Self-Publishing? Here are the best companies. So you’ve written a book. Congrats! That puts you in rare company—right up there with Hemingway, Tolkien, and that one guy on Facebook who keeps promising he’ll “finally finish his novel this year.”
But now comes the fun part: publishing it.
And if the idea of finding an agent or impressing a Big 5 publisher makes your eyelid twitch… self-publishing might be your best friend. Or at least a friend who doesn’t ghost you after the first date.
The catch? Not all self-publishing companies are created equal. Some are legit. Some are, well… about as trustworthy as a Wi-Fi signal at a campground.
So here’s a no-fluff, totally biased (because I care) rundown of the best self-publishing companies that actually deserve your time, your manuscript, and maybe even your money.
1. Reedsy – The Matchmaker of Publishing
If Tinder existed for authors and professional editors, it’d be called Reedsy. This isn’t a self-publishing platform per se—it’s a marketplace where you can hire vetted editors, designers, marketers, and other brilliant humans to help polish your book.
📚 Best for: Authors who want quality help, not shady promises.
💡 Pro tip: Use Reedsy for editing or cover design, then publish elsewhere.
2. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) – The Giant You Can’t Ignore
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, Amazon’s the elephant in the room—wearing a crown and holding 70% of the eBook market. KDP lets you publish eBooks and print-on-demand paperbacks for free. And yes, you keep a nice chunk of the royalties.
📚 Best for: Just about everyone. Seriously.
💡 Pro tip: Go exclusive (KDP Select) only if you’re cool with skipping other retailers.
3. IngramSpark – The Grown-Up Option
If KDP is your flashy younger cousin, IngramSpark is the polished older sibling who reads The New Yorker and owns a label maker. It gets your book into bookstores, libraries, and just about every place that doesn’t automatically bow to Amazon.
📚 Best for: Authors who want bookstore distribution and a more traditional vibe.
💡 Pro tip: You’ll need your own ISBN. And yes, they charge setup fees… but there are often promo codes floating around.
4. Draft2Digital – The Chill Distributor
Draft2Digital is like that friend who just makes life easier. You upload your manuscript once, and it sends it to Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and more. They even format your eBook for free.
📚 Best for: Wide distribution without the headaches.
💡 Pro tip: Use this alongside KDP (but don’t distribute to Amazon through D2D—upload there directly).
5. BookBaby – The VIP Experience (with the Price Tag to Match)
BookBaby offers done-for-you packages that include editing, cover design, distribution, the works. It’s pricey, but you’re getting concierge service. Just… check your budget first.
📚 Best for: Authors who want white-glove service and are willing to pay for it.
💡 Pro tip: Be selective. Not every package is worth the price.
6. Blurb – Gorgeous Books for Visual Creatives
Photographers, artists, memoirists—this one’s for you. Blurb specializes in stunning print books, including photo books and magazines. Think coffee-table chic.
📚 Best for: Visual-heavy books and print projects.
💡 Pro tip: You can sell on Amazon and via Blurb’s own bookstore, but don’t expect bookstore distribution.
7. Lulu – The Underdog with Options
Lulu’s like the Swiss Army knife of self-publishing: eBooks, print books, calendars, comic books—you name it. Their quality is solid, and they’ve been around forever (in internet years, anyway).
📚 Best for: Authors who want flexibility and custom formats.
💡 Pro tip: It’s especially great for workbooks, spiral-bound guides, and niche print runs.
8. Bookbaby vs. Lulu vs. Blurb?
Yes, they all do similar things, but here’s the nutshell:
- Blurb = Beautiful photo books.
- BookBaby = All-inclusive packages.
- Lulu = Variety and control.
Pick based on your project, not just the shiny website.
Final Thoughts (And a Gentle Nudge)
Self-publishing isn’t what it used to be. You don’t need to mortgage your house or bribe a literary gatekeeper to get your book out there.
But here’s the truth: your book deserves better than a cut-rate, one-size-fits-all publishing job. Whether you’re writing spy thrillers (hello!) or heart-tugging memoirs, take the time to pick the right path.
And hey—if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed, just remember: every author starts somewhere. The important thing is you started.
So finish that book. Hit publish. And send me a link—I’ll be cheering you on.