The Truth About Book Publishing Services What Most Authors Don’t Know

 

Book publishing services

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing your book on a shelf—or even just in someone else’s hands—you’ve probably searched for book publishing services online. The good news? There are more options than ever before. The bad news? Not all of them are created equal.

What many new authors don’t realize is that the publishing world is full of surprises. Some are exciting, and some... not so much. Today, we're going to pull back the curtain. I’ll walk you through what I learned the hard way and what most authors wish they knew before they clicked “submit.”

Let’s talk honestly about what goes on behind the scenes in the world of publishing.

The Dream vs. The Reality

When I finished writing my first novel, I was on cloud nine. I imagined signing a publishing deal, going on book tours, and maybe even landing a spot on a bestseller list.

So I started pitching to publishers and agents. After months of silence and rejection emails, I felt defeated. Then I discovered something called self-publishing services. Suddenly, it seemed like I didn’t have to wait for someone else’s approval—I could get my book out into the world now.

What I didn’t know was how different these services could be—and how easy it is to fall into a trap if you're not careful.

What Are Book Publishing Services, Really?

At a basic level, book publishing services help authors turn a manuscript into a book. This can include:

  • Editing

  • Cover design

  • Interior formatting

  • Printing

  • Distribution (online and physical)

  • Marketing support

But here’s the thing: not every service is designed to help authors succeed.

Some are money-making machines that care more about upselling you than helping your book find readers. Others are genuine partners that will walk with you every step of the way.

The trick is knowing which is which.

What Most Authors Don’t Know (But Should)

1. Not All Services Are Author-Friendly

There are publishing companies that look professional but are known as vanity presses. These companies often charge thousands of dollars for low-quality results. They might promise to put your book in bookstores but leave out key details—like the fact that stores rarely carry books from vanity publishers.

I once spoke to an author who paid $5,000 to one of these companies. Her book had typos on the first page, the cover looked outdated, and she only sold ten copies—all to family members.

Before you sign up with anyone, research them. Look up author reviews, check for complaints, and ask for samples of their work.

2. You Might Be Giving Away More Than You Think

Some publishing services ask you to sign a contract that gives them control over your book. That means they may:

  • Set the price

  • Control where it’s sold

  • Take most of the royalties

  • Prevent you from publishing it elsewhere

This isn't always obvious. Sometimes, it's hidden in the fine print.

If you’re using book publishing services, especially paid ones, ask about your rights. A good service will let you keep full ownership of your book.

3. “Full-Service” Doesn’t Always Mean Full Support

Many companies advertise as “full-service,” but that can be misleading. They may offer basic editing or design, but little else. And if you want extras—like a custom cover, marketing help, or formatting for both eBook and print—you’ll have to pay extra.

In some cases, “support” means nothing more than sending you a PDF with tips.

When I self-published, I expected hands-on help. Instead, I got a template email with a link to a YouTube tutorial.

If you’re paying for a service, make sure you know exactly what’s included—and what’s not.

Types of Book Publishing Services: A Quick Breakdown

Let’s take a moment to break down the most common types of book publishing services you’ll encounter:

1. Traditional Publishers

These are the big names—Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, etc.

Pros:

  • No upfront cost

  • Professional editing, design, and marketing

  • Bookstore distribution

Cons:

  • Hard to get in (you often need an agent)

  • Takes a long time

  • Limited creative control

  • Lower royalties

2. Self-Publishing Platforms

These let you upload your book and publish it yourself. Examples: Amazon KDP, Draft2Digital, IngramSpark.

Pros:

  • Free or low cost

  • You keep full rights

  • Higher royalties

Cons:

  • You do everything yourself

  • Steeper learning curve

  • Little to no customer support

3. Assisted Self-Publishing Services

These are companies like BookBaby, Reedsy, and Self-Publishing School that offer paid help with editing, design, and distribution.

Pros:

  • Guided process

  • Professional help

  • Flexible packages

Cons:

  • Costs vary widely

  • Quality depends on who you hire

  • Can be pricey for new authors

4. Hybrid Publishers

These sit between traditional and self-publishing. You pay some upfront costs but get more support and retain your rights. Examples include She Writes Press and Greenleaf Book Group.

Pros:

  • Shared risk and reward

  • More support than DIY

  • Greater creative control

Cons:

  • High upfront cost

  • Selective about what they publish

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, that’s okay. There’s a lot to take in. But here are a few tips that can help you navigate the world of book publishing services more confidently:

Do Your Homework

Before signing anything, look up reviews and testimonials. Trustpilot, Reddit, and writing forums like Absolute Write can be helpful.

Ask for a Sample

Ask to see past work—especially for editing and cover design. A reputable company should be proud to show it off.

Understand the Costs

Break down what you’re paying for. Are they charging for things you could do yourself, like uploading to Amazon?

Retain Your Rights

Avoid any service that wants to own the rights to your book, especially if you’re the one paying them.

Start Small

If you're unsure, test the waters with an eBook or short story. You’ll learn the ropes without a big investment.

A Final Word of Encouragement

Publishing a book is a big deal. It takes courage, time, and patience. It’s okay to feel nervous. Every author—whether they’re writing their first book or their tenth—has felt unsure at some point.

But here’s what I can tell you with confidence:

You can do this.

There are trustworthy, helpful book publishing services out there that want to see you succeed. And there are tools today that authors 20 years ago could only dream of.

The key is being informed. Ask questions. Take your time. And remember: this is your book, your story, and your journey.

Let your voice be heard—just make sure it’s on your terms.

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