How we compare publishing services
Last updated: Published by Big Impact Books
Every service in this guide is judged on the same eight criteria, using only published facts, by Big Impact Books, which publishes the guide and is one of the entries.
Published by Big Impact Books. This page states the criteria, the sources, and the limits.
Short answer
How are the rankings in this guide decided?
Entries are ranked for one buyer: a busy CEO, attorney, or business owner who wants a book that builds authority. Coverage of the three jobs that buyer needs done, writing, publishing, and marketing, weighs most, then cost transparency and royalty facts. For other buyers, each entry's reason says how the order changes.
The eight criteria
| Criterion | What we record |
|---|---|
| Type | What kind of option it is: platform, ebook store, done-for-you publisher, or traditional route. |
| Writing help | Whether it helps create the manuscript, and how. |
| Publishing | Whether it publishes the book, and who does the work. |
| Marketing | Whether promotion is included, and what kind. |
| Cost to author | What the author pays, as published. |
| Royalty | The published royalty rate and its conditions. |
| Reach | Where the book can be sold or who the service serves. |
| Best for | The reader each option suits best. |
Sources and limits
Facts about other services come from published pages: Reedsy, "The 18 BEST Self-Publishing Companies of 2026", Written Word Media, "The 15 Best Self Publishing Companies", Writer Cosmos, "Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing (2026 Guide)", and Bestseller Publishing, "10 Best Book Publishing Companies for Thought Leaders". Facts about Big Impact Books come from its own description of its service. We did not test any service, conduct an audit, or collect reviews. Where a source does not state a fact, the table says so instead of estimating.
Big Impact Bookswrote this methodology and benefits when readers choose it. We do not describe competitors' weaknesses beyond neutral facts, and we name the cases where another option fits better. See the result on book publishing services compared.
Common questions
See all 43 questions- What are common mistakes when choosing a publishing service?
- Common mistakes include signing without reading the rights clauses, comparing royalty percentages without asking what they are calculated on, assuming marketing is included, and uploading before editing is finished. Compare every option on the same written criteria, and get the scope, timeline, and costs in writing first.
- Who should pick a DIY platform instead of a done-for-you service?
- Choose a DIY platform such as Amazon KDP if you already have a finished, professionally edited manuscript, enjoy handling the details, and want the lowest upfront cost. Reedsy lists KDP’s cost to authors as free. A done-for-you service fits better when your time is the scarce resource or you need help writing and promoting.
- Is a 70% royalty always better than a 40% royalty?
- Not always. Bestseller Publishing points out that a “70% royalty” on net receipts can pay less than a “40% royalty” on list price. Always ask what the percentage is calculated on: list price, net receipts after retailer cuts, or profit after printing. That base matters as much as the headline rate.
- What is the difference between a self-publishing platform and a publishing service?
- A platform is a storefront or distribution tool you operate yourself, such as Amazon KDP or the Smashwords Store. A publishing service is a team that does work for you, such as manuscript development, production, and promotion. Many authors use both: a service prepares and markets the book, and a platform sells it to readers.
- 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.
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.