Publishing your book is a big step. You’ve poured your heart into writing, revising, and shaping your manuscript—now it’s time to share it with the world.

But wait—how do you choose the right publishing partner? The publishing world is full of options, and not all of them are created equal. The last thing you want is to end up feeling lost, confused, or worse, taken advantage of.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through a clear and honest checklist to help you evaluate book publishing services and make the best choice for your goals. And yes, I’ll share a little bit of my own story, too.

1. Understand What Kind of Publishing You Want

Before you even start comparing companies, take a moment to ask yourself:

• Do I want full control over the process?

• Do I want a publisher to handle everything for me?

• Am I okay with investing money upfront for professional help?

If you answered “yes” to full control and investing upfront, you’re probably looking for self-publishing services or hybrid publishers. If you want someone else to foot the bill (but take most of the royalties and rights), then traditional publishing might be your goal.

Knowing what you want helps you weed out the wrong choices from the beginning.

2. Look for Transparent Pricing

When I published my first book, I talked to a publishing service that gave me a vague answer when I asked about pricing. That was a red flag. Later, I found a company that provided a clear breakdown of every service—editing, cover design, formatting, distribution—and it made all the difference.

Good book publishing services should tell you exactly what you’re paying for, with no hidden fees.

Ask yourself:

• Do they offer a package with a detailed cost breakdown?

• Are there extra charges for revisions, changes, or reprints?

• Is there a money-back policy or satisfaction guarantee?

3. Check Their Editing Standards

Your words matter. A reliable publishing service should offer strong editing support—proofreading, copy editing, and sometimes developmental editing.

Here’s a tip: Ask to see a sample of their editing work. A good editor won’t just fix typos—they’ll polish your writing while keeping your voice intact.

Checklist questions:

• Do they offer multiple types of editing?

• Are their editors experienced (ask for bios or credentials)?

• Can you review changes before finalizing?

4. Review Their Portfolio

You wouldn’t hire a designer without seeing their work, right? Same goes for a publisher.

Most good book publishing services have an online portfolio of books they’ve helped publish. Browse through a few titles.

Look at:

• Book covers (Do they look professional?)

• Interior formatting (Is it clean and easy to read?)

• Book topics (Have they worked in your genre?)

Reading even one book they’ve published can give you a clear picture of their quality.

5. Ask About ISBNs and Copyright

This is an area where many new authors get tripped up. Some services will register the ISBN (that’s the barcode/ID number for your book) under their name, not yours.

That means if you switch to another platform or want to change publishers, it’s not so simple.

Here’s what you want:

• Your name as the copyright holder.

• An ISBN registered in your name or your imprint’s name.

• The freedom to take your files and leave, if needed.

6. Understand Distribution Options

Where will your book be sold? That’s a big question.

A strong publishing partner will have wide distribution channels—Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, IngramSpark, and libraries. Bonus if they help you get into brick-and-mortar stores.

Key questions to ask:

• Will my book be available in print and digital formats?

• Do they offer global distribution?

• Will I be able to order author copies at a discount?

7. Investigate Marketing Support

Writing the book is only half the journey. Selling it is the other half.

Some book publishing services offer marketing packages that include press releases, Amazon optimization, social media guidance, or even book launch campaigns.

When I released my second book, I didn’t have a big marketing budget. But I worked with a service that gave me a step-by-step plan and templates for outreach—it was a game changer.

Look for:

• Clear marketing packages or guidance

• Testimonials from authors who saw results

• Ongoing support after launch

8. Check Author Rights and Royalties

This is critical. Never sign away the rights to your work unless you fully understand what you’re getting in return.

Good publishing services let you:

• Keep full ownership of your content

• Receive 100% or a high percentage of the royalties

• Retain the ability to republish or print elsewhere

Ask them to explain the royalty split in plain language—and make sure it’s in writing.

9. Read Reviews and Talk to Past Authors

One of the best ways to evaluate a publishing service? Talk to someone who’s used them.

Search online reviews, check author forums, or ask the publisher directly if they can connect you with a past client. Most happy authors love to share their experience—and most unhappy ones will warn you.

Questions to ask fellow authors:

• Were you happy with the results?

• Did the team communicate clearly and often?

• Would you publish with them again?

10. Gauge Their Communication and Customer Service

When you contact a publisher, how do they respond?

• Do they reply quickly?

• Are they polite, clear, and helpful?

• Do they take time to answer your questions?

A great publishing partner doesn’t just sell a service—they build a relationship. If you feel brushed off or pressured, trust your gut and move on.

11. Watch for Red Flags

Sadly, not all publishing services are trustworthy. Here are a few warning signs:

 They promise instant bestsellers or guaranteed sales
 They require large upfront fees with no clear service list
 They try to upsell you aggressively without understanding your needs
 Their contract is vague or overly complicated
 They ask for rights to your work without good reason

If something feels off, it probably is.

12. Trust Your Instincts

Finally, remember that you are in control. This is your book, your story, your investment.

You deserve a publishing partner who respects that. Take your time. Ask questions. Compare your options.

When I chose the right service, it felt like a team effort—not a transaction. And that made all the difference.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right book publishing service can feel overwhelming at first, but using a checklist like this one brings clarity and confidence.

Let’s quickly recap:

Know what kind of publishing fits your goals
Look for clear pricing and professional editing
Check portfolios, rights, royalties, and distribution
Make sure they offer honest communication and support
Avoid companies that feel pushy or too good to be true

Your book is worth the best. And the right publishing partner will help you bring it to life with care, creativity, and professionalism.

So take your time, ask the hard questions, and trust yourself. You’ve already done the hard part—writing the book. Now, let’s make sure it gets the launch it truly deserves.