16 Best Self-Publishing Companies
So you’ve penned that novel, drafted that memoir, or compiled that cookbook; and you’re itching to share your masterpiece with the world. However, you’re not too keen on the idea of dealing with the complexities of traditional publishing houses. Thankfully, self-publishing companies abound. These companies offer book publishing services, expertise, and support you need to get your book out there. If you are looking for a book publishing company or any publishing platforms that will assist you in showcasing your creativity and reaching a global audience, you might want to explore some of the best self-publishing companies below.
1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing
If you’re looking for reach, it doesn’t get much better than this. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) allows you to publish e-books and paperbacks with ease. With Amazon’s vast reach and exposure, KDP provides you with access to a massive global audience. Your book will be available to millions of potential readers on Amazon’s platform, which can significantly boost your book’s visibility.
One of the advantages of publishing through KDP is you can control the pricing of your books. Aside from setting your own price, you can run promotions to boost the visibility of your book. You can also earn up to 70 percent royalty! Another way to earn additional income is by enrolling your books in Kindle Unlimited, which is a subscription service that allows readers to borrow and read an unlimited number of books. You will be paid based on the number of pages read by subscribers.
If vast reach, ease of use, competitive royalty rates, and numerous promotional programs entice you, then Amazon KDP is your top choice.
2. Smashwords
Smashwords is all about e-books. They have an extensive distribution network that includes major e-book stores and libraries. More distributors mean more opportunities for your books to reach a broad and diverse audience.
At Smashwords, you can set your own book price, offer discounts, and even choose to make your e-book free for a limited time. Smashwords offers competitive royalty rates—that is, 85 percent of net sales—for books sold directly through the Smashwords store.
If you’re looking for a robust and author-friendly self-publishing company that provides wide e-book distribution, control over pricing, competitive royalties, and valuable resources for authors, then Smashwords is an excellent choice.
3. Lulu
Lulu is the place to be if you’re thinking beyond e-books. If you plan to offer paperback and hardcover versions of your work, Lulu provides a comprehensive publishing solution to meet your needs. This versatility enables you to cater to different reader preferences.
Lulu offers a range of professional services you can use such as editing, cover design, and formatting. If you want to ensure the highest quality of your books, then you can take advantage of these services.
Lulu’s emphasis on customization, professional services, and high-quality printing makes it a solid choice if you’re looking to produce top-notch physical and digital books while maintaining control over your publishing process.
4. IngramSpark
IngramSpark offers global distribution and a variety of print formats so you can make your book available to readers in every corner of the world. With IngramSpark’s more than 40,000 stores, your book can reach readers in numerous countries.
Unlike some other self-publishing platforms, IngramSpark does not require you to grant exclusivity to your books. You can distribute your titles through multiple channels simultaneously.
Hence, IngramSpark is an excellent choice if you’re looking to produce both print and e-book editions of your book while accessing a wide range of distribution channels to reach readers around the world.
5. Draft2Digital
If you want a hassle-free experience, Draft2Digital is your go-to choice. They make it super simple to format your e-book and distribute it to a bunch of online retailers, including Amazon, Apple Books, and Barnes & Noble.
Draft2Digital simplifies the publishing process by offering a one-stop solution. You can upload your manuscript, format your book, create professional-looking e-book files, and distribute them to multiple platforms—all from a single dashboard.
If you’re looking for a user-friendly self-publishing platform with extensive e-book distribution options, then Draft2Digital is a valuable partner in your publishing journey.
6. BookBaby
BookBaby has your back from start to finish. This self-publishing company offers professional services, global distribution, print-on-demand options, and marketing support. Whether you need editing, cover design, or marketing services, they’ve got you covered.
In addition to print books, BookBaby offers e-book distribution to various platforms, expanding your book’s digital reach. This includes popular e-book retailers like Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Google Play.
If you’re looking to enhance your self-publishing knowledge, then BookBaby is a good option especially if you are a first-time author.
7. Kobo
Kobo Writing Life is all about diversity. Considering that Kobo is a subsidiary of the Japanese e-commerce company Rakuten, it has a strong presence in the international market. Aside from Kobo’s own e-book store, it has partnered with various international retailers, allowing you to tap into a diverse and widespread reader base.
Kobo offers promotional opportunities, such as participation in promotions like Kobo Daily Deals, Kobo Plus, and more. These promotions can help boost your book’s visibility and sales.
Kobo is an attractive option if you’re looking to publish and distribute an e-book, particularly if you want direct access to Kobo’s global retail network.
8. Blurb
If you’re planning to create a stunning photo book, comic, or magazine, Blurb is your creative playground. Their easy-to-use platform makes it a breeze to design and publish visually appealing books.
Blurb emphasizes design and visual aesthetics. Hence, it is the perfect choice for you if you want to publish a visually rich and creatively designed book. With Blurb, you can expect high-quality book printing and binding.
If you require meticulous attention to detail and aesthetics, then you might want to give Blurb a try.
9. iUniverse
If you’re after a little extra guidance, iUniverse provides a range of publishing packages that come with professional editing and marketing services. It’s like having a publishing mentor by your side. This is particularly beneficial if you are a first-time author who needs guidance and support throughout the publishing process.
iUniverse offers customizable publishing packages that allow you to select the specific services you need. This flexibility means you can tailor your publishing experience to match your budget and goals.
One of the advantages of iUniverse is that it offers you access to a community of authors and publishing professionals. You can connect with others who have published through iUniverse, providing opportunities for networking and support.
10. Reedsy
Reedsy is a self-publishing platform and marketplace that connects you with professional publishing freelancers and provides tools to assist you in the book publishing process. If you are a first-timer in book publishing, then Reedsy is an excellent option. Reedsy allows you to focus on the writing aspect, and they take care of the rest.
Reedsy provides experienced publishing professionals such as editors, proofreaders, designers, and marketers whom you can hire to assist you in various aspects of book production. This means you can choose who to work with and how to work on your book.
Reedsy empowers you to take control of your self-publishing journey while ensuring access to high-quality publishing services.
11. BookLocker
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of waiting for months for your book to be published and be available to your readers, BookLocker can print your book to market within a month. If this still doesn’t work for you, you can take advantage of their expedited service that allows you to get your book to market within two weeks!
BookLocker offers a personalized approach and author-friendly policies. Their range of publishing packages, including e-book and print-on-demand options, are designed to make your publishing journey as hassle-free as possible. With their focus on author support and affordable pricing, BookLocker is a great choice if you value a hands-on publishing experience.
12. Milton & Hugo
Milton & Hugo is relatively new in the self-publishing world, but they offer book publishing services that are on par with other self-publishing companies that have been in the business for far longer. Milton & Hugo will assist you from manuscript submission up to marketing your book to a wider audience.
This self-publishing company is especially a great option if this is your first time to publish your work to a global audience. If you have no idea where to start or whom to approach, Milton & Hugo offers access to professional services as well as supportive customer service that will guide you every step of the book publishing process. Through the wide range of book publishing services Milton & Hugo offers, you can be assured of a smooth and successful publishing experience.
13. Apple Books
Considering that Apple Books is the self-publishing arm of Apple, you can be assured that the audience for your book is wide-ranging. Publishing through Apple Books allows you access to a vast potential audience of iOS users, Mac users, and readers from across the globe who prefer Apple devices.
When you publish on iBooks Author—which, by the way, comes at no cost—you get a royalty fee of 70 percent. This means that you receive a significant portion of the revenue, allowing you to earn more. So if you want to maximize your earnings while sharing your story to people around the world who are on iOS and Mac devices, then you should give Apple Books a try.
14. Barnes & Noble Press
Barnes & Noble Press (B&N Press) is—you guessed it—the self-publishing platform of the bookseller Barnes & Noble. One of the main advantages of B&N Press is its extensive reach and access to a large audience, given that Barnes & Noble is a well-known, established bookseller with a vast customer base both online through barnesandnoble.com and in physical stores across the United States.
Although your book won’t be physically available in these stores, you can still sell copies (paperback or hardcover) through barnesandnoble.com.
The level of exposure that B&N Press offers is invaluable if you seek to connect with a wide readership and gain recognition in the literary world.
15. PublishDrive
If you are the type who does not want to be bothered by the nitty-gritty of the book publishing process, then PublishDrive is for you. You do the writing, and they will do the distribution and promotion of your book.
With just a few clicks, PublishDrive can easily publish your e-books, audiobooks, or print books to thousands of libraries and bookstores worldwide. You will keep 100 percent of your book sales and will only be required to pay monthly for your subscription to the platform.
16. StreetLib
If you don’t want to limit your book exposure to one country, then StreetLib is an excellent choice for publishing your book. It is based in Italy and has a strong presence in Latin America and Europe, but its distribution network consists of online and physical stores. Thus, your book can reach readers in the United States, Europe, Asia, or elsewhere.
If you seek to reach a diverse and broad readership, then you shouldn’t pass this valuable international exposure through StreetLib.
Final Thoughts
Each of the abovementioned self-publishing companies has its unique perks. Take your time to explore them and find the perfect fit for your publishing dreams. Whether you’re a first-time author looking to dip your toes into self-publishing or an experienced writer seeking broader distribution of your work, these companies offer valuable tools and services to help you achieve your publishing goals. With the right self-publishing company, your literary dreams can become a reality, and your stories can find their way into the hands of readers around the world.
