The 17 Best Self-Publishing Companies for Authors in 2025

Self-publishing has never been more accessible, but with so many options available, choosing the right platform can be overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for the 17 best self publishing companies to sell your book, an aggregator to distribute it across multiple retailers, or services to assist in the publishing process, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

📌 The Big Five: The Top Self-Publishing Companies

These are the five major self-publishing platforms that dominate the industry and where most authors make the bulk of their income.

1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Amazon KDP is the largest self-publishing platform, allowing authors to publish eBooks and paperbacks for free.

✅ Pros:

• Highest market share in book sales.
• 70% royalty on books priced between $2.99-$9.99.
• Kindle Unlimited offers an additional revenue stream.

❌ Cons:

• Exclusive requirements for KDP Select restrict distribution.
• Competitive market, making visibility a challenge.

2. Apple Books

Apple Books allows authors to sell directly to iPhone, iPad, and Mac users without exclusivity requirements.

✅ Pros:

• Higher profit margins than Amazon in many cases.
• Integrated into the Apple ecosystem.

❌ Cons:

• Less market reach than Amazon.
• Can be challenging to set up without a Mac.

3. Kobo Writing Life

Owned by Rakuten, Kobo is a popular alternative to Amazon, especially in Canada, Europe, and Japan.

✅ Pros:

• No exclusivity requirements.
• Strong international presence.
• Offers promotional opportunities through Kobo’s partner programs.

❌ Cons:

• Limited market share in the U.S.
• Less visibility compared to Amazon and Apple Books.

4. Barnes & Noble Press

Barnes & Noble’s self-publishing arm offers access to Nook eReaders and the company’s website.

✅ Pros:

• Easy distribution to Barnes & Noble customers.
• Potential to be stocked in physical stores (though not guaranteed).

❌ Cons:

• Limited reach compared to Amazon.
• No major promotional tools.

5. Google Play Books

Google Play Books allows authors to sell eBooks to Android and Chromebook users without exclusivity.

✅ Pros:

• Direct access to Android and Google users.
• No exclusivity requirements.

❌ Cons:

• Setup can be complicated.
• Less effective advertising and promotional tools.

📌 The Best Platform for Selling Direct

6. Shopify: Selling Books Directly to Readers

For authors looking to build a direct sales channel, Shopify is the best eCommerce platform.

✅ Pros:

• Full control over pricing and profits.
• No revenue cuts—100% of your earnings go to you.
• Allows authors to create an email list for future marketing.

❌ Cons:

• Requires effort to drive traffic.
• Monthly fees apply.

📌 The Best Aggregators: Distribute Your Book Everywhere

Aggregators help authors distribute their books to multiple platforms without needing to upload manually.

7. Draft2Digital

Draft2Digital distributes books to Apple, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and more, simplifying the self-publishing process.

✅ Pros:

• Free to upload (they take a 10% commission on sales).
• Converts Word documents into professional eBook formats.

❌ Cons:

• No direct access to Amazon KDP (must be uploaded separately).

8. PublishDrive

PublishDrive offers a subscription-based model instead of taking a percentage of royalties.

✅ Pros:

• Best for high-volume authors who want to save on commission fees.
• Expansive global distribution.

❌ Cons:

• Subscription fees apply, which may not be worth it for beginners.

9. IngramSpark

IngramSpark distributes print and eBooks to bookstores, libraries, and online retailers.

✅ Pros:

• Best for getting print books into physical bookstores.
• Extensive global distribution network.

❌ Cons:

• Uploading fees (unless waived through promotions).
• No guarantee bookstores will stock your book.

📌 The Best Audiobook Distribution Platform

10. Findaway Voices

Findaway Voices allows authors to distribute audiobooks to multiple retailers, including Spotify, Apple Books, and Google Play.

✅ Pros:

• Distributes beyond Audible (which is Amazon-exclusive).
• Allows authors to set their own pricing.

❌ Cons:

• Audible (Amazon’s audiobook platform) has a much larger market share.

📌 The Best Self-Publishing Tools & Services

These platforms help authors with book research, formatting, and marketing.

11. Publisher Rocket (for Amazon Keyword Research)

Helps authors find profitable categories and keywords to maximize book sales.

✅ Pros:

• Provides category and keyword data for Amazon books.
• Helps improve book visibility.

❌ Cons:

• Focused only on Amazon optimization.

12. Atticus (for Formatting & Writing)

A professional book formatting tool that simplifies the process of creating eBooks and print books.

✅ Pros:

• Affordable one-time purchase.
• Great for authors who want professional book formatting.

❌ Cons:

• Lacks advanced editing features.

13. ProWritingAid (for Editing & Proofreading)

An AI-powered grammar, spelling, and style checker designed for authors.

✅ Pros:

• Ideal for long-form content like books.
• Offers a lifetime purchase option.

❌ Cons:

• Requires manual implementation of changes.

14. AutoCrit (for Manuscript Analysis)

AutoCrit compares your book’s writing style to best-selling novels in your genre.

✅ Pros:

• Helps authors improve pacing, dialogue, and readability.

❌ Cons:

• Requires manual work to apply suggestions.

📌 The Best Cover Design & Illustration Services

15. Miblart

A professional book cover design service with affordable pricing.

✅ Pros:

• Custom designs at a fraction of high-end designer prices.
• Offers branding kits and social media graphics.

16. GetCovers

A budget-friendly book cover service for indie authors.

✅ Pros:

• Covers start at just $10.
• Great for first-time authors on a budget.

📌 The Best Ghostwriting & Author Services

17. The Urban Writers

A marketplace for ghostwriting, editing, and book marketing services.

✅ Pros:

• Offers pre-vetted ghostwriters for fiction and non-fiction.

❌ Cons:

• Higher-quality writers come at a premium cost.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Which Self-Publishing Platform is Right for You?

🔹 If you want the highest sales potential → Amazon KDP
🔹 If you want to go beyond Amazon → Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble
🔹 If you want to sell direct → Shopify
🔹 If you want wide distribution → Draft2Digital or PublishDrive
🔹 If you want bookstore access → IngramSpark
🔹 If you want audiobook distribution → Findaway Voices
🔹 If you need author tools → Publisher Rocket, Atticus, ProWritingAid

The right self-publishing companies depends on your goals—whether you want maximum sales, wide distribution, or full control over your book’s success. Choose wisely and happy publishing!