SELF-PUBLISHING ADVICE

How to Choose a Self-Publishing Company

The right self-publishing company should do more than turn your manuscript into a book. Discover what matters most when comparing publishing companies and choosing the right partner for your book.

Three Things That Matter

What to Look for in a Self-Publishing Company

Comparing publishing companies involves more than evaluating prices and packages. The people, services, and publishing rights behind each company can make a significant difference in your experience.

Choose the People, Not Just the Platform

Technology can make publishing more convenient, but it cannot replace experienced professionals who understand your goals and care about the finished book.

Look for a company that provides access to knowledgeable publishing professionals who can answer questions, explain your options, and guide you through important decisions.

Your book deserves more than an automated production process. It deserves personal attention from people who understand what you're trying to accomplish.

Explore the Publishing Process →

Look Beyond Publication Day

Publishing your book is an important milestone, but reaching readers requires an ongoing strategy.

A strong publishing partner should offer more than editing, cover design, and book production.

Consider the availability of worldwide distribution, book marketing assistance, promotional materials, and services that can support your book after publication.

Explore Book Marketing Services →

Protect Your Rights and Creative Control

One of the greatest advantages of self-publishing is the opportunity to maintain control over your work.

Before choosing a company, understand who owns the publishing rights, how royalties are calculated, and what decisions remain yours.

The right publishing relationship should help you achieve your goals without requiring you to surrender the creative independence that attracted you to self-publishing.

Learn About Your Author Rights →

Compare Your Options

Six Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Publisher

Use these questions to evaluate publishing companies and identify the services that matter most for your book.

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Will I receive personal publishing guidance?

Ask whether you will work with a dedicated publishing professional or rely primarily on automated systems and support tickets.

Meet with a Publishing Consultant →

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What professional services are included?

Compare cover design, interior formatting, manuscript review, editing options, and the number of revisions included in each publishing package.

Explore Publishing Services →

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Where will my book be available?

Understand the company's distribution network, available book formats, and whether retailers and libraries can order your book.

Explore Worldwide Distribution →

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What will publishing actually cost?

Review package prices, optional services, revision fees, printing costs, and any expenses that may arise after publication.

Understand Publishing Costs →

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Who owns my rights and receives royalties?

Review the publishing agreement carefully to understand copyright, publishing rights, royalty payments, and any contractual restrictions.

Learn About Your Rights →

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What support is available after publication?

Look for ongoing marketing resources, promotional services, additional publishing formats, and assistance as your book reaches new readers.

Explore Book Marketing →

The Outskirts Press Difference

Professional Publishing with Personal Support

At Outskirts Press, we believe authors should have the freedom of self-publishing with the guidance and professional services needed to create a book they can be proud of.

Our full-service publishing approach combines experienced professionals, flexible publishing options, and marketing resources designed to support authors throughout their publishing journey.

Personal guidance from a Publishing Consultant
Professional cover design and interior formatting
Worldwide print and digital distribution
Book marketing services and promotional resources
100% author rights and royalties
More than 20 years of self-publishing experience

Let's Talk About Your Book

Not sure which publishing services are right for your manuscript? Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an Outskirts Press Publishing Consultant to discuss your goals and explore your publishing options.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Or call 1-888-672-6657

Why Authors Trust Our Full-Service Publishing

★★★★★

“Simply the Best”

The People in the Sky was my 10th book with Outskirts Press. As expected, everything went smoothly and quickly, resulting in another beautiful book. Outskirts Press is everything you want in a self-publisher and more.

★★★★★

“Outskirts: Honest, Dependable”

Outskirts' people simply do not make promises they don't keep.

★★★★★

“Completely Satisfied.”

Always professional and friendly. Quick response to email and complete explanation of any and all of my questions.

★★★★★

“Outskirts Delivers Excellence!”

I am extremely grateful to everyone at Outskirts Press. My team was great, I could not have asked for anyone more knowledgeable, efficient or patient.

★★★★★

“A Great Publishing Experience”

My contact person kept me well informed during the publication progress. The online platform was easy to use and the finished book was superb! Kudos to Outskirts Press!

★★★★★

“An Honest Publisher in an Industry Filled with Scams”

Outskirts Press creates beautiful physical books and makes them available everywhere. They also offer a variety of other services, including many around book marketing.

★★★★★

“Above and Beyond”

The service exceeded all of my expectations. Everyone was knowledgeable, offered valuable advice and guidance, and was always willing to assist and answer questions. Throughout the process, I felt fully supported and never alone.

★★★★★

“Outskirts is Top of the Line”

The entire staff is friendly, responsive, and provides timely feedback. They make the cost of producing a professionally published book more than reasonable. I will definitely return to Outskirts Press for my next book.

★★★★★

“Outskirts Press Rocks!”

Prompt replies to all my emails was much appreciated. This was my 3rd book with Outskirts and I was very satisfied with the finished product.

★★★★★

“Exemplary Service Provided to 1st Time-Author”

Outskirts Press supported me at every stage of the publishing process, clearly explaining each step along the way. As a first-time author, I now feel fully prepared to market my book.