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SPECIFICTION
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Leanpub

leanpub.com

From $8.99/mo Free plan WebAPI
Visit leanpub.com
Spec score 7.9 #18 of 28 in eBook Creation Software

What it is

Leanpub is a web and API platform for writing, publishing and selling ebooks and courses. Authors can work in a browser or on a computer, preview or publish with one click, or upload an existing ebook. Writing formats include Leanpub Flavoured Markdown and Markua, while Bring Your Own Book accepts PDF, EPUB and MOBI files. Authors set minimum and suggested prices, and readers choose what to pay, including more than the suggestion. Royalties are 80% on purchases of $7.99 and up, or 80% minus $0.50 below $7.99. The Free Author plan is free, with three books, one course and up to five previews or publishes monthly. Mini Author is $8.99 a month, Light Author $13.99 a month, and Pro Author $18.99 a month, each billed every three months at listed totals. Features include PDF and EPUB export, reflowable layouts, validation, accessibility tools and API access.

Spec sheet

Product
Leanpub combines an ebook and course writing platform with an online storefront for buying authors’ ebooks and courses.Read 29 Sep 2026 · leanpub.com
API
The Leanpub API lets authors programmatically preview, publish, and manage their books and courses, subject to per-key rate limits.Read 29 Sep 2026 · leanpub.com
Integrations
Pro Author includes GitHub and Dropbox sync, Google Analytics, InDesign export, and access to the Leanpub API.Read 29 Sep 2026 · leanpub.com
Support
Free Author members can get support through the Author Forum or by email to [email protected].Read 29 Sep 2026 · leanpub.com
Headquarters
Victoria, British Columbia, CanadaRead 28 Sep 2026 · leanpub.com
Founded
2010Read 28 Sep 2026 · leanpub.com
Data retention
Leanpub says it retains information associated with book and course purchases indefinitely unless users ask for it to be deleted.Read 29 Sep 2026 · leanpub.com
Formats
Authors can write in Leanpub Flavoured Markdown or Markua, or upload PDF, EPUB, and MOBI files in Bring Your Own Book mode.Read 29 Sep 2026 · leanpub.com
Limits
Free Author membership allows up to five previews or publishes per month, while Mini Author allows up to 20 per month.Read 29 Sep 2026 · leanpub.com
Publishing workflow
Authors can write in a browser or on a computer, preview or publish with one click, and upload an existing ebook.Read 29 Sep 2026 · leanpub.com
Royalties
Authors earn 80% on purchases of $7.99 and up, and 80% minus $0.50 on purchases below $7.99.Read 29 Sep 2026 · leanpub.com
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.Read 29 Sep 2026 · leanpub.com
Variable pricing
Authors set minimum and suggested prices, and readers choose how much to pay, including more than the suggested price.Read 29 Sep 2026 · help.leanpub.com

Plans and prices

Free Author Free Free! 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 $8.99 a month $26.97 billed every 3 months Up to 100 books and courses · Up to 20 previews or publishes per month Read 29 Sep 2026 · leanpub.com
Light Author $13.99 a month $41.97 billed every 3 months Up to 100 books and courses · Unlimited previews and publishes · Custom themes · Print-ready PDF export Read 29 Sep 2026 · leanpub.com
Pro Author $18.99 a month $56.97 billed every 3 months GitHub and Dropbox sync · Google Analytics · InDesign export · Leanpub API · AI Support Read 29 Sep 2026 · leanpub.com

Every Leanpub plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free plan supports three books and one course
  • Readers can choose their payment amount
  • PDF and EPUB export available
  • Reflowable layouts and ebook validation
  • Pro integrations include GitHub and Dropbox

Limits

  • Free Author allows five previews or publishes monthly
  • Purchase information is retained indefinitely unless deleted
  • Paid plans have separate three-month billing totals
  • API use is subject to per-key rate limits

Who it suits

Leanpub suits authors creating ebooks or courses who want browser or computer authoring and a storefront. It also fits publishers needing variable reader pricing, exports or API-based workflows.

Verdict

Leanpub combines authoring, publishing and storefront functions with flexible pricing and several export formats. Plan limits and billing terms differ substantially, so authors should match their workflow to the listed tier.

Where Specifiction places it

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