Confused author Googling self publishing services

💁‍♀️ Self-Publishing Services: The Complete Guide

So you’ve written a book—or you're about to—and you’re ready to share your genius with the world. Maybe you’re dreaming of bestseller lists. Maybe you just want to finally hold a copy of your story, your soul, your sweat-and-coffee-stained manuscript in your hands.

Either way, there’s one big question swirling in your head:

How the heck do I actually publish this thing?

Welcome to the world of self publishing services, where you’re the boss, the visionary, the creative powerhouse… and yes, sometimes also the janitor, the sales rep, and the social media intern.

But here’s the good news: You don’t have to do everything alone.

Let’s break it all down—what services you really need, what’s worth outsourcing, and how to choose the best self publishing services for your book.


🚀 What Are Self Publishing Services?

Let’s keep it simple: Self publishing services are the tools, platforms, and professionals that help you bring your book to life—without having to pitch to traditional publishers or wait a year for an agent to maybe email you back.

We’re talking editing, formatting, cover design, distribution, book marketing services, and everything in between.

In short: they exist to make sure your book doesn’t look like it was cobbled together in a Word doc at 2 a.m. (Even if it was.)


✍️ Self Publishing Services for Authors (Who Want to Do It Right)

If you’ve typed “self publishing services for authors” into Google and felt a wave of panic—same. There are SO many options. Some are amazing. Some… not so much.

Here are the self publishing services worth investing in:

1. Book Coaching + Development

Before you hit publish, you’ve got to finish the dang thing. That’s where a book coach comes in. We help you take your brilliant idea and turn it into a book that actually sells.

(Need help? ☎️ Book a free call with me and let’s map out your plan.)

2. Professional Editing

No one wants to read a book with grammar gremlins and plot holes the size of the Grand Canyon. You’ll want:

  • A developmental edit (big-picture feedback)
  • A line edit (style, flow, voice)
  • A proofread (typos, grammar, punctuation)

Not all at once—but all are important!

3. Cover Design That Doesn’t Scream “DIY”

Your cover is your first impression. Unless you’re secretly a Photoshop wizard, hire a pro.

Pro tip: Bad cover = bad sales.
Great cover = readers throw money at you.

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📚 Self Publishing Services for Books (a.k.a. The Nerdy Bits)

You’ve got your manuscript. You’ve got your cover. Now let’s make it look pro on the inside too.

Formatting can be the bane of every author’s existence. Page numbers that won’t cooperate. Headers that disappear. Chapter titles playing hide and seek.

That’s why I offer professional book formatting services that make your interior shine in both print AND ebook.

Goodbye weird spacing. Hello flawless layout.


🥇 Best Self Publishing Services for Getting Your Book OUT There

Now that your book looks like a million bucks, let’s talk about distribution and marketing.

📦 Distribution = Getting Your Book in Stores

Use trusted self-publishing platforms like:

  • Amazon KDP – Reaches millions of readers worldwide
  • IngramSpark – Gets your book into indie bookstores, libraries, and more
  • BookFunnel – Amazing for ARCs and reader magnets

These self publishing platforms let you publish in both digital and print formats and control your pricing, categories, and metadata. You call the shots.

📣 Marketing = Getting Readers to Actually Buy the Book

This is where most indie authors panic. Don’t worry—I’ve got you.

The key is visibility. You need reviews. Buzz. Librarian love. Bookstore buyers.

Which is exactly why I created this library + bookstore email marketing service that puts your book in front of decision-makers across the country.

Yes, it’s legit. Yes, it works.
(And yes, it’s way less scary than cold calling a librarian.)


🕵️‍♀️ What About Self Publishing Agencies?

Ah, yes. Let’s talk about the elephant in the publishing Zoom room.

Some self publishing agencies are great—they offer full-service packages, from editing to launch. Others charge you $10,000 for a copy-paste job and disappear the second your credit card clears.

Red flags:
❌ No transparency on pricing
❌ Bad reviews online
❌ “We’ll market your book!” (…with zero specifics)

Do your research. Ask questions. If something smells fishy, it probably is.

Want a combo of trustworthy pros AND freedom to steer your ship? A-la-carte services (like mine!) let you mix-and-match exactly what you need.


💸 Self Book Publishing: Is It Worth It?

Short answer: Hell yes.

Self-publishing lets you:

  • Keep control of your content and rights
  • Publish on your schedule
  • Keep up to 70% of your royalties (instead of 7%)

Just make sure you're choosing the right support along the way.


🛍️ Final Thoughts from Your Favorite Publishing Hype Woman

You don’t have to go it alone. Whether you're just typing “publish my book” into a search bar or you’ve got a manuscript collecting virtual dust, the right self publishing services can make the difference between a book that flops and a book that flies.

Get pro formatting
Email libraries & bookstores
Book your free "get-to-know-you" coaching call

The next time someone asks if you’re “still working on that book,” you can flash a smile and say:

“Nope. It’s published.” 😎

💡 Read next: How to Write a Self-Help Book or our tutorial on Book Publishing Services

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author
Lisa Daily
Book Coach & Bestselling Author
author http://author.coach

Lisa Daily is a USA Today bestselling author and one of the top book coaches for nonfiction and self-help authors. She's an award-winning, traditionally & indie published author of 15+ self-help and romance books, and a book coach for everyone from brand new aspiring authors to 6- and 7-figure authors like Renee Rose, Theodora Taylor, Maggie Marr, Ines Johnson, Kel Carpenter, Lee Savino, and Heather Hildenbrand. 💙 Best. Job. Ever. 🎉 She's the author of several writing books including How to Write a Self-Help Book in 14 Days and What 7-Figure Authors Do Differently. I've been called the "go-to book coach for 6- and 7-figure authors." Lisa Daily is the founder of the Bestseller Academy: Write a Self-Help Book in 30 Days Course and host a popular writing and publishing advice YouTube channel, Bestselling Author Writing Coach.