Chapter 03 / Field guide

Self-publishing services: publish your book and keep your rights

Self-publishing services handle the design, formatting, publishing, and launch of your book while you keep ownership. Defining Moments Press offers self-publishing services where authors keep all rights and royalties, books can be published in 87 countries using major publishers, there are no hidden fees, and authors can order copies of their own books at cost.

Last updated: November 2026 · Published by Defining Moments Press

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Field note

How much does publishing a book cost?

It depends on how much of the work you hire out. Coaching, ghostwriting, design, formatting, and marketing each add cost. Defining Moments Press does not publish one price for publishing; it is paid a fee for its service, states there are no hidden fees, and discusses pricing on a free discovery call.

Definitions

What self-publishing services include

Panel 01

What are self-publishing services at Defining Moments Press?

Self-publishing services at Defining Moments Press are the professional steps between a finished manuscript and a book readers can buy: formatting, book design, cover design, book marketing, and a launch to bestseller. The Author Blueprint also covers self-publishing in both ebook and print.

The company's stated purpose is to disrupt the publishing industry and show people that self-publishing is not only an option, it is the best option. It describes a path that does not involve using a traditional publisher, waiting 2 years, giving away creative liberties, or giving away royalties. Whether that view fits you depends on your goals, so weigh it against the checks in our guide to choosing a publisher.

Panel 02

Publishing terms, by the numbers

Countries where books can be published, using major publishers: 87
Rights and royalties kept by the author, as stated: 100%
Price for authors ordering copies of their own book: At cost
Hidden fees, as stated by Defining Moments Press: 0

Source: Defining Moments Press website, as of November 2026.

Comparison

Which publishing service fits where your book is now?

Defining Moments Press publishing services matched to manuscript stage. Source: mydefiningmoments.com/services
Where you are	Service	Who writes	Publishing work included	Launch work included
Finished manuscript	Author Launch DFY	You, already done	Formatting, book design, cover design	Book marketing, launch to bestseller
Idea, want to write it yourself	Author Blueprint DIY	You	Self-publishing steps taught in the 8-week course	Launch and marketing taught in the course
Idea, want coaching	Author Training DWY	You, with a coach	Formatting, book design	Book marketing, full launch, media and podcast list
Idea, no time to write	Author Premium DFY	Ghostwriters	Cover design, book design, formatting	Full launch, media appearances, one-page funnel

Procedure

How do I publish my book with Defining Moments Press?

01
Apply and book a discovery call
Every applicant receives an email reply within 2 business days.
02
Confirm fit and choose a service
An Acquisition Editor tells you whether your book suits the services and which path fits.
03
Finish or polish the manuscript
Write with the 8-week course, with a coach, or with a ghostwriter.
04
Format and design
Formatting, interior book design, and cover design.
05
Publish in ebook and print
Release in up to 87 countries using major publishers, keeping all rights and royalties.
06
Launch and order copies
Launch to bestseller, then order author copies at cost for events and clients.

Honest fit

Who should consider a different publishing path?

If your main goal is an advance or bookstore placement through a traditional deal, a literary agent and a traditional publisher are the usual route, and Defining Moments Press is not that. If you want control, speed, and to keep your royalties, assisted self-publishing is built for you. Return to the book coaching services guide to see how coaching and publishing fit together.

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:

The manuscript stage each service is built for
Who writes the book
Which publishing tasks are listed as included
Which launch tasks are listed as included

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

Self-publishing services: common questions

How much does publishing a book cost?

It depends on how much of the work you hire out, since coaching, editing, design, formatting, and marketing each add cost. Defining Moments Press does not publish a single price for its publishing services. It states that there are no hidden fees, that you keep all rights and royalties, and that you can order books at cost.

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

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

I already wrote my book. Can you help me publish it?

Yes. Author Launch DFY is built for authors who already have a manuscript and need help launching and publishing it. The program lists formatting, book design, cover design, book marketing, a launch to bestseller, and access to the author Facebook group. Bring your manuscript status to the discovery call so the team can confirm fit.

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

Read all 46 answers in the book coaching FAQ

Keep reading

More chapters in this field guide

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