How to Publish a Book in Canada (2026): The Complete Self-Publishing Guide
The short answer
To self-publish a book in Canada, get your ISBN from ISBN Canada (Library and Archives Canada), which provides free ISBNs to eligible publishers. Have the book professionally edited and designed, then publish through Amazon KDP and IngramSpark for bookshop distribution. Canadian publishers must also deposit copies of print books with Library and Archives Canada. Harmony Publishing handles the process, from $699.
Updated October 2026 · By Harmony Publishing
Self-publishing in Canada in 2026
Canadian readers buy through national bookshop chains such as Indigo, Chapters and Coles, and online through Amazon.ca. IngramSpark makes your title available to retailers, libraries and schools across the United States and Canada, so a properly produced print book can reach both shelves and online stores.
Key facts for authors in Canada
ISBN: ISBN Canada (Library and Archives Canada) provides free ISBNs
ISBN Canada, run by Library and Archives Canada, provides free ISBNs to eligible publishers and publications. You apply through its online system, and you need a separate ISBN for each format (paperback, hardcover, eBook).
Legal deposit: one or two copies to Library and Archives Canada
Canadian publishers submit 2 copies of a print book when 100 or more copies are produced, or 1 copy when 4 to 99 copies are produced, for every format published. Copies are mailed to Library and Archives Canada in Gatineau, Quebec, at the publisher's expense. Digital publications such as eBooks have their own deposit process.
Sources: Library and Archives Canada: deposit physical publications · Library and Archives Canada: legal deposit
Printing and print-on-demand
IngramSpark names print locations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Sharjah (UAE), plus Global Connect partner printers in other countries. Canada is not named as a print location, so check delivery times and shipping before you plan a launch date.
Retailers
Indigo, Chapters and Coles, and Amazon.ca. IngramSpark distribution makes a title orderable by retailers and libraries in the United States and Canada.
Sources: Indigo · IngramSpark: how distribution works
Royalty and tax basics
Authors outside the US file a W-8BEN form; without it, KDP applies a default 30% US withholding on royalties. Canada and the US have a tax treaty, and a valid W-8BEN can reduce US withholding where a treaty applies. That is withholding relief only, not a Canadian tax exemption.
General information, not tax advice. Confirm with a Canadian accountant.
Sources: Amazon KDP: tax information · IRS: Form W-8BEN instructions
How Harmony Publishing works with authors in Canada
We're a full-service self-publishing company serving authors worldwide. You keep 100% of your royalties and 100% of your rights, ISBN and files, forever. Every package from Complete ($1,299) up includes printed copies (25, 50 or 100 paperbacks, or 500 books with Legend), so you're not paying twice for your own launch stock. We handle editing, cover design, interior layout, ISBN setup, eBook conversion and global distribution through Amazon and IngramSpark. We don't have an office in Canada; we work with authors there online.
Prices are in US dollars for all authors outside Nigeria. We don't convert currency.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Are ISBNs free in Canada?
ISBN Canada, run by Library and Archives Canada, provides free ISBNs to eligible publishers and publications. Apply through its online system and keep the ISBNs in your own name.
How many copies do I deposit with Library and Archives Canada?
For print books, 2 copies of each format when 100 or more copies are produced, and 1 copy of each format when 4 to 99 copies are produced. Digital publications follow a separate process.
Where do my books print for Canadian readers?
IngramSpark does not name a Canadian print location (it names the US, UK, Australia and Sharjah, plus Global Connect partners), so check delivery times for Canadian orders before launch.
How do I get my book into Indigo?
Bookshops order through distributors. Publishing through IngramSpark makes your title orderable by retailers and libraries in the US and Canada.
How much does it cost to publish a book in Canada?
Costs depend on editing, cover design, formatting and printing. A full-service package bundles everything for one price; see our packages from $699.