5 Best Self Publishing Companies: Bring Your Writing To Life
Let me guess—you’ve always dreamed of writing a book, but the thought of pitching to publishers makes you cringe. But trust me, mama, rejection letters and ruthless editors are a thing of the past. Today, we have the advantage of self-publishing, which has become a popular way for emerging writers to get their work out into the world.
So how do you choose the best self-publishing company for your needs? This blog post will give you a run down of the five best self-publishing companies and what makes them stand out from the competition.
Self Publishing Companies vs. Traditional Publishing Companies
Nowadays, there are more options than ever when it comes to publishing your work. If you can find the time to write, there’s someone out there who will want to publish it. But before we dive into the best self-publishing companies, let’s first understand the difference between self-publishing and traditional publishing.
The Difference
Self-publishing is when an author takes on the responsibility and costs of publishing their own book. This means that you will be in charge of everything from editing and design to marketing and distribution. On the other hand, traditional publishing relies on a team of professionals at a publishing house to handle these tasks.
Pros of Self-Publishing
So why self-publish? For many writers, self-publishing offers more control over the creative process and a higher royalty rate (you get to keep more of the profits). It also allows you to get your work out into the world much faster than traditional publishing—which can often take years.
Cons of Self-Publishing
Of course, self-publishing also comes with its own set of challenges. Because you’re in charge of everything, getting your book off the ground can be a lot of work. And without the backing of a traditional publishing house, it can be harder to get your book into the hands of readers.
But if you’re up for the challenge and you’re looking for a way to get your work out there, self-publishing might be the right choice for you. And with so many excellent self-publishing companies to choose from, you’re sure to find one that’s a perfect fit for your needs.
What Do Self Publishing Companies Do?
So what do self-publishing companies actually do? In a nutshell, if you can overcome writer’s block long enough to write the book of your dreams, these companies can help you with everything from editing and design to marketing and distribution. Here are some of the specific services that self-publishing companies offer:
Editing
A good self-publishing company will offer professional editing services to help make your book the best it can be.
Design
Many companies can help you with everything from the cover design to the interior layout.
Marketing
Self-publishing companies can help you create a marketing plan and get your book into the hands of readers.
Distribution
The primary goal of these companies is to help you get your book in front of as many eyeballs as possible.
10 Best Self Publishing Companies
Now that you know a little bit more about what self-publishing companies do, it’s time to start vetting them to see which one is the best fit for your needs. Here are the ten most popular self-publishing companies for emerging writers.
1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is Amazon’s self-publishing platform, and it’s a solid option for authors who want to get their work into the hands of millions of potential readers.
Pros:
– Free to upload your book
– Millions of potential readers
– Good royalty rates (up to 70%)
Cons:
– Less control over the creative process
– Can be harder to stand out from the crowd
2. Apple Books
Apple Books is Apple’s self-publishing platform. Since its launch in 2010, it’s been a popular choice for authors who want to reach readers on iOS devices.
Pros:
– Millions of potential readers
– Good royalty rates
– Authors can discount their books at any time
Cons:
– Limited distribution options outside of certain countries
– Must have Mac products to publish directly to the Apple store
3. Barnes and Noble Press
Barnes and Noble Press is the self-publishing arm of Barnes & Noble, and it’s beneficial for authors who want to reach readers through the world’s largest bookseller.
Pros:
– Free to use
– Good royalty rates (up to 70%)
– Millions of potential readers
Cons:
– Can be harder to stand out from the crowd
– Limited distribution options outside of Barnes & Noble
4. Kobo
Kobo Writing Life is Kobo’s self-publishing platform, and it works well for authors who want to reach readers in an international market. Additionally, Kobo offers exclusive promotional opportunities to writers who choose to distribute exclusively through Kobo.
Pros:
– Millions of potential international readers
– Good royalty rates (up to 70%)
– Easy to use
Cons:
-Based outside of the U.S.
– Can be harder to stand out from the crowd
5. Smashwords
Smashwords is perfect for writers looking to break into a larger market and maximize their distribution. It has access to distributors such as Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and more as an aggregator.
Pros:
– Easy to use platform
– Wide distribution
– No upfront costs
Cons:
– You won’t own the eBook rights to your book
– Limited control over pricing and royalties
-Doesn’t distribute to Amazon
Final Thoughts
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