The 20 BEST Self-Publishing Companies of 2024

As a self-published author, if you want to reach new heights today or in the near future, you should know what the top self-publishing companies are in 2024. Self-publishing companies are the platforms that allow you to self-publish your books and showcase your work to the world.

Self-publishing is the process of producing and distributing books. That includes eBooks, audiobooks, and other media by the author without the involvement of a traditional publishing company. Moreover, it is a rapidly growing industry. It allows authors to maintain complete control over their creative and unique content, distribution, and profits.

While self-publishing allows authors to have complete creative control over their works, it can also be a tough task to undertake alone. This is exactly where self-publishing companies come in handy. These companies offer a variety of services. Services that help authors with editing, design, formatting, marketing, and distribution. In addition, they make self-publishing accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical abilities or experience. Also, it helps authors achieve professional-quality results.

Now, you know what self-publishing is and how self-publishing companies help you. Let’s look at the top 20 best self-publishing companies of 2024. Knowing all these self-publishing companies will make your decision of choosing which one to work with easy.

The Top 20 Self-Publishing Companies of 2024

In the world of many self-publishing companies, those who stand out from the rest are:

1- Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the most popular self-publishing platform. It is owned by Amazon that allows authors to publish eBooks and paperbacks on the Amazon marketplace. In addition, it has a wide range of features and tools to help authors publish their works and reach a global audience.

Services

1. Easy-to-use publishing tools and templates.
2. Customizable formatting and design options.
3. Global distribution on the Amazon marketplace.
4. Promotion and advertising tools, including Kindle Unlimited and Amazon Advertising.
5. Sales tracking and royalty payments.

Cost

KDP is free to use. Authors only pay for printing costs and distribution fees when publishing paperbacks. KDP’s eBook publishing services are entirely free. Moreover, authors can earn up to 70% royalties on their eBook sales.

Pros

• Free to use.
• Global distribution.
• Wide range of promotional and advertising tools.
• High royalty rates.

Cons

• Limited services compared to other self-publishing companies.
• Can be difficult to navigate for new authors.
• Limited support options.

2- IngramSpark

IngramSpark is one of the top self-publishing companies owned by Ingram Content Group, a major book distributor in the publishing industry. It offers a range of services and tools. They help authors publish and distribute their books in various formats, including eBooks, paperbacks, hardcovers, and audiobooks.

Services

1. Easy-to-use tools and templates.
2. Global distribution to over 40,000 retailers, libraries, and schools.
3. Print-on-demand services for eBooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers.
4. Audiobook production and distribution services.

Cost

IngramSpark charges a one-time setup fee of $49 per book. Authors pay for printing and distribution fees. The cost of printing and distribution depends on the format, paper quality, and other factors. Moreover, authors can earn up to 45% royalties on their sales.

Pros

• Global distribution to a wide range of retailers and libraries.
• Wide range of formats available, including audiobooks.
• High-quality printing and production services.
• Excellent customer support.

Cons

• Setup fees and printing costs can be expensive.
• Royalty rates are lower than other companies.
• The platform can be challenging to navigate for new authors.

3- Barnes & Noble Press

Barnes & Noble Press is a platform owned by Barnes & Noble, a major bookseller in the US. The platform allows authors to publish and distribute their books in various formats, including eBooks and paperbacks, on the Barnes & Noble website.

Services

1. Publishing tools and templates that are easy to use.
2. Global distribution on the Barnes & Noble website.
3. Promotion and advertising tools, including Barnes & Noble’s in-store marketing programs.
4. Royalty payments and Sales tracking.

Cost

Barnes & Noble Press is free to use. Authors only pay for printing costs and distribution fees when publishing paperbacks. Barnes & Noble Press’s eBook writing services are entirely free. Moreover, authors can earn up to 65% royalties on their eBook sales.

Pros

• Free to use.
• Global distribution on Barnes & Noble’s website.
• Wide range of advertising and promotional tools.
• Good royalty rates.

Cons

• Limited services compared to others.
• Limited distribution options compared to Amazon or IngramSpark.
• Little support options.

4- Reedsy

Reedsy is a self-publishing platform that offers a range of tools and services for authors to help them publish and market their books. Reedsy has a curated marketplace of professionals who can help authors at any stage of the publishing process.

Services

1. Access to a curated marketplace of professionals, including editors, designers, and marketers.
2. Print-on-demand services for paperbacks and hardcovers.
3. EBook formatting and conversion services.
4. Marketing and promotional tools, including book launch and advertising services.

Cost

Reedsy charges a commission fee of 10% on all services booked through their marketplace. Authors pay for printing and distribution fees. The cost of printing and distribution depends on the format, paper quality, and other factors.

Pros

• Access to a curated marketplace of professionals for all publishing needs.
• Wide range of marketing and promotional tools.
• Good customer support.
• High-quality production and printing services.

Cons

• Commission fees can be high for some services.
• Limited distribution options compared to IngramSpark or Amazon.
• Limited range of services compared to other companies.

5- Blurb

Blurb is a platform that allows authors to create and publish books, magazines, and eBooks. The platform offers a range of design tools and templates to help authors create professional-looking publications, as well as distribution services to sell and promote their work.

Services

1. Print-on-demand services for magazines, hardcovers, and paperbacks.
2. E-Book formatting and conversion services.
3. Distribution services, including selling on Blurb’s marketplace and global distribution to major online retailers.

Cost

The cost of using Blurb depends on the format and the number of copies ordered. Blurb offers a range of pricing options for authors, including volume discounts for bulk orders. The platform charges a base fee per order plus additional fees for services like editing and distribution.

Pros

• Easy-to-use design tools and templates.
• A range of distribution options.
• High-quality printing and production services.
• Moderate customer support.

Cons

• Limited range of services in comparison to others.
• Low number of marketing and promotional tools.
• Limited editing and proofreading services.

6- Lulu

Lulu is a self-publishing platform that offers a range of services for authors, including print-on-demand and eBook publishing. The platform provides easy-to-use tools to help authors create and publish their works, as well as distribution services to make their books available to a broad audience.

Services

1. Print-on-demand services for photo books, hardcovers, and paperbacks.
2. EBook publishing services.
3. Design tools and templates.
4. Distribution services, including selling on Lulu’s marketplace and global distribution to major online retailers.

Cost

The cost of using Lulu depends on the format and the number of copies ordered. Lulu offers a range of pricing options for authors, including volume discounts for bulk orders. The platform charges a base fee per order plus additional fees for services like editing and distribution.

Pros

• Easy-to-use tools and templates.
• Good range of services, including editing and distribution.
• Wide range of distribution options.
• Notable customer support.

Cons

• Limited marketing and promotional tools.
• Limited customization options for design and formatting.
• Issues with the pricing and distribution options.

7- Authors Breeze

Authors Breeze is not just only a self-publishing platform but a complete book publishing house. It has been providing services for authors for more than a decade. They allow writers to create, publish and distribute their books in both print and digital formats. Authors Breeze is known for offering a wide range of tools and resources to help authors in the writing, publishing, and book marketing process.

Services

1. Provides professional editing and proofreading services to ensure that your manuscript is polished and error-free.
2. Format and design your book for print or digital publication, ensuring that it looks professional and visually appealing.
3. Help you market and promote your book, including creating a website, social media accounts, and book trailers.
4. Offers self-publishing services, guiding authors through the process of publishing their books.

Cost

The cost of services offered by Authors Breeze varies depending on the specific service and the scope of the project. However, the company prides itself on providing affordable rates to authors, ensuring that they can access high-quality services without breaking the bank.

Pros

• Authors Breeze offers a comprehensive range of services to authors, helping them at every stage of the writing and publishing process.
• The company provides affordable rates, making it more accessible for authors who may be on a budget.
• The team at Authors Breeze is experienced and professional, ensuring that authors receive high-quality services.

Cons

• Some authors may prefer to work with traditional publishers, and Authors Breeze primarily offers self-publishing services.
• Authors Breeze may not be suitable for authors who prefer a more hands-on approach to the writing and publishing process.

8- BookBaby

BookBaby is a platform that offers a range of services for authors, including print-on-demand and eBook publishing. The platform provides easy-to-use tools to help authors create and publish their works, as well as distribution services to make their books available to a broad audience.

Services

1. Print-on-demand services for paperbacks, hardcovers, and photo books.
2. Design tools and templates.
3. Editing and best proofreading services.
4. Distribution services, including selling on BookBaby’s marketplace and global distribution to major online retailers.

Cost

The cost of using BookBaby depends on the format and the number of copies ordered. BookBaby offers a range of pricing options for authors, including volume discounts for bulk orders. Moreover, the platform charges a base fee per order plus additional fees for services like editing and distribution.

Pros

• Easy-to-use design tools and templates.
• Good range of services, including editing and distribution.
• Broad range of distribution options.
• Good customer support.

Cons

• Some authors have reported issues with the pricing and distribution options.
• Limited promotional tools.
• Limited customization options for design and formatting.

9- Smashwords

Smashwords, founded in 2008 and is a popular publishing platform that allows authors to publish and distribute their eBooks and audiobooks to various online retailers. Smashwords offers a range of publishing tools, making it a comprehensive platform for authors looking to publish their work.

Services

1. eBook and audiobook publishing and distribution to major online retailers such as Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.
2. Free formatting tools to ensure your book meets industry standards.
3. Additional services for cover design, editing, and marketing.

Cost

Smashwords is a free-to-use platform that only charges authors a percentage of their sales. The platform takes a 15% commission on direct sales and 10% on sales through retail partners, making it a cost-effective option for publishing.

Pros

• Vast distribution network, including major retailers.
• Comprehensive publishing tools and services available.
• Authors retain full control over their work.
• High royalty rate of up to 80%.
• Offers a free account option with no upfront fees.

Cons

• Limited marketing and promotional support compared to other platforms.
• Inconsistent formatting on some retail platforms.
• Takes a commission of 15% on each eBook sale made through their platform.
• No print-on-demand services available.

10- Draft2Digital

Draft2Digital is one of the popular self-publishing companies founded in 2012. It provides authors with easy-to-use tools to format and publish their e-books to multiple retailers, including Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and many more. Moreover, it has a team of experienced professionals to help authors through the publishing process.

Services

1. E-book formatting, cover design, distribution, and marketing.
2. Easy upload of manuscripts.
3. Built-in formatting tool to create professional-looking e-books.
4. The company also offers cover design services, as well as various.
5. Marketing tools to help authors promote their books.

Cost

Draft2Digital doesn’t charge any upfront fees or hidden costs to use its services. Instead, the company takes a 10% cut of the author’s royalties for each book sold. This fee includes distribution to all the major e-book retailers, as well as access to the company’s marketing tools.

Pros

• Easy-to-use platform with built-in formatting tools.
• Vast distribution network, including major retailers like Amazon, Apple Books, and Barnes & Noble.
• No upfront fees or hidden costs.
• Helpful customer support team.

Cons

• Limited print-on-demand options.
• Some authors have reported technical glitches with the formatting tool.

11- Kobo Writing Life

Kobo Writing Life is a self-publishing platform launched by Rakuten Kobo in 2012. It is a Canadian company that provides e-books, audiobooks, and e-readers to customers worldwide. Kobo allows authors to upload their manuscripts, create e-books, and sell them on the Kobo e-reader and other partner platforms.

Services

1. Manuscript conversion to e-book format.
2. Cover design services.
3. Distribution to Kobo’s e-reader and other platforms.
4. Marketing and promotional tools, and author support.

Cost

Kobo Writing Life is a free platform that allows authors to upload and sell their books without any upfront fees or costs. Kobo takes a commission of 30% on each sale. Moreover, authors receive 70% of the sale price.

Pros

• A free platform with no upfront costs.
• Popular in many countries worldwide, providing authors with a potentially large audience.
• Authors can set their own prices and have control over their book’s distribution.

Cons

• Does not offer print-on-demand services.
• Not widely used as Amazon’s Kindle, potentially limiting the audience for authors.
• Does not offer as many marketing and promotional tools as other self-publishing platforms.

Also read: How to Write and Publish a Book in 2024.

12- PublishDrive

PublishDrive is a publishing platform that allows authors to easily distribute and market their books to a global audience. PublishDrive offers a broad range of tools and services to help authors publish and promote their books, including e-book conversion, distribution, marketing, and analytics.

Services

1. E-book conversion compatible with major e-book platforms.
2. Distribute e-books to over 400 stores and 240,000 libraries worldwide, including Amazon, Apple, Google Play, and Barnes & Noble.
3. Marketing tools include book-listing optimization, targeted advertising, and social media promotions.
4. Analytics to help authors track their sales and monitor their marketing campaigns.

Cost

PublishDrive offers flexible pricing plans based on the author’s needs. The plans include the following:

Starter plan: Free

Standard plan: $19/month plus a 10% commission on sales

Professional plan: $100/month plus a 7% commission on sales

Pros

• Offers a comprehensive range of services to help authors publish and promote their books.
• Distributes books to a wide range of stores and libraries worldwide.
• Analytics tools to provide authors with detailed insights into their sales and marketing campaigns.

Cons

• Some authors found commission fees to be higher than other self-publishing platforms.
• The platform may not be suitable for authors who only want to publish on a few platforms.

13- Outskirts Press

Outskirts Press is one of the self-publishing companies that was founded in 2002. It specializes in helping writers bring their books to market. The company has a range of services and tools that can help authors throughout the entire publishing process, from manuscript formatting to book distribution.

Services

1. Manuscript formatting, cover design, ISBN and copyright registration, editorial services, marketing services, and distribution services.
2. Publishing package that includes all of these services, as well as custom book covers design, author support, and more.

Cost

The cost of using Outskirts Press varies depending on the specific services and packages that an author chooses. However, the company does offer a range of pricing options and packages to fit different budgets and needs. For example, the company’s most basic publishing package starts at $999. On the other hand, its full-color package begins at $2,099.

Pros

• A wide range of publishing services and tools to help authors bring their books to market.
• A variety of pricing options and packages to fit different budgets and needs.
• Strong reputation for providing high-quality publishing services and excellent customer support.

Cons

• The cost of using can be relatively high for authors on a tight budget.
• Some customers have reported that the company’s editing and proofreading services are not as thorough as they would like.
• Does not offer as much flexibility or control over the publishing process as some other self-publishing companies.

14- Xlibris

Xlibris is among the self-publishing companies that was founded in 1997. It offers a variety of services to help authors get their books published and distributed in various formats. Xlibris is a subsidiary of Author Solutions, a self-publishing company that was acquired by Pearson PLC in 2012.

Services

1. Editing, formatting, design, distribution, and marketing.
2. A variety of publishing packages to suit different needs and budgets.
3. Various promotional services such as press releases, video book trailers, and author websites to help authors promote their books.

Cost

Xlibris offers a range of publishing packages with varying costs. The packages start at around $500 and can go up to over $10,000, depending on the services included. The cost of the services depends on the type of service, the extent of customization, and the level of support required by the author.

Pros

• Wide range of services offered, including editing, design, formatting, distribution, and marketing.
• Provides various promotional services to help authors promote their books.
• Offers a range of publishing packages to suit different needs and budgets.
• Customer support and assistance throughout the publishing process.

Cons

• Some authors have reported issues with the quality of the services provided, particularly in the area of editing.
• The cost of the services can be high, particularly for authors on a tight budget.
• Some authors have reported delays in the publication process.

15- iUniverse

iUniverse is also one of the self-publishing companies that provide an array of publishing services to authors. Founded in 1999, it aims to empower authors to publish their books with high-quality editorial, marketing, and distribution services.

Services

1. Variety of publishing services, including manuscript editing, custom cover design, book formatting, and publishing packages that include print-on-demand and e-book publishing.
2. Book marketing and publicity services, including press release writing, book reviews, and online advertising.

Cost

iUniverse offers publishing packages that range from $899 to $7,999. Each package includes various services such as editorial assessments, manuscript editing, cover design, and more. In addition, they offer additional services such as book trailers, author website design, and more, which can be purchased separately.

Pros

• Offers a wide range of publishing services, including marketing and publicity.
• Provides professional editing, book design, and formatting services.
• Provides a variety of publishing packages to fit different budgets and needs.
• Offers distribution to major online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Cons

• Higher pricing compared to some other self-publishing companies.
• Limited transparency about the exact costs of individual services.
• Some customer reviews report unsatisfactory experiences with customer service and quality control.

16- Author Solutions

Author Solutions is one of the top self-publishing companies that was founded in 1997 and is now owned by Penguin Random House. The company provides publishing and marketing services to authors who want to self-publish their books.

Services

1. A range of services to authors, including editorial services, cover design, formatting, printing, and distribution.
2. Marketing and promotional services to help authors reach their target audience, including social media promotion, book trailers, press releases, and more.

Cost

Author Solutions offers a range of publishing packages that range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The cost of each package varies depending on the services included, such as editorial, design, marketing, and distribution services.

Pros

• Offers a wide range of publishing services to help authors self-publish their books.
• Offer marketing and promotional services to help authors reach their target audience.
• In business for over 20 years and have published thousands of books.

Cons

• Some authors have complained about the high cost of Author Solutions’ publishing packages.
• Authors have also reported poor customer service and a lack of transparency regarding fees and royalties.

17- Apple Books

Apple Books, formerly known as iBooks, is an online platform that allows authors to publish their books and distribute them to a worldwide audience. The platform was launched in 2010 and is owned by Apple Inc. It offers a user-friendly interface, enabling authors to publish and sell their books with ease.

Services

1. Publish and distribute books to Apple Books’ global audience.
2. Provides sales tracking, allowing authors to monitor their sales performance.
3. Provides various marketing tools, such as promotional codes and custom widgets, to help authors increase their book sales.

Cost

• Publishing is free.
• No upfront costs for authors.
• Authors receive the 70% as royalties.

Pros

• Has a global reach, allowing authors to sell their books to a broad audience.
• Offers a user-friendly interface and various marketing tools to help authors increase their book sales.
• Provides competitive royalties, allowing authors to earn up to 70% of the list price for their books.

Cons

• Takes a 30% commission on each book sold, which may affect authors’ earnings.
• Only available to Apple users, which may limit the audience reach for some authors.
• The publishing process may be more restrictive than other self-publishing platforms.

18- Archway Publishing

Archway Publishing is a self-publishing service provider that is an imprint of Simon & Schuster, one of the largest publishing companies in the US. They offer various publishing packages that include editorial, design, marketing, and distribution services.

Services

1. Editorial assessment, copyediting, custom cover design, interior book design, print-on-demand, and eBook formatting.
2. ISBN assignment, copyright registration, Library of Congress Control Number, distribution, and marketing services.

Cost

The cost of publishing packages varies depending on the services selected. Archway Publishing offers three publishing packages;

Essential: It starts at $1,999 and includes basic editorial services, cover design, and formatting.

Bookseller: It begins at $2,999 and includes additional marketing services such as a press release, social media setup, and an author website.

Premier: It starts at $4,999 and includes more advanced marketing services such as a book video trailer and a book review campaign.

Pros

• Offers a range of services for authors to choose from depending on their needs.
• Affiliated with Simon & Schuster, which can provide a certain level of credibility for authors.
• Offers a variety of marketing and distribution services to help authors reach a wider audience.

Cons

• Publishing packages can be pretty expensive compared to other self-publishing service providers.
• Some authors have reported feeling pressured to purchase additional services from Archway Publishing after signing up for a publishing package.
• Received some negative reviews from authors who were dissatisfied with the quality of the editorial and design services.

19- Dog Ear Publishing

Dog Ear Publishing is one of the best self-publishing companies that offer a variety of services to help authors publish their books. The company was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dog Ear Publishing aims to provide affordable and professional self-publishing services to authors.

Services

1. Book editing, design and layout, printing, marketing, distribution, and e-book conversion.
2. Publishing packages, ranging from basic to premium that include different levels of support and services.

Cost

Dog Ear Publishing’s pricing varies depending on the services selected and the publishing package chosen. The company offers a variety of packages starting at around $2,000 and going up to about $6,000, depending on the level of services and support included.

Pros

• Offers a variety of services and publishing packages to meet the needs of different authors.
• Provides professional editing, design, and marketing services to help authors create high-quality books.
• Affordable pricing and financing options to make self-publishing accessible to more authors.

Cons

• Pricing may be higher than some other self-publishing companies, which could be a disadvantage for authors on a tight budget.
• Publishing packages may be overwhelming for authors who are new to self-publishing and may not know which services they need.

20- AuthorHouse

AuthorHouse is also one of the best self-publishing companies that offer a range of services to help authors publish and market their books. It is one of the oldest and most established self-publishing companies in the industry. Moreover, it has helped thousands of authors publish their books.

Services

1. Everything from basic formatting and cover design to complete editing and marketing services.
2. A range of editing services to help authors polish their manuscripts and ensure that their books are free of errors and grammatical mistakes.
3. Marketing services to help authors promote their books, including press releases, book reviews, and social media promotion.
4. Distribution services that enable authors to get their books into major online retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as brick-and-mortar bookstores.

Cost

AuthorHouse offers a range of publishing packages at different price points, starting at $999 for their most basic package and going up to $6,999 for their premium package. The cost of editing, marketing, and distribution services varies depending on the package and the specific services requested.

Pros

• Most established self-publishing companies in the industry, with a long track record of helping authors publish their books.
• Publishing packages are reasonably priced and offer good value for the money.
• Distribution services can help authors get their books into major online retailers and brick-and-mortar bookstores.

Cons

• Received some negative reviews from customers who were unhappy with the quality of the services they received.
• Some customers have reported feeling pressured to purchase additional services beyond their initial publishing package.
• The company’s contracts are non-negotiable and may not be favorable to authors in some cases.

How Can You Pick the Right One Among the Top 20 Self-Publishing Companies?

Suppose you want to select the right company for you to self-publish your book among the top 20 self-publishing companies of 2024. In that case, you have to evaluate each company based on a set of criteria. You can utilize the following criteria to pick the right one among the 20 self-publishing companies:

Quality of Services

The quality of services offered by self-publishing companies is a crucial factor in determining the suitable one for you in the list of top 20 self-publishing companies. You can give top priority to the companies that offer professional-quality editing, design, formatting, distribution, and marketing services.

Reputation

The reputation of self-publishing companies in the publishing industry is another important factor in the selection process. You should give priority to companies that have a history of providing reliable and trustworthy services to their customers.

Cost

You should also take into account the cost of self-publishing services. Find publishing companies near me that offer affordable pricing and transparent pricing structures. Moreover, pick one that suits your budget.

Range of Services

The range of services offered by self-publishing companies can be another factor you can consider in the selection process. Self-publishing companies that provide a wide range of services, such as editing, design, formatting, distribution, and marketing, should be your first choice.

Customer Support

The level of customer support provided by a self-publishing company is also a key factor. Self-publishing companies with excellent customer support, such as fast response times and helpful staff, should be your focus if you want to self-publish your book.

Ease of Use

Also, consider the ease of use of a self-publishing company’s website and platform. Easy-to-use platforms with clear instructions and intuitive navigation are the best choice.

Conclusion

There are numerous self-publishing companies to choose from. However, the top 20 for 2024 are those we have mentioned above. Each of these companies offers a range of services, costs, and features. Therefore, it’s crucial to evaluate your own needs before choosing a self-publishing company.

Choosing the right self-publishing company is crucial to the success of your book. The right company helps you produce a high-quality book. Moreover, it can also assist with marketing, distribution, and sales. Choosing the wrong company, on the other hand, can lead to a poorly produced book, little to no marketing support, and limited distribution and sales. Therefore, it’s vital to researching and comparing multiple self-publishing companies. It can help you determine which one is the best fit for your needs.