooks Online

What is the best software for self-publishing eBooks in India?

The best software depends on your needs. Kindle Create is ideal for Amazon-focused authors, while Scrivener and Calibre help with writing and formatting flexibility. Vellum offers high-quality layouts but is Mac-only. Write Right assists Indian authors in choosing and using software effectively, providing hands-on guidance to ensure files are correctly formatted and compatible across multiple platforms, saving time and avoiding common publishing errors.

How do I format my eBook for Kindle, Google Play, or Apple Books?

Formatting requirements differ by platform. Kindle prefers MOBI or reflowable EPUB, Google Play accepts EPUB or PDF, and Apple Books requires strict EPUB compliance with proper headings, fonts, and alt text. Write Right helps authors prepare files that meet all platform standards, ensuring accessibility, smooth device compatibility, and fewer rejection risks, so your eBook launches successfully without technical delays.

Do I need to use EPUB or PDF for eBooks?

EPUB is the most widely accepted format across Google Play, Apple Books, and many aggregators. PDFs are useful for fixed-layout content but may not display well on small devices. For Amazon KDP, MOBI or reflowable EPUB is preferred. Write Right guides authors in selecting the right format, converting manuscripts properly, and optimizing layouts, ensuring your book looks professional across all devices.

Are there free tools to publish eBooks online?

Yes, tools like Calibre, Google Docs, and Kindle Create are free and support basic publishing needs. They work well for beginners but may have limitations in advanced formatting and metadata optimization. Write Right supports authors using free tools, ensuring professional-quality eBooks, correcting formatting issues, and providing guidance for multi-platform publishing without hidden costs.

How do I upload my eBook to multiple platforms at once?

Aggregators like Draft2Digital, Smashwords, or NotionPress allow simultaneous distribution across Amazon, Apple, Google, and other retailers. However, each platform may have unique requirements. Write Right helps authors navigate these differences, managing uploads, metadata, and tax compliance to ensure smooth, error-free publishing across all platforms from a single workflow.

Do platforms like Amazon or Google market eBooks automatically?

No platform guarantees organic marketing. Amazon, Google, and Apple provide algorithms for discoverability but rely on metadata, keywords, and reviews. Paid promotions or ads are optional. Write Right helps authors fill marketing gaps, optimize metadata, and create strategic promotions, increasing visibility and driving early sales effectively.

What’s the best way to promote an eBook in India?

Promotion combines platform optimization, social media, email lists, and paid campaigns. Use Amazon Ads, Google Ads, Instagram, and Twitter strategically. Write Right guides Indian authors in creating marketing strategies, scheduling pre-orders, managing campaigns, and optimizing keywords and metadata, ensuring maximum reach and engagement for both local and international audiences.

How do I update my eBook after it’s been published?

Platforms allow revised files to replace old ones. Amazon updates automatically for existing readers, Google Play and Apple Books maintain metadata and reviews. Write Right assists authors in managing updates, fixing typos, revising editions, and re-uploading files correctly, helping maintain reader trust, improving ratings, and ensuring continuous discoverability.