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Leanpub
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
What it is
Leanpub combines ebook and course writing tools with an online storefront where readers can buy authors’ work. Authors can write in a browser or on a computer, preview or publish with one click, or upload an existing ebook. Writing options include Leanpub Flavoured Markdown and Markua, while Bring Your Own Book accepts PDF, EPUB and MOBI files. Authors set minimum and suggested prices; readers decide what to pay, including more than the suggested amount. Authors earn 80% on purchases of $7.99 and up, and 80% minus $0.50 on purchases below $7.99. The Free Author plan is free and allows three books, one course and up to five previews or publishes per month. Mini Author is $8.99 a month, billed $26.97 every three months; Light Author is $13.99 a month, billed $41.97 every three months; Pro Author is $18.99 a month, billed $56.97 every three months. Higher plans add publishing capacity, exports, themes or integrations. Leanpub supports PDF and EPUB export, reflowable layouts, ebook validation and accessibility tools, and offers web and API access.
For and against
For
- Write in a browser or on a computer.
- Accepts PDF, EPUB and MOBI uploads.
- Readers choose how much to pay.
- Free Author includes three books and one course.
- Supports PDF and EPUB export.
Against
- Free Author allows up to five previews or publishes monthly.
- Mini Author allows up to 20 previews or publishes monthly.
- API use is subject to per-key rate limits.
- Purchase information is retained indefinitely unless users request deletion.
The verdict
Leanpub combines a publishing workflow and sales storefront with flexible reader-selected pricing. Compare the plan limits and billing terms if you expect to publish frequently or need Pro Author integrations.
Who it suits
Leanpub suits authors creating ebooks or courses who want writing, publishing and storefront tools together. The free tier may fit occasional publishing, while integrations such as GitHub and Dropbox sync are included in Pro Author.
Plans and prices
Free Author
3 books and 1 course · Up to 5 previews or publishes per month · 80% royalties on purchases of $7.99 and up; 80% minus $0.50 below $7.99
Read 29 Sep 2026 · leanpub.com
Mini Author
Up to 100 books and courses · Up to 20 previews or publishes per month
Read 29 Sep 2026 · leanpub.com
Light Author
Up to 100 books and courses · Unlimited previews and publishes · Custom themes · Print-ready PDF export
Read 29 Sep 2026 · leanpub.com
Pro Author
GitHub and Dropbox sync · Google Analytics · InDesign export · Leanpub API
Read 29 Sep 2026 · leanpub.com
On the record
- API
- The Leanpub API lets authors programmatically preview, publish, and manage their books and courses, subject to per-key rate limits.leanpub.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Data retention
- Leanpub says it retains information associated with book and course purchases indefinitely unless users ask for it to be deleted.leanpub.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Formats
- Authors can write in Leanpub Flavoured Markdown or Markua, or upload PDF, EPUB, and MOBI files in Bring Your Own Book mode.leanpub.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Integrations
- Pro Author includes GitHub and Dropbox sync, Google Analytics, InDesign export, and access to the Leanpub API.leanpub.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Limits
- Free Author membership allows up to five previews or publishes per month, while Mini Author allows up to 20 per month.leanpub.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Product
- Leanpub combines an ebook and course writing platform with an online storefront for buying authors’ ebooks and courses.leanpub.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Publishing workflow
- Authors can write in a browser or on a computer, preview or publish with one click, and upload an existing ebook.leanpub.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Royalties
- Authors earn 80% on purchases of $7.99 and up, and 80% minus $0.50 on purchases below $7.99.leanpub.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Security and privacy
- Leanpub identifies Ruboss Technology Corporation as the service operator and data controller under the EU GDPR, and says it takes reasonable steps to minimize and retain personal information only as needed.leanpub.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Support
- Free Author members can get support through the Author Forum or by email to [email protected].leanpub.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Variable pricing
- Authors set minimum and suggested prices, and readers choose how much to pay, including more than the suggested price.help.leanpub.com · read 29 Sep 2026
