Guide
Self-publishing companies to avoid: how to spot them
Last updated: November 2026 · Published by Big Impact Books
Avoid any self-publishing company that will not put its scope and costs in writing, pressures you to sign, takes rights without a clear reason, or guarantees sales.
This guide is published by Big Impact Books, a book publishing service itself, so we do not name or rate competitors here. Instead we list the warning signs any author can check, and point to independent watchdogs that track problem companies.
Which self-publishing companies should I avoid?
Avoid the ones that show the warning signs below, and check any provider with independent watchdogs before you pay. Writer Beware reports on publishing scams and questionable practices, and the Alliance of Independent Authors rates self-publishing services. If a company appears there with repeated complaints, take that seriously.
| Warning sign | What it looks like | What to expect instead |
|---|---|---|
| No written scope | Package descriptions are vague, and you cannot get a full list of what is included. | Puts every deliverable and fee in writing before you pay. |
| Pressure to sign | Discounts that expire today, or repeated sales calls. | Gives you time to compare and ask questions. |
| Unclear rights | Contract language that claims rights to your work without a clear reason. | Explains who owns the manuscript, files, and rights. |
| Guaranteed results | Promises of bestseller status, rankings, or sales numbers. | Describes specific activities, not guaranteed outcomes. |
| Essential upsells | Basics you assumed were included cost extra later. | Prices the essentials up front. |
| No real examples | Cannot show books it has actually published. | Points to published books and authors you can look up. |
| Hidden author copies costs | Your own books are sold back to you at a high price. | States author copy pricing plainly. |
| No plan after launch | Publishing ends at upload with no promotion. | Explains how the book will be marketed after release. |
Questions to ask before you pay any publishing service
- What exactly is included, and what costs extra? Can I see it in writing?
- Who owns the manuscript, the cover, and the final files when we finish?
- Which books have you published, and can I look them up?
- What happens after launch? Is any marketing or publicity included?
- How much of my time will this take each week?
- Whose voice will the book be in, and how is the manuscript developed?
- Do you guarantee any results? (The honest answer is no.)
How Big Impact Books answers some of these
Because we publish this page, here are our own answers where the facts are public. The process is designed to take about one hour a week, through weekly interviews. Books are built in the author's own voice rather than ghostwritten. Marketing and publicity, including podcasts and media, follow publishing. Pricing is not listed online, so ask for it in writing on yourbigimpactbook.com.
Is Amazon book publishing customer service a substitute?
No. Amazon KDP support helps with the platform itself, such as uploads, payments, and listings. It does not edit, design, or market your book. If a company claims a special arrangement with Amazon that guarantees visibility, treat that as a warning sign.
How we chose these warning signs
Big Impact Books wrote this guide. The warning signs reflect common concerns raised by author advocacy groups and the questions we believe every author should be able to get answered in writing. We did not audit or test any company, and we deliberately do not name competitors. See our methodology.
Published by Big Impact Books.
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Common questions
What self-publishing companies should I avoid?
Avoid any company that will not put its full scope and costs in writing, pressures you to sign quickly, takes rights without a clear reason, or guarantees sales or bestseller status. Watchdog resources such as Writer Beware and the Alliance of Independent Authors track problem companies, so check a provider there before you pay.
What are the warning signs of a bad book publishing service?
Warning signs include vague package descriptions, upsells for basics you assumed were included, unclear ownership of your files and rights, guaranteed sales or rankings, and no examples of books they have actually published. A trustworthy provider explains what it does, what it costs, and who owns the finished work.
Can a book publishing service guarantee bestseller status?
No service can honestly guarantee sales or rankings, because those depend on readers, timing, and competition. Be wary of guaranteed bestseller promises. Ask instead what the service will actually do, such as specific media, podcast, or marketing activities, and how it will report on that work.
Is a free book publishing service worth it?
A free platform can be worth it if your manuscript is finished and you can handle editing, design, and marketing yourself. Platforms such as Amazon KDP do not charge to upload, but the professional services around a book are not free. Be cautious of any company that promises a free package and then charges for essentials later.
What raises or lowers the cost of a publishing package?
The biggest factors are how much of the work you hand off and how much promotion is included. Writing support, design, and marketing or publicity campaigns all add cost, while a finished manuscript lowers it. Big Impact Books bundles publishing with promotion, so compare its scope against a do-it-yourself budget that adds each service separately.
What is the difference between a book publishing service and a self-publishing platform?
A self-publishing platform, such as Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or Draft2Digital, is a tool for uploading and distributing a finished book. A book publishing service is a team that helps you create, prepare, and launch the book. Big Impact Books is a service: it supports developing, publishing, and promoting the book.