Self-Publishing Publishers in the US

For authors in the US, self-publishing offers an excellent way to maintain control over both the creative and financial aspects of their book.

Self-publishing allows writers to manage the entire process, retain ownership of their work, and earn a higher share of royalties compared to traditional publishing. The US is home to a range of self-publishing companies that provide authors with the tools, support, and distribution networks needed to get their books into readers' hands.

Below is a list of top self-publishing companies and platforms in the US, 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?

Self-publishing gives authors full control over their books, including content, design, pricing, and distribution. It’s ideal for writers who prefer independence and faster publishing timelines. However, it requires more involvement in production, promotion, and distribution.

If you value creative freedom and the ability to earn higher royalties, self-publishing could be the right path. However, it’s important to be prepared to manage or outsource tasks like editing, design, and marketing.

How to Self-Publish

To self-publish, authors need to follow several steps: writing, editing, formatting, designing a cover, and distributing their book. Depending on your goals, you can choose a full-service provider or a DIY platform. Below are the key types of self-publishing options available in the US.

Full-Service Self-Publishing Companies

These companies provide comprehensive services, including editing, design, formatting, and distribution, making the process easier for authors who want professional support.

BookBaby

Who it’s for: Authors looking for a full-service provider with a strong focus on quality and distribution.
About: BookBaby is one of the most popular self-publishing companies in the US. They offer editing, cover design, formatting, printing, and distribution, along with eBook and print-on-demand options. BookBaby provides global distribution through major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more.
>> Visit their site

Xulon Press

Who it’s for: Christian authors seeking specialized publishing services.
About: Xulon Press is the leading Christian self-publishing company in the US, offering editing, design, marketing, and distribution services tailored to Christian authors. They provide both print and eBook services, with distribution to major retailers.
>> Visit their site

Outskirts Press

Who it’s for: Authors looking for flexible and customizable publishing options.
About: Outskirts Press offers a variety of self-publishing packages that allow authors to choose the services they need, including editing, formatting, cover design, and marketing. They provide distribution through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and IngramSpark, along with optional book marketing services.
>> Visit their site

iUniverse

Who it’s for: Writers seeking professional publishing services with editorial support.
About: iUniverse is a full-service self-publishing company offering editorial, design, and marketing services. Their packages include options for professional editing and evaluation, making it a good choice for authors seeking comprehensive support throughout the publishing process.
>> Visit their site

Print-On-Demand (POD) and Distribution Platforms

POD platforms allow authors to publish physical books without upfront printing costs. These services print books as they are ordered, offering a low-risk option for indie authors.

Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)

Who it’s for: Authors seeking easy-to-use POD and eBook publishing with global reach.
About: Amazon KDP is the leading platform for self-publishing eBooks and print-on-demand paperbacks. It offers free publishing services and global distribution through Amazon. With KDP, authors can publish in digital and print formats, set their own prices, and access Amazon’s vast audience.
>> Visit their site

IngramSpark

Who it’s for: Authors looking for wide print distribution, including brick-and-mortar bookstores.
About: IngramSpark is a popular POD platform that offers global print and eBook distribution, including access to physical bookstores. Their distribution network includes thousands of retailers, libraries, and schools, making it a great choice for authors seeking broader reach beyond Amazon.
>> Visit their site

Blurb

Who it’s for: Writers and visual artists creating photo books, art books, or other high-quality printed works.
About: Blurb is a self-publishing platform that specializes in high-quality print books, including art, photo, and illustrated books. They offer a range of print options and distribution through Amazon, Ingram, and Blurb’s own bookstore.
>> Visit their site

E-Book Publishing Platforms

E-book publishing platforms allow authors to publish and distribute digital books across multiple online retailers, reaching a broad audience.

Draft2Digital

Who it’s for: Authors looking to distribute eBooks across multiple platforms without exclusivity.
About: Draft2Digital offers easy eBook publishing and distribution to major retailers, including Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. Their user-friendly platform allows authors to retain control of their rights and distribution, without being locked into exclusivity.
>> Visit their site

Smashwords

Who it’s for: Authors seeking wide eBook distribution across multiple online platforms.
About: Smashwords is a major eBook publishing platform that distributes eBooks to retailers like Apple Books, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. It’s known for its broad distribution network and tools that help authors manage their eBook publishing across platforms.
>> Visit their site

Hybrid Publishing Options

Hybrid publishing combines the creative control of self-publishing with professional services, offering a middle ground between traditional and indie publishing.

She Writes Press

Who it’s for: Female authors looking for a high-quality hybrid publishing option.
About: She Writes Press is a hybrid publishing company that offers professional editorial, design, and marketing services to female authors. They focus on providing the best aspects of traditional publishing while giving authors control over their rights and royalties.
>> Visit their site

Greenleaf Book Group

Who it’s for: Authors seeking a hybrid publishing experience with a focus on quality and professionalism.
About: Greenleaf Book Group is a hybrid publisher that offers high-end editorial, design, and marketing services. They specialize in producing market-ready books with strong distribution channels and offer professional support while giving authors control over their content and earnings.
>> Visit their site

Archway Publishing (Simon & Schuster)

Who it’s for: Authors seeking a reputable hybrid publisher with traditional publishing ties.
About: Archway Publishing is a hybrid publisher backed by Simon & Schuster, offering professional services like editing, design, and marketing, while allowing authors to retain control over their books. This makes it a good option for authors looking for traditional publishing quality with more independence.
>> Visit their site