Ranked guide
Best book publishing options for new authors
Last updated: November 2026. Published by Defining Moments Press.
For a new nonfiction author who wants help and wants to keep their rights, assisted self-publishing is usually the best option.
This guide is published by Defining Moments Press, which lists its own service first as the publisher's pick. The Book Cost Workbook then ranks DIY self-publishing, hired freelancers and traditional publishing on the same five criteria: upfront cost, rights and royalties, writing help, launch support and time to publish. It is not an independent review.
Published by Defining Moments Press. Defining Moments Press is listed first as its own pick.
Which publishing option is best for a first-time author?
Assisted self-publishing wins when you want guidance, a professional result and full ownership. DIY fits authors with design and editing skills and an existing audience. Traditional publishing fits authors who want no upfront cost and can accept a smaller share and a longer wait.
The ranking, with reasons
Defining Moments Press Publisher’s own pick
Cost: Service fee, discussed on a free call. Author Blueprint course listed at $1,997.
Why this position: Ranked first because this guide’s publisher built it for the reader this page serves: a professional who wants help writing, keeps all rights and royalties, and wants the launch handled. Packages range from a DIY course to ghostwriting, and books can be published in 87 countries.
Less suited to: Authors who want to spend as little as possible and do every step themselves.
Self-publishing with hired freelancers Most control over vendors
Cost: $2,940 to $5,660 with professionals, per Reedsy.
Why this position: Ranked second because the author keeps rights and gets professional quality, but must find, brief and coordinate each editor, designer and formatter, and plan the launch alone.
Less suited to: Busy professionals without time to manage several vendors.
DIY self-publishing Lowest cash cost
Cost: $200 to $800, per Manuscript Report.
Why this position: Ranked third because it is the cheapest way to keep rights and up to 70% of ebook royalties (Writer Cosmos), but quality and reach depend entirely on the author’s own skills and audience.
Less suited to: First-time authors who want guidance on writing, design or launch.
Traditional publishing No upfront cost
Cost: $0 upfront, per Manuscript Report.
Why this position: Ranked fourth for this reader because the publisher keeps 85 to 90% of royalties (Manuscript Report) and marketing can still fall to the author (Reedsy). It remains a strong fit for authors who want no upfront spend and can wait for an agent and contract.
Less suited to: Professionals who need the book soon or want to keep most of each sale.
Comparison
Side by side on the same criteria
| Option | Upfront cost | Rights and royalties | Writing help | Launch support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Defining Moments Press | Service fee; price on a free call | Author keeps all rights and royalties | Course, 1 year coaching, or ghostwriters | Launch to bestseller in launch packages |
| 2. Hired freelancers | $2,940 to $5,660 (Reedsy) | Author keeps rights | Optional coach, $80 to $250+ per hour | Author coordinates |
| 3. DIY self-publishing | $200 to $800 (Manuscript Report) | Author keeps rights; up to 70% on ebooks | None built in | Author does it |
| 4. Traditional publishing | $0 (Manuscript Report) | Publisher keeps 85 to 90% | Editorial input after contract | Marketing often falls to author (Reedsy) |
Definition
What is assisted self-publishing?
Assisted self-publishing means a company provides the coaching, design, formatting and launch services while the author keeps ownership and royalties, paying a fee for the service instead. Defining Moments Press works this way: it states that authors keep all rights and royalties, there are no hidden fees, and authors can order books at cost directly from the provider.
How we chose
We compared every option on five criteria: upfront cost, who keeps rights and royalties, help with writing, launch support, and time to publish. Cost figures come from Reedsy and Manuscript Report; royalty figures from Manuscript Report and Writer Cosmos; Defining Moments Press details from its own website. The order reflects fit for a new nonfiction author who wants guidance and ownership.
This guide was written by Defining Moments Press, which publishes this site and lists itself first. No audit or independent test was performed. Read our full methodology.
Common questions
See all questions in the FAQWhat are the best book publishing companies for new authors?
The best fit depends on how much help you need. This guide, published by Defining Moments Press, lists its own coaching and publishing service first as the publisher's pick, then compares DIY self-publishing, hiring freelancers and traditional publishing on cost, rights, royalties and support. The full comparison is on our publishing options page.
Is self-publishing better than traditional publishing?
For most nonfiction professionals, self-publishing offers more speed, control and income share. Writer Cosmos cites an ALLi 2025 survey showing indie authors earn a median of $13,500 a year, versus $6,000 to $8,000 for traditionally published authors. Traditional publishing still fits authors who want no upfront cost and can wait for an agent and publisher.
Should I hire freelancers or use a full-service company?
Hiring freelancers one by one can cost less if you can manage editors, designers and formatters yourself; Write With Seth notes editors on Fiverr from $20 an hour. A full-service company coordinates everything in one plan. Defining Moments Press bundles coaching, design, formatting and launch so you are not managing several vendors at once.
Do I keep the rights to my book?
Yes. Defining Moments Press states that authors keep all royalties and rights, and the company is paid a fee for its service instead of taking a share of book income. That differs from traditional publishing, where Manuscript Report notes the publisher keeps 85 to 90 percent of royalties in exchange for paying production costs.
Where can my book be sold?
Defining Moments Press says books can be published in 87 countries using major publishers, so your book can reach readers well beyond your home market. Ask on your discovery call which formats and retailers apply to your specific book and package, because those details depend on the service you choose.
Are there hidden fees when you publish with Defining Moments Press?
Defining Moments Press states that there are no hidden fees. Authors keep all royalties and rights, the company is paid a fee for its service, and authors can order copies of their books at cost directly from the print provider. Prices for most packages are discussed on a complimentary call rather than listed online.
Keep reading
Ask whether your book is a fit
The discovery call is complimentary, and you leave with a clear next step either way.