Professional Book Publishing Services for Fiction & Nonfiction Authors

Whether you're writing a self-help book, business guide, or personal growth memoir, your book deserves more than a quiet death in a forgotten Google Doc. It deserves to be read, shared, highlighted, underlined, and talked about.

That means publishing it—professionally, strategically, and in a way that aligns with your goals as an author and entrepreneur.In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about book publishing services so you can make confident decisions, avoid the biggest industry traps, and finally get your message into the hands of readers who need it.

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🔍 What Are Book Publishing Services, Exactly?

"Book publishing services" is a broad term that includes all the support and strategy you need to turn your manuscript into a professional, sellable book.Depending on what you need, this can include:

• Book coaching and developmental editing – This is the strategic and creative help you need to take your raw ideas or early draft and turn them into a structured, compelling book. A coach helps with accountability, content clarity, and voice development, while a developmental editor dives deep into your manuscript to help shape flow, structure, and reader impact. Typically working with a book coach (like me!) makes a developmental edit unnecessary. 
  
  💡 I like to think of it this way -- book coaching and developmental editing are essentially the same thing, but in different formats. With developmental editing, you get a roadmap to solve your book's problems. With book coaching, you get the same roadmap, but you get it in real time -- as you're writing.
  
  
• Cover design, interior layout, and formatting – First impressions matter. And cover design absolutely impacts sales. Professional design ensures your book looks polished and appealing, inside and out. Interior formatting makes your text readable, organized, and industry-standard for both print and digital versions.
• ISBN registration and copyright support – If you want your book to be taken seriously (and sold widely), you’ll need your own ISBNs, and it’s a good idea to officially register your copyright. Publishing services can help you navigate the paperwork and protect your work.
• Print-on-demand setup (KDP, IngramSpark, etc.) – Most authors today use print-on-demand platforms to avoid holding inventory. Services like Kindle Direct Publishing and IngramSpark allow you to upload your files and sell paperbacks or hardcovers without upfront printing costs.
• Ebook conversion and metadata optimization – Turning your manuscript into a properly formatted EPUB or MOBI file is one thing. Making sure it has the right keywords, categories, and metadata to get found online? That’s next-level—and absolutely critical for sales.
• Uploading and launching your book on various platforms – From Amazon and Ingram to Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and beyond—getting your book live on the right platforms is both a technical process and a strategic decision. Publishing services help you get set up correctly the first time.
• Marketing, launch strategy, and ongoing sales support – Want your book to sell? You’ll need a plan. Many publishing service providers help with marketing strategy, launch planning, and long-term sales ideas so your book doesn’t just go live—it makes an impact.

Publishing your book is not just about uploading a file. It’s about building credibility, making sure your book looks and reads like a bestseller, and getting it into the right readers' hands.

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🌟 What Is the Best Publisher for First-Time Authors?

Great question—and it depends on your goals.If you want full control, higher royalties, and faster publishing, self-publishing is usually the best route for first-time nonfiction authors (especially in the self-help space).

If you're aiming for traditional publishing, you’ll need a strong book proposal, an agent, and a lot of patience. While some first-time authors do break into traditional houses, it can take up to 1–2 years just to get a deal. 

Many of my clients opt for a hybrid path: high-quality self-publishing with professional support (like editing and book coaching services), so their book looks like it came straight out of a traditional house—but they keep the control and the profits.

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📅 Is It Better to Self-Publish a Book or Get a Publisher?

Let’s break it down.

Traditional Publishing Pros:

• Prestige (yes, people still care about Penguin*)
• No upfront costs
• Built-in distribution

Traditional Publishing Cons:

• Very competitive and time-consuming
• Low royalties (typically 10–12%)
• Less creative control
• Publishing delay of 12-18 months from acceptance to when your book is on the shelf

Self Book Publishing Pros:

• Total creative and business control
• Up to 70% royalties (especially on Kindle Direct Publishing)
• Super fast publishing timelines (Your book can literally be on a digital bookshelf by tomorrow!)

Self Book Publishing Cons:

• You cover the costs
• You do (or outsource) the work

Bottom line? If you’re an entrepreneur, expert, or coach, self-publishing with the right support is often your fastest, smartest path.

💬 Food for Thought: My first 7 or 8 books were published with traditional publishers (Penguin, Random House UK, Sourcebooks, St. Martins Press) and I also worked for a traditional publisher for 6 years. As a book coach, all of my 6- and 7-figure author clients are either hybrid-published (meaning they have some indie-published books and some traditionally-published books) or completely independently published.
Why? They have more creative control and they make a whole lot more bacon. 🥓

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💸 How Much Does It Usually Cost to Publish a Book?

Like most things in publishing: it depends.

Here are some average ballpark costs for self-publishing a nonfiction or self-help book:

• Editing: $500–$5,000+ depending on level (developmental, line, proofreading) and length of the book.
• Cover Design: $150–$600
• Formatting: $150–$1500 (print + ebook) 
  
• Publishing Platform Fees: Free to low-cost (Amazon KDP is free)
• ISBNs & Copyright: $125+ (US ISBN through Bowker - Canadians get ISBNs for FREE!) for a single ISBN, but it's better to buy a pack of 10 for $275 because you'l typically need at least 2-4 for each release (ebook, paperback, hardcover, audio.) Each book format requires its own ISBN number.

If you're working with a professional team or publishing service that bundles these together, expect to invest $2,500–$7,500 for a polished, high-quality book.

Want help with publishing? I offer personalized book coaching services and done-for-you support.

☎️ Book a free call here to chat about your project.

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📖 Best Self-Publishing Sites for Authors

Choosing the right self-publishing platform is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as an author—and the good news is, you don’t have to choose just one.

Here’s why: you can dramatically expand your book’s reach and maximize your royalties just by publishing to multiple platforms. This is one of the most powerful strategies available to indie authors, and it doesn’t require much extra effort once your files are ready.

For example, you can publish your ebook on Amazon through Kindle Direct Publishing and simultaneously upload your print edition to IngramSpark, which allows bookstores and libraries to order your book. You can also list your ebook through Draft2Digital to reach Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and other major retailers.

Important: If you enroll your ebook in Kindle Unlimited (KDP Select), you’ll agree to sell your ebook exclusively through Amazon for 90 days. However, this restriction only applies to the ebook version only. You can still sell your paperbacks and hardcovers anywhere—Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, Target, and hundreds of other retailers—regardless of your ebook exclusivity.

Publishing wide—across multiple platforms—means more people can find, buy, and read your book. And depending on your pricing and audience, you may even earn more from retailers outside of Amazon.

Don't put all your eggs in one basket. When you combine multiple platforms—like Amazon, IngramSpark, Google Play, Apple Books, Draft2Digital, and B&N Press—you open up global distribution with very little extra work.

If you're planning to self-publish, you'll likely use one (or more) of the following platforms:

Below is an overview of some top platforms, each offering unique features and benefits:

1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Overview: Amazon's KDP is a dominant force in the self-publishing world, allowing authors to publish ebooks and paperbacks directly to the Amazon marketplace.​

Key Features:

• Global Reach: Access to millions of readers worldwide through Amazon's extensive network.​
• Royalties: Earn up to 70% royalties on ebooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99.
• KDP Select: An optional program offering promotional tools like Kindle Unlimited inclusion, requiring 90-day exclusivity.​

Considerations:

• Exclusivity: Enrolling in KDP Select mandates exclusivity to Amazon for the ebook format during the enrollment period.​
• Amazon, no matter how you feel about them, sells about 80% of books sold in US. 
  Amazon controls over 50% of all new book sales in the U.S. and is responsible for about 80% of all book distribution.​

2. Apple Books

Overview: Apple Books provides authors with access to readers on Apple devices, emphasizing a seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.​

Key Features:

• Royalties: Offers a consistent 70% royalty rate across all price points.​
• No Exclusivity: Allows distribution through other platforms simultaneously.​
• User-Friendly Interface: Simplified process for uploading and managing books.​

Considerations:

• Device Limitation: Primarily targets readers using Apple devices, which may limit audience reach compared to more platform-agnostic services.​

3. Barnes & Noble Press (B&N Press)

Overview: B&N Press enables authors to publish directly to the Barnes & Noble online store and its NOOK devices.​

Key Features:

• Royalties: Earn 70% royalties on ebooks priced above $0.99.​
• Print Options: Offers both ebook and print-on-demand services.​
• Promotional Opportunities: Access to B&N-specific promotions and merchandising.​

Considerations:

• Market Share: Smaller market presence compared to Amazon, potentially impacting sales volume.​

4. Kobo Writing Life

Overview: Kobo's self-publishing platform offers a gateway to a global audience, especially strong in Canada and international markets.​

Key Features:

• Royalties: 70% on ebooks priced $2.99 and above; 45% for lower-priced books.​
• Wide Distribution: Presence in over 190 countries.​
• Author Promotions: Opportunities for authors to participate in Kobo-specific promotions.​

Considerations:

• Market Niche: While globally present, Kobo's market share is smaller in the U.S. compared to Amazon.​

5. IngramSpark

Overview: IngramSpark provides extensive distribution options, including access to bookstores, libraries, and online retailers.​

Key Features:

• Print and Ebook Distribution: Offers both print-on-demand and ebook services.​
• Global Reach: Connects with over 40,000 retailers and libraries worldwide.​
• Professional Quality: High-quality printing options, including hardcover formats.​

Considerations:

• Setup Fees: Title setup is free, but Ingram charges fees for revisions after 60 days.
• Complexity: More suited for authors familiar with the publishing process or those seeking wide distribution beyond Amazon.​ Ingram, the parent company of Ingram Spark, is the largest book distributor in the US and is used by all of the Big 5 publishing houses.

6. Draft2Digital (D2D)

Overview: Draft2Digital is an aggregator that simplifies distribution to multiple retailers, streamlining the self-publishing process.​

Key Features:

• Wide Distribution: Distributes to major retailers like Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.​
• Free Formatting: Provides free ebook formatting services.​
• Universal Book Links: Creates a single link that directs readers to their preferred retailer.​

Considerations:

• Revenue Share: Takes approximately 10% of the retail price per sale as a commission.​
• Less Control: Using an aggregator means less direct control over individual retailer accounts.​

7. Lulu

Overview: Lulu offers a range of self-publishing services, with a focus on print products, including books, calendars, and photo books.​

Key Features:

• Print Flexibility: Supports various print formats, including hardcover and coil-bound.​
• Global Distribution: Options to distribute to major online retailers and bookstores.​
• Direct Sales: Allows authors to sell directly through Lulu's storefront, keeping more profits.​

Considerations:

• Pricing Complexity: Authors need to carefully calculate pricing to account for print costs and desired royalties.​
• Market Presence: Not as prominent as Amazon or IngramSpark in terms of distribution reach.​

Final Thoughts:

Selecting the right self-publishing platform depends on your specific goals, target audience, and desired level of control. Many authors opt to use multiple platforms to maximize their book's reach—for instance, using KDP for Amazon distribution and IngramSpark for broader print distribution. Carefully assess each platform's features, costs, and distribution channels to determine the best fit for your publishing strategy.

Each platform has its pros and cons, but many authors publish simultaneously through KDP and IngramSpark to get the best of both worlds.

Pro tip: Avoid "all-in-one" self-publishing companies that promise you the moon but deliver poor design, bad editing, and inflated pricing.

Which brings us to...

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⚠️ Self-Publishing Companies to Avoid

Not all book publishing services are created equal.

🚩Here are some red flags:

• Promises of bestseller status (with no strategy to back it up)
• Outdated cover design or template interiors
• Confusing pricing or hidden fees
• No transparency about who owns your rights
• You can’t access your own KDP or Ingram accounts

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. (And yes, I’ve had clients come to me for book rescue missions after falling into these traps.)That’s why I believe in giving authors support that’s high-touch, high-integrity, and 100% transparent.

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🔎 What Is the Best Site to Publish a Book?

If you're going for maximum visibility, Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing is the top choice.

• It’s free to use
• You earn up to 70% royalties
• Your book shows up on the world’s biggest book search engine

Pair that with IngramSpark for print and ebook distribution and you're golden.

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🎓 What If You Want a Nonfiction Book Coach?

That’s where I come in. I help nonfiction and self-help authors go from fuzzy idea to finished, published book with:

• Book coaching services and VIP packages
• Developmental editing
• Publishing platform setup and launch support
• Book proposal coaching (if you want to go traditional)

You bring the story, the mission, the voice. I help you structure it, polish it, and publish it.

✅ Ready to get your book published? ☎️ Book your free book coaching intro call here and let’s make it real.

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✨ Self-Help Book Publishers vs. Self-Publishing

There are publishers that specialize in self-help (Hay House, anyone?) including some great hybrid and indie presses. But unless you’re aiming for a very specific niche or have an agent pitching on your behalf, self-publishing is often faster and more profitable.

Hybrid presses can work well—just make sure they have:

• Transparent pricing
• Clear royalty splits
• A track record of solid editing and design
• Distribution beyond Amazon

Or you can do what many of my clients do: self-publish with professional support and own the whole thing. Cha-ching!

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💬 Final Thoughts from Your Book Coach

Publishing your book isn’t just about checking a box or uploading a file—it’s about bringing your message into the world in a way that feels aligned, intentional, and powerful.

Whether you're building a business, launching a movement, or finally sharing the story you've held close for years, publishing is the bridge between your ideas and the people who need them.

So here's my advice:

✅ Don’t wait until it’s perfect.

✅ Don’t get overwhelmed by all the options.

✅ And don’t do it alone if you don’t have to.

You have a message and a story that can help others. My job is to help you share it clearly, professionally, and with as little stress as possible.

🎯 Book a free get-to-know-you call here and let’s make a plan that fits your goals, your timeline, and your vision.You’ve got this—and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

💖 Lisa

💡Read next: How to Write a Self-Help Book

*Penguin was my very first traditional publishing house! I totally get that traditional publishing dream.