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You’re not alone if you’re looking for the best self-publishing companies to help you publish your book. Self-publishing is becoming an increasingly popular choice for authors, but it’s also a minefield of dodgy services and scams. The good news is that there are plenty of reputable self-publishing companies out there that can help you get your book into print. Self-publishing is a great option for authors who want to control their work but don’t want to spend years trying to get a traditional publisher on board. But before you jump in and start uploading your manuscript onto every platform you can find, it’s essential to do some research first. Here are the best self-publishing companies to choose from.
What is a self-publishing company?
A self-publishing company is a business that provides services to authors who wish to publish their work without going through a traditional publishing house. Self-publishing companies can provide a wide range of services, from editing and book design to printing and distribution. While some self-publishing companies are better than others, all offer authors the chance to get their work into the hands of readers without having to go through the rigorous and often frustrating process of finding a literary agent and convincing a publisher to take on their project.
In recent years, the rise of digital printing and online bookstores has made self-publishing more accessible and affordable than ever, making it an attractive option for many authors. These companies can help authors with everything from editing and design to printing and distribution. As a result, self-publishing is now a viable option for many authors who wish to retain control over their work.
Five reasons to choose from the best self-publishing companies
Self-publishing has become a popular way for authors to get their work into readers’ hands without going through a traditional publishing house. The best self-publishing companies can provide a wide range of services. Here are five reasons you should consider choosing one of the best self-publishing companies for your next project.
1. Control
When you self-publish, you have complete control over every aspect of the process, from start to finish. You get to decide when your book will be released, how it will be marketed, and what kind of printing and binding options you want to use. You also have the final say on editorial decisions, cover design, and pricing. In other words, you are the boss!
This can be a huge advantage if you want to create a unique product that stands out from the crowd. With traditional publishing, authors often have little input into these important decisions. But when you self-publish, you get to call the shots. So if you’re looking for complete control over your book, self-publishing is definitely the way to go.
2. Speed
One of the best reasons to choose from the best self-publishing companies is speed. Traditional publishing can take years from the time you query until your book is on shelves. And even then, there’s no guarantee your book will be a success. On the other hand, self-publishing companies can help you get your book out in a matter of months.
This means you can start promoting your book and building an audience long before traditional publishers even consider your manuscript. So if speed is a priority, choose one of the best self-publishing companies. You won’t regret it!
3. Cost
There are many reasons to choose a self-publishing company, but one of the most important is cost. The best self-publishing companies will offer competitive pricing that can save you money on the overall cost of publishing your book. They may also offer discounts for bulk orders or certain types of books. In addition, the best self-publishing companies will work with you to ensure that you get the best possible price for your project.
By shopping around and comparing prices, you can be sure you’re getting the best value for your money. So when you’re ready to publish your book, be sure to shop around and compare prices from the best self-publishing companies. You’ll be glad you did.
4. Flexibility
One of the best things about self-publishing is the flexibility it affords authors. Unlike traditional publishing, which requires writers to submit their work to a limited number of publishers and often results in long delays between the initial submission and the book’s eventual release, self-publishing allows authors to choose from a range of different companies, each of which offers its own set of services and options.
This means that writers can tailor the publishing process to their specific needs and get their books into readers’ hands much more quickly. In addition, self-publishing gives authors more control over the final product, from the cover design to the layout and format. As a result, self-publishing is an increasingly popular option for writers who value flexibility and want to maintain a high degree of control over their work.
5. Reach
Why should you choose from the best self-publishing companies? Reach is the number one reason. Traditional publishers limit your book’s potential market by only making it available in certain formats and through specific channels. When you self-publish, you have complete control over how your book is distributed. You can make it available as an eBook, print, or both.
You can sell it through your website, online retailers, brick-and-mortar stores, and more. In addition, you can reach a global audience with ease. With traditional publishing, you’re often limited to selling books in your local area. When you self-publish, anyone in the world can buy your book. This opens up a whole new world of potential readers.
Ten of the best self-publishing companies
Self-publishing has become a popular way for authors to get their books into readers’ hands. There are many self-publishing companies to choose from, so it can be hard to know which one is best for you. If you’re ready to publish your book, check out this list of the best self-publishing companies. You won’t regret it!
1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing
When it comes to self-publishing, there are a lot of different companies out there to choose from. But if you’re looking for the best of the best, then you want to go with Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. They are one of the largest and best self-publishing companies in the world, and they have a lot to offer authors. For one thing, they have a huge customer base, so you’ll be able to reach many potential readers.
They also offer great royalty rates, making it easy to get your book into stores and online. Plus, they provide a lot of support and resources for authors, so you can be sure that you’re getting everything you need to be successful. So if you’re looking for the best self-publishing company, then Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing is the way to go.
2. Barnes And Noble Press
Barnes and Noble Press is among the best self-publishing companies for various reasons. First, they have a broad reach, and their books are available in Barnes and Noble stores across the country. In addition, they offer several marketing and publicity services to help authors promote their books. They also have a strong editorial team that provides guidance and support throughout the publishing process.
Finally, they offer attractive royalty rates, meaning that authors can earn significant money from each book sold. For all these reasons, Barnes and Noble Press is considered one of the best self-publishing companies in the business.
3. Kobo Writing Life
Kobo Writing Life is the self-publishing platform of Kobo. It is one of the most popular indie publishing services, and it offers a variety of features to help writers publish their books successfully. Kobo Writing Life is easy to use and has many useful features for writers who want to self-publish their works.
The differentiators that make Kobo Writing Life stand out from other self-publishing platforms are its support for multiple languages and its robust marketing tools. They also can translate your book into multiple languages helping you reach more readers worldwide. Lastly, the marketing tools will help you market your book effectively to attract more readers in your local area.
4. IngramSpark
IngramSpark is one of the best self-publishing companies that provide services to help authors publish and distribute their books. Moreover, IngramSpark is a print-on-demand service that allows authors to order copies of their books in small batches. The advantage of this method is that it only costs money when you need more books printed. IngramSpark also offers digital distribution options, which means your book will be available in all major online stores such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
To get started with IngramSpark, you first have to decide what type of publishing package (i.e., Standard or Pro) best suits your needs. Once you’ve selected a package, you’ll receive an ISBN for your book, which gives it an official place in the world of publishing and makes it eligible for distribution through Ingram’s extensive network of bookstores worldwide.
5. Smashwords
Smashwords is one of the best self-publishing companies for authors who want to control their book pricing. Also, Smashwords allows you to choose your retail price for your ebook, and it’s free to distribute to all major retailers, including Amazon. Smashwords also has a free ebook conversion tool that simplifies formatting your file for each retailer.
Smashwords’ user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, and the company offers excellent customer service. It’s also one of the most affordable self-publishing companies, with no setup fee and no monthly subscription fees. Smashwords also provides a free ISBN to authors who want them.
6. Lulu
Lulu is one of the best self-publishing companies because they offer a wide range of services and products to help authors self-publish their work. They have an easy-to-use platform that makes it simple to upload your book, set your price, and start selling. They offer print on demand, so you don’t have to worry about inventory, and they have a team of professionals who can help you with everything from formatting to marketing.
In addition, they offer a wide variety of book covers and templates to choose from, so you can create a professional-looking product that represents your work well. Lulu is a great option if you’re looking to publish a novel, a cookbook, or a how-to guide.
7. Apple Books
If you’re looking to self-publish your book, Apple Books is one of the best companies to work with. They offer a wide range of services to help you get your book published and into the hands of readers, including book production, distribution, and marketing.
They are also strongly committed to quality, ensuring that your book meets its high standards before it sells. In addition, Apple Books offers excellent customer service, so you can be sure that you’ll be taken care of every step.
8. BookBaby
The best self-publishing companies are the ones that can help you get your book into the marketplace with speed and efficiency. BookBaby is a good choice if you want to publish an eBook in multiple formats, including Kindle and Nook. BookBaby also offers a free ISBN with every order, which makes it easier for readers to find your book on Amazon or other online retailers.
It also offers distribution through Ingram, which means your book is eligible for inclusion in libraries across the country. BookBaby also has a great community of writers and publishing professionals where you can ask questions and get feedback.
9. Draft2Digital
Draft2Digital is a self-publishing platform for authors, publishers, and booksellers. It offers a wide range of publishing services and distribution channels, including Ingram Content Group, Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Barnes & Noble Nook Press, Apple iBooks, Smashwords, and more.
Draft2Digital is an online content management system (CMS) that allows authors to upload their book files and publish them to multiple retailers. This CMS is also used by publishers who want to manage their own content. In addition to the above-mentioned services, you can use this platform for other self-publishing needs, such as eBook conversion services and metadata management tools.
10. Blurb
Blurb is an award-winning self-publishing company. They offer various services, including publishing software, eBooks, and print books. They also offer a wide range of book formats and sizes, so you can choose between hardcover and softcover books or even customize your size. Blurb offers free shipping on all orders (no matter how big or small), which is a plus! Blurb offers two options for publishing your book: the DIY option or the Expert option.
The DIY option is perfect if you want to do everything yourself and don’t need help with anything else (which can get complicated). However, using the Expert option is recommended because it’s much easier and quicker than doing it yourself. The Expert option allows you to upload your manuscript directly from Microsoft Word or Pages on your computer, which saves time and effort! You also have access to their customer support team, who will walk you through each process step.
Seven common mistakes when choosing from the best self-publishing companies
When choosing a self-publishing company, it’s essential to avoid common mistakes that could cost you time, money, and your book’s success. Here are seven mistakes to avoid.
1. Not doing your research
Before choosing a self-publishing company. It’s essential to do your research before picking the best self-publishing company for your needs. Read their FAQs, pricing structure, and services offered, and read through their testimonials to see what other authors have experienced. If you’re still unsure, ask them specific questions about what they can do for you!
2. Choosing a company based on price alone
Don’t choose a self-publishing company based solely on price. While it’s important to get the best value for your money, it’s also important to consider the services and quality. If you’re choosing between two companies offering similar packages, but one has better reviews and testimonials than the other, that may be your best bet.
3. Not understanding the services offered
Many self-publishing companies offer a wide range of services. It’s important to understand these and how they can help you in the long run. For example, some companies will design your book cover for free if you sign up with them; others charge an additional fee. Additionally, some companies offer marketing services while others do not.
4. Not reading the fine print
You’ll likely be presented with a contract when you sign up for a self-publishing company’s services. It’s important to read the fine print carefully and understand what it says. For example, if you’re going with an independent publisher that offers marketing services, the contract may say how much they charge per month and what those fees cover (such as promoting your book on social media).
5. Not getting a second opinion
If you’ve never published a book before, it can be hard to know what to look for in a self-publishing company. You may want to ask your friends and family if they have any recommendations or check with other authors who live in your community. If you do this, make sure that the person offering advice has some experience with self-publishing.
6. Failing to negotiate
The terms of a contract can be difficult to understand, especially if you’re new to publishing. If you’re unsure what something means or think there may be room for negotiation, ask questions and get professional advice. It’s your book—you should have some say over how it is published!
7. Not having realistic expectations
You’re not going to become a millionaire from your first book. Many factors go into selling books, such as the genre, cover design, and quality of writing. If you want to make money from self-publishing, you need to be realistic about how much you can make from each sale.
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some of your frequently asked questions related to the best self-publishing companies!
What is traditional publishing?
Traditional publishing is submitting your manuscript to a publishing house, where editors will assess it and, if accepted, publish it in book form. This process typically takes several months and may involve several rounds of revision. In contrast to self-publishing, traditional publishing gives you the benefit of having your work vetted by professionals and reaching a wider audience through bookstore distribution.
However, getting your book accepted by a traditional publisher can be more complex, and you will likely have less control over the editing process and final product. Whether you choose to traditional publish or self-publish, make sure you do your research to ensure you are making the best decision for your book.
What is Amazon Author Central?
Amazon Author Central is a free online tool that allows authors to manage their bibliographies and track their sales rankings on Amazon.com. With Author Central, authors can update their profiles, post interviews, and blog posts, and add events to their calendars. They can also view their sales data and receive real-time notifications when their books are being sold.
In addition, authors can connect with readers through Amazon’s Author Page program. Author Pages include an author’s photo, biography, list of books, blog posts, and more. Readers can follow their favorite authors and receive updates whenever the author posts new content. Amazon Author Central is a great way for authors to connect with their fans and build a following on Amazon.com.
Do you need an author website?
Every author needs a platform from which to reach their audience, and an author website is a perfect way to do just that. A website gives you a place to share your bio, book list, blog, and contact information and provides a way for readers to connect with you on social media.
In addition, a website can be an excellent tool for marketing your books. You can use it to launch campaigns, offer discounts, and run promotions. Plus, a website gives you complete control over your branding and how you present yourself to the world. So whether you’re starting out or a seasoned author, an author website is a must-have.
Can you make money from self-publishing?
These days, anyone with a computer and an Internet connection can publish their work for the whole world to see. However, simply publishing your work is no guarantee that you will make any money from it. In fact, unless you take active steps to market your work and build an audience, it is unlikely that you will generate any significant income from self-publishing. While there are no guarantees in the world of publishing, there are a number of things you can do to increase your chances of making money from your self-published work.
First, focus on quality. Put out the best product possible, and make sure that it is well edited and professionally designed. Second, market your work aggressively. Use social media, online advertising, and other tools to get the word out about your book. Finally, consider partnering with other self-published authors to promote each other’s work. By taking these steps, you can give yourself a better chance of making money from your self-published work.
Conclusion
There are a number of self-publishing companies out there, and it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you. Do your research to find the company that best fits your needs and goals. Make sure you understand the publishing process and what services each company offers. And most importantly, trust your gut instinct – if a company doesn’t feel right for you, it probably isn’t. So what are you waiting for? Start writing that book and find the perfect self-publishing company to help bring it to life.
Why should you know the best publishing companies available? Picture this:
You’re done. No more long nights and sleepless days. No more worrying about potentially gaping plot holes. All that’s left is to publish (and a victory beverage, of course).
Easy enough, right?
Wrong. Publishing–especially self-publishing–can be a very daunting task. There is a lot to consider and one false step can lead to a very poor introduction for your book into the world.
Don’t fret though. There are some great self publishing companies out there to give your book the fighting chance it deserves. But in order to ask “What are the best self publishing companies?”, you must first understand which type is best for you and some key differences between aggregators and marketplaces.
In this article, you will learn what are the best self-publishing companies for writers:
Let’s go ahead and learn the difference between the two types: retailers and aggregators.
Before we get into the list of best self-publishing companies, it's important to understand that there are three types of companies: Retailers, Aggregators, and Full Service.
Book retailers are markets that directly sell books. Through these, as an author, you can upload your book and directly sell on their market. Book retailers consist of Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple, Kobo, and more.
However, there is another self publishing company called ‘aggregators.' With these, you can submit your book, and they will send it out to all the other 40+ book retailers saving you time and energy. Some of the most popular book aggregators are Draft2Digital and PublishDrive and more.
Finally, there are Full Service book publishing companies. These companies help in every facet of book writing, getting an editor, formatting the books, publishing and even book promotion marketing.
Well, all of this depends on how you want to market your book. Just remember… with retailers, you get a bigger slice of the pie. But in theory, aggregators can help you put your work in front of a wider audience.
As you can see, Amazon rules to the roost with over 85% of book market share. However, that other 15% is pretty important. So, how do I self publish my books? Which market or aggregators do I use? Well, scroll down to the bottom to find out. But in the meantime, let's look at the top self publishing companies and see what type of aggregators or retailers are out there.
Owned by Amazon, KDP is the top dog when it comes to the best self-publishing companies. The amount of sales done through Amazon dwarfs the competition. All of it. This comes from their widespread reach to customers and lucrative royalty offers. KDP pays out 35% or 70% of the book’s price, depending on the option you choose.
KDP offers a very unique program with KDP Select as well. This is where you give Amazon 90 days of exclusive rights–meaning you can’t list it anywhere else for that time–in return for discount promotions and countdown deals. Also, if using KDP Select, your book becomes part of the Kindle Lending Library and Kindle Unlimited. Here you will get paid by the amount of pages your subscribers read. And here’s the best part: If you find success through KDP Select, you can re-enroll your book as many times as you want.
When publishing on Amazon, you must make sure that your eBook is formatted into an Amazon approved file format. This is a MOBI or AZW (or AZW3) format. Many eBooks are written in EPUB, so make sure that you use a program such as Calibre to properly convert your formats.
If you’re looking to put your book in front of the most powerful market out there, KDP is right for you. Now granted, the competition on Amazon can be rather fierce. That’s why it pays off to have a great marketing and release plan. This includes properly choosing your keywords and categories and establishing the best AMS ads you can. Luckily through the help of tools such as Publisher Rocket, you can effectively self-publish and launch your book!
Apple Books is Apple’s answer to Amazon KDP. Although it does not nearly have the retail power of KDP, it does have one major advantage.
Direct access to Mac users.
This is actually a lot bigger than you would expect. Mac users tend to focus more on brand loyalty. Mac users are more likely to have iPhones and vice versa. Apple tends to create a full user experience through their products and Apple Books is no exception. As a matter of fact, many Mac users start their eBook experience on Apple Books and are happy enough to not need to find anything else.
You must also be a Mac user in order to directly publish on Apple Books. If you are not, then you must go through a book aggregator to make your manuscript available on Apple Books. But if doing so, make sure that your book is formatted properly. This shouldn’t be too difficult however. Apple Books recognizes and accepts both EPUB and PDF formats.
When it comes to royalties, Apple offers a flat 70% rate.
While it’s true that only a very small percentage of books sold in the US come from Kobo, it can still be an awesome platform to utilize. Why’s that?
Canada.
It’s estimated that Kobo accounts for 25% of all Canadian eBook sales. That’s a sizeable number to compete with Amazon’s KDP. Based out of Toronto, this Canadian company has gone global as well. It is readily available in regions all over the globe.
If you’re interested in a global outreach, Kobo may be the best self-publishing company for you to choose from. It pays out a maximum royalty rate of 70% on all books listed for more than $2.99.
Previously known as NOOK, Barnes and Noble Press is the self-publishing platform of the aforementioned book retailers. This is another exclusive eBook retailer. All books published here are only sold via Barnes and Noble’s online and physical bookstore locations.
Barnes and Noble Press comes with the added benefit of Print-on-Demand services. This means you no longer need to have that stack of unclaimed paperbacks taking up a corner of your living room.
The royalty payout rates for Barnes and Noble Press are definitely competitive as all books priced over $2.99 receiving a 65% royalty.
Draft2Digital (D2D) is the undisputed king of ebook aggregators. Ever since they acquired Smashwords in 2022, they've had little to no competition, instead becoming a potential rival of the big retailers themselves.
D2D has a lot of hidden features, in addition to being able to distribute to all major retailers and libraries. They also have universal book links for all of your books, print services, and a partnership with Findaway Voices to distribute audio.
Another advantage to D2D is that they provide formatting services free of charge. This in itself is not necessary but is a very welcome quality of life change. As far as commissions go, D2D takes a 10% piece no matter where your book is sold.
Aggregator Schmeggregator...which is best and why authors might need them for your books.
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If there ever was a fully complete one stop shop for self publishing, BookBaby would be the one.
BookBaby goes above and beyond when it comes to your journey of self-publishing. Their goal is to make everything as simple as possible for you. From formatting, to publishing, to distribution, to social media promotion, and more!
BookBaby distributes to both the eBook and print markets. Their partners include all the major retailers including Amazon, Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble.
On top of all this, BookBaby also offers print on demand services and cover design services as well.
You can figure out pricing using their user-friendly calculator to ensure that you stay within your budget. They also offer complete package deals (and I mean COMPLETE) for eBooks starting at just $1699.
PublishDrive is a relative newcomer to the self-publishing world and is already one of the best self-publishing companies available. Established in 2015, Kinga Jentetics wanted to find a way to reliably publish her master’s thesis. She and her team now operate in over 75 countries in 75 different languages.
Publish Drive works with all major online retailers including Amazon, Apple, Google, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble.
Perhaps, the most unique feature about Publish Drive is their pricing options. Whereas most companies offer royalty options, Publish Drive offers another option: Subscription pricing. With their subscription, you get to retain 100% of your royalties. You simply pay $100 per month to maintain this. This is an excellent option for well-established authors.
With over 15 years of Self-Publishing and Print on Demand experience, I cannot in good faith construct this list without IngramSpark. Their Ingram Content Group is the largest distribution network in Self-Publishing right now with over 39000 separate marketplaces in 195 different countries. If you're looking to extend the long arm when it comes to your self-published titles, IngramSpark may be the company for you.
For those of you considering offering Print on Demand…IngramSpark should definitely be an option. They deliver one of largest selections of print formatting available and with a quality that is second to none. Looking for clear, crisp text? Or more vibrant colors for your illustrations? IngramSpark is the Print on Demand service you need.
One thing to note is that IngramSpark is not the cheapest Print on Demand service available. And they don't claim to be. But their quality is worth the price.
For your ebooks, you can have one of two rates for royalties. You receive a 40% royalty when utilizing the full strength of IngramSpark. However, if you choose to opt out of Amazon, you will receive a 45% royalty of the list price.
Easy to use, and and full of amazing features, you can quickly turn your book into a professional book.
Check It OutIf I had to define one clear-cut winner, I simply couldn't. Each have strengths distinctly unique to them. And nobody said that you couldn’t use more than one.
For example:
Let’s say I wanted to release a book in the US market. KDP and Amazon would absolutely be on my list. It is the largest retail market for books on Earth. If I were to forgo the option of enrolling in KDP Select, then I could also take advantage of Draft2Digital.
–BUT–
Let’s say my major market is in Canada or South Africa… Is Amazon going to be the most beneficial for me? At this time, I would probably focus more efforts into Kobo. Once again, I could couple this with a book aggregator to maximize my reach.
–OR–
What if you just wrote a book and know nothing about self-publishing? What if you would rather just have the joys of self-publishing with some of the benefits of traditional publishing? Then perhaps BookBaby’s complete package deal is right for you.
Self-publishing doesn't mean you have to do it all alone...but you do need the services that are right for YOU.
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Here are my sales in the different markets at the time of writing this article:
As you can see, I've made the most of my sales through Amazon, but I've had a significant amount of sales thanks to aggregators as well. Although the information above is lifetime values, here is my current layout of the self publishing companies I use for my books:
I personally upload to the following retailers:
Then for the rest of the retailers (there's over 40 others) I use the following aggregator:
Why D2D? Well, I spell that out here. However, I've been in contact with PublishDrive and I'm REALLY impressed with what I've heard.
Choosing one of the best self publishing companies is not about selecting the company with the biggest reach for the most niche sales. It is about finding out what is best for your book and your situation.
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