25 Best Self-Publishing Companies (Get Self-Published)

With so many self-publishing companies within reach, the dream of seeing your book in print has never been more achievable.

Self-publishing has become an empowering option for writers who wish to retain creative control and publish their works on their terms. To help you embark on this journey that will hopefully result in the success of your book, we’ve compiled a list of the best self-publishing companies that can help you bring your literary masterpiece to life. To add context to this guide, I’ve prepared a resource detailing 3,000+ publishers for your perusal.

Here are the top self-publishing companies:

1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a revolutionary platform that empowers authors and independent publishers to bring their literary creations to a global audience. As a part of the Amazon ecosystem, KDP offers a user-friendly and accessible way to self-publish digital books and reach readers across the world. With KDP, authors have the freedom to control every aspect of their publishing journey. From manuscript formatting to cover design, authors can customize their books to align with their creative vision. The platform supports a wide range of genres, allowing authors to explore fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and more. Submission guidelines.

2. Apple Books

Apple Books, formerly known as iBooks, is a digital platform that revolutionized how readers access and experience books. Developed by Apple Inc., this e-book application offers diverse literary content that can be enjoyed on Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. Apple Books provides a seamless and immersive reading experience, allowing users to purchase, download, and read e-books directly from their devices. The platform features an extensive catalog that spans various genres, from fiction and non-fiction to graphic novels and academic texts. Submission guidelines.

3. Lulu

Lulu is a pioneering self-publishing platform that empowers authors and creators to bring their literary works and creative projects to life. It has become a trusted name in the self-publishing industry, offering a range of tools and services that enable individuals to publish and distribute their books, e-books, and other content. The platform enables authors to independently publish their works without the need for traditional publishing houses. This allows for greater creative control, faster time-to-market, and the ability to reach a global audience. Submission guidelines.

4. Blurb

Blurb is a cutting-edge self-publishing platform that empowers authors, photographers, and creative individuals to bring their artistic visions to life in the form of high-quality books and publications. With a focus on customization, book sales, and creative control, Blurb offers a range of tools and services that cater to a diverse array of content creators. Blurb has quickly risen to prominence as a go-to platform for self-publishing projects that extend beyond traditional book formats. Authors and creators can design and publish paperback and hardcover books, magazines, photo books, trade books, and even e-books. Submission guidelines.

5. Smashwords

Smashwords redefines the way authors and independent publishers bring their written works to a global audience. Founded in 2008 by Mark Coker, it has played a crucial role in democratizing the publishing industry. It provides authors with the tools and resources to create e-books and distribute them to a wide range of online retailers and reading devices. This eBook publishing platform empowers authors to bypass traditional gatekeepers and directly connect with readers. Through Smashwords, authors can publish a diverse array of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and more. Submission guidelines.

6. Draft2Digital

Draft2Digital simplifies the end-to-end publishing process, from manuscript writing to editorial, production, and distribution to a global audience. This Oklahoma-based company distributes ebooks and paperbacks across key online retailers and countless global storefronts. Authors can track sales across storefronts, projected royalties, and craft custom sales charts to gauge marketing impact. They also treasure your manuscript like a gem. Draft2Digital has free automated conversion and layout templates for a polished, professional book tailored to your style. Submission guidelines.

7. BookBaby

BookBaby is a comprehensive self-publishing platform that empowers authors and independent publishers to bring their literary dreams to fruition. The company leads the way in eBook conversion, with already over 30,000 published titles spanning diverse genres. With an exclusive eBook file proof, authors are empowered to review their formatted eBook before it enters the ebook market. Each converted eBook file undergoes compatibility testing on real eReaders, further bolstered by an exclusive proof offer. Versatility reigns supreme, accepting source files from Word docs, PDFs, and InDesign files on both PC and Mac. At BookBaby, your eBook journey is in the hands of trusted professionals. Submission guidelines.

8. iUniverse

iUniverse is an assisted self-publishing company in Bloomington, Indiana. Founded on traditional publishing roots, it provides authors with the tools, resources, and support to transform their literary aspirations into professionally published books. With a focus on quality and guidance, iUniverse has become a go-to choice for authors seeking a comprehensive publishing experience. Established in 1999, iUniverse offers a range of self-publishing services that cater to authors at various stages of their writing and self-publishing journey. It offers customizable packages that include services such as editing, cover design, print-on-demand services, formatting, and distribution. Submission guidelines.

9. Outskirts Press

Outskirts Press is a guiding force for numerous indie authors, facilitating the creation, publishing, and promotion of top-tier, award-winning books. Their comprehensive package includes striking cover design, expert book layout, and high-quality printing across paperback, hardback, eBook, and audiobook formats. With unlimited global distribution and an array of book marketing tools and distribution services, Outskirts Press redefines self-publishing, delivering unrivaled industry service at an affordable cost. Authors get to keep all the rights and royalties to their published books, as well. Submission guidelines.

10. Xlibris

Xlibris is a prominent self-publishing house that empowers authors to turn their literary visions into reality with professional publishing services. With a focus on individual creativity and author empowerment, Xlibris offers a comprehensive suite of tools and resources to guide authors through the publishing process. Founded in 1997, Xlibris continues to revolutionize the publishing industry by providing authors with an alternative avenue to share their stories and ideas. Their distribution network includes online bookstores and retail stores. Submission guidelines.

11. IngramSpark

IngramSpark is a leading self-publishing and distribution platform that empowers authors and brings their literary works to a global audience. Their goal is to make everything as simple as possible for you. From formatting to publishing, distribution, social media marketing and promotion, and more. Established with a commitment to quality and accessibility, IngramSpark provides authors with the tools and resources to create professionally formatted and designed books. The platform’s user-friendly interface allows authors to upload their manuscripts, design book covers and set up distribution options. Submission guidelines.

12. Kobo Writing Life

Kobo Writing Life (KWL) revolves around simplifying the self-publishing process and connecting your work with readers worldwide. They offer a wide range of services to help you get your book published and get it into the hands of readers, including book production, distribution, and marketing services. Kobo Writing Life empowers writers to publish both eBooks and audiobooks, extending their reach to libraries through Google Play and OverDrive, and unlike most traditional publishing companies, authors can retain the freedom to publish wherever they choose. The platform can also translate your book into multiple languages. Submission guidelines.

13. Barnes & Noble Press

Barnes & Noble Press formerly Nook Press, is a self-publishing company that empowers independent publishers and authors with the tools to craft both print books and digital books. The company offers seamless e-book creation for public sale or personal delight, making them accessible on all NOOK devices, as well as on Android, iOS, and Windows devices with free NOOK Reading Apps. With enriched reporting tools, Barnes & Noble Press enables publishers to track daily sales, enhancing their insights. Remarkably, there are no delivery fees or production costs, B&N Press is free, from inception to fruition. Every self-published book meets the authors’ exact requirements through helpful tools and resources to get the job done. Submission guidelines.

14. Luminare Press

Luminare Press is a distinguished hybrid publishing company that bridges the gap between a traditional publishing house and self-publishing. Founded to provide authors with personalized and professional publishing services, the company offers a range of comprehensive solutions to authors looking to bring their literary works to fruition. Luminare Press combines the best of both traditional book publishing and self-publishing models. Authors benefit from the expertise of a professional team that guides them through the publishing process while retaining greater control over their work. Submission guidelines.

15. Acorn Publishing

Acorn Publishing is a reputable independent publishing house in Southern California, USA. This Irvine-based company specializes in supporting and promoting emerging and established authors in their publishing endeavors. They offer a range of professional and personalized services designed to guide authors through the entire publishing process. The company merges the benefits of being a traditional publisher with the author-centric approach of self-publishing. This unique publishing model offers authors a comprehensive and supportive pathway to bring their literary works to reality while retaining a significant degree of creative control. Submission guidelines.

16. Grammar Factory Publishing

Grammar Factory Publishing helps business leaders and small business owners transform their literary creations into professionally crafted and marketable books in their fields. With a focus on quality, collaboration, and author support, the company offers a range of publicity services to help authors promote their books. Grammar Factory Publishing offers authors a comprehensive range of publishing services. From manuscript evaluation and editing to cover design, one-on-one coaching, and formatting, the platform ensures that each book meets industry standards and resonates with readers. Submission guidelines.

17. Archway Publishing

Archway Publishing is a company built for self-publishers through the collaboration of Simon & Schuster and Author Solutions. It provides authors with a comprehensive and professional self-publishing experience, through a range of services designed to guide writers through the entire publishing journey. Archway Publishing offers authors a variety of publishing packages that cater to different needs and preferences. They help authors publish well-designed, market-ready books that can make industry professionals take notice. Submission guidelines.

18. Balboa Press

Balboa Press is the self-publishing division of Hay House, a renowned publisher focused on personal development, spirituality, and wellness literature. Established to empower authors to bring their literary visions to life, the press offers a range of services and resources designed to guide authors through the self-publishing journey. Specializing in self-help books, Balboa Press provides a range of self-publishing packages for authors in this genre. After the client selects the package, the company works with him or her and fulfills all the services included. At the end of the process, the writer holds a finished book and becomes a self-published author. Submission guidelines.

19. AIA Publishing

AIA Publishing is an ethical hybrid publishing company in Australia that guides authors and helps them publish their books. Located on the South Coast of NSW, Australia. Though created primarily to service authors in the local communities in the South Coast of NSW, the company publishes for authors from all over the world through presses located in the UK, USA, and Australia. AIA Publishing caters to various genres such as fiction, general non-fiction, children’s books, memoirs, family histories, and more. With a commitment to worthy publications, AIA Publishing empowers authors to bring their literary visions to life while upholding the highest standards of quality and care. Submission guidelines.

20. AuthorHouse

AuthorHouse is a self-publishing house in Bloomington, Indiana, USA, created for authors by authors. With a comprehensive range of services and a commitment to author empowerment, AuthorHouse offers a platform for authors to navigate the publishing process and share their stories with the world. AuthorHouse provides the online tools and services authors need to realize their publishing dreams. They support writers and connect them to e-book retailers, bookstores, and libraries. Authors can choose the package that aligns with their creative vision and goals. Submission guidelines.

21. Trafford Publishing

Trafford Publishing is a self-publishing company in Canada that provides services to authors with manuscripts to publish. Established in 1995 and based in Victoria, British Columbia, the company offers a lineup of publishing packages for writers to choose in bringing their literary works to market. One of the distinctive features of Trafford Publishing is its focus on self-publishing, allowing authors to maintain creative control over their projects. The company provides a platform for authors to publish various types of works in print and digital formats, including novels, memoirs, poetry collections, academic papers, and more. Submission guidelines.

22. FriesenPress

FriesenPress is another Canadian-based self-publishing company that caters to authors seeking to bring their written works to the market. The company provides a range of publishing services and packages to help authors navigate the complexities of self-publishing. FriesenPress offers various publishing packages tailored to meet different authors’ needs. These packages often include services such as book design, interior formatting, book cover design, ISBN assignment, and eBook conversion. Authors can choose from a selection of options that align with their budget and desired level of assistance. Submission guidelines.

23. DiggyPOD

DiggyPOD is a self-publishing company in Michigan, USA, that offers services to authors looking to publish their books independently. Established to provide a streamlined platform for authors, DiggyPOD focuses on delivering high-quality printed materials while allowing authors to retain control over the publishing process. DiggyPOD was founded to make self-publishing accessible and affordable for a wide range of authors. The company’s name, “DiggyPOD,” stands for “Digital Print on Demand,” which reflects their commitment to producing printed books as they are ordered, eliminating the need for authors to invest in large print runs. Submission guidelines.

24. WestBow Press

WestBow Press was established to provide authors with a platform to share their Christian-themed literary works, The press offers a range of services and resources designed to guide writers through the self-publishing process. WestBow Press is a division of Thomas Nelson and Zondervan. They help authors self-publish all genres but mostly specialize in the Christian literature market. The platform provides authors with the tools and resources they need to navigate the publishing journey with confidence. Submission guidelines.

25. Xulon Press

Xulon Press is a prominent self-publishing company in Florida, USA that provides Christian authors with a platform to share their faith-inspired literary works. As part of the Salem Media Group, Xulon Press offers a range of services and resources designed to guide authors through the self-publishing process while maintaining a Christian focus. The company emphasizes author empowerment and collaboration. Their team of professionals collaborates closely with authors to ensure that each book meets industry standards and resonates with readers. Authors receive guidance and assistance throughout the publishing process. Submission guidelines.

Final Thoughts

Self-publishing companies offer authors a gateway to their publishing dreams. With personalized author services and a global reach, these platforms empower writers to transform their manuscripts into self-published books. From eBook sales to print editions, their expertise spans every facet of the writing business. As books are priced and retail prices set, these companies ensure authors receive their deserved share of the books sold. In an era where the written word media thrives, these platforms stand as allies for both seasoned authors and newcomers alike, amplifying the impact of self-published works on a grand scale. Next up, you may want to explore a guide on publishing companies in Montana.