Google eBooks and Self-Publishers

Many indie booksellers have successfully partnered with self-published authors for years, and the growing popularity of digital formats doesn’t mean these relationships have to end. Google eBooks™ provides a way for self-published authors to make their works available in digital form for sale via IndieCommerce websites.

The first step for authors is to join the Google Books Partner Program, and then make their titles available via the Preview Program.  Once the Google Books Partner Program form is completed, the author will receive an e-mail with instructions, as well as information about sending materials to Google.

Authors can submit either a physical copy or a PDF version of their books; however, Google is able to process PDF files more quickly than physical books. Details about file types and the inclusion of images is provided in Google eBooks’ Program Policies.

Google’s website also provides step-by-step instructions for submitting titles, and additional help can be found in the Google eBooks troubleshooter guide and the Google Books Partner Program main help page.