Best Self-Publishing Companies You Need to Know in 2025

I. Introduction

Back in the day, if you wanted to publish a book, you had to land a deal with a traditional publisher. You’d need an agent, a killer pitch, and a whole lot of patience. But times have changed. Fast forward to 2025, and self-publishing has completely transformed how authors bring their stories to life.

With just a few clicks, you can publish your book and sell it on global platforms like Amazon or Apple Books. It’s a golden age for writers. But here’s the catch: with so many book publishing companies out there, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.

That’s where this guide comes in.

We’ll walk you through what makes a great self-publishing company and give you the inside scoop on the best self-publishing companies in 2025. You’ll learn about their standout features, pricing, pros and cons, and who they’re best suited for. Whether you’re writing your first novel or your tenth business book, this guide has your back.

II. What Makes a Great Self-Publishing Company?

Not all self-publishing companies are created equal. Here’s what you should look for:

1. Publishing Services Offered

Look for a company that provides everything you need: editing, formatting, cover design, ISBN assignment, and distribution. Some even bundle all of these into neat packages.

2. Distribution Reach

You want your book everywhere — Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, libraries, and more. Great book publishing companies offer global distribution so your work gets seen.

3. Author Support

Good customer service makes a huge difference. From answering questions to managing your project, top companies guide you every step of the way.

4. Pricing & Royalties

Check if they charge a one-time fee or take a cut of your royalties. Also, make sure you keep your rights and profits. That’s the beauty of self-publishing.

5. Reputation & Reviews

Look at Trustpilot scores, BBB ratings, and author testimonials. Real experiences tell you what to expect.

6. Marketing Services

Even the best book won’t sell if no one knows about it. Leading companies offer book marketing services like SEO, social media promotion, email marketing, and even book trailers.

III. Top Self-Publishing Companies in 2025 (With Comparison)

Let’s dive into the companies you need to know.

1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

• Overview: Amazon’s KDP dominates the ebook world. It’s the go-to for many first-time authors.
• Best Features: Print-on-demand (POD), free ISBN, up to 70% royalties.
• Pros: Free to use, wide audience, fast publishing.
• Cons: Limited design and editing help.
• Pricing: Free; Amazon takes a percentage of royalties.
• Best For: DIY authors on a budget who want big reach.

2. IngramSpark

• Overview: Known for amazing print distribution.
• Best Features: Access to bookstores, hardcover options.
• Pros: High-quality book printing services, wide global reach.
• Cons: Learning curve, setup fees.
• Pricing: Around $49 per title (waived with promos).
• Best For: Authors aiming for libraries and bookstores.

3. Draft2Digital

• Overview: User-friendly aggregator for ebooks.
• Best Features: Simple formatting, smart distribution.
• Pros: Clean dashboard, free tools.
• Cons: No print books.
• Pricing: Free; takes about 10% of sales.
• Best For: Authors publishing across multiple platforms easily.

4. Turner Book Writers

• Overview: A premium book publishing company with personalized services.
• Best Features: Strategic brand building, editing, design, and book marketing services.
• Pros: Dedicated team, excellent author support.
• Cons: Higher cost.
• Pricing: Custom quotes.
• Best For: Professionals building an author brand.

5. Reedsy

• Overview: A marketplace of elite freelancers.
• Best Features: Top-notch editors, designers, and marketers.
• Pros: You choose your team.
• Cons: No direct publishing.
• Pricing: Varies by freelancer.
• Best For: Authors wanting full control and quality.

6. BookBaby

• Overview: Offers end-to-end services.
• Best Features: One-time packages, editing, book printing services, distribution.
• Pros: You keep 100% royalties.
• Cons: Upfront investment.
• Pricing: Packages from $1000+.
• Best For: Authors looking for quality and convenience.

7. Lulu

• Overview: Focuses on niche books and direct sales.
• Best Features: POD, integration with Shopify.
• Pros: Great for workbooks, photo books.
• Cons: Interface can be tricky.
• Pricing: Free; printing costs apply.
• Best For: Authors selling direct or creating custom books.

8. Blurb

• Overview: Ideal for image-heavy books.
• Best Features: Design tools, book printing services, and formats.
• Pros: Gorgeous output.
• Cons: Not great for plain text novels.
• Pricing: Free to use; pay for printing.
• Best For: Visual artists and photographers.

9. PublishDrive

• Overview: Subscription-based distribution.
• Best Features: Global reach including Google Play, libraries.
• Pros: Keep 100% royalties.
• Cons: Monthly fee.
• Pricing: Starts around $19.99/month.
• Best For: Prolific authors.

10. Xlibris

• Overview: Hybrid publisher.
• Best Features: Editing, design, and book marketing services.
• Pros: Multiple package tiers.
• Cons: Some packages expensive.
• Pricing: Packages from $899 to $15,000.
• Best For: Authors needing full-service help.

IV. How to Choose the Right Self-Publishing Company

Choosing the right company starts with knowing what you want.

• Want full control? Go with KDP or Lulu.
• Need help with everything? Try BookBaby or Turner Book Writers.
• On a tight budget? Draft2Digital offers a great entry point.
• Publishing multiple titles? PublishDrive can maximize your income.

Also, think about your goals:

• Is this a one-time project?
• Are you building a long-term author brand?

Budget matters, but so does value. Don’t be tempted by low prices if they compromise quality. Always ask for sample work. And read the fine print — especially about rights and royalties.

V. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Vanity Publishers: If a company promises the world but asks for thousands upfront without clear services, run.
2. Low-Value Packages: Don’t pay $5000 for what you could get elsewhere for $1000.
3. Skipping Editing: Even the best story can flop with bad grammar.
4. No Rights Clarity: Make sure you keep the rights to your work.

VI. Expert Tips for Self-Publishing Success

• Invest in Your Cover: People do judge books by covers.
• Edit Like Crazy: Hire a pro if you can. Fresh eyes matter.
• Understand the Tech Stuff: ISBNs, categories, and metadata help readers find you.
• Start Marketing Early: Use pre-orders, reviews, and social media.
• Go Beyond Ebook: Offer print and maybe even audiobooks.

Great book publishing services don’t just put your book out there — they set it up to sell.

VII. Final Thoughts

Self-publishing in 2025 is a powerful, exciting journey. And it’s more accessible than ever. Whether you’re writing fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, or business books, there’s a platform out there that fits your needs.

The best self-publishing companies in 2025 aren’t one-size-fits-all. They vary based on what you want, your budget, and your goals. Want professional book marketing services? Need excellent book printing services? Or looking for all-in-one book publishing services? This guide gives you a great place to start.