Introduction

The publishing industry has been revolutionized by self publishing. In 2025, authors have more control than ever before—retaining rights, choosing pricing, and deciding how their books are distributed. But with so many companies offering services, it’s tough to figure out:

👉 Which self publishing company is the best for your book?

The truth is, the answer depends on your goals. Some platforms like Amazon KDP dominate the ebook market, while others like IngramSpark excel in print distribution. And for authors who want professional guidance through the entire journey, services like Vox Ghostwriting provide full-scale support.

In this guide, we’ve ranked and reviewed the top rated self publishing companies of 2025, highlighting their features, pros, cons, and who they’re best for.

What Makes a Self Publishing Company “Top Rated”?

To qualify as top rated, a self publishing company should offer:

• Fair royalties: Between 35%–70% (or even 100% with subscription models).
• Wide distribution: Beyond Amazon, into bookstores, libraries, and global markets.
• Professional services: Editing, formatting, cover design, marketing.
• Ease of use: A simple publishing process, even for beginners.
• Positive author reviews: Real feedback from successful indie authors.

Our Ranking Methodology

We ranked each company based on:
✅ Author reviews & reputation
✅ Distribution reach & royalties
✅ Additional services (editing, design, marketing)
✅ Value for money
✅ Suitability for different author goals

Top Rated Self Publishing Companies in 2025

1. Vox Ghostwriting (Full-Service Self Publishing Consultancy & Partner)

Vox Ghostwriting is a full-service self publishing consultancy helping authors from manuscript to market. With ghostwriting, editing, design, and marketing support, Vox guides writers through every stage. Ideal for authors seeking professional publishing success without confusion, Vox ensures your book is polished, published, and promoted with expert care.

While most companies on this list are platforms, Vox Ghostwriting is a consultancy and publishing partner that supports authors from manuscript to market. Instead of leaving you to navigate confusing options like KDP vs. IngramSpark alone, Vox provides personalized guidance, publishing services, and marketing support.

Key Features

• Ghostwriting & Editing: Work with professional writers and editors.
• Publishing Consultancy: Tailored guidance on choosing the right platform.
• Book Design & Formatting: Custom covers and professional typesetting.
• Marketing & Branding: Strategies to increase book visibility and sales.

Pros

• End-to-end publishing support.
• Saves authors from costly mistakes.
• Flexible services for beginners and established authors.

Cons

• Not a direct distributor (publishing happens via platforms like Amazon KDP or IngramSpark).
• Costs vary depending on project scope.

Best For: Authors who want a partner in self publishing success and professional guidance through the entire process.

2. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Amazon KDP is the world’s leading self publishing platform, dominating ebook sales. Authors can publish ebooks and paperbacks for free, earn up to 70% royalties, and access Kindle Unlimited readers worldwide. With fast publishing and global reach, it’s the best choice for authors focusing on Amazon’s massive audience.

Amazon KDP remains the biggest self publishing platform in the world, covering more than 80% of U.S. ebook sales.

Key Features

• Free ebook & paperback publishing.
• Up to 70% royalties on ebooks priced $2.99–$9.99.
• Access to Kindle Unlimited.

Pros

• Huge global reach.
• Easy-to-use platform.
• Quick publishing turnaround (24–72 hours).

Cons

• Limited outside of Amazon ecosystem.
• Authors must handle their own marketing.

Best For: Authors focused on ebooks and maximizing Amazon exposure.

3. IngramSpark

IngramSpark offers unmatched print distribution, connecting authors to over 40,000 bookstores and libraries. With professional-quality print-on-demand services, it’s ideal for authors who want their books stocked in brick-and-mortar stores. Though setup fees apply, IngramSpark is the go-to choice for writers seeking wide print exposure beyond Amazon.

Known for its unparalleled print distribution, IngramSpark is trusted by indie authors who want their books in bookstores and libraries worldwide.

Key Features

• Distribution to 40,000+ retailers.
• High-quality print-on-demand.

Pros

• Best bookstore & library access.
• Professional-grade print quality.

Cons

• Setup fees ($25–$49 per title).
• Steeper learning curve.

Best For: Authors targeting print distribution beyond Amazon.

4. BookBaby

BookBaby is a one-stop self publishing company providing professional editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution services. Authors benefit from professional support throughout the process, making it especially appealing to beginners. While costs are higher, BookBaby’s guided approach delivers polished books and peace of mind for authors ready to invest.

BookBaby is a done-for-you service that handles editing, design, formatting, and distribution for authors who prefer full support.

Key Features

• Ebook + print publishing packages.
• Professional editing & cover design.

Pros

• One-stop publishing services.
• Strong customer support.

Cons

• Higher costs than DIY platforms.
• Lower royalties after service fees.

Best For: First-time authors who want a guided publishing experience.

5. Lulu

Lulu specializes in customizable print-on-demand services, offering hardcovers, paperbacks, photo books, and more. With distribution to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Ingram, it provides wide print availability. Authors love Lulu’s high-quality printing, though its ebook services are weaker. Perfect for those seeking premium print editions with flexible formats.

Lulu specializes in print-on-demand services with excellent customization.

Key Features

• Hardcover, paperback, photo books.
• Distribution to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Ingram.

Pros

• High-quality printing.
• Wide range of formats.

Cons

• Ebook distribution is weaker.
• Platform feels outdated.

Best For: Authors prioritizing premium printed editions.

6. Draft2Digital

Draft2Digital is a user-friendly self publishing platform for distributing ebooks to Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and more. With free formatting tools, automated royalty payouts, and no upfront fees, it’s a favorite among indie authors. While marketing tools are limited, it’s excellent for hassle-free ebook publishing.

Draft2Digital is a favorite among indie authors for easy ebook distribution.

Key Features

• Ebook distribution to Apple Books, Kobo, B&N.
• Free formatting tools.

Pros

• No upfront fees.
• Monthly royalty payouts.

Cons

• Limited marketing options.
• Print service still in beta.

Best For: Indie authors seeking hassle-free ebook distribution.

7. Smashwords (Now Part of Draft2Digital)

Smashwords, now merged with Draft2Digital, remains a key player in niche ebook distribution. It offers access to independent retailers and smaller markets, making it valuable for authors seeking broader reach. While its impact has declined post-merger, Smashwords still benefits indie authors targeting niche platforms beyond mainstream stores.

Smashwords merged with Draft2Digital in 2022, but its ebook store and niche distribution network still matter.

Key Features

• Independent ebook retailer.
• Access to smaller niche platforms.

Pros

• Long indie legacy.
• Good for niche markets.

Cons

• Limited impact post-merger.

Best For: Authors seeking extra ebook reach beyond the big players.

8. Blurb

Blurb is a self publishing platform tailored to creatives, specializing in photo books, art books, and visual portfolios. Known for premium-quality print-on-demand, Blurb is perfect for photographers, designers, and artists. While not ideal for traditional authors, it shines in producing visually stunning, professional-grade creative projects for niche audiences.

Blurb caters to visual creatives—photographers, artists, and designers.

Key Features

• Photo books, art books, portfolios.
• High-quality POD services.

Pros

• Beautiful printing.
• Great for creative formats.

Cons

• Not ideal for fiction/nonfiction authors.

Best For: Visual storytellers who want stunning books.

9. Reedsy

Reedsy is a professional marketplace that connects authors with top editors, designers, and marketers. It’s not a direct publisher but a hub for expert services to elevate your book. With vetted professionals and a free formatting tool, Reedsy is ideal for authors seeking tailored, high-quality publishing support.

Reedsy is more of a marketplace for publishing professionals than a direct publisher.

Key Features

• Connect with vetted editors, designers, marketers.
• Free book formatting tool.

Pros

• Access to top-tier talent.
• Pay only for what you need.

Cons

• No direct distribution.

Best For: Authors who want customized professional services.

10. PublishDrive

PublishDrive is a global self publishing platform offering ebook, print, and audiobook distribution under a subscription model. Authors pay a monthly fee but keep 100% royalties, making it ideal for prolific writers. With broad international reach, PublishDrive helps authors expand globally and maximize earnings from multiple titles.

PublishDrive is known for its subscription model, ideal for prolific authors.

Key Features

• Global ebook, print, and audiobook distribution.
• Flat monthly fee (keep 100% royalties).

Pros

• Higher earnings for multi-book authors.
• Broad international reach.

Cons

• Monthly fees may not suit beginners.

Best For: Experienced authors publishing multiple titles per year.

Best Self Publishing Options by Author Goals

• For Beginners: Amazon KDP, Draft2Digital
• For Print Distribution: IngramSpark, Lulu
• For All-in-One Support: Vox Ghostwriting, BookBaby, Outskirts Press
• For Creative Books: Blurb
• For High Output Authors: PublishDrive

How to Avoid Vanity Press Scams in 2025

Not all companies are trustworthy. Vanity presses often:

• Charge thousands upfront.
• Lock authors into unfair contracts.
• Take excessive royalties.

✅ Always read the contract.
✅ Research author reviews.
✅ Compare royalty structures before committing.

FAQs About Self Publishing Companies

Which is the best self publishing company in 2025?
Amazon KDP dominates ebooks, IngramSpark leads in print, while Vox Ghostwriting provides professional consultancy.

Can I publish a book for free?
Yes, platforms like KDP and Draft2Digital let you publish for free.

What company gives the highest royalties?
PublishDrive (100% with subscription) and Amazon KDP (up to 70%).

Do I need marketing help?
Yes—most platforms don’t market your book. Services like Vox Ghostwriting can bridge that gap.

Final Verdict – The Top Rated Self Publishing Companies in 2025

The best self publishing company depends on your goals:

• Vox Ghostwriting → Best for personalized end-to-end publishing support.
• Amazon KDP → Best for ebook reach.
• IngramSpark → Best for bookstore & library distribution.
• Lulu & Blurb → Best for premium printed editions.
• BookBaby → Best for all-in-one packages.

👉 If you’re still unsure where to start, consider Vox Ghostwriting’s consultancy services. We’ll analyze your manuscript, budget, and goals—and recommend the best publishing path for you.