Leanpub
Publish early, publish often.
Overview
Leanpub is a unique self-publishing platform that promotes the concept of 'lean publishing,' which encourages authors to publish their books while they are still in progress and to update them over time. Authors can write in plain text using Markdown, and Leanpub automatically converts their work into ebook formats. The platform also offers a variable pricing model, where readers can choose how much they want to pay for a book, with a minimum price set by the author. Leanpub is particularly popular among authors of technical books and online courses.
✨ Key Features
- Lean publishing model for in-progress books
- Writing in Markdown with automatic ebook generation
- Variable pricing model for readers
- Bundling of books and courses
- Direct sales to readers with high royalty rates
🎯 Key Differentiators
- Unique 'lean publishing' philosophy of publishing in-progress work
- Simple and powerful Markdown-based writing and publishing workflow
- Author-friendly royalty rates and direct-to-reader sales model
Unique Value: Leanpub offers a revolutionary approach to publishing that allows authors to engage with their audience early and often, fostering a more collaborative and iterative writing process.
🎯 Use Cases (4)
✅ Best For
- Publishing and selling in-progress ebooks to an engaged audience
- Using a simple Markdown-based workflow to create and update ebooks
💡 Check With Vendor
Verify these considerations match your specific requirements:
- Authors who require extensive design and layout tools for visually complex books
- Those who are looking for wide distribution to major online retailers (Leanpub focuses on direct sales)
🏆 Alternatives
Unlike traditional publishing platforms, Leanpub is built for the modern, agile author who values speed, flexibility, and a direct connection with their readers.
💻 Platforms
🔌 Integrations
🛟 Support Options
- ✓ Email Support
🔒 Compliance & Security
💰 Pricing
Free tier: Free to publish; Leanpub takes a commission on sales.
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