- In order to choose the best self-publishing platform for your book, you should first learn about the two major types of platforms
- Here is a list of 10 best self-publishing platforms (companies that help with the self-publishing process):
- FAQ about using self-publishing platforms
In order to choose the best self-publishing company for your book, you should first learn about the two major types of platforms
- Do-it-yourself self-publishing platform: This type of platform is exactly what it sounds like. In our opinion, DIY options are severely limiting for authors. You’ll need to handle all the pre-production stages yourself (or hire freelancers to help), including book cover design, editing, interior layout, marketing and more.
- One-stop shop self-publishing platform: This platform will cover all your self-publishing needs under one company’s roof. This option is especially suitable for folks who either don’t have the time or inclination to do all the work themselves but still want to enjoy the benefits of self-publishing such as retaining their copyright and publishing rights and keeping creative control.
Now that you know the major types of self-publishing platforms, it’s important to also know that there is no right or “best” self-publishing company for everyone. Each author and book are different, so individual research needs to take place before deciding on the best self-publishing company for you and your book.
Do you prefer to do everything on your own? If so, the do-it-yourself platforms are most likely ideal for you. Do you prefer to defer to professionals? If the answer is yes, the one-stop shop platforms are probably a perfect fit.
Here is a list of 10 best self-publishing platforms (companies that specialize in self-publishing services):
1.) MindStir Media
MindStir Media is the “Leading Provider of Self-Publishing and Book Marketing Services in the United States.” –USA Today
Features and accolades:
- Ranked as the #1 self-publishing website and company according to Penny Matters, BestTechie and iTech Post.
- Won numerous awards and, for over a decade, MindStir’s self-publishing services and consultations have helped thousands of authors.
- Authors enjoy access to top-notch services: book design; editorial; distribution to around 40,000 booksellers, retailers and wholesalers in over 195 countries (through Ingram); marketing and publicity.
- Authors receive mentoring from a bestselling author.
- This is a one-stop shop company for self-publishing paperback, hardcover and ebook formats.
- Offers financing options.
- Partnered with Shark Tank’s Kevin Harrington and Mariel Hemingway.
- Up to 100% royalties paid to authors.
Shark Tank’s Kevin Harrington is a Believer in Self-Publishing with MindStir Media
MindStir Media Review
Summary
I had a great experience with J.J. Hebert and his team at MindStir Media. Thoughtful, attentive, responsive, I couldn’t be happier. J.J. and his team went above and beyond, top-notch. Really terrific.
Limitations:
- Might be outside your budget.
- MindStir doesn’t accept all projects.
- Projects sometimes take longer than 90 days.
2.) Barnes & Noble Press (formerly Nook Press)
Features:
- A redesigned, user-friendly online platform.
- As a leader among self-publishing companies, Barnes & Noble Press helps authors self-publish Nook eBooks, paperback and hardcover formats.
- This is a do-it-yourself platform.
- Fast self-publishing turnaround times.
- They recently updated their royalty rates to 70%.
Limitations:
- Distribution is limited to BN.com and Nook devices.
- They do not provide services such as editorial, book design, marketing or publicity.
- Some reported issues with royalty payouts.
3.) Rakuten Kobo aka Kobo Writing Life
Features:
- A renowned platform that helps authors self-publish in the ebook format only.
- eBook distribution around the world in online bookstores in over 190 countries.
- This is a do-it-yourself platform with software built in to help you self-publish.
- Quick publishing.
Limitations:
- They seemingly do not offer any sort of services like book design, editorial, marketing or publicity.
- A low royalty rate of 20% is paid out to authors.
- No print options offered.
4.) Seacoast Press
Features:
- An award-winning self-publishing platform that specializes in helping authors become bestsellers.
- Comprehensive distribution through Ingram makes the book available to thousands of retailers.
- Robust marketing and publicity campaigns built-in to its Best Seller package.
- Authors keep 100% royalties.
- This is a one-stop shop platform that provides services for all aspects of self-publishing.
Limitations:
- Unlike the other self-publishing companies, there’s a stringent vetting process involved in taking on new clients.
- Publishing can take around 3 months.
5.) Smashwords
Features:
- Mainly a distributor of eBooks. Their distribution makes eBooks available to major retailers and thousands of libraries.
- Clients get their own “Author Pages” where they can promote their work.
- Since this is a do-it-yourself platform, there’s no hand-holding whatsoever.
- Very fast publishing.
Limitations:
- No print formats offered.
- eBooks must be uploaded according to their Style Guide.
- You must bring your own cover design to the platform and your book will need to be edited elsewhere. Also, the marketing and promotion is on the author.
- Software is difficult to use for many.
6.) IngramSpark
Features:
- An online platform for small self-publishers.
- Assists authors in self-publishing paperback, hardcover and eBook formats.
- Distribution is powered by Ingram.
- This is a do-it-yourself option.
Limitations:
- Files must be uploaded according to their in-depth File Creation Guide.
- Authors should come prepared with their own book designs. Also don’t expect self-publishing companies like IngramSpark to help with marketing or publicity.
- Customer support is lacking according to many sources.
7.) Blurb
Features:
- Online tools can help authors create template-based book designs.
- Ideal for small self-publishing projects or photo books.
- Plenty of different trim sizes and paper types offered, including glossy interior pages.
- This is a do-it-yourself platform with built in software to help you design and publish your book.
- Distribution through Ingram.
Limitations:
- They don’t appear to offer in-house editing, marketing or publicity services.
- Their printing prices are higher than most.
- Not a great fit for full-length books; mostly geared toward color books.
8.) Lulu
Features:
- One of the oldest self-publishing companies and providers of print-on-demand books.
- Publishing in paperback, hardcover and eBook.
- Distribution through Amazon, B&N and Ingram.
- They offer a do-it-yourself model as well as a one-stop shop option. On one hand, authors can provide their own edited files and designs and Lulu will print books based on those files. Alternatively, Lulu offers additional a la carte services such as cover design, editing, marketing.
Limitations:
- Printing costs are higher than most other options on this list.
- Their ebook publishing platform is lacking. They mainly specialize in printing books.
9.) Apple Books (formerly iBooks)
Features:
- eBooks available through Apple Books app.
- 70% royalties paid to the author.
- Includes an array of marketing tools.
- This is a do-it-yourself platform.
Limitations:
- Must have a Mac computer to self-publish through Apple Books.
- No print publishing options available.
- Distribution limited to the Apple Store.
10.) Google Play Books Partner Center
Features:
- eBook distribution to Android users in over 50 countries.
- Books published through Google Play can be previewed through Google Books.
- Quick publishing option if you are tech-savvy.
- This is a do-it-yourself platform.
Limitations:
- Very limited distribution on Google Books only.
- No printing options.
- You must supply your own ready files. No design, editing or marketing support offered.
FAQ about using self-publishing platforms
How much should I pay to publish my book through a self-publishing platform?
The answer depends on your goals and budget. If your aim is to be commercially successful, you should make sure your book is top-notch, which means you should not hesitate to pay a professional to design your cover, edit your manuscript, and layout the interior. Competition in self-publishing is fierce, so your book needs to stand out. You should also allocate a marketing and advertising budget. Expect to pay somewhere around $5,000 – $25,000, including book design, editing, publishing, distribution, marketing and publicity.
If you’re only looking to see your book in print, you could design your own book and self-edit and go with a DIY platform option as outlined in the top 10 list.
Will I keep my rights?
Self-publishing companies and platforms should always allow you to retain ownership of your publishing rights and copyright. They’ll ask only for non-exclusive rights to publish and potentially promote your book. The exclusive rights should remain yours.
How long does it take to self-publish?
If there’s no quality control taken into account, you could theoretically self-publish within a few days. But an author that wants to be taken seriously should always focus on quality over speed. With that being said, it takes time to produce quality book designs, editing, and to properly launch a book tied to a robust marketing program. If you want to self-publish the right way, you should assume that the project will take about 1-4 months to complete.
Should I self-publish my book as an ebook or print book or both?
Consumers love options. It’s recommended that you self-publish your book in as many formats as possible. Example: Paperback, hardcover and ebook. Each format will carry a different price point. Hardcover is usually the most expensive format and appeals to a crowd that wants a durable and prestigious format. Paperback is normally the next in line in terms of price, usually about $10 less than the hardcover for a trade book. Ebook is the least expensive format and interests consumers that want to download and read the book immediately while enjoying a low price. The ebook format is all about price and instant gratification. An audiobook should be a consideration too, as there’s a segment of readers that enjoy listening to books while on the go.
How many book sales should I anticipate?
This depends on many factors including the marketability of your book, book format, price, distribution, and the level of marketing/advertising/PR you’ve deployed. You can’t expect to see a stream of sales if your book centers on a niche topic that few people find interesting. Likewise, you shouldn’t anticipate many sales if you decide to forgo book promo. The indie books that sell hundreds or thousands of copies are aggressively marketed to a large group of interested consumers/buyers.
How do royalties work with most self-publishing platforms?
All of the self-publishing platforms offer to pay you a percentage of each sale. The percentages differ. Barnes & Noble Press, for instance, pays about 70% of each sale to the author, while other platforms like Seacoast Press provide 100% of the profits of each sale.
Royalty payouts vary between each platform, but generally speaking they all pay royalties monthly or quarterly and they all provide sales reporting so you can see how many sales you’ve attracted during a particular period.
How long will my book be available?
MindStir Media keeps your book available indefinitely, until you cancel your contract with them. Others will keep your book live for an annual fee and/or for a set period of time. Make sure you read the fine print for each platform to determine the length of time your book will be distributed.