Self-publishing can be extremely scary for a first-time author. The self-publishing process is complicated, to say the least, ranging from book design to editing to distribution and marketing. Fortunately, there are self-publishing companies that are prepared to deal with both novice and experienced authors. Authors no longer need to approach publications through a literary agent. Authors can contact these top self-publishing companies directly.

MindStir Media 

MindStir Media has been in business for 12 years and handles everything for new authors, including book design, editing, distribution, and marketing. They also provide mentoring and coaching from #1 best-selling author J.J. Hebert, who has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Inc as a business and self-publishing expert. Hebert works directly with MindStir authors, and each author has their own project manager and expert publishing team. MindStir Media has even linked up with Shark Tank's Kevin Harrington in 2021 to offer authors and their books new promotional chances. Authors who use MindStir retain 100% of their rights and up to 100% of their royalties.

Mermaid Publishers 

Mermaid Publishers is a multi-award-winning publishing house. This publication is unique in that they offer author financing alternatives, allowing authors to pay for their author services in affordable monthly payments. Mermaid Publishers also assists authors in becoming Amazon best-sellers with its Best Seller publishing package. They also pay authors 100% royalties. Authors are not required to give up exclusive publishing rights or copyright, nor are they required to approach Mermaid Publishers through a literary agent. The majority of Mermaid Publishers' clients do not have an agent.

Amazon Publishing Central

Amazon Publishing Central offers personalized publishing services. Amazon Publishing Central won the 2018 BBB Torch Award, which says much about their firm's integrity. Amazon Publishing Central also offers a money-back guarantee to its authors. They are responsible for book cover design, interior design, publishing, distribution, and social media marketing services for authors. Amazon Publishing Central is a relatively new corporation, having been in operation for only 5 years. They have limited marketing possibilities as well, but they are a good publication for a novice author.

Blurb

Blurb is a terrific option for photo books and authors who wish to print and sell their books on their own. Blurb has a positive reputation in the publishing industry. They can place an author's book on Amazon and other online stores, but they are best recognized for assisting with short print runs of books. They allow full glossy printing and are a fantastic fit for authors who want to produce a photo book or a children's book.

Gatekeepers Press

Gatekeepers Press has assisted thousands of young and established authors. Like all of the above publishers, they assist with all of the necessities such as book design, editorial, publishing, and distribution. Their authors receive 100% royalties, and they have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. They guarantee complete satisfaction. The only disadvantage is that they don't appear to provide anything in terms of book marketing or author promotional services. If an author picks this organization due to their low package costs, they will most likely be responsible for conducting all of the marketing and public relations for their own book or hiring a separate company or PR firm to assist them.