You’ve poured your heart and soul into your manuscript, and now you’re ready to join the world of self-publishing. With numerous options available, choosing the right self-publishing company can be a daunting task.
To make your journey smoother, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best self-publishing companies for new authors. Let’s discover them in more detail.
What should you consider when choosing a self-publishing company?
First, there are some factors you should consider before turning to this or that self-publishing company. What are they?
1. Type
This factor depends on your primary goal. Do you want only to publish your book or promote it? The answer to this question will help you to decide whether you need a retailer, aggregator, educator, or a company that provides extra self-publishing services.
To make you feel more confident, let’s take a look at these most popular types:
- Book retailers sell your books on branded retail platforms like Amazon, Apple Books, or Kobo.
- Book aggregators deal with different online retailers, simultaneously distributing your books through several channels.
- Self-publishing educators don’t publish books but offer courses and resources on succeeding as indie authors.
- Other author services include editing, formatting, book cover design, illustration, etc.
By the way, self-publishing companies often combine several types, which is convenient for authors.
2. Cost and pricing
Budget plays a significant role in your decision. Be sure to consider upfront costs, ongoing fees, and any hidden charges. Make sure the services offered align with what you’re willing to invest.
The good news is that most popular self-publishing companies do not charge directly for publishing stories. They usually charge a percentage of the books already sold.
3. Book format
As a rule, most companies publish both printed and ebooks. However, not all of them provide audio versions. Therefore, it is worth considering what formats you want to see your story in and whether a particular company can fulfill your request.
4. Royalty rates and payment terms
Some people may write books just for the sake of the soul, but most authors would not mind if their great stories also brought in profit – royalty. It determines how much you’ll earn from each sale. Understand the royalty rates and the company’s payment schedule before choosing.
5. Reputation
Research the company’s reputation within the self-publishing community. Read reviews, testimonials, and ask other authors about their experiences. We also recommend using a guide by ALLi containing all the best and worst self-publishing companies.
6. Publishing rights and ownership
Ensure you retain the rights to your work. Some companies might require exclusivity, while others allow you to maintain more control.
What are the 10 best self-publishing companies for new authors?
Today, we want to focus on retailers, aggregators, and mixed-type companies. Thanks to these companies, you will be able to publish your book. Some of them also provide extra marketing services.
1. Kindle Direct Publishing
Type: Retailer
Price: Free
Royalty: Up to 70%
Pros:
- Massive audience
- Amazon’s ecosystem
- Publication within 24-48 hours
Cons:
- Limited distribution outside Amazon.
2. Barnes & Noble Press
Type: Retailer
Price: Free
Royalty: Up to 70%
Pros:
- Big customer base
- Online calculator for royalties
- Extra marketing services
Cons:
- Smaller market share compared to Amazon.
3. IngramSpark
Type: Aggregator
Price: Fee – $49 for print and ebook, $25 for ebook only
Royalty: Up to 45%
Pros:
- Wide distribution network,
- Professional quality
Cons:
- Initial costs.
4. Draft2Digital
Type: Aggregator
Price: Free
Royalty: Up to 90%
Pros:
- User-friendly
- Broad distribution
Cons:
- Lack of automatic paperback distribution.
5. Smashwords
Type: Aggregator
Price: Free
Royalty: Up to 80%
Pros:
- Extensive distribution options
Cons:
- Formatting challenges
- No preview option.
6. Kobo
Type: Retailer
Price: Free
Royalty: Up to 70%
Pros:
- Exclusive promotion services
- Big market in Canada
Cons:
- Long waiting for payment.
7. Lulu
Type: Mixed
Price: Free, but extra services are paid.
Royalty: Up to 90%
Pros:
- Diverse services
- Different print options
Cons:
- Some services can be expensive.
8. Apple Books
Type: Retailer
Price: Free
Royalty: Up to 70%
Pros:
- Apple’s ecosystem
- Broad and premium market
Cons:
- Limited to Apple users.
9. Publish Drive
Type: Aggregator
Price: Free
Royalty: Up to 90%, or 100% if you pay $100 monthly
Pros:
- Global distribution
- 24/7 support
- Extra services
Cons:
- A monthly fee might not suit all authors.
10. Blurb
Type: Mixed
Price: Depends on book format
Royalty: Up to 75%
Pros:
- High-quality print options
- Online creation and sales tools
Cons:
- Higher prices
- Limited market reach.
Summing up
Choosing the right self-publishing company can significantly impact your book’s success if you’re a new author. Consider your priorities, budget, and goals when making your decision.
But you shouldn’t limit yourself to just one company. At the beginning of your career, you can try different options and decide what works best for you.
