The 6 Best Self-Publishing Companies in the USA
Traditional publishing leaves writers at a crossroads. This is why many writers are exploring the world of self-publishing. Another great benefit is that self-publishing offers an opportunity for creative freedom that may not be available through traditional publishing methods.
If you are worried about navigating self-publishing, fret not, my friend. Thanks to some self-publishing companies, you can now share your stories with the public. These companies provide writers with a safe platform with vital resources that enable them to have creative control over their composition.
But there are many publishing companies, so how would you know who’s best? We can simplify this for you! Here, we will discuss the six best self-publishing services so you can easily decide which one is the right one for your publishing needs. Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
• KDP: Offers up to 70% eBook royalties, real-time sales monitoring, and promotional tools.
• D2D: User-friendly platform with eBook distribution, automatic formatting, and royalty-splitting features.
• IngramSpark: Global book print platform with custom printing services and high-quality publishing.
• BookBaby: Offers editing, publishing, marketing support, and expert formatting services for budget-friendly authors.
• Lulu: Top self-publishing platform with print-on-demand services, global distribution, and user-friendly interface.
• Blurb: Ideal for photo or art books, allowing authors to create high-quality designs using Adobe InDesign and Lightroom.
Top Six Self-Publishing Companies in the USA
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
It is among the top self-publishing companies that make it simple for authors to publish their works as paperbacks and eBooks. This platform, created by Amazon, links its millions of clients worldwide to a vast book distribution.
The best thing about KDP is that it allows authors to earn up to 70% royalties for their eBooks. Moreover, it lets the writer check the sales of their books with real-time monitoring. Authors can also access helpful promotional tools like Kindle Countdown Deals for free to boost their sales.
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Fee: No upfront costs, but it deducts commission from royalties, like 30% for eBooks under $2.99 and 70% for those above this price.
Note: If you are new to writing or if it’s your first time writing a book, use KDP’s free resources to understand basic formatting, cover design, and eBook distribution.
Draft2Digital
D2D is the simplest platform among self-publishing companies with a user-friendly interface. It is renowned for its eBook distribution, which lets authors publish their books on major sites like Kobo, Apple Books, and Barnes and Noble from one dashboard.
D2D has one helpful feature: an automatic formatting tool, which saves time and keeps the book error-free. This tool ensures your book looks highly professional. Moreover, its royalty-splitting features allow writers to share earnings with their co-authors.
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Fee: No publishing cost but takes 15% commission on eBook sales from partner stores.
IngramSpark
It has a well-known platform for its vast reach in the book print industry. IngramSpark is great for authors who want to explore a range of distribution as it connects with different libraries, over 39,000 stores, and online shops globally.
They lead the charts with top custom book printing services and high-quality publishing. Their customization services allow authors to modify their books as per needs, so they get what they want (exactly). The best thing about this platform is that its customizing options ensure your book looks like professional bookstore quality.
- Rating: 4.3/5
- Fee: $49 for each format (eBook and print). Additional costs may apply for changes and updates.
IngramSpark is the best place to start if you want access to stores and libraries because of its vast global distribution network!
BookBaby
BookBaby offers a range of services, including editing and publishing, along with marketing support. They have a team of experts that handles formatting, book design, and distribution. This helps authors to get their drafts published professionally without managing all these hassles by themselves.
BookBaby is budget-friendly for new authors as their print-on-demand service saves them from investing in large print upfront. Moreover, they are an affordable audiobook provider that allows writers to add an audiobook version of their write-up (if they want).
- Rating: 4.2/5
- Fee: The basic publishing package starts at $399 (with editing, marketing, and distribution).
Lulu
This platform secures its place among the top six self-publishing companies because of its print-on-demand services and distribution capabilities. It has a user-friendly interface with no complexities, making it easy for new and experienced authors to share their books. You can publish books of any genre on Lulu without any.
Its flexibility in publishing sets them apart from others. It enables writers to publish anything from daily paperbacks to unique formats (like comic books and calendars). With its global distribution, you can share your content and creativity with readers beyond the US.
- Rating: 4.1 /5
- Fee: No publishing charges. Costs only for printing and shipping.
Blurb
Last on our list of the best self-publishing companies for cookbooks, children’s books, and photography books is Blurb. This platform allows authors to create layouts and customize them with high-quality images. They fulfill the need for great visuals and make the book appealing and attention-grabbing.
Blurb allows you to create unique (high-quality) designs as it connects with Adobe InDesign and Lightroom. The books on Blurb can be shared on Ingram and Amazon to get more reach. They also offer flexible printing to solve custom book needs.
- Rating: 4/5
- Fee: No publishing charges. Costs may apply to materials depending on book size.
Things to Do Before Choosing Book Printing Companies Online
- Check the ratings and read reviews online.
- Determine the essential services: formatting, design, and marketing.
- Verify the pricing to avoid additional costs.
- Evaluate their reach by checking available books.
- Examine their (acceptable) royalties for good earnings.
- Check their customer services to evaluate professionalism.
Wrap Up
These are some of the best self-publishing companies that satisfy every author’s needs. Whether you are looking for high-quality publishing, audiobook options, or wide distribution, there’s a platform for you. These companies allow authors to share their creativity with their audience by making the publishing process smooth. By knowing what each company offers, you can choose the best one that fits your needs and budget!
FAQs
Why is self-publishing important?
It allows writers to have control and reach a worldwide audience.
How much does it cost?
Prices differ, but many platforms are free, with fees for printing and additional services.
What is meant by audiobook?
A book read aloud and available for listening is called an audiobook.
Is audiobook marketing worth it?
Yes. Do you know why? This is because, according to a study, approximately 53% of US adults reported listening to an audiobook in 2023. People are enjoying audiobooks, and to ensure that your work reaches everyone, it’s best if you also invest in audiobook marketing.