FriesenPress Review: Is It the Right Choice for Self-Publishers?

For many aspiring authors, self-publishing offers an exciting route to see their work in print without the hurdles of traditional publishing. Friesen Press, a Canadian self-publishing company based in Victoria, British Columbia, is one of the many options available. Promising a suite of services from book design to distribution, they have drawn plenty of attention from authors worldwide. However, as with any paid service, it’s worth evaluating their offerings critically. Friesen Press has a mixed reputation, and while many authors are satisfied with their results, a notable segment has raised concerns.

Here is a comprehensive look at the pros and cons of working with Friesen Press—and some cautionary tales from authors who have gone through the process.

Pros of Friesen Press

1. Wide Range of Services

Friesen Press positions itself as a full-service self-publishing platform. They provide packages that include editing, design, formatting, promotion, and book distribution to major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Chapters Indigo. For authors with little experience, this all-in-one solution can be appealing.

2. Flexibility and Control

The company allows authors to retain creative control over their manuscripts. Unlike traditional publishers, you decide how your book is presented, marketed, and priced, within certain parameters.

3. Non-Exclusive Contracts

Friesen Press offers non-exclusive publishing agreements, meaning authors are free to take their work elsewhere. This can be helpful if you’re planning to self-publish across multiple platforms or decide to switch companies in the future.

4. Positive Outcomes for Some

On Google and BBB, authors have reported satisfaction with the quality of their books. For example, one user on ComplaintsBoard shared that her experience with Friesen included friendly communication and a high-end result for her novel.

Cons of Friesen Press

Despite these advantages, Friesen Press isn’t without its controversies. Scanning through customer complaints, it becomes clear that several authors have faced frustrating and costly challenges.

1. Misleading Sales Tactics

One of the most glaring issues reported by authors relates to misleading information from Friesen Press’s sales staff. A user identified as Taklode wrote on ComplaintsBoard, “I signed up for Book and e-Book and was told by sales staff that the royalty rate for the e-Book was 50%. Later, the Production Manager told me it was only 30%. There was no contract written to prove it.”

This lack of transparency erodes trust and makes it difficult for authors to feel confident about their partnership with the company.

2. Costly Hidden Fees

Friesen Press advertises comprehensive packages, but many authors find themselves hit with unexpected extra costs. Christina Abby shared her experience, saying, “I was bullied into accepting the exorbitant pricing that Friesen Press set for my books. When I refused, they threatened to terminate the agreement and keep the money I had already paid.”

Authors also noted additional fees for revisions and design work that weren’t initially disclosed. For some, this turned an already expensive process into an outright financial burden.

3. Communication Issues

Poor communication during the publishing process is another recurring complaint. Friesen Press uses account managers as intermediaries, which means authors rarely interact directly with designers or editors. Complaints often highlight misaligned expectations because of this setup.

Christina Abby remarked, “I was never allowed to communicate directly with the editor handling my book. Instructions were ignored or poorly executed, and when I raised issues, there was no clear resolution.”

4. Quality Control Problems

Errors slipping through the cracks during production have also left authors disheartened. Taklode mentioned receiving a manuscript riddled with formatting errors, such as incorrect punctuation and changed numerals, which seemed to be “inserted” intentionally, adding unnecessary revision costs.

5. Royalties Concerns

There’s skepticism around how royalties are calculated and distributed. Some authors, like John Parry, have even claimed royalties were withheld. He wrote, “I published my book in 2012 and have yet to receive any royalty payments whatsoever. Friesen Press provides no visibility into how many books are sold, making it impossible to verify their numbers.”

6. Long Timelines

While some authors praised Friesen for meeting schedules, others had a different experience. Several complaints reveal frustration with delays in publishing, final proofs, and communication, leaving authors waiting months longer than expected.

Friesen Press’s Reputation

Friesen Press stands with a 4.8-star overall rating on Google, which is actually quite high. While many praise their services, 10+ negative reviews are published on Google, and about the same number appear on ComplaintsBoard. The complaints often highlight the same recurring issues of unclear pricing, communication troubles, and concerns about royalties.

A verified customer on ComplaintsBoard warned, “They present themselves as a full-service company, but in reality, they are more interested in upselling you at every opportunity. Once they have your money, communication and quality suffer significantly.”

Should You Choose Friesen Press?

Friesen Press offers a comprehensive set of services for authors who want to self-publish, but their business practices may not align with everyone’s expectations. Here are some final considerations for prospective authors:

• When it May Work for You
  If you’re willing to invest heavily in your book and feel confident you can stay on top of communication and corrections throughout the process, Friesen Press could help you publish a professional-looking book.
• When You Should Think Twice
  If transparency, personalized service, and affordability are critical to you, you may find Friesen Press’s approach frustrating. The numerous documented complaints about royalties and hidden fees suggest it’s wise to tread cautiously.

Before committing to Friesen Press—or any self-publishing company—consider researching other platforms like MindStir Media, or smaller boutique publishing services. Thoroughly review any contract, and don’t hesitate to ask direct questions about royalties, timelines, and fees.

Publishing your book is a dream that deserves the best possible partner. Make sure whoever you choose will turn that dream into reality on your terms, not theirs.