Self-publishing platforms

I have not looked into any of these publishing platforms, other than to research them, so I cannot endorse or steer authors clear of any of them.  Many of these are do-it-yourself platforms, but some offer a-la-carte and full service publishing.  In all cases, the author retains the ownership of the book and can terminate the contract at any time.

1.) MindStir Media

• Ranked as the #1 self-publishing company website and platform according to Penny Matters, BestTechie and iTech Post.
• Won numerous awards and, for over a decade, MindStir’s self-publishing services and consultations have helped thousands of authors.
• Authors enjoy access to top-notch services: book design; editorial; distribution to around 30,000 booksellers, retailers and wholesalers in over 100 countries (through Ingram); marketing and publicity.
• Mentoring provided from a bestselling author.
• This is a one-stop shop platform for self-publishing paperback, hardcover and ebook formats.
• Packages for paperback publishing start at $1899 and go up from there.  

The publishing packages include cover design, formatting the book for publishing, getting and ISBN number, copyrighting the book, advertising on their Facebook page, an author page, and as many black and white images as you want within the book.  One of the major selling points (according to the site) is that you receive ongoing mentoring from best-selling author J. J. Hebert.  You are not actually paying them to publish as you would with a vanity press, you are paying for services that are required for publishing, but instead of having to seek out and pay for the services on your own, you are doing it all in one place.  This site gives the author 50% royalties.  

2.) Barnes & Noble Press (formerly Nook Press)

• A redesigned, user-friendly online platform.
• As a leader among self-publishing companies, Nook Press helps authors self-publish Nook eBooks, paperback and hardcover formats.
• Distribution is limited to BN.com and Nook devices.
• This is a do-it-yourself platform. They do not provide services such as editorial, book design, marketing or publicity.

3.) Rakuten Kobo aka Kobo Writing Life

• A renowned platform that helps authors self-publish in the ebook format only.
• eBook distribution around the world in online bookstores in over 190 countries.
• They seemingly do not offer any sort of services like book design, editorial, marketing or publicity.
• This is a do-it-yourself platform.

4.) Seacoast Press

• An award-winning self-publishing platform that specializes in helping authors become bestsellers.
• Full-blown distribution through Ingram makes the book available to thousands of retailers.
• Comprehensive marketing and publicity campaigns built-in to its Best Seller package.
• Authors keep 100% royalties.
• This is a one-stop shop platform that provides services for all aspects of self-publishing.

The standard package includes:  a project manager, paperback or hardcover format, custom interior layout, Copyright, ISBN, social media marketing, press releases on ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX affiliates, and costs $2500.  This is a 100% author royalty program. 

5.) Smashwords

• Mainly a distributor of eBooks. Their distribution makes eBooks available to major retailers and thousands of libraries.
• Clients get their own “Author Pages” where they can promote their work.
• eBooks must be uploaded according to their Style Guide.
• Since this is a do-it-yourself platform, there’s no hand-holding whatsoever. You must bring your own cover design to the platform and your book will need to be edited elsewhere. Also, the marketing and promotion is on the author.

6.) IngramSpark

• An online platform for small self-publishers.
• Assists authors in self-publishing paperback, hardcover and eBook formats.
• Distribution is powered by Ingram.
• Files must be uploaded according to their in-depth File Creation Guide.
• This is a do-it-yourself option. Authors should come prepared with their own book designs. Also don’t expect self-publishing companies like IngramSpark to help with marketing or publicity.

7.) Blurb

• Online tools can help authors create template-based book designs.
• Ideal for small self-publishing projects or photo books.
• Plenty of different trim sizes and paper types offered, including glossy interior pages.
• This is a do-it-yourself platform that doesn’t appear to offer in-house editing, marketing or publicity services.

8.) Lulu

• One of the oldest self-publishing companies and providers of print-on-demand books.
• Publishing in paperback, hardcover and eBook.
• Distribution through Amazon, B&N and Ingram.
• They offer a do-it-yourself model as well as a one-stop shop option. On one hand, authors can provide their own edited files and designs and Lulu will print books based on those files. Alternatively, Lulu offers additional a la carte services such as cover design, editing, marketing.

Lulu is a free service, but you can purchase other services, if you desire.  The services they market range from editing to book design and marketing.  

9.) Apple Books (formerly iBooks)

• eBooks available through Apple Books app.
• Must have a Mac computer to self-publish through Apple Books.
• No print publishing options available.
• This is a do-it-yourself platform.

10.) Google Play Books Partner Center

• eBook distribution to Android users in over 50 countries.
• Books published through Google Play can be previewed through Google Books.
• This is a do-it-yourself platform.