For writers in Australia looking to retain control over their creative and financial decisions, self-publishing is a great option.
It allows authors to manage the publishing process, retain ownership, and earn a higher share of royalties compared to traditional publishing. In that regard, Australia offers various self-publishing platforms and services that can help authors publish and distribute their work.
Below is a list of top self-publishing companies and platforms in Australia, organized by the services they provide and the type of author they cater to.
Table of Contents
- Should You Self-Publish?
- How to Self-Publish
- Full-Service Self-Publishing Companies
- Print-On-Demand (POD) and Distribution Platforms
- E-Book Publishing Platforms
- Hybrid Publishing Options
Should You Self-Publish?
One of the first decisions an author must make is whether self-publishing is the right fit. Self-publishing offers control over the entire process, from content to design, as well as higher royalties. However, it also means taking on all the responsibilities, including marketing and distribution, which can be both time-consuming and costly.
If you’re unsure whether self-publishing is the best option, read The Truth About Traditional Publishing. It offers a comparison between traditional and self-publishing, helping you weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
How to Self-Publish
Once you’ve decided to self-publish, the next step is to choose the right platform or self-publishing company. Most self-publishing services offer packages that include editing, design, and distribution. However, you’ll need to prepare your manuscript, plan your marketing strategy, and decide on print or digital formats.
If you’re ready to start the process but need help understanding the publishing landscape, book a consultation with us to get personalized advice on how to make your book a success.
Now, let's look at the top self-publishing platforms in Canada!
Full-Service Self-Publishing Companies
These companies provide a comprehensive suite of services, including editing, design, formatting, and distribution, making the process easier for authors who want professional support.
InHouse Publishing
Who it’s for: Authors looking for professional guidance through every step of the self-publishing process.
About: InHouse Publishing offers a full-service self-publishing experience, including editing, book design, and global distribution. Their services cater to authors who want high-quality support throughout the process, ensuring their book is market-ready for both print and digital formats.
Visit their site
Ocean Reeve Publishing
Who it’s for: Writers seeking a personalized self-publishing experience with a strong focus on marketing.
About: Ocean Reeve Publishing provides end-to-end publishing services, including editing, design, marketing, and distribution. Known for their personalized approach, they help authors publish in both print and digital formats, with a focus on building an author’s brand and marketing strategy.
Visit their site
Publicious
Who it’s for: Authors looking for affordable and comprehensive publishing services.
About: Publicious offers a range of self-publishing services, from editing and design to marketing and distribution. They provide flexible packages based on the author’s needs and budget, including options for global distribution through Amazon, IngramSpark, and other major retailers. Publicious also assists authors with personalized marketing plans.
Visit their site
Book Whispers
Who it’s for: Writers looking for a boutique publishing service with a hands-on approach.
About: Book Whispers provides tailored self-publishing services, including editing, formatting, cover design, and distribution. They focus on working closely with authors to bring their vision to life, offering a more personalized publishing experience. They also assist with digital marketing and online book promotions.
Visit their site
IndieMosh (Part of Mosher’s Business Support)
Who it’s for: Indie authors looking for a supportive and cost-effective way to self-publish.
About: IndieMosh specializes in helping Australian indie authors self-publish professionally without breaking the bank. They provide services like manuscript preparation, formatting, cover design, and distribution, along with access to international markets through Amazon, IngramSpark, and other retailers.
Visit their site
Australian Self-Publishing Group
Who it’s for: Authors who want a step-by-step guide to publishing and promoting their book.
About: The Australian Self-Publishing Group offers full-service packages that include editing, formatting, cover design, printing, and distribution. They also help with promotional campaigns, providing access to book fairs and publicity services to increase visibility.
Visit their site
Print-On-Demand (POD) and Distribution Platforms
POD platforms allow authors to print physical books only when they are ordered, eliminating the need for upfront printing costs. These services also provide global distribution options.
IngramSpark
IngramSpark is a global print-on-demand platform that offers authors access to worldwide distribution, including bookstores and online retailers. They are ideal for authors looking to publish both print and eBooks.
Visit their site
Blurb
Blurb is a platform known for its high-quality print-on-demand services, especially for photo books and art-focused publications. It’s ideal for authors looking for flexibility in both print and digital formats.
Visit their site
E-Book Publishing Platforms
These platforms allow authors to publish and distribute eBooks across multiple online retailers, reaching a broad digital audience.
Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)
Amazon KDP is one of the most popular self-publishing platforms for eBooks and print-on-demand paperbacks. It offers global distribution through Amazon, giving authors a large potential audience.
Visit their site
Smashwords
Smashwords offers a straightforward way to publish eBooks and distribute them across major online retailers like Apple Books and Kobo. It’s a great option for authors looking to maximize their eBook reach.
Visit their site
Hybrid Publishing Options
Hybrid publishing combines the creative control of self-publishing with the professional services offered by traditional publishers. These models give authors the support they need while allowing them to maintain more control over their book, including rights and royalties. Below are some of the top hybrid publishing companies in Australia.
Ventura Press
Who it’s for: Authors who want professional publishing services with more creative and financial control.
About: Ventura Press provides hybrid publishing services, offering professional editing, design, marketing, and distribution, while allowing authors to retain control over their book’s rights and royalties. Their model provides the quality of traditional publishing with the flexibility of self-publishing.
Visit their site
Austin Macauley Publishers
Who it’s for: Writers looking for a blend of traditional publishing quality and self-publishing control.
About: Austin Macauley operates a hybrid publishing model that gives authors access to professional services such as editing, design, and marketing, while still allowing them to retain more control over their rights and earnings. They are a well-known publisher that offers global distribution and marketing support.
Visit their site
Olympia Publishers
Who it’s for: Authors seeking global exposure with professional publishing services.
About: Olympia Publishers is a hybrid publisher that offers editorial support, cover design, marketing, and distribution while allowing authors to retain a significant amount of control over their work. They provide a wide range of publishing services and support authors with international distribution.
Visit their site
Vivid Publishing
Who it’s for: Writers who want a customized publishing experience with extensive distribution options.
About: Vivid Publishing, a division of Fontaine Press, offers a hybrid publishing model that includes editing, design, printing, and marketing services. They allow authors to maintain creative control while benefiting from professional publishing services, and they also offer access to a global distribution network.
Visit their site
Sid Harta Publishers
Who it’s for: Authors looking for flexible publishing packages with the support of a traditional publishing infrastructure.
About: Sid Harta offers a hybrid model that allows authors to choose from a variety of publishing packages, including editing, design, marketing, and distribution services. They cater to both fiction and nonfiction authors, helping them publish with a professional finish while retaining control over their rights and royalties.
Visit their site
Grosvenor House Publishing
Who it’s for: Writers who want professional publishing services combined with independent control.
About: Grosvenor House Publishing offers a hybrid publishing solution, providing authors with professional editing, design, marketing, and distribution services while allowing them to maintain control over their rights. They offer global distribution through major retailers, ensuring that books reach a wide audience.
Visit their site
Ready to Publish Your Book?
Self-publishing offers incredible flexibility and control for authors, but it also requires careful planning and decision-making.
Whether you’re looking for full-service support, print-on-demand services, or an easy way to publish your eBook, these Canadian self-publishing platforms provide a wide range of options to help bring your book to life.
Not sure which option is right for you? Book a consultation with us to get expert advice on self-publishing, marketing, and distribution strategies that will help your book reach its full potential.
Article by Leandre Larouche
Leandre Larouche is a writer, coach, and the founder of Trivium Writing.
