10 Best Self-Publishing Companies for Authors in 2026
Self-publishing has transformed the publishing industry. Today, authors no longer need a traditional publisher to bring their books to market. A growing number of self-publishing companies and platforms now allow writers to publish independently while maintaining full creative control.
However, the best self-publishing companies vary widely in what they offer. Some focus on distribution platforms, while others provide full-service publishing support that includes editing, design, and marketing.
If you’re preparing to publish a book, understanding the strengths and limitations of each option can help you choose the best self-publishing company for your goals.
Below is a comparison of ten of the most widely used self-publishing companies available today.
Quick List: Best Self-Publishing Companies
- Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) – Best for DIY publishing
- IngramSpark – Best for bookstore distribution
- Barnes & Noble Press – Best for B&N marketplace access
- Apple Books – Best for Apple device readers
- Self-Publishing School – Best for publishing education
- Kobo Writing Life – Best for international ebook sales
- Reedsy – Best for hiring publishing professionals
- Lulu – Best for print-on-demand publishing
- PublishDrive – Best for global digital distribution
- Publish Pros – Best for full-service publishing support
How We Evaluated the Best Self-Publishing Companies
The companies included in this guide were evaluated based on several factors that are important to independent authors.
Editorial and production services
Some companies provide only publishing platforms, while others offer professional services such as editing, cover design, and book layout.
Distribution reach
The ability to distribute books through major retailers, bookstores, and international markets was an important factor.
Ease of use
Publishing platforms vary widely in how easy they are for authors to navigate and upload their books.
Author control and ownership
Companies that allow authors to maintain control of their rights, royalties, and publishing decisions were prioritized.
Professional support
Some authors prefer a do-it-yourself publishing approach, while others benefit from working with experienced publishing professionals.
Because every author’s needs are different, this guide includes both self-service platforms and full-service publishing companies.
What Makes a Self-Publishing Company the Best?
The best self-publishing companies typically offer some combination of:
• Professional editing and production services
• Global book distribution
• Transparent royalty structures
• Author ownership of rights and ISBNs
• Marketing support for book promotion
Some companies focus primarily on technology platforms that allow authors to upload their books themselves. Others provide full-service publishing assistance that guides authors through the entire publishing process.
Understanding which model fits your goals is key to choosing the right publishing partner.
Types of Self-Publishing Companies
Not all self-publishing companies provide the same services. Most fall into one of four categories.
Publishing Platforms
These allow authors to upload their books directly and publish independently. Examples include Amazon KDP, Kobo Writing Life, and Barnes & Noble Press.
Print-on-Demand Distributors
These companies focus on printing and distributing books through retail networks. IngramSpark and Lulu are the most widely known.
Aggregators
Aggregators distribute digital books to multiple online retailers at once. PublishDrive is one example.
Full-Service Publishing Companies
Full-service publishing companies guide authors through the entire process, including editing, design, production, and distribution. These services are often used by authors who want professional assistance throughout the publishing journey.
The 10 Best Self-Publishing Companies
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the most widely used self-publishing platform in the world. Because Amazon controls a massive share of the online book market, publishing through KDP gives authors access to more than 300 million Amazon customers worldwide.
KDP allows authors to publish both ebooks and print-on-demand paperback books. Authors can also enroll their ebook in KDP Select, which places the book into Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited subscription program.
The trade-off is exclusivity. Enrolling in KDP Select requires authors to sell the digital edition of their book exclusively on Amazon for 90-day periods. This can limit the ability to sell ebooks through other retailers or directly from an author website.
IngramSpark
IngramSpark is one of the largest print-on-demand (POD) distribution platforms used by independent publishers. Through the Ingram distribution network, books can become available to more than 39,000 bookstores, libraries, schools, and online retailers worldwide.
Many independent publishers use IngramSpark alongside Amazon KDP to expand distribution.
However, IngramSpark focuses strictly on printing and distribution. Authors must prepare their own files for upload, meaning editing, design, formatting, and marketing services must be handled elsewhere.
Barnes & Noble Press
Barnes & Noble Press is the self-publishing platform operated by the Barnes & Noble bookstore chain. Authors can publish ebooks and print books that are available through the Barnes & Noble website and physical stores.
The platform is relatively simple to use and provides helpful resources for authors new to publishing.
The limitation is distribution. Books published through Barnes & Noble Press primarily reach readers within the Barnes & Noble retail ecosystem.
Apple Books
Apple Books provides another major marketplace for digital books. Through the Apple Books for Authors platform, independent writers can distribute ebooks to millions of Apple device users worldwide.
Publishing through Apple Books is free, but there are technical limitations. Authors must either use a Mac computer or work with a digital distributor (often called an aggregator) to publish directly to the platform.
Apple Books focuses exclusively on ebooks, so authors who want printed books must use a separate service.
Self-Publishing School
Self-Publishing School is an online education platform designed to teach authors how to write, publish, and market books independently.
Their programs include structured courses, coaching, and training designed to help new authors move from manuscript to published book quickly.
While the company provides education and mentorship, authors are still responsible for working with freelancers or publishing platforms to produce and distribute the finished book.
Kobo Writing Life
Kobo is a Canadian ebook retailer owned by Rakuten, a large Japanese e-commerce company. Through its Kobo Writing Life platform, authors can upload ebooks directly to the Kobo marketplace.
Kobo has particularly strong international reach and accounts for a large portion of ebook sales in Canada and several European markets.
However, Kobo publishes ebooks only. Authors who want print editions must publish those through another service.
Reedsy
Reedsy is a marketplace that connects authors with publishing professionals. Through the platform, writers can hire freelance editors, proofreaders, designers, marketers, and ghostwriters.
Unlike many publishing companies, Reedsy does not distribute books. Instead, it focuses on helping authors assemble a professional team to prepare their book for publication.
This approach gives authors flexibility, though it can also require more project management from the author.
Lulu
Lulu is one of the earliest print-on-demand publishing platforms and remains popular with independent authors and organizations.
The platform allows authors to create print books and distribute them through major online retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books.
Like several distribution platforms, Lulu focuses on printing and retail distribution rather than providing editorial or design services. Authors must prepare their files before uploading them.
PublishDrive
PublishDrive is a digital distribution platform that helps authors distribute ebooks and audiobooks to global retailers.
The company partners with platforms such as Apple Books, Google Play Books, and international ebook stores. One of its unique features is a subscription-based pricing model that allows authors to keep a higher percentage of royalties.
However, PublishDrive focuses primarily on distribution rather than production services like editing, design, or formatting.
Publish Pros
Publish Pros is a full-service self-publishing company that works directly with authors throughout the publishing process. For many first-time authors, navigating the process alone can quickly become overwhelming. Working with an experienced publishing team can simplify the process while helping authors avoid common production mistakes. Authors maintain ownership of their files, accounts, royalties, and publishing rights throughout.
Unlike distribution platforms that only provide upload tools, Publish Pros offers professional services that support every stage of book development. These services include editing, cover design, interior layout, illustration, print production, and distribution setup through platforms such as Amazon KDP and IngramSpark.
The company also helps authors build a professional online presence that supports long-term book marketing and discoverability.
For authors who want guidance rather than navigating the publishing process alone, working with a full-service publishing company can provide a more streamlined publishing experience.
How Much Does Self-Publishing Cost?
The cost of self-publishing can vary widely depending on the services an author chooses. Some publishing platforms allow authors to upload and distribute their books for free, while full-service publishing companies offer professional support that may involve upfront production costs.
Here are some common expenses authors encounter during the self-publishing process.
Editing
Professional editing is often the most important investment in a book. Developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading services may range from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the manuscript length and complexity.
Cover Design
A professionally designed book cover can strongly influence sales. Cover design services typically range from $200 to $1,500 depending on the designer’s experience and the complexity of the design.
Interior Layout and Formatting
Formatting prepares the manuscript for print and ebook distribution. Interior layout services generally cost between $200 and $800 depending on the length of the book and the number of images or special formatting requirements.
Illustration
Illustrations are most common in children’s books. Illustration costs vary significantly based on the artist’s experience and the complexity of the artwork.
Distribution Setup
Publishing platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark allow authors to distribute books without upfront publishing fees, though printing costs are deducted from book sales.
Because costs vary widely, many authors choose a publishing path that fits both their budget and the level of professional assistance they want during the publishing process.
How to Choose the Best Self-Publishing Company
Choosing the right self-publishing company depends on several factors, including:
- Your publishing budget
- How much of the process you want to manage yourself
- Whether you want professional editing and design support
- How widely you want your book distributed
Some authors prefer a do-it-yourself approach using platforms like Amazon KDP or IngramSpark. Others prefer working with a full-service publishing partner that can guide them through every stage of the process.
Understanding the differences between these options can help you select the publishing path that best fits your goals.
Best Self-Publishing Companies for First-Time Authors
For first-time authors, choosing a publishing path can feel overwhelming. Platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark provide powerful tools, but they also require authors to manage editing, formatting, and distribution on their own.
Because of this, many first-time authors choose to work with a full-service self-publishing company that can guide them through the entire process.
These companies help authors navigate editing, design, production, and distribution while providing professional support along the way.
What Is a Full-Service Self-Publishing Company?
A full-service self-publishing company provides professional support throughout the entire publishing process. Instead of managing every step independently, authors work with experienced professionals who help prepare their book for publication.
These services may include editing, cover design, interior layout, illustration coordination, distribution setup, and marketing support.
Full-service publishing companies are often the best choice for authors who want expert guidance or who prefer to focus on writing while professionals handle production.
What Is the Best Self-Publishing Company?
The best self-publishing company depends on an author’s goals.
Authors who want full control and low costs often use platforms like Amazon KDP or IngramSpark. These services allow writers to upload their books directly and manage publishing themselves.
Authors who prefer professional guidance may work with a full-service self-publishing company that provides editing, design, and production support throughout the publishing process.
The best choice depends on how much of the publishing process an author wants to manage independently.
Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Publishing Companies
What is the best self-publishing company for first-time authors?
The best self-publishing company for first-time authors depends on how much support they want. Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) allow authors to publish independently, while full-service publishing companies provide professional help with editing, design, and production.
Do self-publishing companies take your royalties?
Most self-publishing platforms do not take ownership of royalties. Instead, they collect printing costs and distribution fees while authors keep the remaining royalties from book sales.
Can you publish a book without a self-publishing company?
Yes. Authors can publish independently using platforms like Amazon KDP, Kobo Writing Life, or Barnes & Noble Press. However, authors must handle editing, design, and formatting themselves or hire freelancers.
How much does it cost to self-publish a book?
Self-publishing costs vary widely depending on the services used. Basic publishing through platforms like Amazon KDP may cost nothing upfront, while professional editing, cover design, and formatting can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
