Self-publishing today offers you control, creative freedom, and global reach. But with so many publishers and platforms, it’s easy to get confused. If you are searching for a self-publishing company in 2025, this guide gives you a glimpse into the best options, showcasing each platform’s strengths and weaknesses, and demonstrates why Estorytellers is the perfect partner if you want full-service quality without hassle.
1. Estorytellers
Estorytellers is more than just a self-publishing company—it’s a partner that walks authors through every stage of the process. No matter if you’re starting with nothing, a rough draft, or a fully polished manuscript, Estorytellers provides ghostwriting, developmental editing, copyediting, formatting, and custom cover and interior design. They support print-ready versions for both paperback and hardcover, plus optimized eBooks. Their team also manages metadata setup, KDP and IngramSpark uploads, global distribution planning, and even advertising campaigns and social media assets.
Authors praise Estorytellers for its seamless experience and cohesive support. Instead of hiring separate freelancers, your team is unified under one roof, which saves time, stress, and coordination. This integrated approach helps your book launch with professional polish across all channels.
What’s great? Estorytellers stands apart because they offer a genuine end-to-end service:
- Ghostwriting & developmental editing: Shape raw ideas into compelling narratives.
- Copyediting & proofreading: Ensure your final draft is polished.
- Professional cover & interior design: Works that stand out in thumbnails and print.
- Formatting for eBook, paperback, hardcover: All formats, ready for any platform.
- Metadata optimization: Amazon, bookstore, ebook store friendly.
- Printing & Distribution support: KDP, IngramSpark, Barnes & Noble Press, Apple Books.
- Marketing & launch strategy: Ads, email campaigns, promotion calendars.
Why this matters: Instead of handling freelancers, you work with one trusted team. You retain creative control, but gain expertise, quality, and efficiency.
Pros:
- A single source for writing, editing, design, and distribution.
- Packages tailored to your needs—only pay for what you want.
- Deep experience with every major self-publishing platform.
Cons:
- Higher upfront investment than DIY, but much lower than traditional publishing.
Best For: Authors who want professional results without juggling multiple vendors.
2. Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
KDP is the default hub for self-publishers. It’s free, seamless, and directly integrated with the largest book marketplace in the world. You can upload both Kindle eBooks and print-on-demand paperbacks, set your own prices, and earn up to 70% in royalties for ebooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99. Plus, KDP Select can enhance visibility through Kindle Unlimited and special promotions.
What it offers:
- Free to publish both eBooks and paperbacks.
- 70% eBook royalties (priced $2.99–$9.99).
- Access to Kindle Unlimited and Amazon’s massive reach.
- Easy, no-fuss royalties and reporting.
Pros:
- Zero cost and fast upload.
- Best-selling potential on the biggest book marketplace.
Cons:
- Exclusivity required for Kindle Unlimited.
- Highly saturated platform—stand out or blend in?
3. IngramSpark
If store and library distribution matters to you, IngramSpark is nearly essential. It prints both paperbacks and hardcovers and places them in the catalogs of bookstores and libraries worldwide. The print quality is excellent with multiple trim sizes and color options. The catch is a $49 setup fee per format and a more technical formatting process, but the tradeoff is availability in the shelves of real bookstores.
Why it matters:
- Physical distribution to bookstores and libraries globally.
- Supports both paperback and premium hardcover formats.
- Excellent printing quality and options.
Pros:
- Professional print options and extensive distribution reach.
- Covers global ISBN and barcode needs.
Cons:
- Setup fees (~$49 per format) and stricter formatting requirements.
Tip: Use alongside KDP to capture both Amazon and bookstore markets.
4. Draft2Digital
Draft2Digital makes eBook distribution to Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and other outlets a breeze. It’s free to upload, and they take just 10% of the retail price—well worth the convenience. The platform automatically converts your manuscript into different formats and offers easy royalties tracking.
What it does:
- Distributes eBooks to Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and more.
- No setup fee; takes ~10% of royalties.
Pros:
- Effortless distribution management.
- Provides useful sales analytics and auto-conversion tools.
Cons:
- Reduced royalty share.
- No print book distribution.
Tip: Use with KDP to cover all bases—Amazon and other eBook channels.
5. BookBaby
BookBaby positions itself as a one-stop shop, offering editorial, design, printing, and distribution services. They handle all major online retailers, offer ISBNs and barcodes, and provide marketing tools like email templates and press kits. You can choose from tiered packages, depending on your budget.
This streamlined option is best for authors who want professional polish but prefer a direct service. Compared to Estorytellers, BookBaby can be more template-driven and less customizable. While both offer curated support, Estorytellers focuses more on personalized strategy and more flexible service choices.
What’s included:
- Editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution.
- Access to bookstore and library markets.
- Marketing tools like press kits and email campaigns.
Pros:
- Professional, concierge-level support.
- One-stop service to launch life-ready books.
Cons:
- Prices range from $500 to $2,500 depending on package.
- Varying royalty structures across distribution channels.
Tip: BookBaby is a good traditional self-pub option—compare closely with Estorytellers’ customized offerings.
6. PublishDrive
PublishDrive operates on a subscription model, starting around $17 per month, with no royalty cuts. You can distribute to hundreds of retailers, including niche and foreign outlets, and gain access to detailed analytics, promotions, and sales forecasting tools.
It’s perfect for high-volume authors who care deeply about sales insights. The revolving monthly cost means it works best when you have multiple titles—otherwise, you might overpay. Estorytellers can work with PublishDrive clients to integrate data-driven strategies into marketing and future launches.
Why it’s different:
- Annual subscription starting at $16.99/month.
- Distribute to over 400 digital retailers.
- Keep 100% royalties and use built-in analytics.
Pros:
- No royalty cuts.
- Excellent analytics and promotion tools.
Cons:
- Monthly cost, best for high-volume publishing authors.
Tip: Go this route if you’re producing a high volume of eBooks and don’t want any royalty deductions.
7. Smashwords
An early entrant in eBook distribution, Smashwords specializes in libraries and certain smaller platforms. It’s free and ideal for niche genres and academic content. However, the interface feels dated, and discovery tools are limited.
If library reach matters for your title, Smashwords is worth considering alongside other platforms.
What it offers:
- Free distribution to libraries and smaller platforms.
- Built on public domain-friendly and long-form support.
Pros:
- No fees to publish.
- Ideal for library and academic audiences.
Cons:
- Outdated interface.
- Limited marketing tools.
Tip: Use for niche or public domain works; pair with Estorytellers for updates and ebook optimization.
8. Lulu
Lulu is a standout for print-on-demand options like spiral-bound notebooks, photo books, and glossy coffee-table formats. Their royalty rates are generous: 80% for print and 90% for eBooks. Distribution to major retailers is available, though not as automatic as with IngramSpark.
For authors creating photography books, illustrated guides, or specialty formats, Lulu offers appealing royalties and customization.
Why use it:
- Earn 80% on print books, 90% on eBooks.
- Great for photo books, art books, and spiral-bound formats.
- ISBNs included for free in basic plans.
Pros:
- Excellent earnings on specialty books.
- Flexible book formats and craftsmanship.
Cons:
- Limited automatic distribution to major retailers.
Tip: If you’re producing design-heavy or art books, Lulu plus Estorytellers’ design talent is a winning combo.
9. Apple Books for Authors
Publishing on Apple Books is free, with a generous 70% royalty across all price points. Great for reaching Apple device users and accessing curated editorial sections. The downside is that it’s eBook only and requires Mac-compliant formatting (ePub).
What it offers:
- Free publication directly to Apple’s ecosystem.
- 70% royalties across all price points (no tier).
- Great for Apple device readers.
Pros:
- Strong payoff and straightforward pricing.
- Access to Apple’s editorial and promotional platform.
Cons:
- Limited to eBook format only.
- Requires Apple device optimization.
Tip: Always include Apple Books in your distribution plan; Estorytellers can handle cover sizing and metadata tweaks for maximum visibility.
10. MindStir Media
This service offers high-touch support similar to Estorytellers, including editorial coaching, design, and launch planning. Known for its personal, boutique feel, MindStir helps authors with title structure, series planning, and marketing strategy.
The “concierge” model comes with a higher price tag, and their packages may feel less customizable than Estorytellers’s flexible offerings. If you want intimate coaching but prefer more price transparency and tailored services, Estorytellers may suit you better.
Why it stands out:
- Offers editing, design, coaching, and launch planning.
- Personal, boutique service for authors.
Pros:
- Dedicated support in big-picture strategy.
- Quality yields from hands-on partnership.
Cons:
- Premium pricing generally higher than DIY platforms.
- Authors might find it more scripted than Estorytellers’ flexible packages.
Tip: Perfect for authors wanting guidance over autonomy—but compare against Estorytellers for flexibility, price, and service.
Choosing the Right Path
Know what you want:
- Want pro-level support and a one-stop shop? Choose Estorytellers.
- Leaning to DIY with Amazon only? Go with KDP.
- Need bookstore distribution? Add IngramSpark.
- Want eBook reach beyond Amazon? Add Draft2Digital.
- Publishing promo-heavy or specialty books? Use Lulu.
Choose based on:
- Platform reach (digital vs. print, global vs. niche)
- Support level (DIY vs. hands-off services)
- Budget (free self-pub vs. full-service packages)
- Royalty goals (70% vs. 80–90% or unrestricted)
Final Takeaway
In 2025’s self-publishing ecosystem, there’s a perfect option for every author. But if you want creative freedom backed by expert polish and marketing power, Estorytellers is the standout choice. They mix the strengths of DIY and full-service publishing to get you published, seen, and selling… beautifully.
Publish smart, partner right, and share your story with confidence.
