Self-publishing services
(Please note: this post appeared on my original blog (Woman on the Edge of Reality, which no longer exists) in about 2010).
There are many self-publishing services available to authors and writers, and I’ve listed a few here. Broadly, book print/publish on demand services offer similar royalty options, and some have global distribution systems in place that will seed your book to pretty much every outlet possible.
Most print or publish on demand services are free at the point of creation, but you may need to pay for proof copies before you can complete any distribution agreement. You retain all rights to your work when you self-publish, which means you can use multiple services if you wish, although you may need multiple ISBN numbers too!
Automated book publication services
Kindle Direct Publishing – is the home of Amazon self-publishing allowing you to publish both print and eBooks. They have a global distribution option using your own or their ISBN numbers. And of course, all books published appear on the Amazon store.
Lulu – pioneered the self-publishing industry and paved the way for people around the world to publish books and bring them to market, while allowing authors to retain full control of their work. Operating a global network, Lulu provides worldwide distribution so that authors can reach readers just about anywhere via print, e-readers and tablet devices. Lulu will make a small charge
Barnes and Noble Press – lets you write, edit, and format your manuscript in one place, ensuring a professional looking print or eBook every time. With no delivery fees or production costs it is free to use from start to finish. Once published your book is immediately available on the Barnes and Noble.com website.
Kobo Writing Life – is part of the Rakutan group and can be used to publish ebooks to Kobo which is used by over 200 million readers around the world.
Smashwords – is fast, free and easy ebook publishing and distribution with the world’s largest ebook distributor for indie authors and small independent presses. It offers monthly payments with one penny payment threshold (via PayPal) and Global retail distribution to Apple Books (51 countries), Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Walmart (via Kobo!), OverDrive (reach 20,000+ public libraries!), Gardners (reach hundreds of small ebook stores and 2,000+ public and academic libraries), Scribd, Libri (powers Germany’s largest ebook stores), Baker & Taylor, and more on the way
Lightning Source – As a publisher, you are about to discover the fastest, most economical way to get your books into the hands of an eager buyer. The Lightning Source model is the most comprehensive and highly individualized approach for printing and delivering books in the publishing world today. Lightning Source offers international business solutions to publishers worldwide. The opportunity to easily access local markets around the world. It is part of the Ingram group and is the engine behind some other Print on Demand services like Lulu.
Blurb – create and sell your book in any format across multiple platforms. You can also use the print-as-you-go services to eliminate all up-front costs, bar the proof copy.
Opyrus – their mission is to motivate, enable and support the writer in all of us, as such our products and services reduce the friction associated with your ability to tap your power to write. Our goal is to inspire your “why” and enable the ‘how” of positively impacting your personal/business life, your mental fitness and overall wellbeing. We created OpyrusOne™ to empower your life as a writer.
Apple books – upload and sell your books on the iTunes store with Apple books. Create an iTunes create account to get started.
Facilitated book publication services
BookBaby – supports you to produce your print or eBook. The only thing they need from you is a manuscript, we can handle the rest. Have cover art? BookBaby can use your cover design or we can design a cover for you. The cost of publishing a book with BookBaby varies based on quantity, hardcover vs. paperback, as well as ad-ons that you may want throughout your publishing journey such as editing or cover design.
EBookIt – offer ebook publishing (creation, formatting, distribution), print on demand services, audiobook creation, editing/proofreading, book marketing/book promotion, and even online courses designed to help authors make their books best-sellers.
AuthorHouse – provides a broad array of tools and services to allow authors to make their own choices throughout the publishing process. Based in the UK
Nu-book – is for science, technology, medical and legal publishers that is easy to implement and easy to use. In today’s hypercompetitive market where big technology players are trying to take your business away, we provide a turnkey solution to keep you selling directly to your readers—and maintaining your revenues.
BookLocker – is an online bookstore that sells print and ebooks on all subjects – from everyday to unusual and eclectic – by new authors. They have launched a no-setup-fee D.I.Y. Publishing Program where authors can submit pre-formatted PDF files and pay no setup fees.
Outskirts Press – offers you the best of both worlds by combining the advantages of independent self-publishing with the advantages of traditional book publishing. Before, during, and after publication you will receive the assistance of a dedicated group of publishing professionals, all the while maintaining 100% of your publishing rights and 100% of your profits. With the private label imprint and ISBN option, you can own your own ISBN assigned directly by R.R. Bowker.
IUniverse – provides book marketing, editorial services, and supported self-publishing. Initially focused on business-to-consumer print-on-demand publishing, this publishing services provider has developed strategic partnerships that allow us to provide superior options and support for our authors. The iUniverse management team has extensive editorial and managerial experience with traditional publishers.
Xlibris – is a book publishing company created by authors, for authors. By focusing on the needs of creative writers and artists, and on how print on demand technology and new approaches can be applied in the publishing industry, they provide authors publishing services to help them get published.
Magazine and journal publishing services
Issuu – is for online magazine style content and although it’s most basic account is free, to make it of value to a writer you probably need a paid account so you can embed content at least on your own website. It has over 50 million publications and a billion avid readers every day to read the free publications created by enthusiastic publishers from all over the globe with topics in fashion, lifestyle, art, sports and global affairs to mention a few.
Scribd – if you want to simply share your work with the world and are happy to publish free of charge you can use their services to upload any document you have.
Yumpu – helps you create your own online magazine sharing your content with the world.
Madmagz – create your own print, online or pdf magazine. Your web magazine is free of charge. Some services are chargeable on a per magazine basis.
Author services
Reedsy – provides support through every stage of a book’s production. We’ll connect you with vetted, industry-experienced editors, cover designers and publicists, and help you find the best partners for your project. We’ll give you a purpose-built writing tool designed for collaborating closely with an editor on a manuscript. They also have a free editing tool specifically for books.
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