14 Best Self-publishing Companies of 2023 and Who you Should Avoid at All Costs

Self-publishing companies assist and support authors in their self-publishing journey by providing a service or a platform to distribute their books. There are 4 main types of self-publishing companies: Aggregator, Distribution Service, Author services and Self-publishing Education. 

What is an Aggregator?

An aggregator is a middle man that distributes your book for you through digital services on a global scale.  ​

What is a Distribution Service?

A distribution service takes your book from the printer and distributes it to retailers.  ​

What are Author Services?

These are companies that package up services like editing, illustration and design to help you create your book. ​

What is Self-Publishing Education?

This includes courses, coaches and mentors that help, support and educate you along your self-publishing journey.​

What is a Vanity Press / Vanity Publisher?

A vanity publisher puts themselves out like they are a traditional publishing company but authors have to pay to have their book published by them. They profit, not by distributing author’s books, but by charging authors publishing expenses. ​

What to be aware of when choosing a self-publishing company:

There are a lot of scams going around these days. Don't be taken advantage of, be aware of these following traps and don't fall victim of them:

• They charge a reading fee 
  

• They require you purchase your own book 
  
• They charge “traditional publisher fees” 
  
• They guarantee a bestseller  
  
• They require you to make a minimum amount of sales 
  

• They have overly restrictive copy rights that don’t benefit you ​
  

If you are unsure about whether or not you are dealing with a fake publisher, take a look at this list of questionable publishers to stay clear of: ​https://www.sfwa.org/other-resources/for-authors/writer-beware/thumbs-down-publishers/

List of the Top 14 Trusted Self-Publishing Companies 

• Amazon KDP 
• Apple Books for Authors 
• Kobo 

• Barnes and Noble Press 
• PublishDrive 
• Reedsy
  
• StreetLib 
• IngramSpark 

• Lulu 
• Draft2Digital 
• Smashwords 
• Self-Publishing School 
• BookBaby 

• Blurb ​

Now that you know a bit more about self-publishing companies and what you need to watch out for when choosing one are you ready to make that children's book a reality? Download this self-publishing action plan workbook to get you started.