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Self-publishing services: Print On Demand, eBook conversion, and global distribution

At BookBaby, you get everything needed to publish like a pro through a simplified self publishing experience. From custom book covers and interior formatting to eBook conversion, audiobook creation, and global distribution, our team supports you at every step.

Talk to a Publishing Specialist
self-published books on a shelf

Why publish with BookBaby?

100% Guaranteed

100% Guaranteed

We stand behind our work. If you are not happy with your books or cover design, we will work with you until you are completely satisfied.

Premium quality

Premium quality

G7-certified printing, top-grade paper, and meticulous attention to detail allows us deliver bookstore-quality books in popular trim sizes and binding options.

Support for a lifetime

Support for a lifetime

From the first draft to long-term sales, you'll receive dedicated guidance on editing, formatting, distribution, metadata, and marketing.

Dreams become reality

Dreams become reality

We do more than make your book. We help readers find it with distribution to Amazon and other major retailers while also offering direct-to-reader sales on BookBaby Bookshop.

Self publishing is about more than just ink on paper.
It's about sharing your unique voice and growing your readership.

Your story deserves professional treatment. Our editors and designers polish every detail so your print book and eBook feel at home on any shelf or device. Thousands of independent authors have published with BookBaby, and your story should be next.

covers of books published with BookBaby

Discover the benefits of self publishing with BookBaby

1. Get your book polished and ready for publishing

Professional editing

Our editors refine your book's clarity, style, grammar, and consistency. Working with a professional editor ensures your manuscript reads cleanly and professionally. Choose the service that fits your needs: proofreading, copy editing, or line editing.

Interior formatting for printed books

Elevate your book's readability when you work with our expert designers. By utilizing professional interior book design, typesetting, and layout, you'll align with printer specs across trim sizes and binding options.

Book cover design

Our skilled book cover designers will create an eye-catching cover that helps you tell your story visually, guaranteeing that you make a great first impression. We ensure your book title pops and aligns with market trends.

Interior formatting for eBooks

Broaden your impact by making sure your eBook can be enjoyed on any eReader. We convert your file for smooth reading on Kindle, Apple Books, Kobo, and more. Fixed or reflowable layouts are supported.

Metadata optimization

Your book is introduced to the world through its metadata. Increase discoverability with optimized categories, keywords, and a compelling book description for Amazon and other retailers.

2. Make your book available in every format

Printed books

From packable paperback options to sturdy hardcovers, your book will be produced with precision. We also handle specialized projects, from full-length novels to magazines.

Audiobook recording

Create a professional audiobook with guided production options, including author-narrated audiobooks. You won't have to search for a producer or voice talent — it's all right here.

eBook conversion

Our digital book producers guarantee your book's readability across all popular reading devices worldwide. We produce high-quality EPUB and Kindle files.

3. Sell your book in stores and market your book worldwide

Where your book actually sells

Your book doesn't need to be "everywhere." It needs to be where readers actually buy. With BookBaby, that means three powerful channels working together:

  • Amazon for print — Where the majority of printed books are discovered and purchased
  • Wide ebook distribution — Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Vearsa, and more
  • BookBaby Bookshop — Your own direct-to-reader store where you keep the most money

Amazon gives you reach for print:

  • eBook retailers give you global digital access
  • BookBaby Bookshop gives you ownership, customer data, and higher margins
  • You're not chasing every store — you're focused on the ones that actually move indie books

Marketing & advertising

Maximize your reach through digital advertising, social media, and more. We'll help target new readers who are interested in your book genre.

Direct-to-reader sales

Earn the industry's highest royalty rates, get paid weekly, and track your book's performance by selling through BookBaby Bookshop. You won't get this anywhere else.

ISBN assignment

Obtain a number, barcode, and metadata registration for tracking your sales. Having an ISBN is a crucial step in selling your book and keeping tabs on its success.

Distribution partners include:

Distribution partners

Get in touch

When you have questions about creating your book, our experienced Publishing Specialists are here to answer them — before, during, and after the project is completed

When you have questions about creating your book Book some time with us
856-460-8069 Get pricing

Your success is our top priority

The Cathedral Murders

"Having BookBaby by my side during the entire publishing process has been a very positive experience. I strongly recommend BookBaby to all indie writers."

J.E. Morales J.E. Morales Author, The Cathedral Murders
Raging Currents

"This is an excellent and trustworthy company, one of the very few. They are straightforward about payments and offer assistance by phone and email."

Nanette J. Davis, Ph.D. Nanette J. Davis, Ph.D. Author, Raging Currents
The Awkward Avocado

"BookBaby offers so many different packages and really makes it easy. Whatever you are willing or able to spend, there is an option."

C.J. Zachary C.J. Zachary Author, The Awkward Avocado
Blood Bound

"Totally recommend! BookBaby makes the publishing process easy and quick! I've really enjoyed working with them."

Makayla Runyon Makayla Runyon Author, Blood Bound

Frequently asked questions:

What does self publishing with BookBaby include?

Self-publishing with BookBaby provides a comprehensive, end-to-end solution designed to give independent authors every tool usually reserved for traditional publishing houses. Our service includes professional book cover design, custom interior formatting for both print and digital editions, and high-quality, G7-certified printing. Beyond the physical product, we handle global distribution to major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, while offering authors a direct-to-reader sales platform through the BookBaby Bookshop. We also provide metadata optimization to improve discoverability and dedicated specialist support throughout the journey. It is a complete ecosystem built to transform your raw manuscript into a world-class book available to readers everywhere.

Do I keep all rights to my book?

Yes, you maintain 100% ownership of your work and all associated intellectual property rights when you publish with BookBaby. Unlike traditional publishing contracts that often require authors to sign over their copyrights or subsidiary rights, our model is built on an author-first philosophy. This means you have total creative control over your content and the freedom to make decisions about its future. You are never locked into an exclusive long-term agreement that prevents you from exploring other opportunities. Because you own the rights, you also keep a much larger share of the profits, ensuring your literary success remains entirely under your personal direction.

Can I publish both print and eBook versions?

Absolutely. We specialize in cross-platform publishing to ensure your story reaches the widest possible audience across all reading preferences. Our team can simultaneously handle the high-precision printing required for softcover or hardcover editions and the technical conversion necessary for digital formats. We produce high-quality EPUB and Kindle files that are guaxranteed to function perfectly on devices like iPad, Kindle, and Nook. By releasing both formats together, you provide your readers with the flexibility to choose how they consume your work. This dual-format strategy is essential for a professional launch and helps maximize your sales potential in both physical bookstores and global digital marketplaces.

Will my book be available on major retailers?

Yes, our global distribution network ensures your book reaches the world's most prominent retailers and wholesale catalogs. We make your title available on Amazon, the largest marketplace for books, as well as Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and Kobo. By combining these massive retail channels with your own direct-to-reader store on the BookBaby Bookshop, you achieve a level of market saturation that was once only possible through a major traditional publishing contract.

Can I set my own list price and trim size?

You have complete control over the final specifications and pricing of your book. During the setup process, you can choose from a wide variety of popular trim sizes, ranging from classic pocket-sized digests to large-format art books. You also set the retail list price for both your print and eBook versions. To help you make an informed decision, we provide a royalty calculator that shows exactly how much you will earn per sale at different price points. This transparency allows you to balance competitive market pricing with your desired profit margins, ensuring your publishing business remains sustainable and profitable from the very first sale.

Do you offer editing services?

We provide a full suite of professional editing services to ensure your manuscript is polished and error-free before it goes to press. Our team offers several levels of support, including proofreading for final typos, copy editing for grammar and style, and intensive line editing for deeper structural and narrative improvements. Every editor on our staff is a highly skilled professional who understands the specific nuances of your genre. By investing in these services, you ensure that your writing meets the highest industry standards, helping you earn better reviews from readers and stand out in a crowded market where professional quality is the key to success.

How long does the publishing process take?

Timelines vary significantly based on the specific services you choose and your own responsiveness during the review stages. Generally, the process of design, professional file preparation, and final distribution setup will typically take several weeks to complete. If you require intensive editing or complex interior formatting, the schedule may extend to ensure every detail is perfect. We provide a projected timeline at the start of your project so you can plan your marketing and launch events accordingly. Our goal is to balance speed with meticulous quality control, ensuring that your finished book is something you can be proud of for a lifetime.

Can I order author copies at any time?

Yes, you have the flexibility to order printed copies of your book whenever you need them through your author dashboard. There are no restrictions on when you can place an order, and you can easily adjust quantities to match your specific needs, whether you are preparing for a local book signing, a major launch event, or simply want a few copies for friends and family. Because we use a print-on-demand model, we can fulfill small orders or large bulk shipments with the same level of precision and speed. This on-demand access ensures you never have to worry about managing expensive or bulky inventory at home.

Do you provide an ISBN?

We offer several options for obtaining an International Standard Book Number, which is a critical requirement for selling your book through retail channels. You can choose to have BookBaby provide an ISBN for your project, making the setup process seamless and ensuring your book is properly registered in global databases. Alternatively, if you prefer to act as your own publisher of record, you can provide your own ISBN that you have purchased independently. Regardless of the path you choose, we ensure that the barcode is correctly generated and placed on your book cover, meeting all industry standards for professional retail distribution and library cataloging.

What file formats do you accept for manuscripts?

We accept a variety of standard file formats to make the submission process as easy as possible for our authors. Most writers choose to submit their manuscripts as Microsoft Word documents (.doc or .docx), but we can also work with Rich Text Format (.rtf) or even professionally designed PDFs if you have already completed your own interior layout. Our formatting team will take your raw text and transform it into a professional, print-ready file that aligns with your chosen trim size and binding style. We provide clear guidelines on how to prepare your files for the best results, ensuring a smooth transition from your digital draft to a finished book.