The Ultimate Review of the Best Book Publishing Companies

Best book publishing services

Have you written a book and now you're asking yourself, “What do I do next?” Don’t worry—you’re not alone. That was me a few years ago. I had finally finished my first novel after months of early mornings and late nights. But then came the confusing part: publishing.

Back then, I had no idea where to start. Self-publishing? Traditional? Hybrid? I felt overwhelmed by the choices. But after some trial and error (and a few coffee-fueled research nights), I found some excellent options. This blog is my way of sharing what I learned to help you skip the stress and go straight to making your publishing dreams real.

Let’s walk through a review of the best book publishing services available today—along with what they offer, what to watch out for, and which one might be the right fit for you.

Why Choosing the Right Publishing Company Matters

Writing your book is only half the journey. Publishing is what gets your story into the hands of readers.

Choosing the right company can make a big difference. It can impact how your book looks, how many people see it, and how much money you earn. Whether you're self-publishing or going the traditional route, the goal is the same: to share your message and reach your audience.

So let’s explore your options.

1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Let’s start with the most well-known platform: Amazon KDP.

If you’ve ever looked up self-publishing, KDP probably came up. That’s because it’s one of the best book publishing services for independent authors. It’s easy to use and reaches millions of readers around the world.

Why I Like It:

When I published my first eBook through KDP, I had no idea what I was doing. But the process was surprisingly smooth. KDP guides you step-by-step—from uploading your manuscript to setting your price.

Pros:

  • Totally free to publish

  • Wide global distribution

  • Up to 70% royalty on eBooks

  • Simple dashboard and controls

Cons:

  • You’re responsible for editing, cover design, and marketing

  • It’s hard to stand out in the huge Amazon marketplace

If you’re a first-time author or just want full control over your book, KDP is a great starting point.

2. IngramSpark

IngramSpark is another popular name in self-publishing. While KDP focuses on Amazon, IngramSpark gets your book into bookstores, libraries, and online retailers across the globe.

Why It Stands Out:

One of my friends used IngramSpark for her poetry collection. She was thrilled to see her book listed on Barnes & Noble and even in her local indie bookstore. That wouldn’t have been possible with just Amazon.

Pros:

  • Global print and eBook distribution

  • High-quality printing options

  • Books can be ordered by bookstores and libraries

  • Print-on-demand—no need for inventory

Cons:

  • Setup fees apply (around $49 per title)

  • The interface isn’t as user-friendly as KDP

  • Requires ISBNs, which adds to the cost

IngramSpark is one of the best book publishing services if you want a broader reach beyond just Amazon.

3. Draft2Digital

If you're focusing on eBooks and want to get them into stores like Apple Books, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble, Draft2Digital is a fantastic tool.

My Experience:

I tried Draft2Digital for my novella. It was quick to set up and the formatting tools saved me hours. Plus, they don’t charge upfront. They only take a small cut of sales, which seemed fair to me.

Pros:

  • No upfront costs

  • Distributes to several platforms

  • Automatic formatting tools

  • Great customer support

Cons:

  • No built-in print publishing (though they now offer limited print options)

  • Takes a small royalty percentage

It’s a great way to expand your digital reach with minimal effort.

4. Lulu

Lulu is another self-publishing company that’s been around for years. They’re especially known for their print options—including spiral-bound books and calendars.

What Authors Love:

Lulu is ideal for niche publishing projects. I’ve seen people use it for workbooks, family photo books, and journals.

Pros:

  • Unique print options

  • Decent royalty rates

  • Direct-to-reader sales through Lulu’s bookstore

Cons:

  • Distribution isn’t as wide as IngramSpark

  • Print costs can be higher

  • The site can be slow or buggy at times

If you're focused on quality print books or something more custom, Lulu is a strong contender among the best book publishing services.

5. Notion Press

Notion Press is a great option for authors in India and nearby regions. They provide free tools as well as paid services for editing, design, and marketing.

A Real Example:

One of my clients used Notion Press for his business book. He praised their responsiveness and how they handled everything from cover design to delivery.

Pros:

  • Free self-publishing tools

  • Affordable services for design and editing

  • Print and eBook distribution in India and globally

Cons:

  • Not as well-known in Western markets

  • Marketing services may not deliver strong results without author involvement

Notion Press is growing quickly and is perfect for authors targeting an Indian audience.

6. BookBaby

BookBaby is a full-service publishing platform. That means they offer everything—editing, formatting, cover design, distribution, and even marketing.

My Thoughts:

BookBaby feels like a premium option. It’s best for authors who want to invest in their book and let professionals handle the details. Just be prepared to spend a bit more.

Pros:

  • End-to-end publishing services

  • High-quality design and editing

  • Print and digital distribution

Cons:

  • Costly (can go into thousands)

  • Less flexibility compared to DIY platforms

If you’re serious about putting out a polished, professional book and you have a budget, BookBaby could be a great choice.

7. Reedsy (for Freelancers and Services)

Reedsy isn’t a publisher itself, but it's a marketplace where you can find editors, designers, and marketers to help publish your book the right way.

Why It Matters:

When I needed a good copyeditor for my second book, I found one through Reedsy. She was a total game-changer. The book felt sharper and more professional.

Pros:

  • Access to top-tier professionals

  • Transparent pricing and reviews

  • Great for building your own publishing team

Cons:

  • You manage the publishing yourself

  • Can get expensive depending on the talent you hire

If you're building your own path but want expert help along the way, Reedsy is worth exploring.

Final Thoughts: What’s Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to publishing. Each author has different goals, audiences, and budgets. Here are a few simple questions to ask yourself:

  • Do you want control or convenience?

  • Is print, eBook, or both your priority?

  • What’s your budget?

  • How much time can you invest?

If you want full control and don’t mind doing the work, KDP and Draft2Digital are great starting points. If you want a wider reach and bookstore presence, go with IngramSpark. If you’d rather pay for a professional team, BookBaby or Reedsy can offer that support.

No matter which path you choose, you’re already ahead of most—because you’ve written a book. That’s a huge achievement. The publishing world can feel like a maze, but with the right guide (and a little courage), you’ll find your way.

In Summary

We’ve reviewed some of the best book publishing services available today. Each platform offers something unique. Whether it’s the global power of Amazon KDP or the full-service polish of BookBaby, your publishing path is your own.

Just remember: you don’t have to go it alone. Many of us have been in your shoes—excited, nervous, and ready to take the next step. So take a deep breath, pick the platform that fits your vision, and share your story with the world.

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