For writers looking to maintain control over the creative and financial aspects of their book, self-publishing is an increasingly popular option.
Self-publishing allows authors to retain ownership of their work, manage the entire publishing process, and earn a higher share of royalties compared to traditional publishing.
Canada offers a number of self-publishing platforms and companies that provide authors with the tools, support, and distribution channels needed to get their books into readers' hands.
Below is a list of top self-publishing companies and platforms in Canada, 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
- Ready to Publish Your Book?
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
Full-service self-publishing companies handle everything from editing and design to marketing and distribution. These options are ideal for authors who want professional support throughout the publishing process.
FriesenPress
Who it’s for: Authors looking for a full-service self-publishing experience, including editing, design, and marketing.
About: Based in Victoria, BC, FriesenPress is one of Canada’s leading self-publishing companies. They offer comprehensive services, including editorial support, book design, distribution, and marketing assistance. FriesenPress allows authors to publish in print, eBook, and audiobook formats, while also providing distribution through major retailers like Amazon, Chapters/Indigo, and Barnes & Noble.
Services offered: Editing, book design, formatting, distribution, marketing, and author support.
Cost: FriesenPress offers tiered packages, starting from basic services to premium publishing support.
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Tellwell
Who it’s for: Writers seeking a hands-on, customizable self-publishing process with high-quality editorial and design services.
About: Tellwell is a full-service self-publishing company based in Canada. They focus on providing authors with top-notch editorial and design services, along with comprehensive marketing support. Tellwell authors keep 100% of their royalties after retailer fees, and the company offers distribution through Amazon, Chapters/Indigo, and other global retailers.
Services offered: Editing, cover and interior design, distribution, marketing, and author websites.
Cost: Tellwell’s packages vary based on the level of service, with flexible options for authors who want to customize their publishing experience.
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Figure 1 Publishing
Who it’s for: Authors of high-quality nonfiction, business books, and illustrated titles.
About: Figure 1 Publishing offers a hybrid self-publishing model, combining professional-level publishing services with author control. They specialize in nonfiction and illustrated books, providing expert design, editing, and distribution support. Figure 1 is selective about the projects they accept but is an excellent option for authors looking to create high-quality, marketable books.
Services offered: Editing, design, marketing, and distribution.
Cost: Pricing varies depending on the complexity of the project and services required.
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Latitude 46 Publishing
Who it’s for: Authors looking for high-quality services for literary fiction, memoirs, and regional stories.
About: Based in Sudbury, Ontario, Latitude 46 Publishing provides both traditional and hybrid publishing services, including self-publishing support. They focus on bringing Northern Ontario voices and stories to the forefront but are open to authors across Canada. They provide editing, design, and distribution services, particularly for literary fiction, creative nonfiction, and memoir.
Services offered: Editing, design, distribution, and project management.
Cost: Latitude 46 offers flexible pricing based on the author’s needs and the scope of the project.
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Rapido Books
Who it’s for: Authors of literary fiction, nonfiction, and short-form works.
About: Rapido Books, based in Montreal, is a boutique publisher that blends traditional publishing expertise with a self-publishing model, offering premium services to authors. They focus on short, impactful books, including literary fiction and creative nonfiction. Rapido Books provides professional editing, design, and production services, ensuring that authors produce polished, market-ready books. Rapido also has a strong distribution network that includes access to bookstores, libraries, and online retailers across North America.
Services offered: Editing, design, production, distribution, and marketing.
Cost: Rapido Books offers tailored packages depending on the scope of the project. Authors can choose from a range of services, from basic production to comprehensive publishing solutions.
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Print-On-Demand (POD) and Distribution Platforms
Print-on-demand services allow authors to publish physical books without upfront printing costs. These platforms handle printing and distribution, only producing books when they’re ordered, reducing financial risk.
Blurb
Who it’s for: Writers, photographers, and creators interested in self-publishing high-quality printed books or photo books.
About: Blurb is an online self-publishing platform that allows authors to create, print, and distribute print-on-demand books. Blurb is particularly popular with authors creating photo books, cookbooks, and art books. Their tools allow for customization of layouts, and their books are printed with high-quality paper and binding.
Services offered: Print-on-demand services, design tools, distribution via Amazon and Blurb bookstore.
Cost: Costs are based on the printing and design features you choose, and there are no upfront fees for distribution.
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IngramSpark
Who it’s for: Authors looking for a global distribution platform with high-quality POD services.
About: IngramSpark offers print-on-demand and eBook publishing services with a global distribution network, including access to Amazon, Chapters/Indigo, Barnes & Noble, and more. IngramSpark is ideal for authors who want to self-publish while maintaining professional-quality printing and distribution.
Services offered: POD, global distribution, eBook conversion, and professional-grade printing.
Cost: IngramSpark charges for print setup and revisions, and there are fees associated with distributing through their network.
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Lulu
Who it’s for: Authors of all genres looking for simple POD services with broad distribution.
About: Lulu is a popular platform for authors looking for print-on-demand services with options to distribute globally. Lulu allows authors to create and sell print books, eBooks, and calendars. Their distribution network includes Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and they offer a range of paper options for quality printing.
Services offered: Print-on-demand, global distribution, and online bookstore.
Cost: There are no upfront costs for creating an account, but printing costs are deducted from sales, and there are additional fees for global distribution.
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E-Book Publishing Platforms
E-book publishing platforms offer authors easy access to global eBook markets. They allow you to publish and sell digital copies of your book on popular online retailers.
Kobo Writing Life
Who it’s for: Authors looking to publish and distribute eBooks through Kobo’s platform, with a focus on reaching Canadian and international markets.
About: Kobo Writing Life is an eBook self-publishing platform that allows authors to publish and distribute eBooks to Kobo’s global audience. The platform is particularly popular in Canada, where Kobo has strong market share. Kobo Writing Life offers flexible pricing and allows authors to retain control of their pricing and royalties.
Services offered: EBook publishing, global distribution, marketing tools, and sales tracking.
Cost: There are no upfront fees for using Kobo Writing Life, and authors retain up to 70% of their royalties.
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Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Who it’s for: Authors looking to publish eBooks and print books with access to Amazon’s massive distribution network.
About: KDP is Amazon’s self-publishing platform, which allows authors to publish eBooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers. It’s one of the most popular self-publishing platforms globally, offering wide distribution through Amazon’s marketplace. KDP allows authors to control pricing, marketing, and promotions through tools like Kindle Unlimited and KDP Select.
Services offered: EBook publishing, POD, global distribution through Amazon.
Cost: Free to use, but Amazon takes a percentage of sales, and additional fees apply for expanded distribution.
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Hybrid Publishing Options
Hybrid publishing offers a middle ground between traditional and self-publishing, combining the creative control of self-publishing with some of the services typically provided by traditional publishers.
Iguana Books
Who it’s for: Authors seeking a combination of self-publishing and traditional publishing services.
About: Iguana Books operates as a hybrid publisher, offering both self-publishing services and curated publishing for select projects. They provide professional editing, design, and distribution services while allowing authors to retain ownership of their work. Iguana Books focuses on high-quality literary and commercial fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.
Services offered: Editing, design, distribution, marketing, and hybrid publishing.
Cost: Iguana Books offers flexible pricing based on the level of service required by the author.
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Hybrid Publishers
Who it’s for: Authors looking for high-quality publishing services with a focus on collaboration and creative control.
About: Hybrid Publishers offer a mix of traditional and self-publishing services, providing professional editorial, design, and marketing support. This model is ideal for authors who want creative control over their work but also need the expertise of experienced publishing professionals.
Services offered: Editing, cover design, distribution, marketing, and PR services.
Cost: Costs vary depending on the services required, and the author retains a higher share of royalties compared to traditional publishing.
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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.
