Before You Sell on Your Website, Read This—What Barnes & Noble Really Allows
Question:
Can I publish and sell the same book on Barnes and Noble and also my website?
Answer:
Yes, you can publish and sell the same book on both Barnes & Noble and your own website—but there are a few important details to keep in mind:
1️⃣ Self-Publishing Platforms
Barnes & Noble Press allows authors to publish both eBooks and print books. You can sell your book directly through their online store.
Selling on your own website is fully allowed; many authors do this to retain a higher profit margin and have direct contact with customers.
2️⃣ Exclusive Distribution
If you use Amazon KDP, they offer an KDP Select program that requires exclusivity for eBooks, but Barnes & Noble doesn’t have this restriction unless you opt for a specific exclusive contract elsewhere.
For print books, there is generally no exclusivity requirement, so you can freely sell print copies on your site, B&N, Amazon, and other retailers.
3️⃣ Pricing & Royalties
Make sure your pricing is consistent with each platform’s requirements. For example:
Some platforms have minimum list prices.
You can offer special discounts or bundles on your website, which might not be allowed on third-party platforms.
4️⃣ Format Differences
If you sell on B&N Press and your website, it’s smart to:
Offer the same print edition (same size, cover, and interior formatting) to maintain consistency.
Offer eBook versions where allowed (B&N eBooks and your own eBooks may have different file formats, like EPUB vs PDF).
✅ Bottom line: You can absolutely sell your book on both B&N and your own site. Just avoid exclusivity contracts that restrict distribution, and make sure pricing and formats are compatible.
