Professional book publishing services

Publishing a book is a huge milestone. Whether you’ve written a novel, a memoir, a business guide, or a children’s story, getting it out into the world is no small task. And if you’ve started researching your options, you’ve likely come across terms like "self-publishing," "traditional publishing," and "professional book publishing services."

It can be overwhelming, I know. I’ve been there myself.

A few years ago, I finished my first nonfiction manuscript. I was so excited—and nervous. I didn’t want to spend years chasing agents or risk releasing something unpolished. That’s when I started looking into professional book publishing services.

They turned out to be the perfect middle ground. These services helped polish my work, guided me through formatting, and even assisted with marketing. But not all services are the same. There are important things you should know before choosing one.

Let’s walk through the top 10 things to consider so you can make the best decision for your book.

1. Know Your Goals First

Before you even start comparing publishing services, take a step back and ask yourself: What do I want from this book?

  • Do you want to make money?

  • Share your story with a wider audience?

  • Use the book to promote your business or personal brand?

Your goals will shape which type of service fits you best. For example, if you’re building your brand, you'll want a service that offers strong marketing and distribution support.

2. Understand What "Professional Publishing" Really Means

“Professional” doesn’t just mean “not DIY.” It means your book is handled by experienced editors, designers, and marketers who treat it like a real product — not just a side project.

Good professional book publishing services provide:

  • Manuscript editing (developmental and copy editing)

  • Cover and interior design

  • ISBN registration

  • Formatting for print and digital versions

  • Marketing and distribution strategies

If a service only offers one or two of these, it may not be the complete package you need.

3. Not All Services Are Equal

Just because a company looks polished online doesn’t mean they deliver great results. Some services focus more on upselling than on actual quality. Others specialize in certain genres or types of books.

Do your research. Look at books they’ve published before. Read reviews. Ask other authors in Facebook groups or writing forums.

I once met an author at a local book fair who had a beautiful cover but dozens of typos inside the book. Her publisher didn’t offer proper editing—and she didn’t realize until it was too late.

4. Ask About Editing (And Take It Seriously)

Every great book needs editing. Even if you’re a strong writer, you need an objective eye.

There are different types of editing:

  • Developmental editing looks at structure, pacing, and content.

  • Copy editing checks grammar, clarity, and consistency.

  • Proofreading finds any last errors.

Make sure your chosen provider includes all levels—or at least gives you options to add them. Good professional book publishing services will walk you through this and help you understand what your manuscript needs.

5. Don’t Overlook Design

Readers really do judge a book by its cover.

A well-designed book cover does more than look pretty—it sells. The same goes for interior layout. If your book is hard to read or looks unprofessional, people may not take it seriously.

Ask to see examples of past work. You can even request a custom sample or test chapter layout before signing a contract.

6. Watch for Rights and Royalties Traps

This is a big one.

Some publishing services want you to sign over your rights. Others take a huge percentage of your royalties forever. Read the contract carefully. Ask:

  • Who owns the copyright after the book is published?

  • Can I republish or distribute the book myself?

  • What’s the royalty split?

The best professional book publishing services let you keep your rights and offer fair royalty structures. If the contract feels one-sided, walk away.

7. Distribution Matters More Than You Think

Publishing your book is just the start—you want people to find it too.

Find out where your book will be sold:

  • Will it be available on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, etc.?

  • What about libraries and independent bookstores?

  • Is it available internationally?

Also, ask if your book will be listed with distributors like IngramSpark or Baker & Taylor. Wide distribution helps get your book in more hands.

8. Marketing Support Can Make or Break Your Launch

Writing the book is half the battle. Selling it is the other half.

Ask what kind of marketing support is included. Do they help with:

  • Author website or landing page?

  • Press releases and media outreach?

  • Social media strategies?

  • Amazon ads or book launch plans?

Even if you’re a first-time author, your publishing service should act like a partner in your success. Not all professional book publishing services offer this—but the best ones do.

9. Get a Clear Timeline and Project Plan

Ask how long everything will take. A professional publisher should give you a timeline with milestones like:

  • Editing start and finish dates

  • Cover design previews

  • Formatting completion

  • Proof approvals

  • Publication date

This helps manage your expectations—and shows that the company is organized and experienced.

10. Trust Your Gut and Ask Questions

Finally, don’t ignore your instincts.

Do the people you talk to seem genuinely helpful? Or are they rushing to close the sale? Do they listen to your vision for the book—or just pitch you a package?

Publishing your book is a deeply personal process. You want to feel supported, not pushed.

Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. A good company will respect that.

Final Thoughts: Make the Choice That Feels Right for You

Choosing a publisher is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as an author. It affects not just your book—but your confidence, your wallet, and your readers' experience.

Take your time. Read the fine print. Ask other authors for recommendations. And make sure the service you choose feels like a team, not just a vendor.

The best professional book publishing services help you bring your vision to life with care, quality, and collaboration.

And remember—your book deserves the best. You’ve already done the hard part by writing it. Now, make sure it reaches the world the way it’s meant to.

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