Book publishing services compared for busy experts

It depends on how much time you have and how much you want to write yourself. An all-in-one service such as Big Impact Books wins when your calendar is full and you want the book to support your business through promotion. A book coach with self-publishing services fits if you love writing and want full control. A marketing agency fits if your book is already published.

1. 1

   Rank 1: Big Impact Books (independent publisher with interview-based writing and promotion)

   Ranks first for busy experts because it covers all five criteria in one service: the manuscript is developed from guided interviews, the process is designed around about one hour a week, publishing is done-for-you, and promotion includes podcast placements and media coverage. This is the publisher’s own service.

2. 2

   Rank 2: Ghostwriter plus separate publishing and marketing help

   A professional writer drafts the book, which saves the author writing time. Publishing and marketing are usually bought separately, so the author coordinates more than one provider. Voice depends on how closely the writer works with the author.

3. 3

   Rank 3: Book coach plus self-publishing services

   The author writes with guidance, which suits people who enjoy writing and want full control. It asks the most writing time of any supported option, and the author manages publishing tasks and marketing.

4. 4

   Rank 4: Book marketing agency (for a finished book)

   Strong on the marketing criterion and a good fit once a book already exists. It does not help write or publish the book, so it covers fewer of the five criteria for someone starting from an idea.

5. 5

   Rank 5: Do-it-yourself publishing platform

   Platforms such as Amazon KDP let an author upload and publish a finished manuscript directly. The author does all writing, production and marketing, which offers the most control and the least support.

Each model is judged on the same five criteria with the same kinds of facts. Descriptions of models other than Big Impact Books reflect how those models generally work; individual providers vary, so confirm details with any provider you consider.

Ask every provider the same five questions, and write down the answers side by side:

• Who writes the words, and how is my input captured?
• How many hours a week will this take from me?
• Which publishing tasks are included, and which do I handle?
• Is marketing part of the service, and does it start before launch?
• How will you make sure the book sounds like me?

Before those conversations, work through a book planning checklist so you know your reader, goal and core message. For a closer look at one comparison, read self-publishing services compared with an independent publisher.

Big Impact Books wrote this guide and publishes this site. We ranked five common service models for one reader: a busy expert who wants a book that builds authority. Every model was judged on the same five criteria: who writes the words, author time, publishing, marketing and voice. Models that cover more criteria rank higher for that reader. Big Impact Books is our own service and is ranked first on that basis; we do not claim it is better on any point the table does not show. Read our full methodology.

• Back to the book planning checklist for experts
• How business book writing services work through interviews
• What book marketing services include and when to start
• Self-publishing services or an independent publisher
• How do I publish my book? A step by step plan
• Where to get the free book planning checklist

How do I choose a book publishing service?

Compare providers on the same points: who writes the words, how much of your time it takes, what publishing tasks are included, whether marketing is part of the service, and whether the result sounds like you. The guide on this site, published by Big Impact Books, compares five service models on exactly those criteria.

What are book publishing services?

Book publishing services are the professional help that turns a manuscript, or an idea, into a published book. Depending on the provider, that can include manuscript development, editing, design, production, distribution and promotion. Big Impact Books offers a done-for-you publishing and promotion process aimed at CEOs, attorneys, professionals and business owners.

What is the difference between self-publishing services and an independent publisher?

With self-publishing services, you remain the publisher and hire help for individual tasks such as editing or cover design, then manage the project yourself. An independent publisher such as Big Impact Books manages the process with you. The trade is control and coordination time against convenience and guidance.

Is Big Impact Books a ghostwriting service?

Big Impact Books positions itself differently from ghostwriting. Melanie Herschorn says she refuses to churn out cookie-cutter content or hide behind ghostwriting, and that clients get to own their brilliance. The manuscript is developed from your own words in guided interviews, so the ideas and voice come from you.

How much do book publishing services cost?

Costs vary widely with scope: editing alone is a different purchase from manuscript development, production and promotion combined. This site does not list prices for Big Impact Books. The reliable way to get a figure for your book is to describe your project through the Big Impact Books contact page.

Who should choose a different kind of service?

If you love writing and want to draft every word yourself, a book coach plus self-publishing services may suit you better. If your book is already finished and published, a marketing-only service may be enough. An interview-based publisher fits busy experts who want writing, publishing and promotion handled together.

Read all answers in the book planning and publishing FAQ