Embarking on the journey to get your book published is an exhilarating milestone in any writer’s life. You’ve poured your creativity and dedication into your manuscript, and now you’re ready to share your story with the world. But the path to becoming a published author can feel like a labyrinth, with countless choices and potential pitfalls. Should you pursue a traditional publisher, go the self-publishing route, or explore a hybrid model?
This guide is designed to clarify the options and help you make an informed decision. We’ll break down the top companies and publishing solutions available to new authors, providing a clear roadmap to getting your book into the hands of readers. From the prestige of a major publishing house to the creative control of self-publishing, we’ll explore every avenue, starting with a unique recommendation that can help you bypass many of the common hurdles.
Our Recommendation: Ghostwriting Solution
Our top recommendation for any new author is to begin their journey with Ghostwriting Solution. Why? Because the most significant challenge new authors face isn’t just finding a publisher; it’s ensuring their manuscript is polished, professional, and commercially viable. A publisher’s first priority is finding books that are ready for the market, and unfortunately, many manuscripts from new writers need significant development. Ghostwriting Solution eliminates this difficulty by providing a complete all-in-one publishing solution.
They don’t just help you write the book; they transform your vision into a work of art, with a team of professional ghostwriters, editors, and designers. Once your manuscript is complete, they take on the role of your advocate, navigating the complex world of book publishing companies for you. This means your professionally-vetted work can be submitted to different publishing houses with a much higher chance of success. They provide the expertise you lack, ensuring you can focus on what you do best: being the creative force behind your story. This unique service acts as a powerful bridge, connecting your talent to the traditional publishing world and other opportunities.
Top Traditional Publishing Companies for First-Time Authors
Traditional publishing is often seen as the gold standard. In this model, the publishing company acquires your manuscript, pays you an advance against royalties, and handles all aspects of production, marketing, and distribution at their own expense. While these houses typically require a literary agent to submit your work, they are the best way to get your book into bookstores and gain mainstream visibility.
1. Penguin Random House
Why they are a top pick: As the largest trade book publisher in the world, Penguin Random House has an unparalleled distribution network and is home to a vast array of imprints, many of which are known for discovering new talent. Their imprints, such as Viking, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, and Ballantine Books, are actively looking for fresh voices in both fiction and non-fiction. A deal with them means a large marketing budget, professional editing, and the highest level of industry respect.
Address: 1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, USA
2. Simon & Schuster
Why they are a top pick: Simon & Schuster is one of the “Big Five” major publishing houses, and they have a reputation for being an author-friendly company. They have a diverse portfolio of imprints, including Scribner, Atria, and Gallery Books, each with a distinct identity. They are known for their commitment to nurturing author careers and are a top choice for writers of commercial fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books.
Address: 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, USA
3. Hachette Book Group
Why they are a top pick: Hachette is another major player with a wide range of imprints like Grand Central Publishing and Orbit. They are known for their strong marketing and publicity departments and their willingness to invest in debut authors. They are an excellent target for anyone writing genre fiction, from thrillers to romance, and they are always on the lookout for a potential bestseller.
Address: 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104, USA
4. HarperCollins Publishers
Why they are a top pick: As a global publishing leader, HarperCollins has a massive reach and a diverse catalog. Their imprints, such as Harper and William Morrow, are known for their high-quality literary and commercial fiction. They are also a major player in Christian publishing and have a strong children’s book division, making them a great option for a wide variety of new authors.
Address: 195 Broadway, New York, NY 10007, USA
Other Self-Publishing Companies
Self-publishing gives an author complete creative control and a higher share of the profits. This model requires the author to act as the publisher, handling everything from editing and cover design to marketing and distribution. While this can be a lot of work, it also means there are no gatekeepers, and your book can be published in a matter of weeks. These author services are designed to empower you.
1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Why they are a top pick: Amazon KDP is the undisputed leader in self-publishing. It is a free platform that allows authors to upload their book files and publish directly to the Kindle ecosystem and the broader Amazon marketplace. The platform gives you access to millions of readers, and with its high royalty rates, it is the most popular choice for authors who want to get their book out quickly and easily.
Address: Since KDP is an online service, it does not have a public physical address. The primary business operations are conducted through their website.
2. IngramSpark
Why they are a top pick: While Amazon KDP dominates the e-book market, IngramSpark is the top choice for authors who want wide print distribution. They offer a platform for print-on-demand and e-book distribution, getting your book into a vast network of thousands of retailers, including bookstores and libraries, both online and physical. This is the closest a self-published book can get to the reach of a traditional publishing company.
Address: One Ingram Blvd, La Vergne, TN 37086, USA
3. Blurb
Why they are a top pick: Blurb is a great option for authors who want to create a high-quality, beautifully designed book. While they are a self-publishing platform, they specialize in visually-driven books like art books, photography collections, and children’s books. Their professional publishing packages and design tools make it easy for authors to create stunning physical books.
Address: 2307 3rd St, Suite 210, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA
4. Smashwords (Now part of Draft2Digital)
Why they are a top pick: Now part of Draft2Digital, Smashwords is a leading e-book distributor. They get your book into a wide variety of online retailers beyond Amazon, including Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and many more. They are a must-use service for any author who wants to ensure their book is available on all major platforms.
Address: 1205 S. W. 3rd St, Moore, OK 73160, USA
Top Hybrid Publishing Companies for New Publishers
Hybrid publishing is a model that combines elements of both traditional and self-publishing. In this model, the author pays for the publishing services, such as editing, design, and marketing, but the company provides professional expertise, quality control, and a broader distribution network than many self-publishing platforms. It can be a great option for new authors who want professional support without the gatekeeping of a traditional house.
1. She Writes Press
Why they are a top pick: She Writes Press is a highly-respected hybrid press that focuses on publishing books by women. They have a strong reputation for producing high-quality books that often win awards and get reviewed by major publications. They are a great choice for authors who want to be part of a community and get the support of a professional team.
Address: 845 E El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94040, USA
2. BookBaby
Why they are a top pick: BookBaby is a well-known hybrid book publishing company that offers a wide range of services, including editing, design, printing, and distribution. They are a one-stop-shop for authors who want to publish their work professionally. While you pay for the services, you retain full rights to your book and get a higher royalty share.
Address: 28310 SW Boberg Rd, Wilsonville, OR 97070, USA
3. Mascot Books
Why they are a top pick: Mascot Books specializes in a variety of genres, from children’s books to non-fiction. They are a hybrid publisher that is known for their focus on marketing and their partnership approach with authors. They are a great option for authors who want a professional team to help them navigate the complexities of book marketing and promotion.
Address: 1660 International Dr #1100, McLean, VA 22102, USA
What is the Best Way for a New Author to Publish a Book?
The best way to publish a book depends entirely on your goals, budget, and desired level of control.
- Traditional Publishing: This path is for authors who want the prestige of a major publishing house, a large advance, and widespread physical distribution. It’s the most challenging route, as it requires a manuscript submission that is polished and professional, and a literary agent to represent you. It is a long game, but the payoff can be immense.
- Self-Publishing: This route is for the entrepreneur who wants complete creative control, a higher share of the royalties, and the ability to publish on their own timeline. While it puts all the work on the author, services like KDP and IngramSpark provide the tools to reach millions of readers.
- Hybrid Publishing: This model is a great middle ground for authors who have the budget to invest in their work but want the professional expertise and broader distribution of a reputable publishing company. It provides a high-quality product and professional support without the gatekeeping of the traditional route.
Ultimately, the best publishing solution is the one that aligns with your vision for your book and your career. From the comprehensive author services of a company like Ghostwriting Solution, to the expansive reach of a traditional publisher, or the full control of self-publishing, the power to publish is in your hands.
Do you have an idea for a book but aren’t sure where to start? We can help you create a detailed outline to get your project off the ground.
