Best Publishing Companies for New Authors: A Complete Guide

Self-publishing your first book can be both exciting and overwhelming. With many book publishing companies and options available, choosing the path that best aligns with your goals and priorities is crucial. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through the landscape of the best book publishing companies, highlighting the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.

What is the Best Publishing Company for First-Time Publishers?

For those prioritizing control, speed, and maximizing royalties, self-publishing often emerges as the ideal choice for first-time publishers. Among the various self-publishing platforms, Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) consistently ranks as a the best self-publishing company, empowering authors with a comprehensive suite of tools and services to bring their books to a vast global audience.

Our Recommendation: Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing is a leader in self-publishing because it provides a comprehensive and user-friendly platform. KDP offers a compelling combination of benefits without requiring special skills, making it particularly attractive for first-time self-publishers. It empowers you to take control of your publishing journey and reach a vast audience of readers.

Royalties

One of the most significant advantages of KDP is its generous royalty structure. When you self-publish your eBook on KDP, you can earn up to 70% royalties on each sale. This is substantially higher than the typical royalty rates offered by traditional publishers, which often fall in the 10-15% range. With KDP, you retain a much more significant portion of your book's earnings, maximizing your potential for profit and ensuring that your hard work translates into greater financial rewards.

Low Start-Up Costs

KDP removes the financial barriers that often hinder aspiring self-publishers. The platform is free to use, meaning you can publish your eBook without any upfront investment. There are no hidden fees or charges to worry about. This accessibility ensures that anyone with a story can make money publishing books online.

Flexibility

KDP empowers you with complete creative control over your book. You are the architect of your work, making all the decisions about its content, pricing, and presentation. Craft the story you want to tell, design an eye-catching cover that reflects your vision, and set a price that you believe is fair. This freedom allows you to bring your unique perspective to life without creative limitations.

KDP Tools

KDP provides a comprehensive suite of tools and resources to support you throughout self-publishing. Whether you need assistance formatting your manuscript, creating a compelling cover, or marketing your book to a broader audience, KDP offers the guidance and tools to simplify each step. This ensures that you have the support you need to navigate the technical aspects of the book publishing industry and effectively promote your work.

Top Traditional Publishing Companies for First-Time Publishers

While self-publishing offers a compelling path for many, some may still be drawn to the perceived prestige and wider reach associated with traditional publishing houses. It's essential to understand the significant differences between these models and carefully weigh the pros and cons comparing self-publishing before pursuing a traditional publishing deal. 

Penguin Random House

Penguin Random House is an industry giant with vast resources and a massive reach, offering strong marketing and publicity support that can lead to greater visibility and credibility for your book. However, it's highly competitive, and securing a contract can be challenging. The entire publishing contract process is often long, taking years from acceptance to publication. You'll also have less creative control over your book's content and design than self-published authors, and you can expect lower royalty rates than self-publishing.

HarperCollins

HarperCollins has an excellent reputation for literary fiction and other nonfiction titles. They offer solid editorial support and guidance and provide access to a vast network of authors and publishing industry professionals. However, securing a literary agent is typically required, which can be difficult, and their selectivity means acceptance rates are low. As with other traditional publishers, you'll have limited creative control and lower royalties.

Simon & Schuster

Simon & Schuster is a significant publisher that publishes bestsellers across various genres. Their strong marketing and publicity departments offer significant exposure and sales potential for successful authors. However, they may prioritize established authors over newcomers and emerging authors, and lead times can be long, with less creative control afforded to the self-publisher. Royalty rates are also lower compared to self-publishing.

Hachette

Hachette has a diverse portfolio encompassing a wide range of genres and a global reach and distribution network. They offer literary agents and various imprints with specialized focuses. However, they are highly selective in acquiring new manuscripts, and you'll need more creative control and higher royalties. An agent may be required for consideration.

Macmillan

Macmillan has a strong record of publishing award-winning and critically acclaimed children's books and adult fiction. They provide editorial expertise and guidance and offer the potential for broader distribution and recognition. However, it can be challenging to break in as a first-time self-publisher, and you'll have less control over creative aspects and lower royalties than established publishers. Publishing timelines are also typically long.

SourceBooks

SourceBooks focuses on specific genres, including romance, young adult fiction, science fiction, and nonfiction. It offers targeted marketing and publicity campaigns and provides a supportive environment. However, it may not be suitable for all genres and, like other traditional publishers, offers less creative control and lower royalties. Submission usually requires an agent.

Other Self-Publishing Companies

While Amazon KDP is a dominant force in self-publishing, exploring other platforms for where to self-publish can be beneficial, especially if you want specific features or more comprehensive distribution options.

IngramSpark

IngramSpark is a well-respected self-publishing platform known for its extensive distribution network, which effectively reaches bookstores and libraries more effectively than other significant publishers, such as KDP. This broader reach can be advantageous for self-publishers aiming for physical book distribution. However, unlike KDP, IngramSpark has higher setup fees and a more complex book publishing due process.

Lulu

Lulu is a versatile platform offering a wide range of print-on-demand options and formats, giving self-publishers greater flexibility in customizing their books. They provide various binding choices, paper types, and book sizes to cater to different needs. However, Lulu's marketing support is limited compared to KDP, and their royalty rates may need to be more competitive.

Blurb

Blurb specializes in high-quality photo books and magazines, making it an excellent choice for self-publishers with visually driven projects. They offer premium printing options and design tools for creating stunning visual works. However, Blurb may not be the ideal platform for other book genres, and their pricing can be higher for standard books than graphic books published as novels.

Draft2Digital

Draft2Digital focuses on eBook distribution, offering a broad reach across various online retailers beyond Amazon. This allows self-publishers to diversify their book sales through channels and reach a wider audience. Draft2Digital also provides a user-friendly interface and helpful formatting tools. However, royalties can vary depending on the specific platform where your book is sold, and their print book options are more limited.

Barnes And Nobles Press

Barnes & Noble Press (formerly Nook Press) is the self-publishing arm of the renowned bookstore chain. This platform offers a decisive advantage in reaching Barnes & Noble's customer base and potentially featuring your book in their physical stores. BN Press has zero fees to self-publish, they provide a streamlined publishing process, and competitive royalty rates for book publishers. However, their reach is still more limited than Amazon KDP, and their marketing tools may be less extensive.

Apple Books

Apple Books is a rapidly growing platform with a loyal user base of Apple device owners. Publishing on Apple Books can give you access to this dedicated audience and potentially increase your book's visibility. They offer a straightforward publishing process and competitive royalty rates. However, publishing deals with Apple Books require specific formatting and submission guidelines, and their marketing options may not be as robust as those offered by KDP.

Top Hybrid Publishing Companies for New Publishers

Hybrid publishing offers a middle ground between traditional publishing houses and self-publishing. It combines aspects of both models, allowing self-publishers to retain creative control while accessing professional support and services from other publishing companies.

How Hybrid Publishing Differs

• Traditional Publishing: In conventional publishing, the publisher covers all costs and takes on the financial risk. The author receives an advance and royalties but has less control over the publishing process.  
• Self-Publishing: The author covers all costs and retains complete control in self-publishing. While royalties are higher, the author is responsible for all aspects of publishing.  
• Hybrid Publishing: In hybrid publishing, the author invests in professional publishing services, such as editing, design, and marketing, while retaining creative control and a higher share of royalties than traditional publishing.

She Writes Press

She Writes Press focuses on supporting women self-publishers, offering a community-oriented approach and a range of publishing packages tailored to their needs. They provide editorial, design, and marketing services, guidance, and support throughout the publishing process. However, their fees are generally higher than self-publishing alone.  

Greenleaf Book Group

Greenleaf Book Group is a well-established hybrid publisher offering comprehensive publishing packages and marketing services. It has a strong track record of helping self-publishers achieve success, focusing on creating high-quality books and reaching a wider audience. However, its services require a significant financial investment.  

BookBaby

BookBaby offers a wide array of services, including editing, design, printing, and distribution. It offers flexible packages to suit different needs and budgets, making it a versatile option for self-publishers seeking professional assistance. However, its pricing can be complex, and it's important to carefully evaluate the services included in each package.  

Koehler Books

Koehler Books specializes in nonfiction and memoir publishing and offers tailored services for self-publishers in these genres. They provide editorial expertise, design services, and marketing support, focusing on helping authors craft compelling and impactful narratives. However, their specialization may not be suitable for all self-publishers.  

Mascot Books

Mascot Books focuses on regional and niche markets, making them a good choice for self-publishers targeting specific audiences. They offer customized publishing packages and marketing strategies to help authors connect with their ideal readers. However, their distribution may be more limited compared to larger publishers.  

Morgan James Publishing

Morgan James Publishing provides coaching and support for self-publisher branding and platform building, helping authors establish their presence and reach a wider audience. They offer a range of publishing packages and marketing services, focusing on empowering authors to achieve long-term success. However, their services require a higher investment compared to self-publishing alone.  

What is the Best Way for a New Publisher to Publish a Book?

The best publishing path depends on your goals, writing style, budget, and priorities. Each option – traditional, self-publishing, and hybrid – offers unique advantages, disadvantages and associated costs to publish a book.

Traditional Publishing

Traditional publishing companies involve securing a contract with a publishing house that takes on the responsibility and financial risk of producing and distributing your book. They handle editing, design, printing, and marketing, while you receive an advance payment and royalties on sales. This model offers the potential for broader reach and recognition but involves relinquishing some creative control and accepting lower royalty rates.

Pros:

• Prestige and Credibility: Being associated with a reputable publishing house can lend credibility to your work and enhance its perceived value.
• Professional Expertise: Access to experienced editors, designers, and marketers can elevate the quality of your book and its marketing campaign.
• Wider Distribution: Traditional publishers often have established relationships with bookstores and libraries, increasing your book's visibility and potential readership.

Cons:

• Long Wait Times: The traditional publishing process can be lengthy, often taking years from manuscript acceptance to publication.
• Limited Creative Control: You may have less say in cover design, editing choices, and marketing strategies.
• Lower Royalties: Traditional publishers typically offer lower royalty rates than self-publishing, meaning you earn less per book sale.

Self-Publishing

Self-publishing companies empower you to take complete ownership of your book's journey. You manage all process aspects, from writing and editing to cover design, formatting, and marketing. This publishing route offers maximum creative control, faster time to market, and higher royalty potential but requires upfront investment and greater responsibility.

Pros:

• Complete Creative Control: You have the final say on every aspect of your book, ensuring it aligns perfectly with your vision.
• Higher Royalties: Self-publishing platforms like KDP offer significantly higher royalty rates than traditional publishers, allowing you to earn more per sale.
• Faster Time to Market: You can publish your book quickly and efficiently without waiting for the lengthy timelines of traditional publishing.

Cons:

• Upfront Costs: You are responsible for covering the costs of editing, cover design, formatting, and marketing your book.
• Greater Responsibility: You manage all aspects of the publishing process, which can be demanding and time-consuming.
• Limited Distribution: Reaching bookstores and libraries can be more challenging without the established networks of traditional publishers.

Hybrid Publishing

Hybrid publishing companies offer a blend of traditional and self-publishing models. You retain creative control and a higher share of royalties while accessing professional support and services from a hybrid publisher. This global publishing company can streamline the process and enhance the quality of your book, but it requires a financial investment.

Pros:

• Blend of Support and Control: You benefit from professional guidance and services while retaining creative control over your book.
• Faster Publishing: Hybrid publishing typically offers quicker turnaround times than traditional publishing.
• Greater Flexibility: You can often customize the services you receive to fit your specific needs and budget.

Cons:

• Author Investment Required: You typically pay for the services the hybrid publisher provides, which can be a significant expense.
• Varying Quality: The quality of services and support can vary among hybrid publishers, so careful research is crucial.
• Less Prestigious: Hybrid publishing may not have the same prestige as traditional publishing, though this is evolving.

Conclusion

Choosing the best type of publishing company is just the beginning. Self-publishing is easier than ever before, and we've helped thousands of people break into the business without experience. This in-depth comparison of publishing companies is the tip of the iceberg. Snag a spot in our free webinar today, and you'll get insider insight into choosing profitable book topics, letting user reviews do the marketing, and multiplying your revenue streams from a single book.

There's never been a better time to learn the insider tricks to self-publishing. Sign up for our free training today and discover the best places to sell your books online!