Best Self Publishing Companies in 2026: 7 Companies Compared

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing is where most self-published authors start. Publishing an ebook or paperback costs nothing upfront, print on demand means no stock to store, and royalties reach 70 percent on ebooks in the higher pricing band. The Kindle store is also where most ebook readers shop, so reach is unmatched.

KDP is Amazon-focused, and its free ISBN limits print distribution elsewhere. Authors who want bookstores and libraries need IngramSpark as well. For a first book, though, KDP is the simplest and cheapest route to readers.

For readers focused on ebooks and print on demand, Amazon KDP is worth a trial before deciding, since the free tier or trial shows its real feel fast. Check the current plan details on the vendor site, since prices and limits change, and confirm that the version you need works on your devices.

IngramSpark is the distribution arm of Ingram, the largest US book wholesaler, and it gets print books into bookstores and libraries that Amazon alone does not reach. Its catalog is used by retailers and librarians, and it handles both print and ebook distribution. Authors serious about print should consider it.

Setup and revision fees apply, and its interface is more complex than KDP, which can frustrate first-time authors. Print costs also vary by size and market. For wide print distribution, it remains the standard choice.

We would shortlist IngramSpark for bookstore and library distribution, and compare it directly with the two options nearest it in price before paying. Check the current plan details on the vendor site, since prices and limits change, and confirm that the version you need works on your devices.

Draft2Digital makes wide ebook distribution simple: upload once, and it sends your book to Apple, Barnes and Noble, Kobo and other stores, with free formatting tools and a clear dashboard. It takes a percentage of royalties rather than charging upfront, so authors pay only when books sell.

That royalty share is the cost of convenience, and its print options are limited compared with IngramSpark. Authors who only want Amazon may not need it. For wide ebook reach without managing many accounts, it is the easiest tool here.

If easy wide ebook distribution is your main need, Draft2Digital deserves a place on a shortlist, provided you test the catch described above first. Check the current plan details on the vendor site, since prices and limits change, and confirm that the version you need works on your devices.

Smashwords combines its own ebook store with distribution to major retailers, and its frequent promotions help authors reach bargain readers. Its author tools cover formatting, pricing and coupon campaigns, and it has long served independent authors. The community around it is a bonus for new writers.

The interface feels dated, and print distribution is not its strength. Some authors also prefer Draft2Digital's cleaner dashboard. For ebook authors who like promotions and a long-standing indie store, Smashwords remains a useful option.

Our view is that Smashwords earns its place here for wide ebook distribution and store, even with the limits noted above. Check the current plan details on the vendor site, since prices and limits change, and confirm that the version you need works on your devices.

BookBaby is an assisted service that handles editing, cover design, formatting and distribution in packages, so authors do not need to hire each freelancer separately. Its US-based support helps first-time authors through the process, and its distribution covers major ebook and print channels.

Packages cost more upfront than do-it-yourself platforms, and authors should read what each package includes. It is not the cheapest route. For authors who want professional production handled for them, BookBaby is a reputable choice.

For readers focused on assisted publishing services, BookBaby is worth a trial before deciding, since the free tier or trial shows its real feel fast. Check the current plan details on the vendor site, since prices and limits change, and confirm that the version you need works on your devices.

Lulu focuses on print on demand, with many book sizes, bindings and color options, plus a direct store for selling to readers. Publishing is free to start, and authors can order copies for events or direct sales. Its print quality suits photo books, cookbooks and niche titles.

Ebook distribution is lighter than Draft2Digital, and bookstore reach usually needs Ingram connections. Authors focused on ebooks may prefer another platform. For print-first projects and direct sales, Lulu is flexible and author-friendly.

We would shortlist Lulu for print books and direct sales, and compare it directly with the two options nearest it in price before paying. Check the current plan details on the vendor site, since prices and limits change, and confirm that the version you need works on your devices.

PublishDrive distributes ebooks to many stores under a subscription model, so authors keep full royalties rather than sharing a percentage. Its marketing tools, including price promotions and store features, help authors manage wide distribution from one dashboard.

The subscription costs money even in months with low sales, which suits authors with several books more than a first-time author with one title. Print distribution is also limited. For prolific ebook authors who want full royalties, the model can pay off.

If ebook distribution with marketing tools is your main need, PublishDrive deserves a place on a shortlist, provided you test the catch described above first. Check the current plan details on the vendor site, since prices and limits change, and confirm that the version you need works on your devices.