Entering the world of self-publishing presents a doorway to creative freedom that traditional avenues might not provide. You’ve poured your heart into every aspect of your creation – from editing to perfecting the book cover design and formatting. Yet, the barriers of traditional publishing remain daunting, leaving you at a crossroads.
But fret not! The digital era ushers in the golden age of self-publishing, empowering seasoned or aspiring writers to seize control of their literary destiny. Bid farewell to gatekeepers and protracted delays; self-publishing offers authors the reins to steer their writing careers.
Navigating the complexities of formatting, design, intricacies, marketing, and editing might seem like traversing a vast ocean. Fear not; the best self-publishing companies stand ready to guide you. These entities offer various services, from editorial mastery to crafting enticing cover designs and deploying effective marketing strategies. Here’s the cherry on top: you retain the lion’s share of the income, and the rights to your book remain firmly in your grasp. It’s akin to having a literary fairy godmother but with amplified royalties.
So, how can you negotiate this vast ocean of self-publishing alternatives and choose the correct ship? Here is where we set our anchor. We have searched the horizon and set sail to present you with a hand-selected list of the top self-publishing businesses available. We have the ideal fit for you, whether you live the e-book life, long for the tactile delight of a printed book, or operate on a tight budget. All aboard as you embark on your publishing adventure now!
Table of Contents
What Exactly Does A Self-Publishing Company Do?
Self-publishing companies are like friends that help authors bring their stories to life. Imagine you’ve written a fantastic book, but getting it out there seems like a puzzle. That’s where these companies come in! They lend a hand to writers who want to publish their books independently. These pals provide various services such as editing, making your book look pretty with a cool cover design, and even helping you spread the word about your story. They give writers the tools and support they need to share their tales with the world, almost like a coach helping a team win a game!
Understanding Self-Publishing Companies
A self-publishing company serves as an author‘s one-stop shop, offering all the supplies needed to turn your manuscript into a finished book. They handle the technical details like formatting and editing, improve your book’s aesthetic appeal with design and graphics, and even help with its commercialization by adding it to online merchants.
If you have a tight budget, self-publishing companies are an excellent alternative to traditional publishers. They provide services at cost-effective rates. You also get to make the decisions! You have more control over the appearance and timing of your book’s publishing and the flexibility to make changes later.
You make a significant amount of money from your book, usually between 70 and 80 percent. Consequently, you get to keep more of your money and become a published author!
Exploring the Best Self-Publishing Services
There are various book publishing services available that offer assets to sell your book independently. These tools enable authors to manage their book projects from start to finish without the aid of a formal team. The process of selling your book online has never been more straightforward thanks to alternatives like on-demand printing and digital page layouts. Self-publishing is becoming increasingly alluring to authors, mainly because of its unmatched flexibility in publication and marketing. We’ll go into a few crucial instances of the services that make self-publishing such an alluring option below.
1. Aggregator
Once they have your book, they send it to other online book retailers, like Apple Books and Google Play Books. It’s a one-stop-shop that helps you promote your book abroad while saving time and effort.
2. Retailer
These are the well-known retailers where customers actually purchase books. This group includes companies like Apple Books, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. You upload your book directly to their platforms; they handle the sales and pay you now. Some even have special programs to give your reader more visibility, like Amazon’s KDP Select.
3. Publishing Education
To assist you in learning about the ins and outs of publishing, these businesses provide courses, coaching, and various instructional tools. You’re enrolling in targeted, hands-on instruction on promoting your book and making it successful rather than enrolling in a college course.
4. Author Service
Specialized services like editing, cover design, and even ghostwriting are provided by these businesses. Before it enters the spotlight, they serve as the backstage team that makes your book look and read its best.
5. Self-Marketing
Authors can self-publish their works and benefit from the potential for self-marketing that this presents. These companies can take the pressure off of you while you consider how to get your book in front of readers. They give authors access to various tools and channels for effective book promotion. Authors can connect with new clients, build an audience, and position themselves as experts in their subject by implementing these resources. They can significantly increase their overall book sales by doing this.
Top Choices for Your Self-Publishing Journey
You now have a book and are prepared to publish it. Great! The twist is that there are numerous locations to broadcast it. The options are endless, from Amazon, the giant selling everything, to smaller niche publishers focusing on specific genres.
The big question isn’t “Can I publish?” anymore. The real head-scratcher is, “Who should I publish with?” And that’s a fantastic problem to have! Whether you’re eyeing Amazon’s massive market share or considering an aggregator to reach readers across the globe, your choices are only limited by your needs and imagination.
But wait, don’t sign any contracts right away! Do your homework for a moment. Not every publishing house is made equally. Some people might make big promises, but they only dent your wallet. So read on, and let’s ensure your publishing dream doesn’t become a nightmare.
How to Pick Your Perfect Self-Publishing Partner
How do you choose the finest publisher when so many are vying for your attention now that you’re ready to publish? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! We’ve narrowed it down to six essential elements to help you distinguish the self-publishing pros from the threads.
Sales Powerhouse: Look for a company that’s a pro at selling books. High sales numbers mean they know what they’re doing and can be trusted to get your book out there.
Trust Factor: Make sure the company is legit. An excellent way to check is to see if trusted organizations like the Alliance of Independent Authors recommend them. Steer clear of any on a ‘blacklist’ of shady publishers.
Author-Friendly: You want a company that’s easy to work with. Look for positive reviews from other authors about the company’s staff and communication.
Resource Rich: The best companies offer a treasure trove of resources to help you publish your book. Whether it’s free guides or paid services, what matters is they have what you need to succeed.
Budget-Friendly: Publishing shouldn’t empty your wallet. Choose a company that offers services within your budget so you can publish without breaking the bank.
Big Following: An extensive email list or subscriber base is a good sign. It means the company has a community of people interested in their offering, which can also benefit you.
Top Agencies For Self-Publication
There are many magnificent companies out there in the world providing top-notch Selp-Publishing services. But the question arises – which one to choose? Below, We have curated some of the most stupendous agencies worldwide with a proven record of their services.
| Companies | Ratings | Price |
| Amazon KDP | 4.3 | Free to upload |
| Barnes & Noble | 4.2 | Free to upload |
| Kobo | 4.5 | $2.99 |
| Apple Books | 4.4 | Free to upload |
| Publish Drive | 4.3 | – |
| Reedsy | 4.2 | $50 |
| StreetLib | 4.4 | 10% of the retail price per copy sold |
| Ingram Spark | 4.1 | – |
| LuLu | 4.5 | – |
| Draft2Digital | 4.0 | 10% of the book’s retail price per copy sold |
| XinXii | 4.2 | 30% of net sales for books priced more than $2.49 OR 60% for works between below $2.48 |
| Smashwords | 4.4 | Learn more |
| IngramSpark | 4.3 | Learn more |
| Blurb | 4.4 | Learn more |
| BookBaby | 4.5 | Learn more |
| CreateSpace | 4.3 | – |
| NotionPress | 4.2 | – |
| iUniverse | 4.1 | – |
| Simon & Schuster | 4.5 | – |
| BookBub | 4.2 | Varies with genres |
| AuthorHouse | 4.2 | – |
| Ingram Content Group | 4.0 | – |
| Barnes & Noble Press | 4.1 | Free to upload |
| MindStir | 4.2 | – |
Go through their breathtaking portfolio, talk to their experts, and decide for yourself. I hope you will find the perfect match for your next publication.
Amazon KDP
Years of Experience: 10
Ratings: 4.3
Pricing: Free to upload
The most significant advantage of publishing your book on Amazon KDP is reaching the potential fan base, as they have the largest customer-based community of clients. Amazon Kindle Direct Publish is one of the most famous platforms, acquiring 80% of the e-book market. It is also one of the renowned companies with a lot to offer authors.
Do you know that publishing your book on this platform can reach millions of clients? Amazon is a platform accessible by millions of users per day. It also allows the writer to publish a book quickly and make it available for sale just after uploading it. You can also change the design, cover, content, and price adjustment.
Barnes & Noble
Years of Experience: 9
Ratings: 4.2
Pricing: Free to upload
Amazon and Barnes & Noble can be wise alternatives for authors who wish to reach a big audience. It is one of the major bookshops in the USA and has one of the most significant distribution networks. Self-publishing your business book through them lets you provide your book to your readers’ hand through diverse channels.
This platform also provides you complete control over setting the book’s price, access to marketing tools, and competitive royalty rates. Getting assistance from their highly skilled editorial team is another perk of working with Barnes and Noble.
Kobo
Years of Experience: 7
Ratings: 4.5
Pricing: $2.99
Kobo has a strong international focus and presence in nations like Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, so self-publishing your book there is worthwhile. It is beneficial for authors who want to target their clients based in these regions specifically.
This platform establishes a collaborative relationship with authors to offer them personalized support, including editing, design, and formatting. It also provides authors with easy to discounts and promotions campaigns that let them feature their books in the market prominently.
Apple Books
Years of Experience: 13
Ratings: 4.4
Pricing: Free to upload
Self-publishing on Apple Books is becoming valuable and attractive for authors. They have more control over their creative work since they may decide how much to charge, where to distribute it, when to release it, and which audiences to use for marketing and promotion. This is done instead of going through the conventional publishing process.
Self-published book authors have access to cutting-edge sales metrics and reader interaction information. This lets them easily track their book’s performance across different regions and promote their content advantageously. With all these advantages in mind, it’s no surprise that many authors choose to self-publish on Apple Books.
Publish Drive
Years of Experience: 7
Ratings: 4.3
Writing a book is a fantastic accomplishment for any writer, and self-publishing allows you to communicate stories with your own hands. Publishing a book through Publish Drive gives writers access to unique features such as distribution, real-time sales analytics, cover design, conversion services, and more. Writers can customize their store page to publicize their work. PublishDrive also regularly adds new services and storage options to let the authors experience technological advances.
Reedsy
Years of Experience: 10+
Ratings: 4.2
Pricing: $50
Self-publishing a book on Reedsy can be a prominent way to get your work out in front of an audience. It provides authors with the availability of skillful professionals in the publishing industry who can help them by creating the self-publishing process easy from start to finish. With their help, you can create impeccable content and marketing elements like cover designs and eye-catching promotional approaches. Moreover, Reedsy’s network of over 100,000 readers and critics will ensure your book gets exposure and feedback.
StreetLib
Years of Experience: 8
Ratings: 4.4
Pricing: 10% of the retail price per copy sold
Suppose you’re a writer and have a story to narrate; self-publishing on Streetlib can be the best way to make it available to a large audience. With no cost or risk involved, you can easily do your self-publishing project and control the complete process, from developing the book’s marketing plan to selling it directly in different digital stores. Streetlib offers tools to help authors reach their potential audience while still independent, like integrated analytics that follow your sales & reader engagement, free cover design, pre-made templates for best-selling genres, distribution across all prominent platforms, and more.
Ingram Spark
Years of Experience: 11+
Ratings: 4.1
Self-publishing your book on Ingram Spark is also easy for those who want to start their writing journey! From editing to distribution, it provides the service for authors to market their work. Ingram Spark is also cost-effective and has upfront, transparent pricing. They provide accessibility with over 39,000 e-book retailers, ensuring you will reach more readers. Ingram Spark is the way to go if you want to make your name prominent as an e-book author.
LuLu
Years of Experience: 10
Ratings: 4.5
If you’re a writer seeking a platform to share your writing with the world, go with Lulu. Lulu makes it simple for authors to publish their books on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books thanks to its user-friendly platform. Every book is professionally printed, ensuring readers receive your work’s best possible version. While taking a publishing service, you don’t need to invest in cover design or editing. From submitting files to selecting pricing to get ready for distribution, there’s no better option than Lulu to get your book out.
Draft2Digital
Years of Experience: 7
Ratings: 4.0
Pricing: 10% of the book’s retail price per copy sold
Self-publishing your book with draft2digital can be an advantageous experience for any author. Not only does it grant you independence in every aspect of bringing your work from formation to publication, but it also helps in the process that brings success for both short-term sales and long-term career building. With competitive prices, a reliable distribution system, accurate royalty calculations, and helpful formatting tools that make it more manageable to upload your work from any platform.
XinXii
Years of Experience: 6+
Ratings: 4.2
Pricing: 30% of net sales for books priced more than $2.49 OR 60% for works between below $2.48
Xinxii can also ensure your book reaches a broad audience. On Xinxii, you can discover a comprehensive list of potential buyers, increasing the chances that your story is read and admired. This allows potential readers to get an insight into your book even before purchasing it. Choosing Xinxii as the platform on which to self-publish your book gives you access to experience a lot of benefits that can help lead your work in the right direction.
Smashwords
Years of Experience: 12 Years
Ratings: 4.4
Pricing: Learn more
Since its start in 2008, Smashwords has helped hundreds of authors publish their piece of heart. They have a wide range of experts who make the process flawless and the results splendid. The experts work with only one goal – to do everything they can to make their clients happy. Not only in publishing, but they also have the most effective strategies that will definitely help in generating more sales and increased ROI. It’s no wonder why they made it to this list.
IngramSpark
Years of Experience: 10
Ratings: 4.3
As a subsidiary of one of the world’s largest book distributors, IngramSpark deserves to be put amongst the world’s more reputable leading self-publishing platforms. With their expertise and experience in the industry, they can devise successful strategies and identify issues quickly. Their solutions are not only effective but also efficient. The entire team at IngramSpark is committed to delivering the best services to authors who seek high-quality self-book publishing.
Blurb
Years of Experience: 8
Ratings: 4.4
Pricing: Learn more
Blurb is one of the most renowned and reliable print-on-demand services available. Don’t be surprised if you experience exponential growth instantly while working with them. Whether you are a seasoned author or a novice aspiring to make a mark in the industry, Blurb is the name I would endorse. I may be at a loss for words, but they are never short of strategies for your books to flourish online. Hiring them is like wishing for something through a wishing well – it’s granted.
BookBaby:
Years of Experience: 10+
Ratings: 4.5
Pricing: Learn more
BookBaby is your go-to platform for professional self-publishing services. Making a friendly relationship with the clients is the #1 priority for them. BookBaby’s user-friendly approach offers comprehensive solutions, including ebook conversion, cover design, distribution, and printing. Their extensive services cater to beginners and seasoned authors, providing the tools and expertise to bring your manuscript to life.
CreateSpace:
Years of Experience: 6+
Ratings: 4.3
CreateSpace, now integrated with Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), offers a streamlined and effective platform for self-publishing. Providing print-on-demand services, it enables authors to publish their work with ease, delivering extensive distribution channels and tools to assist authors in navigating the self-publishing journey with proficiency.
NotionPress:
Years of Experience: 8+
Ratings: 4.2
NotionPress is a dynamic self-publishing platform that empowers authors with various services to transform manuscripts into published works. They offer customizable publishing packages, editorial assistance, cover design, and global distribution support. With a focus on author satisfaction, NotionPress guides writers through publishing, ensuring their vision translates seamlessly onto the page.
iUniverse:
Years of Experience: 12+
Ratings: 4.1
iUniverse is a reputable self-publishing company offering authors various services, including editorial support, marketing tools, and customizable publishing packages. With a keen emphasis on author involvement, iUniverse provides flexible options, allowing writers to retain creative control while benefiting from professional guidance and industry insights.
Simon & Schuster:
Years of Experience: 5+
Ratings: 4.5
Simon & Schuster is a renowned traditional publishing house with a prestigious history. While primarily a traditional publisher, they have expanded their services to cater to authors interested in hybrid or alternative publishing options. Their specialized programs and expert editorial guidance offer authors a unique opportunity to explore diverse publishing avenues.
BookBub:
Years of Experience: 7+
Ratings: 4.2
Pricing: Varies with genres
BookBub is an influential platform that connects authors with a wide readership base through curated ebook deals and recommendations. As an author, leveraging BookBub’s promotional tools and featured deals can significantly boost visibility and sales, allowing you to reach a broader audience and gain traction in the competitive ebook market.
AuthorHouse:
Years of Experience: 11+
Ratings: 4.2
AuthorHouse is a prominent self-publishing company offering authors various publishing services, including editorial assistance, design support, and global distribution channels. With a focus on author empowerment, AuthorHouse assists writers in bringing their stories to life while providing the necessary tools and guidance to navigate the self-publishing landscape.
Ingram Content Group:
Years of Experience: 9+
Ratings: 4.0
Ingram Content Group stands tall as a powerhouse in self-publishing, offering various services catering to aspiring and established authors. Their platform provides a thorough suite of solutions, including print-on-demand services, global distribution, digital asset management, and marketing support. With a commitment to empowering authors, Ingram Content Group equips writers with the tools and resources to navigate the complex publishing landscape effortlessly.
Barnes & Noble Press:
Years of Experience: 10+
Ratings: 4.1
Pricing: Free to upload
Barnes & Noble Press provides authors a versatile platform to self-publish their work. They have everything – from user-friendly tools for formatting and cover design aesthetics to perfect strategies for distribution; authors can effortlessly publish their books in print and digital formats. This platform, supported by the reputable Barnes & Noble brand, offers authors extensive distribution opportunities, allowing them to reach a wide audience.
MindStir:
Years of Experience: 7+
Ratings: 4.2
MindStir is a boutique self-publishing company renowned for its personalized and author-centric approach. They offer tailor-made publishing packages, providing editing, cover design, marketing, and distribution services. With a strong emphasis on author satisfaction, MindStir guides writers through the publishing journey, offering flexibility and support at every stage, ensuring each book uniquely represents the author’s vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a self-publishing company?
They are the service companies that assist authors in bringing their manuscripts to market, offering services like editing, formatting, cover design, printing, distribution, and marketing.
How are self-publishing companies different from traditional publishers?
Self-publishing companies allow authors to maintain creative control and retain higher royalties. Authors fund the publishing process, unlike traditional publishers.
What services do self-publishing companies provide?
Self-publishing companies offer many things, from manuscript editing and book formatting to cover design, printing, eBook conversion, distribution, and marketing support.
How do I choose the right self-publishing company?
Consider services, pricing, royalties, distribution channels, author control, reviews, and contract terms. Research multiple companies to find the best fit.
Do self-publishing companies handle book marketing?
Yes, many offer marketing services, including online promotion, book launch strategies, metadata optimization, and access to advertising platforms.
Do self-publishing companies retain rights to my book?
Reputable companies allow authors to retain ownership of their work. Review contracts to ensure you keep control of your content.
What is Print-on-Demand (POD), and do self-publishing companies offer it?
Print-on-demand is a method where books are printed as ordered. Many self-publishing companies offer this service, reducing upfront printing costs.
What is the typical timeline for self-publishing a book?
The timeline varies but usually takes several months, covering editing, design, formatting, printing, and distribution.
What are the costs associated with self-publishing services?
Costs vary based on services needed, book-length, design complexity, and distribution options.
What are the benefits of using a self-publishing company?
Benefits include creative control, higher royalties, faster publishing, and access to a global audience without traditional gatekeeping.
Reasons To Hire A Self-Publication Expert
Still not convinced? Don’t worry; let me write down why a self-publication expert by your side is always an intelligent move. Self-publication experts offer many invaluable benefits to aspiring authors navigating the complex publishing world. Here are several compelling reasons to consider hiring a self-publication expert:
Expert Guidance: Self-publication experts bring extensive knowledge and experience in the intricacies of self-publishing. They guide authors through each stage of the publishing process, offering insights on editing, formatting, cover design, distribution, and marketing strategies.
Professional Quality: These experts ensure that your work reaches professional standards. They assist in refining the manuscript, guaranteeing it meets industry benchmarks for quality content and presentation.
Customized Support: Each author’s journey is unique. Self-publication experts provide tailored advice and solutions, considering individual goals, genres, and target audiences to enhance visibility and readership.
Time and Effort: Self-publishing demands substantial time and effort. Experts streamline the process, freeing authors from administrative tasks and allowing them to focus on writing while ensuring all aspects of publishing are handled efficiently.
Navigating Publishing Platforms: Understanding various publishing platforms can be overwhelming. Self-publication experts possess in-depth knowledge of platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or IngramSpark, aiding authors in choosing the best platform for their books.
Marketing Strategies: Promoting a book effectively is critical for success. These experts offer marketing strategies, from book launches to social media campaigns, to increase visibility and engagement with the target audience.
Budget Management: Self-publishing involves numerous costs, from editing to cover design and marketing. Experts provide guidance on budget allocation, helping authors optimize their spending for maximum impact.
Long-Term Support: Their assistance doesn’t end with publishing. Self-publication experts provide ongoing support, helping authors navigate post-publication challenges, such as maintaining sales momentum and expanding readership.
Industry Insights: Staying informed about industry trends and changes is crucial. Self-publication experts keep authors updated on market shifts, helping them adapt their strategies accordingly.
Hiring a self-publication expert can significantly enhance an author’s publishing journey, offering professional guidance, support, and expertise to navigate the complexities of the self-publishing landscape.
Reasons NOT To Hire A Self-Publication Experts
It’s important to note that the decision to hire or not to hire a self-publication expert depends on an author’s specific circumstances, goals, skills, and preferences. While experts can offer valuable guidance and support, some authors may find fulfillment in independently managing the entire publishing journey.
Cost Concerns: Self-publication experts often charge for their services, and these fees can vary widely. Hiring an expert might not be financially feasible for authors working on a tight budget, especially if they believe they can handle the publishing process themselves.
Desire for Full Control: Some authors prefer complete control over every aspect of their book’s creation and publication. They might not want to involve an expert who could influence decisions or processes.
DIY Interest: Authors who enjoy learning new skills and are passionate about publishing might prefer the challenge of managing the entire process themselves. They might view it as a learning experience or a personal accomplishment.
Personal Vision: Authors might have a clear vision for their book and want to execute it precisely as they envision without external input or guidance. They may believe hiring an expert could dilute or alter their original vision.
Past Experience or Expertise: Some authors might have prior experience in self-publishing or possess expertise in various areas such as editing, graphic design, or marketing. In such cases, they might feel confident handling the publishing process without external assistance.
Cost Of Hiring a Self-Publication Expert
The cost of hiring a self-publication expert in 2023 may vary depending on the type and quality of services you require, the genre and length of your book, and the platform you choose to publish your book. According to some web sources, the average cost of self-publishing a book in 2023 ranges from $500 to $4,800.
What Do I think?
I believe seeking guidance from an expert in any field is prudent. When faced with the prospect of uncertainty or potential roadblocks in the self-publication journey, I lean towards seeking assistance from individuals who have honed their expertise in the craft. There’s inherent value in leveraging the insights, experience, and proficiency of someone who has navigated the difficult paths of self-publication. Their guidance can potentially illuminate blind spots, streamline processes, and offer invaluable advice to ensure a smoother publishing journey. It’s about tapping into the wealth of knowledge that experts bring to the table, offering a chance to elevate the final product and the author’s experience in the publishing landscape.
