Barnes & Noble Press is a self-publishing platform that allows authors to create, publish, and distribute physical books through Barnes & Noble's retail channels and online marketplace. It operates on a print-on-demand model, meaning books are produced only when ordered, eliminating upfront inventory costs.
Launched in 2014, Barnes & Noble Press offers a streamlined process for independent authors to bring their work to market without traditional publishing gatekeeping. Authors upload manuscripts, choose formatting and cover design options, set pricing, and then list their books for sale. Once a customer places an order, the book is printed and shipped directly from a fulfillment partner.
The service supports both trade paperbacks and hardcovers, with standard sizes and binding options. Titles appear in Barnes & Noble's online store and may be stocked in select physical stores. Unlike Amazon KDP, which offers global distribution, Barnes & Noble Press focuses on the U.S. market and integrates directly with the retailer's existing sales infrastructure.
Authors begin by creating an account on the Barnes & Noble Press website. After signing in, they upload a manuscript in Word (.docx) or PDF format. The system checks file compatibility and flags common issues such as missing page numbers, improper margins, or embedded fonts.
Next, authors select a book size (typically 5.5 x 8.5 inches for trade paperbacks), choose between black-and-white or color interiors, and pick a cover design option. The platform provides templates and basic design tools, though advanced customization requires external software like Adobe InDesign or Canva.
After finalizing layout and cover, authors set a price. The minimum recommended price is $9.99 for trade paperbacks and $14.99 for hardcovers, based on production cost and royalty structure. Authors earn a 30% royalty on each sale, paid monthly via direct deposit or check.
Barnes & Noble Press supports two primary formats:
| Format | Size | Price Range | Production Time | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trade Paperback | 5.5 x 8.5 inches | $9.99-$19.99 | 3-5 business days | General readers, fiction, memoirs |
| Hardcover | 6 x 9 inches | $14.99-$29.99 | 5-7 business days | Collectors, academic works, illustrated books |
Both formats use standard offset printing with acid-free paper. Interior files must have 0.75-inch margins and 12-point serif font (like Times New Roman) for readability. The platform automatically applies ISBNs, though authors can purchase their own for brand control.
A key limitation: Barnes & Noble Press does not offer e-book distribution. While authors can export EPUB files for personal use, titles do not appear on Nook or other digital retailers. This restricts reach compared to platforms like Amazon KDP, which support Kindle, Kobo, and Apple Books.
Authors use Barnes & Noble Press primarily to gain access to a major U.S. bookstore chain's physical and digital storefronts. A book listed on B&N Press appears in the "Self-Published" category on bn.com and may be included in in-store displays, especially during seasonal promotions.
For example, a romance novel titled *The Summer House* was published through Barnes & Noble Press in June 2023. It sold 1,200 copies in its first six months, including 340 units through in-store pickups and 860 via online orders. The author reported receiving 42 customer reviews and a feature in the "New Releases" newsletter.
Nonfiction writers often choose this route for niche topics-such as local history, gardening guides, or self-help manuals-where physical presence matters. A 2022 study by the Association of American Publishers found that 68% of readers prefer physical books for nonfiction, particularly when referencing content repeatedly.
One author I worked with in 2022 published a regional cookbook titled *Prairie Flavors: Recipes from the Midwest*. She used B&N Press because her target audience-local food enthusiasts-frequented Barnes & Noble locations. Her book appeared in 12 regional stores and generated $3,200 in revenue within four months, despite minimal marketing.
Many assume Barnes & Noble Press is a publisher in the traditional sense, offering editing, marketing, or advance payments. It is not. The service is purely technical: it handles printing, warehousing, and order fulfillment. Authors retain full copyright and control over content, but they are responsible for all aspects of development, promotion, and distribution.
Another misconception is that books published through B&N Press are reviewed or vetted by the company. They are not. Titles are not subject to editorial screening, quality assurance, or editorial feedback. This differs from traditional publishers and even some hybrid models like Simon & Schuster's Author Services.
A lesser-known fact: Barnes & Noble Press does not charge setup fees or annual membership costs. There are no hidden fees. However, authors pay a per-unit cost for printing and shipping, which varies by format and destination. For a 5.5 x 8.5 inch paperback, the base production cost is $3.85 per copy. The final price must cover this cost plus the 30% royalty and shipping.
For comparison, Amazon KDP charges $0.00 for setup and uses a variable royalty rate (up to 70% for books priced under $2.99). But KDP's visibility relies heavily on algorithmic ranking, while B&N Press offers consistent placement in a curated retail environment.
Barnes & Noble Press suits authors who want to sell physical books through a trusted national retailer without upfront investment. It's ideal for those targeting audiences who shop in stores, value tactile reading experiences, or live near Barnes & Noble locations.
It's less suitable for authors seeking wide digital distribution, aggressive marketing support, or international reach. It also doesn't support audiobooks or serialized content. Authors aiming for global exposure should consider platforms like IngramSpark or KDP Select.
According to Barnes & Noble's 2023 annual report, over 120,000 titles were published through B&N Press that year, with an average title selling 47 copies in its first year. This reflects low volume but steady output, indicating a stable, low-barrier entry point for new authors.
For authors looking to test a concept, build a portfolio, or reach a specific geographic audience, Barnes & Noble Press offers a practical, low-risk path to publication. It's not a substitute for professional publishing-but it's a viable alternative for creators focused on physical distribution and retail presence.