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:

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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✅ 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.

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