List of 20+ Best/Top Well-Known Self-Publishing Companies in 2024

J.J. Hebert here. I’m a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. I’ve been self-publishing since 2009 and I’ve seen nearly every self-publishing model imaginable. I consider myself a student and master of self-publishing — a student in that I constantly study self-publishing platforms and their offerings and a master because I’ve helped authors self-publish over 1,000 books.

Self-publishing has become a popular method for writers to share their work with the world. With the rise of digital publishing, the number of top self-publishing companies has also increased. Choosing the right one might seem overwhelming, so I’ve compiled a list of 20+ well-known self-publishing companies in 2024. There is a comprehensive review associated with each top publishing platform — just click the link on each company name to learn more about the companies on the list.

My hope is that this will be your go-to self-publishing companies directory resource as you search for the best company to help self-publish. Keep in mind that this list is not ranked in any particular order, but many of these self-publishing companies are considered “top” or “best” in many other self-publishing companies lists. You should do your own due diligence before signing up with any self-publishing platform.

1. Mindstir Media

Mindstir Media is an award-winning self-publishing company that provides services like editing, formatting, cover design, and marketing. It also offers various distribution options and high royalties. MindStir Media is partnered with Shark Tank’s Kevin Harrington as well as Mariel Hemingway, the granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway. MindStir is also the home to Mariel Hemingway’s Book Club where authors can promote their books. In 2023, MindStir Media landed in the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America.

I’m the owner and founder of MindStir Media, so I’m biased, but for good reason: I genuinely believe that MindStir Media is one of the best self-publishing companies on the planet. I’m not the only one who believes this:

2. Apple Books for Authors

Apple Books for Authors allows authors to publish their work in both ebook and audiobook formats. It also supplies authors with formatting tools and promotional opportunities.

3. Barnes & Noble Press

Barnes & Noble Press is a self-publishing platform that enables authors to publish their work in ebook and print formats. They give complete control over pricing, promotion, and distribution.

4. PublishDrive

PublishDrive is a self-publishing company with a global reach. The platform allows authors to publish ebooks, audiobooks and print books. Distribution is part of its features.

5. Streetlib

Streetlib states that it makes it easy to create, publish, and distribute ebooks and audiobooks to worldwide book retailers and subscription services through a single dashboard — anytime, anywhere.

6. Smashwords

Smashwords is a self-publishing platform that enables authors to publish their work in digital formats. It also offers distribution to major retailers like Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

7. Draft2Digital

Draft2Digital allows authors to publish their work in various ebook formats and distribute to major retailers like Apple Books and Kobo. It also provides formatting tools and marketing services.

8. IngramSpark

IngramSpark is a self-publishing platform that provides print-on-demand and ebook publishing services. It touts worldwide distribution and competitive royalties.

9. Blurb

Blurb is a self-publishing platform that enables authors to create and publish custom, high-quality print books. It also includes distribution to major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

10. Xulon Press

Xulon Press is a self-publishing platform that provides formatting, cover design, and distribution services for Christian books. They offer a wide range of marketing services for authors.

11. Lulu

Lulu is a self-publishing platform that allows writers to publish their work in several formats, including print-on-demand, ebook, and audiobook. Like others, marketing and distribution services are available, too.

12. Author Solutions

Author Solutions is a self-publishing platform that provides publishing, marketing, and distribution services. A selling point is that they say they give total control over the publishing process and a supportive community of authors.

13. Archway Publishing

Archway Publishing is a self-publishing platform that offers publishing packages, including editorial, design, and marketing services. It also provides distribution to major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

14. iUniverse

iUniverse is a self-publishing platform that provides publishing packages, including editorial and marketing services. It also distributes books to major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. iUniverse is owned and operated by Author Solutions.

15. Trafford Publishing

The Canadian-based company Trafford Publishing claims to be one of the “founding fathers” of the self-publishing industry. Trafford introduced “on-demand book publishing services” in 1995, which is a printing technology/business model that allows for books to be printed in small quantities, even as little as one book if the author so wishes. In addition, Trafford uniquely boasts their own in-house printers, so customers are getting their products right from the source.

16. Outskirts Press

Outskirts Press is a done-for-you self-publishing platform that has publishing packages offerings, including editorial, design, and marketing services. Distribution and high royalties are part of the brand’s USP.

17. Xlibris

Xlibris is a self-publishing platform that provides publishing packages, including editing, formatting, and marketing services. Worldwide distribution and in-house printing are two differentiators.

18. AuthorHouse

AuthorHouse is a self-publishing platform that provides various publishing packages, including editorial, design, and marketing services. Distribution to major retailers and high royalties are among the features.

19. Dog Ear Publishing

Dog Ear Publishing, recently defunct, is a self-publishing platform that was re-launched and provides various publishing packages, including editing, design, and marketing services. It also offers distribution to major retailers and high royalties.

20. Balboa Press

Balboa Press is a self-publishing platform that sells publishing packages, including editorial, design, and marketing services.

21. Selfpublishing.com (formerly Self-Publishing School)

Previously known as Self-Publishing School, Selfpublishing.com offers various self-publishing packages to help authors publish and promote their books.

22. Christian Faith Publishing

Christian Faith Publishing caters to Christian authors specifically, offering comprehensive self-publishing services.

23. Dorrance Publishing

Dorrance Publishing is over 100 years old, so that by itself means the company deserves consideration. However, there are nearly 100 negative reviews and complaints that should cause pause among authors.

24. Page Publishing

Page Publishing offers a solid range of services designed to help authors bring their manuscripts to life. While the company has its share of criticisms, it also has many satisfied clients who have successfully published and marketed their books.

25. InstantPublisher

InstantPublisher is mainly a book printer geared toward authors looking to print books and handle most of everything else in the self-publishing process on their own.

26. Notion Press

Notion Press is one of the leading self-publishing companies in India. It offers a complete list of publishing, distribution and marketing services and has served tens of thousands of authors according to its website.

Choosing the right self-publishing company requires research and careful consideration of the available options. These 20+ companies are the most well-known, providing a range of services and options for authors to choose from.

What to Look for When Choosing a Self-Publishing Company

When venturing into the realm of self-publishing, selecting the right service is paramount to the success of your book. Among the plethora of options listed above, price emerges as a crucial factor, but it’s essential to balance cost with the quality of services provided. A common pitfall for many first-time authors is being drawn to services offering rock-bottom prices, which often do little more than basic spelling and grammar checks and don’t provide any form of marketing. On the flip side, exorbitantly priced services may not always guarantee the best ROI. Authors should seek out services that offer a fair price while ensuring high-quality editing, design, and formatting services that genuinely enhance the manuscript and its marketability.

Another critical aspect to consider is the service provider’s track record and royalty rates offered. Positive testimonials and a strong portfolio of successfully published books can speak volumes about a service’s credibility and effectiveness. Websites like LinkedIn suggest seeking firsthand experiences from previously self-published authors or directly inquiring about the provider’s success stories—reviews of a self-publishing platform can be equally helpful. Also important are the royalty rates; understanding how these rates work will significantly affect your earnings. It’s advisable to opt for services that are transparent about their rates and offer favorable terms that align with your publishing goals. Ultimately, thorough research and careful consideration of these key factors can lead you to choose a self-publishing service that best suits your needs and aspirations as an author.

Are Self-Publishing Companies Worth It?

Self-publishing companies have carved a significant niche in the book industry, offering a plethora of benefits that cater to authors seeking autonomy over their publishing process. One of the most compelling advantages is the retention of full ownership rights and royalties, a critical aspect highlighted by many sources. This level of control extends not just to financial gains but also to creative aspects, allowing authors to dictate every element of their book, from content to cover design. Furthermore, the advent of self-publishing has democratized the publishing landscape, enabling a vast array of voices to be heard without the gatekeeping traditionally associated with major publishing houses. Additionally, with the industry seeing $1.25 billion worth of self-published books sold annually and Amazon alone paying out $520 million in royalties to self-published authors each year, the financial potential for self-published authors is substantial.

However, stepping into self-publishing does come with its set of challenges, primarily revolving around the need for the book to meet professional standards across editing, design, and marketing. Contrary to the misconceptions of self-publishing being an easier route, the onus falls entirely on the author to ensure their book is competitive in the market. This is where self-publishing companies prove their worth, providing essential services that range from professional editing to robust marketing strategies, thus elevating the quality of self-published works to meet or even surpass traditionally published standards. The unparalleled creative control offered by self-publishing companies, coupled with the ability to iterate and publish on one’s own timeline, also offers a faster route to market compared to traditional publishing timelines. Despite the upfront costs, which can vary, the investment in self-publishing companies often pays dividends by equipping authors with the necessary tools to produce a polished, market-ready book that stands a strong chance of success in a crowded marketplace.

How Much Does It Cost to Self-Publish a Book?

The cost spectrum for self-publishing a book in 2024 reveals a broad range, reflecting the diverse needs and aspirations of authors venturing into the world of independent publishing. At the core of this investment, essential elements such as cover design, formatting, and professional editing stand out, with authors typically investing between $3,500 to $5,000 to ensure these critical components are of high quality. This foundational expenditure ensures that the book not only meets professional standards but also possesses the aesthetic and substantive appeal necessary to catch the eye of potential readers. However, it’s essential to note that the costs associated with self-publishing can extend well beyond these initial considerations. While some authors may find ways to publish with minimal expenses, those aiming for broader recognition and impact often allocate significantly more resources towards their publishing efforts.

Beyond the basics of getting a manuscript ready for publication, the financial commitment can escalate as authors explore marketing, advertising spend, and publicity efforts to elevate their book’s presence in a crowded market. Some authors invest tens of thousands of dollars into self-publishing, viewing it as a comprehensive campaign that encompasses not only the production of the book but also its promotion to potential readers across various platforms. This investment in marketing and publicity is often what differentiates a well-published book from one that truly resonates with its intended audience and achieves notable success. The expansive range in spending underscores the highly personalized nature of self-publishing, where authors have the liberty to allocate their budget according to their priorities, whether it’s in the refinement of their book’s content and presentation or in the strategies employed to connect with readers worldwide.