With the advent of new technologies and increased online connectivity, traditional book publishing avenues are no longer the only route for authors. Self-publishing is becoming the go-to method for many aspiring writers who want to share their work with the world, and thanks to a variety of affordable self-publishing companies, this is now more accessible than ever before.

For those not familiar with the concept, self-publishing is the practice of independently publishing your books, typically by investing your funds and leveraging online platforms. It eliminates the need for traditional publishers, giving authors greater control over their work, along with a higher percentage of sales.

One of the most popular and affordable self-publishing platforms is Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). Amazon's infrastructure allows aspiring authors to publish and distribute their eBooks and paperback books for free. Authors can earn up to 70% of sales revenue. Offering a set of comprehensive, user-friendly tools, KDP presents a straightforward way for writers to upload their work, format their books, and set pricing strategies.

Next in line is Smashwords, an eBook distributor that distributes books to major retailers. Easy to use and free to publish, Smashwords provides extensive distribution and marketing avenues for authors. The small royalty fee it charges is offset by its wide reach, encompassing various high-profile eBook sellers like Apple Books and Barnes & Noble.

Lulu is another affordable self-publishing company, known for its flexibility and wide range of options. Lulu offers both eBook and print book distribution, each with different pricing models. The advantage it presents is the liberty to create custom books, including photo books, cookbooks, travel books, and more. Here, you can even select the type of binding for your print book.

BookBaby, while not completely free, is a highly regarded affordable self-publishing company with a reputation for excellent customer service and quality production. BookBaby offers comprehensive packages that cover everything from eBook conversion to cover design and distribution services.

Lastly, Draft2Digital offers a strong balance between price and functionality. It is free to publish, and authors can reach several traditional eBook retailers and even libraries. It also provides automated conversion tools that handle different eBook formats.

In conclusion, affordable self-publishing companies have transformed the way we approach publishing, making it a more democratic and accessible process. However, it is crucial to remember that every platform has its strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, authors should make their choice based on their specific requirements, whether it is maximum distribution, creative control, and pricing flexibility. Nevertheless, the options mentioned provide a solid starting point for any author stepping into the world of self-publishing.