New Author Here Are the Book Publishing Services That Can Help You Succeed

Book publishing services

 So, you’ve finished your manuscript. First of all—congratulations! That’s a big deal. You’ve put in the hours, poured your heart onto the page, and now you're wondering, “What’s next?” If you're like I was when I finished my first book, you're probably swimming in options and feeling a little overwhelmed.

The good news is you’re not alone. Many new authors face the same challenge: figuring out which book publishing services can actually help turn a manuscript into a successful, sellable book. I’ve been there, and in this blog, I’ll walk you through what I learned—plus which publishing services can truly make a difference for first-time writers like us.

Why Book Publishing Services Matter

Let’s keep it real—writing a book is only half the journey. Publishing is a whole different world with its own rules, tools, and even traps. When I first began looking into publishing, I felt lost. There were traditional publishers, hybrid models, self-publishing platforms, vanity presses… the list went on.

That’s where book publishing services come in. The right service will guide you through editing, formatting, cover design, distribution, and marketing. And if you’re a new author, this kind of support can make the difference between launching your book and letting it collect digital dust.

First, Decide Your Publishing Path

Before choosing a service, ask yourself a few questions:

  • Do you want to keep full creative control?

  • Are you willing to invest some money upfront?

  • Is widespread bookstore distribution important to you?

Your answers will help you choose between:

  1. Self-Publishing Platforms

  2. Hybrid Publishing Services

  3. Traditional Publishers

Now, let’s explore the best book publishing services in each category that are friendly to new authors.

Self-Publishing Services for New Authors

Self-publishing means you’re the boss. You make all the decisions, keep most of the profits, and move as fast or slow as you want. This is the route I chose for my first book, and while it was a learning curve, I don’t regret it one bit.

Here are some self-publishing services that stood out to me:

1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Best for: Beginners who want quick access to the world’s largest bookstore.

With KDP, your book can be available on Amazon in a matter of days. It’s free to use, and you can earn up to 70% in royalties depending on your pricing. I used KDP for my debut novel and appreciated how easy the dashboard was. There were video tutorials, step-by-step guides, and even a cover creator if you don’t have a designer.

Pros:

  • Free to publish

  • Fast turnaround

  • Global distribution via Amazon

  • Great royalty rates

Cons:

  • Limited to Amazon ecosystem unless you “go wide”

  • Basic customer support

2. Draft2Digital

Best for: Authors who want to publish to multiple retailers (Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, etc.).

Draft2Digital handles formatting and distribution, and it doesn’t cost anything upfront. They take a small percentage of your sales. I switched to Draft2Digital for my second book and loved how they simplified things like ISBNs and royalty reports.

Pros:

  • Distributes to multiple stores

  • Easy-to-use interface

  • Free conversion tools

Cons:

  • Slightly lower royalties compared to publishing directly

Hybrid Book Publishing Services

Hybrid publishers are like a blend of traditional and self-publishing. You usually invest some money upfront, but you get professional support—editing, design, and even marketing guidance. Many new authors love this middle ground.

Here are two reliable hybrid book publishing services that can help you succeed:

3. Reedsy

Best for: Authors looking to work with top-tier freelancers for a professional polish.

Reedsy isn’t a publisher in the traditional sense, but it’s one of the best places to find vetted editors, designers, and marketers. You build your own team and maintain full control. I found my editor on Reedsy, and she helped me reshape my book without changing my voice.

Pros:

  • Access to publishing professionals

  • Transparent pricing

  • You own all rights and royalties

Cons:

  • You manage the process yourself

  • Costs can add up

4. BookBaby

Best for: Authors who want an all-in-one package.

BookBaby offers publishing packages that include editing, design, eBook conversion, and distribution. It’s more expensive than doing everything yourself, but it’s also much less stressful. I haven’t used BookBaby personally, but I’ve spoken to authors who were thrilled with their results.

Pros:

  • Professional support

  • Packages tailored to your needs

  • Distribution to major retailers

Cons:

  • Upfront costs

  • Less flexibility than self-publishing

Traditional Publishing (And Why It’s Tough for New Authors)

Traditional publishing can be tempting. They handle everything, offer advances, and can help your book land in major bookstores. But let’s be honest—it’s very competitive, and getting in without an agent is rare.

You’ll need:

  • A polished manuscript

  • A query letter

  • A book proposal (for nonfiction)

  • A whole lot of patience

That said, it’s not impossible. If you’re aiming for this path, consider resources like:

  • QueryTracker: To find and track agents

  • Writer’s Market: A comprehensive directory of publishers and agents

Just know that even if you get accepted, you may earn lower royalties (typically 8–15%) and have limited control over your book’s final look.

Other Helpful Book Publishing Services

No matter which publishing route you choose, some additional tools can help:

  • Canva: Great for creating social media graphics and even book covers

  • Grammarly: Catches basic grammar and spelling mistakes

  • BookFunnel: Helps you deliver free copies to reviewers and email subscribers

  • ProWritingAid: A deeper editing tool I use alongside Grammarly

These services aren’t publishing platforms, but they’re incredibly helpful in the publishing journey.

A Personal Note to Fellow First-Time Authors

When I published my first book, I felt like I had to do everything perfectly. That fear slowed me down. But I’ve learned that progress is better than perfection, especially in publishing. Your first book won’t be perfect—but it will be real, and it will be yours.

Start with one step. Research your options. Choose the publishing path that fits your goals, your budget, and your personality. You don’t need to know everything right away. Just keep moving forward.

You’ve done something amazing by finishing your book. Now it’s time to share it with the world. And with the right book publishing services on your side, you absolutely can.

Final Thoughts

Publishing doesn’t have to be confusing or scary. Whether you choose to self-publish through platforms like Amazon KDP or Draft2Digital, or go the hybrid route with BookBaby or Reedsy, there are excellent book publishing services ready to support your dream.

Remember, you’re not alone. Many of us have stood where you are—uncertain, nervous, but hopeful. And just like we made it to the other side, so will you.

You’ve already written your story. Now, let’s publish it right.


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