Leanpub Publish Early, Publish Often: A Platform for Authors and Readers

What is Leanpub?

Leanpub provides a comprehensive platform designed for authors to self-publish and sell ebooks and online courses directly to readers. It champions the "Lean Publishing" philosophy, encouraging authors to publish works while still in progress, allowing for iterative updates based on reader feedback. Authors benefit from a straightforward writing process, utilizing either an in-browser Markdown editor, syncing with GitHub or Dropbox, or by uploading pre-formatted PDF or EPUB files. A key incentive for authors is the high royalty rate, offering 80% on sales above a certain threshold.

For readers and learners, Leanpub offers a vast marketplace primarily focused on technical subjects like computer programming, software development, data science, and artificial intelligence, though other genres are available. Content is sold individually, in curated bundles, or through learning tracks. Readers enjoy free lifetime updates for purchased books and access to DRM-free files (typically PDF and EPUB), ensuring compatibility across various devices. Additionally, Leanpub offers reader memberships granting access to a large selection of otherwise paid books, and provides specific AI-driven services like translation and course creation assistance for authors.

Features

Self-Publishing Platform: Write, publish, and sell ebooks and online courses.
High Royalty Rate: Authors receive 80% royalties on sales over $7.99.
Lean Publishing Model: Publish in-progress works and update iteratively based on reader feedback.
Multiple Writing Options: Use in-browser editor, Markdown, sync with GitHub/Dropbox, or upload PDF/EPUB.
Variable Pricing & Bundles: Set flexible prices, offer coupons, and bundle books or courses.
Online Course Creation: Develop courses with quizzes, exercises, and certificates.
DRM-Free Content: Ebooks are provided without digital rights management restrictions.
Free Updates: Readers receive free updates for the lifetime of the book.
Author Marketing Tools: Access promotional features like newsletters and sponsored spots.
AI Author Services: Utilize AI for translation (TranslateAI), course creation (CourseAI), and indexing (IndexAI).

Use Cases

Authors self-publishing technical ebooks or programming guides.
Experts creating and selling online courses in specialized fields.
Writers using the 'Lean Publishing' approach to get early feedback.
Readers accessing a wide range of DRM-free technical books and courses.
Learners taking online courses on programming, AI, data science, etc.
Authors bundling multiple books or courses for comprehensive learning packages.
Companies using Department Reader Memberships for team learning.
Authors utilizing AI tools to translate or enhance their content.

FAQs

What royalty rate does Leanpub offer authors?

Leanpub pays 80% royalties on purchases of $7.99 or more, and 80% royalties minus a 50 cent flat fee on purchases between $0.99 and $7.98.
Can I publish an incomplete book on Leanpub?

Yes, Leanpub encourages 'Lean Publishing', allowing authors to publish in-progress books and update them over time, gathering reader feedback.
What formats are Leanpub books available in?

Most Leanpub books are available in PDF (for computers) and EPUB (for phones, tablets, and Kindle), and are DRM-free.
Do readers get updates if a book changes after purchase?

Yes, readers receive free updates for as long as the author updates the book, regardless of when they bought it or how much they paid.
Does Leanpub offer refunds?

Yes, Leanpub offers a 60-day, 100% money-back guarantee on all purchases.