For the past two years, most of my books have been published exclusively through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). It was an incredible journey that allowed me to publish more than twenty books, connect with readers across the world, and learn the craft of independent publishing.

Recently, however, that journey came to an unexpected end when my KDP account was permanently closed by Amazon.

At first, I will admit, it felt like a major setback. When you spend years building a catalogue of books, losing access to a platform overnight is not something any independent author plans for.

But life has a strange way of forcing one to rethink old assumptions.

Over the past few days, I have moved my publishing platform to Draft2Digital, a global book distribution service that places books not only on Amazon, but also on Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Everand, library systems, and many other international storefronts.

And to be honest, the experience has already opened my eyes to a much bigger publishing world.

For the first time, my books are no longer tied to a single ecosystem. Readers can now choose where and how they want to read:

•  on Kobo, 
•  on Apple devices, 
•  through subscription services, 
•  through libraries, 
•  or through independent bookstores and online retailers across the world. 

In many ways, this feels less like an ending and more like the start of a new chapter.

As an independent South African author, I have always believed that stories should travel far beyond borders. Whether it is the Forgotten Soldiers series, my conspiracy fiction, or my reflections on life in South Africa, the goal has always been simple: tell stories that people remember.

This move gives those stories a chance to reach new readers in new places.

To everyone who has supported my writing journey so far, thank you. Your messages, reviews, emails, and encouragement mean more than you know.

The books are still coming.

Only now, they are travelling a little further.

Braam Pretorius