In the era of digital disruption, self-publishing — a mode of publishing independent of established, traditional companies — has become an increasingly popular and viable option for many authors. By opting for self-publishing, authors acquire the freedom to control their work’s creative aspects and financial gain. Self-publishing book companies offer the tools and services required to make this process smooth and successful.
The rising popularity of self-publishing has led to an increase in the number of companies offering self-publishing services. However, not all companies are created equal. The right choice differs for each author based on their needs, budget, and aims.
Notable in the industry is Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). KDP offers one of the fastest publishing methods with books appearing on the Kindle Store within two days. An author can earn royalties of up to 70% on sales to customers in several countries, with the opportunity to change book details or pricing at any time.
Another esteemed company is IngramSpark. It serves as an excellent platform for authors seeking wide distribution. IngramSpark brings the advantage of access to a wide range of online and physical retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Despite higher setup fees, its extensive distribution network warrants its reputation.
For those prioritizing affordability, companies like Smashwords can be an ideal choice. Providing free ebook publishing and distribution on a host of platforms, Smashwords allows authors to retain a considerable percentage of sales. It distributes to major online retailers excluding Amazon, making it less suitable for authors who solely want to target Amazon for distribution.
The self-publishing services offered by Lulu are also worthy of attention. Alongside ebook and print book packages, Lulu offers marketing services, distribution to global online retailers, and extensive book formatting options.
Kobo Writing Life stands out for its strong global reach, especially in Canada and other international markets outside the United States. It shares an extensive guide with authors concerning book publishing and merchandising, enabling a smooth self-publishing journey.
Selecting a self-publishing company thus requires careful thought about the individual author's needs and aims. It's also crucial to consider the target audience, the amount willing to invest in the process, potential royalties, marketing involvement, and the overall publishing process's transparency.
In conclusion, self-publishing is a powerful tool in the hands of authors wanting control and flexibility over their publishing journeys. Recognizing the best choice amongst numerous self-publishing book companies depends on understanding the unique assets and drawbacks of each platform, making a choice that best aligns with your objectives as a self-published author.