The following is the eBook publishing pipework I use.
1. Smashwords[1]. They've been around for a long while now, and the publishing system isn't as snazzy as KDP. You input a Word file (.doc, not .docx) and - assuming their "meatgrinder" accepts your document's formatting[2] - the site outputs epub, mobi, pdf, rtf and various other minor format versions. The book then gets published on the Smashwords site.
2. More importantly, Smashwords has a number of partnerships in place - key ones being Apple Books, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. This ability to ship directly into Apple Books is the MAJOR reason why I continue to use Smashwords as that's where the majority of my 'sales'[3] happen.
3. You can then download the epub and mobi files and upload them to the other two mainstream channels as followup actions: KDP for all Amazon/Kindle distribution; and Google Play Books for the all-important distribution across Android devices.
4. For the cherry on top, I sometimes also offer books in hardcopy. KDP has (I think) processes in place to convert an eBook into a hardcopy book. But mostly I use Lulu[4] because they've been around for a long time, I like their publishing flow, and <insert-vitriolic-anti-kdp-rant-here />!
1. Smashwords[1]. They've been around for a long while now, and the publishing system isn't as snazzy as KDP. You input a Word file (.doc, not .docx) and - assuming their "meatgrinder" accepts your document's formatting[2] - the site outputs epub, mobi, pdf, rtf and various other minor format versions. The book then gets published on the Smashwords site.
2. More importantly, Smashwords has a number of partnerships in place - key ones being Apple Books, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. This ability to ship directly into Apple Books is the MAJOR reason why I continue to use Smashwords as that's where the majority of my 'sales'[3] happen.
3. You can then download the epub and mobi files and upload them to the other two mainstream channels as followup actions: KDP for all Amazon/Kindle distribution; and Google Play Books for the all-important distribution across Android devices.
4. For the cherry on top, I sometimes also offer books in hardcopy. KDP has (I think) processes in place to convert an eBook into a hardcopy book. But mostly I use Lulu[4] because they've been around for a long time, I like their publishing flow, and <insert-vitriolic-anti-kdp-rant-here />!
[1] https://www.smashwords.com/ - Smashwords landing page
[2] https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/52 - the Smashwords Style Guide - I guarantee that you come to love-and-hate this book in extreme-yet-equal measures.
[3] https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/11163 - I have never knowingly turned down an opportunity to spam the link to one of my books. It's free. Enjoy!
[4] https://www.lulu.com/ - Lulu.com landing page