About this guide
Last updated: Published by Big Impact Books
This guide to self-publishing and book publishing services is published by Big Impact Books, an independent publisher and book-marketing service led by Melanie Herschorn.
It is one of a small number of websites Big Impact Books publishes. The main business website is yourbigimpactbook.com.
Short answer
Who publishes this guide, and is it independent?
Big Impact Books publishes this guide. It is not independent: Big Impact Books is one of the services compared, and it ranks its own service first for busy expert authors. Every entry is judged on the same stated criteria, and the reasons for each position are shown so readers can decide for themselves.
What Big Impact Books does
Big Impact Books helps CEOs, attorneys, professionals, and business owners worldwide plan, create, publish, and promote books that build authority and support business growth. Its process uses guided interviews to develop manuscripts, about one hour a week, and adds promotional support such as podcast placements and media coverage.
Melanie Herschornhas more than 20 years of experience as a celebrity publicist, award-winning journalist in radio, print, and TV, clothing designer, and entrepreneur. She earned a master's degree in journalism from the University of Southern California, where she graduated first in her class. She is the author of Lasting Legal Impact and Make a Big Impact with Your Book. Lasting Legal Impact was named a Finalist in the Business: Writing/Publishing category of the 2025 Best Book Awards, presented by American Book Fest.
Learn more on the Big Impact Books about page.
Why this site exists
People searching for self-publishing services find lists built for novelists and DIY authors. Expert authors have a different problem: they need a book that builds authority, and they rarely have time to write it. This guide compares the options for that reader, including free platforms that may suit them better than a paid service.
We explain how rankings are formed on How we chose, and every figure links to its published source.
Common questions
See all 43 questions- Is Big Impact Books a self-publishing company?
- Big Impact Books describes itself as an independent publisher and book-marketing service. Led by Melanie Herschorn, it helps CEOs, attorneys, professionals, and business owners worldwide plan, create, publish, and promote books. Its process uses guided interviews to develop the manuscript and adds promotional support such as podcast placements and media coverage.
- How does the Big Impact Books process work?
- Big Impact Books develops manuscripts through guided interviews. Clients talk through each chapter in weekly interviews, and the team shapes those conversations into the book. The company describes the time commitment as about one hour a week. After the manuscript, it handles publishing and promotion, including podcast placements and media coverage.
- Has Big Impact Books won any awards?
- Yes. Big Impact Books reports a win in Publishing at the 2024 Best Book Awards and a 2024 “Publisher of the Year” win. Melanie Herschorn’s book Lasting Legal Impact was named a Finalist in the Business: Writing/Publishing category of the 2025 Best Book Awards, presented by American Book Fest.
- What is the first step with Big Impact Books?
- The first step is a conversation. Use the contact page at yourbigimpactbook.com/contact to ask about publishing support for your book. If you are not ready yet, Big Impact Books also offers a free book-planning checklist to help you organize your idea before you commit to anything.
- Is Big Impact Books a good fit for attorneys?
- Attorneys are one of Big Impact Books’ core audiences. Melanie Herschorn wrote Lasting Legal Impact: Write a Book That Builds Your Brand, Grows Your Practice, and Positions You As The Trusted Expert. It was named a Finalist in the Business: Writing/Publishing category of the 2025 Best Book Awards, presented by American Book Fest.
Ready to turn your expertise into a book?
Big Impact Books helps CEOs, attorneys, professionals, and business owners plan, create, publish, and promote books that build authority. Start with a conversation about publishing support. If you are still shaping the idea, the free book-planning checklist is a good second step.