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Chapter 05 / Field guide

How to choose among book publishing companies as a new author

The best book publishing companies for new authors are the ones that pass seven checks: rights, royalties, fees, timeline, marketing, distribution, and author copies. This guide is published by Defining Moments Press, a publishing and coaching company. It explains each check and shows Defining Moments Press's own stated answer, so you can hold any publisher to the same standard.

Last updated: · Published by Defining Moments Press

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Field note

What are the best book publishing companies for new authors?

The best fit is the company whose answers to the seven checks match your goals. For new authors who want control and speed, look for a company that lets you keep rights and royalties, discloses every fee, and explains marketing clearly. For a traditional advance, an agent-led route is the usual path.

Definitions

Publishing models a new author will meet

Panel 01

Traditional publishing vs assisted self-publishing

In traditional publishing, a publisher acquires the book and controls production and sale, usually after an agent places it. In assisted self-publishing, which is how Defining Moments Press works, the author hires a company for coaching, design, formatting, and launch, and the author keeps ownership.

Defining Moments Press is open about its view: it believes self-publishing is the best option for its authors and describes big publishers as antiquated and inefficient, saying authors can lose 2 years, creative liberties, and royalties. That is the company's position, not a neutral finding. Use the seven checks below to test any publisher, including this one.

Panel 02

Questions to ask on any publisher call

  • Can I see every fee in writing before I sign?
  • Who owns the files, the cover, and the ISBN?
  • What exactly happens during launch week?
  • Which countries and formats will my book be in?
  • What will 100 author copies cost me?
  • Can I talk to an author who published with you?

Comparison

Seven checks for book publishing companies

Seven checks for new authors, with the stated answers of Defining Moments Press, which publishes this guide
CheckQuestion to askDefining Moments Press stated answer
1. RightsWho owns the book once it is published?Authors keep all rights.
2. RoyaltiesWhat share of each sale do you keep?Authors keep all royalties; the company is paid a fee for its service.
3. FeesIs every fee disclosed up front?States there are no hidden fees. Program prices are discussed on a discovery call.
4. TimelineHow long from start to published book?Programs aim for 8 weeks or less to write and publish.
5. MarketingWho markets the book, and how?Book marketing and a launch to bestseller are listed in several programs.
6. DistributionWhere will the book be available?Books can be published in 87 countries using major publishers, in ebook and print.
7. Author copiesWhat do copies of your own book cost?Authors can order books at cost, direct from the provider.

Published by Defining Moments Press. Answers come from the Defining Moments Press website as of November 2026.

Caution

What should make a new author pause?

  • Fees that only appear after you sign
  • Contracts that take your rights for a fee you paid
  • No clear description of launch or marketing work
  • Vague answers about where the book will be sold
  • High prices for your own author copies
  • Promises of guaranteed sales or income

Defining Moments Press itself states that results are not guaranteed or typical. Read more about publishing options in self-publishing services or go back to the book coaching services guide.

Method

How we chose

This page was written by Defining Moments Press, which publishes this site and sells the programs it describes. Every entry was judged on the same criteria, using the same kinds of facts:

  • Ownership of rights after publication
  • Share of royalties kept by the author
  • Disclosure of fees
  • Time from start to published book
  • Marketing and launch work included
  • Distribution reach and formats
  • Cost of author copies

Facts about Defining Moments Press come from its own website. Market figures are quoted exactly as published, with their source named. Read the full methodology.

Quick answers

Choosing a publisher: common questions

What should I look for in book publishing companies for new authors?

Check who keeps the rights and royalties, whether every fee is disclosed, the timeline, who handles marketing, where the book is distributed, and what author copies cost. Our guide to choosing a publisher walks through each check and shows Defining Moments Press’s own stated answer to every one.

More in the FAQ

Is self-publishing better than traditional publishing?

Defining Moments Press believes self-publishing is the best option for its authors, because it avoids spending about 2 years waiting, giving away creative control, and giving away royalties. Traditional publishing still suits some authors, so compare rights, timelines, and who handles marketing against your own goals before choosing.

More in the FAQ

Do I keep the rights to my book?

Yes. Defining Moments Press states that authors keep all rights and royalties to their books. The company describes this as part of its reason for existing: it wants to show authors a way to publish without giving away creative liberties or book royalties to a traditional publisher.

More in the FAQ

Do I pay royalties to Defining Moments Press?

No. Defining Moments Press states that authors keep all rights and royalties and that the company is paid a fee for its service instead. It also says there are no hidden fees and that authors can order copies of their own books at cost, direct from the provider, which matters if you plan to sell books at events.

More in the FAQ

Where will my book be sold?

Defining Moments Press says books can be published in 87 countries using major publishers, and the Author Blueprint covers self-publishing in both ebook and print. Exact retail channels depend on your program and format, so confirm distribution details for your book on the discovery call before you sign up.

More in the FAQ

Can I buy copies of my own book?

Yes. Defining Moments Press says you can order books at cost, direct from the provider. That matters for authors who plan to sell or give away books at speaking engagements, workshops, and client meetings, since you are not paying a markup to the publisher on every copy you order.

More in the FAQ

Read all 46 answers in the book coaching FAQ

Keep reading

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Published by Defining Moments Press