If you’re an aspiring author, you’ve probably spent a lot of time imagining your book in readers’ hands. You’ve written the manuscript, edited the drafts, and now the next big step is publishing. But how do you get your book into the world? The answer lies in choosing the right book publishing services.

Whether you’re on a tight budget or ready to invest more, there are options for every author. In this post, we’ll break down the best book publishing services that cater to various budgets and help you find the perfect fit for your needs.

What Are Book Publishing Services?

Before diving into the different options, let’s quickly define what book publishing services are. Simply put, these are companies or platforms that help authors take their manuscripts and transform them into finished, market-ready books. These services cover everything from editing and design to distribution and marketing.

For many authors, especially self-published ones, finding the right publishing service is crucial. It’s about striking the balance between quality and cost, ensuring that your book receives the professional treatment it deserves while sticking to a budget you’re comfortable with.

Why Do You Need Book Publishing Services?

You might be thinking, “Why do I need these services? Can’t I just do it myself?” Technically, yes, you could. However, publishing a book involves a lot of work and expertise. Professional book publishing services provide:

• Expert editing to polish your manuscript and make sure it’s error-free.

• Cover design to create an eye-catching and professional look for your book.

• Formatting to ensure your book looks great in both print and digital formats.

• Distribution to get your book into major online stores, libraries, and bookshops.

• Marketing to help your book reach the right readers and stand out from the crowd.

Even if you’re on a tight budget, you still need to get these core aspects right to ensure your book’s success.

Book Publishing Services for Every Budget

Let’s now explore the best book publishing services available for every budget range—from free or low-cost services for tight budgets to premium services for authors willing to invest more.

1. Budget-Friendly Options (Under $100)

If you’re just starting out and don’t want to spend a lot of money, you’ll be glad to know there are budget-friendly publishing services available. These options often provide basic services but are a great starting point for self-publishers.

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Best for: Authors with little to no budget
What it offers: Amazon KDP is one of the most popular self-publishing platforms out there. It’s entirely free to use, and it gives you the ability to publish eBooks and paperbacks. They offer formatting tools, a simple cover creator, and worldwide distribution via Amazon.

Pros:

• No upfront costs.

• Full control over pricing and royalties (up to 70% royalties on Kindle books).

• Access to Amazon’s massive audience.

Cons:

• Limited marketing tools.

• Basic design and formatting options, so you may need to hire professionals for more advanced work.

While KDP doesn’t offer editing or professional cover design, it’s a great choice for authors who are comfortable handling these aspects on their own or working with freelancers.

Draft2Digital
Best for: Authors looking for free eBook distribution
What it offers: Like KDP, Draft2Digital allows authors to distribute their eBooks to multiple platforms, including Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and more, for free. It’s easy to use and offers some nice formatting options.

Pros:

• Free to use.

• Distributes to multiple platforms beyond Amazon.

• Simple to upload and distribute.

Cons:

• Doesn’t offer print-book distribution.

• Basic features, so for professional design or editing, you might need to find separate services.

2. Mid-Range Options ($100 to $500)

If you have a little more room in your budget, mid-range book publishing services can offer you more professional features without breaking the bank. These platforms usually provide additional support, like editing, cover design, and formatting.

IngramSpark
Best for: Authors who want to print physical copies
What it offers: IngramSpark is a great option for authors who want both eBooks and print books. They provide services for high-quality print-on-demand (POD) books, eBook distribution, and global retail distribution.

Pros:

• Print-on-demand options for physical books.

• Distribution to major retailers and libraries.

• Professional services, including editing and cover design for an additional fee.

Cons:

• Setup fees (though these can often be waived during promotions).

• Costs for extra services, such as professional editing.

For authors who want both print and digital options, IngramSpark is a great choice. The initial setup cost is relatively low, but you may need to invest in editing and cover design services.

BookBaby
Best for: Authors who want all-in-one services at an affordable price
What it offers: BookBaby offers a wide range of services, including editing, formatting, cover design, and distribution to major eBook retailers. They also offer POD services for print books.

Pros:

• Wide range of services (editing, design, marketing, etc.).

• Global distribution for both eBooks and print books.

• Offers packages for authors at different stages of their journey.

Cons:

• Some services can be pricey compared to other options.

• Limited marketing services, which means you may need additional help for book promotion.

3. Premium Options ($500 and Up)

If you’re ready to make a bigger investment in your book’s success, premium book publishing services offer everything from editing to advanced marketing tools. These platforms typically provide professional assistance in every aspect of the publishing process.

Turner Book Writers
Best for: Authors who want a fully managed publishing experience
What it offers: As a comprehensive book publishing service, Turner Book Writers provides a full suite of services, including professional editing, custom cover design, and global distribution. What sets them apart is their focus on the author’s needs, offering personalized assistance every step of the way.

Pros:

• Professional-grade editing and design.

• Full-service publishing with author support.

• High-quality global distribution options.

Cons:

• Higher price tag than DIY platforms.

• Requires a bigger financial investment.

For authors who want a hands-off approach and are ready to invest in the success of their book, Turner Book Writers offers premium, all-inclusive services that can help take your book to the next level.

The Publishing House (Traditional)
Best for: Authors seeking a traditional publishing route
What it offers: While not exactly a self-publishing option, working with a traditional publishing house can be a dream come true for some authors. They provide editing, marketing, and distribution services in exchange for rights and royalties. However, this route typically requires an agent and a strong manuscript.

Pros:

• Professional editing, marketing, and distribution.

• Credibility and brand recognition.

• No upfront costs for the author (they cover all publishing expenses).

Cons:

• Extremely difficult to get accepted without an agent.

• Less creative control.

• Royalties are often lower than self-publishing.

How to Choose the Best Book Publishing Service for Your Budget

When choosing between these services, it’s essential to consider a few factors:

• Budget: Are you looking for a free service or willing to invest a bit more for additional features?

• Goals: What’s your primary goal? Global distribution, print books, or both? Do you need extensive marketing?

• Control: Do you want to maintain full control over your book, or are you okay with outsourcing everything to a publisher?

• Experience Level: Are you a seasoned author, or is this your first time publishing?

By asking yourself these questions, you can better identify the book publishing services that align with your goals and your budget.

Conclusion

No matter where you are in your author journey, there’s a book publishing service out there that’s right for you. From free, DIY platforms to premium services that offer full support, the right choice depends on your goals, budget, and the amount of time you’re willing to invest.

Remember, the key is not just about how much you spend, but how well the service meets your needs. Choose wisely, and you’ll be well on your way to publishing a book that not only looks professional but reaches readers all around the world.

Are you ready to publish your book? Let us know which publishing service you’re considering in the comments below!