Web Serial or Kindle Direct? The Two Paths to Indie Publishing Success

In 2025, more writers than ever are taking publishing into their own hands. With traditional routes no longer the only option, two distinct paths have emerged for independent authors looking to build an audience and earn a living from their work: web serials and Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).

Both of these indie publishing paths come with their own strengths and weaknesses, but both can also be a path to real success. That said, it’s important to understand them thoroughly so you can decide which your story is a good fit for when considering self-publishing options.

Web Serials

Web serials operate on an installment basis, with authors releasing chapters or episodes directly to readers online. This format has flourished particularly in genres such as fantasy, sci-fi, and romance. It fosters tight-knit communities and encourages ongoing engagement between writer and reader.

One of the major appeals of this format is the direct feedback it allows for. Readers often respond to new chapters almost immediately, offering comments, theories, and even fan art.

This interaction can become an integral part of the creative process, shaping the direction of the story itself—though it can be a double-edged sword. With visibility comes expectation, and many readers will demand a regular publishing rhythm. That pressure to keep up with a schedule can be both motivating for some and exhausting for others.

Because chapters are released as they’re written, web serials also offer a rapid publication timeline. Authors can build momentum quickly and keep readers hooked from one update to the next.

This format lends itself to testing out new story ideas without committing years to a single project. If something isn’t working, it's possible to pivot quickly or even move on without the sense of wasted effort.

In terms of cost, web serials often present a lower barrier to entry. Many platforms are free to use, and while high-quality editing and cover design are still important, they can be approached gradually.

It’s also worth noting that monetization is highly flexible. Authors might choose to host their work on sites that support ad revenue or use Patreon to offer early access, exclusive content, or other perks. Crowdfunding and direct reader support are increasingly viable options.

However, the independence and speed of serial publishing come at a price. Without a formal editorial process, errors in grammar, structure, or continuity can slip through. Discoverability can also be a challenge, especially when self-hosting, as the author bears full responsibility for marketing and reader acquisition.

Furthermore, stories written as web serials may need major restructuring to work as traditional novels, due to differences in pacing and narrative rhythm. And for those eyeing a future traditional publishing deal, there’s the issue of first publishing rights—many publishers won't take on work that's already been widely released online.

This attitude is shifting but the shift is slow. Titles like Andy Weir’s The Martian and, more recently, Matt Dinniman’s litRPG megahit Dungeon Crawler Carl have proven that it is possible to sell the print rights to a successful web serial but, as of 2025, these cases are still few and far between.

Kindle Direct Publishing

In contrast, Kindle Direct Publishing provides a more conventional self-publishing model. Amazon’s platform allows authors to upload both ebooks and print-on-demand paperbacks, tapping into a vast global marketplace. For many, the scale of potential reach is its biggest draw.

The print-on-demand model also eliminates the need for costly print runs and warehousing. Books are only printed when ordered, which reduces financial risk and logistical stress. While the quality of the print run is not as high as what you’d get from a traditional publisher, the financial advantages are well worth considering. Moreover, the platform itself is relatively straightforward to navigate, even for first-timers.

Yet for all these advantages, KDP is far from a guaranteed success. Competition on Amazon is fierce, and discoverability is a major hurdle. A professionally produced book is a must, and even then it takes consistent marketing to stand out. While KDP does provide some promotional features, the bulk of the work—advertising, platform-building, reader outreach—remains with the author.

Another limitation is that those who opt for KDP Select must also agree to keep their ebook exclusive to Amazon for a 90-day period, potentially cutting off sales from other platforms such as Apple Books or Kobo.

The royalty rates can also be a sticking point for some. While Amazon does offer a fairly competitive 75% royalty rate, you’ll have to jump through quite a few hoops to get it (including limitations on how you price your book). Even then, you’ll only get the 75% rate within certain regions.

Their other option is a 35% royalty rate, effectively giving Amazon the lion’s share of the profit from your work.

Choosing the Right Path

Deciding between web serials and KDP will depend largely on your creative goals, working habits, and preferred publishing experience.

If your writing process thrives on immediate feedback and you enjoy building a community around your work, then web serials may be the better choice. They allow you to move fast, iterate freely, and connect deeply with your audience—particularly if you’re comfortable using reader-supported monetization platforms like Patreon.

On the other hand, if you prefer to work privately until a book is complete and want the broadest possible retail reach via a single platform, KDP is likely the better fit. It suits authors who want to publish polished, self-contained works and are prepared to handle the marketing challenges that come with the territory.

In practice, many authors blend these approaches. A story might begin as a web serial, gathering a following and refining its structure through reader interaction. Later, it can be edited, compiled, and released as a complete novel on KDP.

This hybrid model lets authors build momentum and test ideas early while ultimately capitalizing on the reach and professionalism of a finished product in the ebook and print markets.

Both paths offer real potential, and neither is inherently better than the other. The key is aligning your publishing strategy with the nature of your story and your personal vision for how it should reach the world.