Harmony Publishing vs Kobo Writing Life
Kobo Writing Life is Rakuten Kobo's self-publishing platform for eBooks and audiobooks.
Short version. Kobo Writing Life is Rakuten Kobo's free self-publishing platform for eBooks and audiobooks: you upload your own files, it distributes them to retailers in over 190 countries, and it pays up to 70% in royalties. It has no print option. We produce the whole book, print and eBook, with cover, layout, ISBN and distribution, and you keep 100% of royalties. If you want a free, do-it-yourself digital release, Kobo Writing Life is a strong choice. If you want the book produced and printed, that is our job.
Side by side
| Harmony Publishing | Kobo Writing Life | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A full-service self-publishing company: editing from Premium, cover, layout, ISBN, printing, eBook and distribution | Rakuten Kobo's self-publishing platform for eBooks and audiobooks |
| Formats | Paperback and hardcover, plus eBook | eBooks and audiobooks; no print option is mentioned on its page |
| Entry price | From $699 (Essentials) | Free to create an account and publish |
| Printed copies | Printed copies from Complete ($1,299) up | No print option is mentioned on its page |
| Editing, cover and layout | Editing from Premium (copyediting and proofreading); Rockstar adds a developmental review; cover design, interior layout, isbn and barcode included | Self-serve: you upload and manage your own files |
| Royalties | You keep 100% of royalties and all rights | Up to 70%, paid directly to your bank account |
| Reach | Global distribution including Amazon KDP; eBook conversion and distribution from Complete | Online stores of leading retailers in over 190 countries; libraries through OverDrive; Kobo Plus subscription |
| Exclusivity and rights | You keep all rights; no exclusivity | You own your rights and are free to publish anywhere else; Kobo does not ask for exclusivity |
| Best for | Authors who want the whole book produced, printed and distributed | A do-it-yourself author with finished files who wants free, non-exclusive digital distribution |
Competitor descriptions reflect their published service structure at the time of writing and may change. Check current terms directly. Our prices are on the packages page.
Kobo Writing Life figures come from kobo.com/writinglife, checked 4 October 2026.
Three questions to ask any provider
Including us. The answers decide more about value than the headline price:
- Ask who the publisher of record will be. If it is not you or your imprint, understand why before you sign.
- Ask what royalty share they take. Any percentage of your sales is a cost that compounds over the life of the book.
- Ask whether you receive your editable source files. If you cannot take your book elsewhere later, you are locked in.
On all three, our answer is: you are the publisher of record, we take no royalties, and you receive your print-ready and editable files.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kobo Writing Life really free?
Kobo says it is free to create an account and self-publish, and it earns from a share of each sale. You still need to supply finished files, and any editing, cover design or formatting is yours to arrange.
Does Kobo Writing Life print paperbacks?
Kobo Writing Life is built for eBooks and audiobooks, and its page mentions no print option. A printed book needs a separate print route, which is where a production company comes in.
Can I use Kobo Writing Life and Harmony Publishing together?
Yes. Kobo does not require exclusivity, so a book produced and printed with us can also have its digital edition listed through Kobo. The ISBN is yours either way.
Who is Kobo Writing Life best for?
Authors who are comfortable preparing their own files and want free, wide digital distribution with library and subscription reach. It is less suited to authors who want hands-on editing, cover design, layout or printed copies.