Apple Books guide

Apple Books publishing guide: ebooks and audiobooks for Apple readers

Apple Books serves readers and listeners on iPhone, iPad and Mac. This guide explains the routes available to authors and how to prepare your files.

What Apple Books is

Apple Books is the book and audiobook store built into Apple devices. Authors can reach it directly through Apple's own author tools or through an aggregator that submits on their behalf. Each route has trade-offs in control, workload and the share of sales you keep.

Apple readers often value design, so presentation matters. A clean EPUB, a clear cover that looks good on high-resolution screens and a polished description make a difference, as does a well-produced audiobook if you offer one.

Who it suits

  • Authors whose readers use Apple devices
  • Authors who want ebooks and audiobooks in one ecosystem
  • Authors who care about reading-experience quality
  • Authors who prefer to manage each channel directly or through an aggregator

What to prepare before you upload

  • A clean, validated EPUB file
  • A high-resolution cover that looks sharp on retina screens
  • A strong description and accurate categories
  • Pricing for each territory
  • Account set-up, tax and payment details
  • Audiobook files and square cover art, if offering audio

Things to weigh up

  • Direct submission tools and requirements change, so check the current Apple guidance
  • Aggregators simplify the process but take a share of income
  • High-resolution images improve appearance but must be sized sensibly
  • Consistent pricing across stores avoids confusion for readers

How we help

We prepare EPUB files and covers suited to Apple's display quality, review your listing text and help you decide between going direct and using an aggregator.

Common questions

Can I publish to Apple Books without owning an Apple computer?

Often yes, through web-based author tools or an aggregator. Requirements change, so we confirm the current options when you start.

Is there a difference between direct and aggregator routes?

Yes. Direct gives you more control and income per sale. Aggregators are convenient and cover many stores, but share part of your earnings.

Can I add an audiobook later?

Yes. Many authors publish the ebook first and add audio once it has been produced. We can help plan both editions together.

This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Platform terms, fees and technical rules change, so check the current help pages of Apple Books before you decide. Lulu Publishing Services is independent of Apple Books and is not affiliated with it.

Get your free quote

Tell us about your book. We reply within one working day.