Google Play Books guide for authors who want global ebook reach
Google Play Books sells ebooks and audiobooks to Android and web readers. This guide covers who it suits and how to prepare.
What Google Play Books is
Google Play Books is the book store built into Android devices and the Google Play app. You can publish through the Google Play Books Partner Center, or through a distributor that supplies the store for you.
Your book can also appear in Google Search and Google Books, which helps readers find it. Availability of direct sign-up can change, so check the Partner Center for your account.
Who it suits
- Authors whose readers use Android phones and tablets
- Authors who want to reach many countries from one store
- Authors who want their ebook discoverable in Google Search
- Authors who want to publish direct and keep a bigger share than an aggregator allows
What to prepare before you upload
- An EPUB or PDF ebook file that meets the store's rules
- A cover that meets the image requirements
- Metadata and a description that match your other platforms
- A price list for the countries you want to sell in
- Banking and tax details for payment
- Clear rights for any images and fonts
Things to weigh up
- Direct set-up is more work than an aggregator, but keeps the full direct rate
- Prices can be set by country, which needs care with currencies
- Do not send the same book through both a distributor and direct
- Terms and sign-up rules change, so read the current partner terms
Free tools for Google Play Books
Each tool runs in your browser. Nothing you enter is uploaded. Results are planning estimates, so confirm the final figure on Google Play Books itself.
- Book Description BuilderWrite a description that works on a store page and in search results.
- Metadata Manager & CheckerKeep title, series and keywords consistent.
- Multi-Platform Sales DashboardCombine Google Play sales with other reports.
Common questions
Can I publish directly on Google Play Books?
Authors and publishers have used the Partner Center to do this. Check there whether sign-up is open for your account before you plan around it.
Will my book show in Google Search?
Books on Google Play Books can be previewed and found through Google, but results depend on many factors and are not guaranteed.
Is there an exclusivity rule?
Google Play Books does not ask for exclusivity. Check other programmes that do, such as KDP Select.
Official pages
Disclaimer. This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Platform terms, fees and rules change, so confirm them on Google Play Books's own pages before you publish. Book Recommendations is independent and is not affiliated with Google Play Books. See the full disclaimer and our editorial policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.