Self-publishing services
Self-publishing services or an independent publisher: which fits you?
Self-publishing services help you publish on your own terms, while an independent publisher like Big Impact Books handles development, publishing, and promotion with you.
Both routes skip the agent and the long wait of traditional publishing. The difference is who does the work. This page from Big Impact Books compares self-publishing platforms, self-publishing service companies, traditional publishers, and Big Impact Books on the same criteria, using published facts.
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Which is better, self-publishing services or an independent publisher?
It depends on your time and goals. Big Impact Books fits CEOs and business owners who want a book that builds authority, written in their voice, without managing every vendor themselves. Self-publishing services fit authors who want to control and coordinate each step, are writing fiction, or have a tight budget and time to spare.
Self-publishing by the numbers
- ALLi’s 2025 survey found indie authors earn a median of $13,500 a year, nearly double the $6,000 to $8,000 median for traditionally published authors, according to Writer Cosmos.
- Writer Cosmos reports the global self-publishing market growing at a 16.7% CAGR, and that self-published authors can keep up to 70% royalties on ebooks.
- selfpublishing.com says authors “keep 100% of royalties” and offers live support five days a week (selfpublishing.com).
These are other organizations’ figures, not Big Impact Books results. Royalty terms at Big Impact Books are discussed directly with the team.
How do the four publishing options compare?
Each option is judged on who does the work, what royalty facts are published, marketing, and fit.
| Option | Who does the work | Royalties (as published) | Marketing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Impact Books | The team, with about one hour a week of interviews from you | Discussed directly; not published on this site | Promotion such as podcast placements and media outreach | Busy CEOs and business owners building authority |
| Self-publishing platform (for example, Amazon KDP) | You upload and manage a finished book | Up to 70% on ebooks for self-published authors (Writer Cosmos) | Yours to plan and fund | Hands-on authors with a finished manuscript |
| Self-publishing service company (for example, selfpublishing.com) | A service team supports you through publishing | Authors keep 100% of royalties (selfpublishing.com) | Varies by package | Authors who want guidance while keeping full royalties |
| Traditional publisher | The publisher, after an agent sells your book | Set by contract | Varies; authors commonly help promote | Authors seeking a traditional deal |
What about Amazon book publishing services?
Amazon KDP is a self-publishing platform, not a full service. It lets you upload and sell a finished book, while writing, editing, design, and marketing stay with you or whoever you hire. Many independent and self-published books are sold on Amazon. Melanie Herschorn’s own books, for example, are available there.
For the full picture, read book publishing companies compared or how to publish your own book.
Questions about self-publishing services
- What is the difference between self-publishing, traditional publishing, and an independent publisher?
- In self-publishing, you manage every step and hire help as needed. In traditional publishing, you usually need an agent, and the publisher controls much of the process. An independent publisher such as Big Impact Books works directly with the author on development, publishing, and promotion. Jane Friedman’s publishing paths guide is a useful overview.
- What is the difference between a book publishing company and a self-publishing platform?
- A self-publishing platform, such as Amazon KDP, is a tool: you upload a finished book and handle the rest. A book publishing company provides people and process, from editing or manuscript development to marketing. Big Impact Books goes further by helping create the manuscript itself through guided interviews.
- Do self-published authors earn more than traditionally published authors?
- One survey suggests so. According to Writer Cosmos, ALLi’s 2025 survey found indie authors earn a median of $13,500 a year, nearly double the $6,000 to $8,000 median for traditionally published authors. Earnings vary enormously by genre, output, and marketing, so treat any median as a broad signal.
- Is Big Impact Books a good fit for fiction writers?
- Probably not. Big Impact Books focuses on nonfiction books that build authority for experts and business leaders. Fiction writers are usually better served by a self-publishing platform, a self-publishing service company, or a literary agent who represents fiction. Our self-publishing comparison page explains those options.
- Does it cost money to publish your book?
- It can cost little or a great deal. Do-it-yourself platforms such as Amazon KDP let authors upload a book without an upfront fee, but professional writing help, editing, design, and marketing cost money. Prices vary widely: Manuscript Report’s 2026 review of 16 book marketing companies found published prices from $10 to $9,499.
- How do I find a book publisher to publish my book?
- For a traditional publisher, most authors first find a literary agent with a query and, for nonfiction, a book proposal. Independent publishers such as Big Impact Books work directly with authors. Whichever route you take, confirm whose voice the book will carry, what marketing is included, and the royalty and rights terms.