- Paige Ross
- 0 min read
Bookbaby vs. Authors Breeze
Table of Contents
Self-publishing has become an increasingly popular path for authors, offering creative freedom and control over their publishing journey. However, selecting the right self-publishing company can make a significant difference in the overall experience and success of your book. In this article, we’ll compare two well-known self-publishing companies, BookBaby and Authors Breeze, to help you determine which is the best fit for your needs.
Both companies offer comprehensive services, from manuscript editing to distribution, but they cater to different types of authors and budgets. BookBaby is known for its flexible, modular pricing and robust in-house printing capabilities, while Authors Breeze focuses on tailored support with services like ghostwriting and fast turnaround times. We’ll evaluate their services, pricing, royalties, publishing speed, marketing options, and customer reviews to provide you with a clear understanding of what each company offers. Let’s dive in!
Quick Comparison
Service Customization vs. Comprehensive Support: BookBaby offers modular, customizable publishing services, allowing authors to pick and pay for only what they need. Authors Breeze, on the other hand, provides a full suite of services, including ghostwriting, catering to authors who need more hands-on support.
Royalties and Distribution: BookBaby provides 100% royalty retention (minus platform fees) and a robust distribution network with over 50 channels. Authors Breeze offers 70–100% royalties depending on the platform and focuses more on global digital distribution, with limited options for physical bookstores.
Pricing Transparency and Costs: BookBaby provides clearer upfront pricing, starting at approximately $2,515 for a comprehensive package. Authors Breeze has a wider cost range ($1,500–$9,000) but lacks transparency, requiring authors to contact them for detailed quotes.
| FEATURE |  |  |
| ⭐ Customer Experience | 4.5-star rating (Trustpilot) | 4.6-star rating (Trustpilot) |
| 💸 Affordability | Pricing starts at $2,515 | Costs range from $1,500–$9,000 |
| 💰Royalties | 100% royalties (minus platform fees) | 70–100% royalties, depending on the platform |
| ⏳Production Speed | 4-8 weeks | A few weeks to a few months |
| 🏢 Marketing Services | Metadata optimization, ads, and promotional bundles available | Limited to basic social media promotion and marketing guidance |
| 🌎 Distribution | Global distribution to 50+ channels, including niche platforms | Global digital distribution; limited physical bookstore placements |
| 🧑💻 Support | Responsive and supportive customer service | Mixed feedback; concerns about unresponsiveness |
| 📚Formats | Print, eBook, and POD formats available | Print, eBook, and audiobook formats available |
| 💎 Transparency | Clear pricing and service details are provided upfront | Limited pricing transparency; requires contacting the company for quotes |
Overview of Book Baby
Founded in 2011, BookBaby is a leading self-publishing company that caters to independent authors seeking a professional, flexible, and customizable publishing experience. Known for its modular approach, BookBaby allows authors to build their publishing plans by selecting individual services based on their unique needs and goals. Whether it’s professional cover design, editing, formatting, or print-on-demand (POD) services, BookBaby offers a comprehensive array of options to support authors at every stage of the publishing process.
One of BookBaby’s standout features is its in-house printing capabilities, which ensure high-quality production for hardcover and softcover books. Paired with a robust distribution network that includes over 50 channels, such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart, BookBaby makes it easy for authors to reach a global audience. The company also excels in offering 100% royalty retention (minus distribution fees), allowing authors to maximize their earnings.
However, BookBaby’s lack of predefined publishing packages may overwhelm authors who prefer all-in-one solutions. Additionally, while the modular pricing model provides flexibility, some authors have noted that it can feel confusing or time-consuming to estimate total costs upfront.
BookBaby is best suited for authors who value creative control, professional production quality, and wide-reaching distribution, but it may not be ideal for those seeking ghostwriting services or full-service marketing campaigns.
Key Features
BookBaby offers a wide range of self-publishing services designed to meet the needs of independent authors at every stage of their publishing journey. With customizable options, in-house printing, and a global distribution network, BookBaby empowers authors to bring their creative visions to life.
Key Features of BookBaby Include:
- Flexible Publishing Options
- In-House Printing
- Global Distribution
- 100% Royalties
- Professional Cover Design
- Interior Formatting
- Print-On-Demand (POD)
- Editing Services
- Marketing Support
- Support Team
- Customizable Pricing
Does Not Offer:
- Comprehensive Marketing Campaigns
- Physical Bookstore Placement
- Predefined Publishing Packages
- Audiobook Production
Overview of Authors Breeze
Authors Breeze is a self-publishing company that specializes in providing end-to-end support for authors, including ghostwriting, editing, formatting, and publishing assistance. Known for its comprehensive services, Authors Breeze caters to both first-time writers and seasoned authors looking for professional guidance to bring their manuscripts to life. The company’s ability to provide tailored solutions, including manuscript development through ghostwriting, makes it a standout choice for authors who need more hands-on support.
Authors Breeze is particularly praised for its fast turnaround times, allowing authors to publish their books quickly. It also offers global digital and print-on-demand (POD) distribution, ensuring that authors’ works can reach a wide audience across multiple formats. Customer service is another highlight, with many authors commending the team for their responsiveness and support during the publishing process.
However, there are areas where Authors Breeze falls short. The company lacks transparency in its pricing, often requiring direct inquiries to obtain detailed cost estimates. Additionally, physical distribution options are limited, and in-person consultations are not available. Authors Breeze also does not offer comprehensive marketing services, such as PR campaigns or promotional strategies.
Best suited for authors needing personalized support or ghostwriting services, Authors Breeze is a strong option, though it may not appeal to those seeking extensive marketing or physical bookstore distribution.
Key Features
Authors Breeze provides a full suite of self-publishing services designed to guide authors through every stage of the publishing process. From ghostwriting to global distribution, the company offers personalized solutions for authors seeking professional support.
Key Features of Authors Breeze Include:
- Ghostwriting Services
- Editing and Proofreading
- Interior Formatting
- Custom Cover Design
- Publishing Support
- Print-On-Demand (POD)
- Global Digital Distribution
- Fast Turnaround Times
- Customer Support
- Flexible Pricing Options
Does Not Offer:
- Ease of Physical Bookstore Placement Access
- Comprehensive Marketing Campaigns
- Developmental Editing
- Transparent Pricing
Affordability
When it comes to affordability, BookBaby and Authors Breeze take different approaches to pricing, catering to varying author needs and budgets.
BookBaby operates on a modular pricing model, allowing authors to select and pay only for the services they require. For example, a typical publishing project, including professional cover design, formatting, Print-On-Demand (POD), metadata optimization, and distribution, costs approximately $2,515 for a 50,000-word book. While this flexibility ensures authors aren’t paying for unnecessary services, it can make pricing feel complex and less transparent, as authors need to estimate costs by selecting individual components.
Authors Breeze, on the other hand, offers flexible pricing packages but lacks clear upfront cost details, requiring authors to contact them for quotes. Editing services start at $1,000, and the total cost of publishing ranges from $1,500 to $9,000, depending on the services selected. While Authors Breeze provides lower entry-level pricing for simpler projects, opting for premium services like ghostwriting or comprehensive editing can make it significantly more expensive than BookBaby.
BookBaby stands out as the more predictable option, with clearer pricing for professional publishing essentials. However, Authors Breeze may appeal to authors on a tighter budget seeking basic services, though costs can escalate quickly with added features.
Publishing Timelines
The publishing timeline is an essential factor for authors eager to see their books in print, and BookBaby and Authors Breeze differ in their speed and approach.
BookBaby typically completes most projects within 4 to 8 weeks, making it one of the faster options among self-publishing companies. This timeline includes services such as formatting, cover design, and Print-On-Demand (POD) production. Projects involving custom design or additional revisions may take slightly longer, but BookBaby’s structured process ensures a relatively short turnaround for most authors.
Authors Breeze, on the other hand, has a more variable timeline, ranging from just a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the project. Simpler services like proofreading or formatting can be completed quickly, but projects requiring ghostwriting, developmental editing, or extensive revisions naturally take longer. While this flexibility allows Authors Breeze to accommodate complex projects, it may not suit authors seeking a faster release.
BookBaby offers a more consistent and predictable publishing timeline, generally completing projects faster than Authors Breeze. However, Authors Breeze excels in delivering personalized services for complex manuscripts, which might justify the extended timelines for some authors. Authors with tight deadlines may find BookBaby more appealing, while those prioritizing comprehensive support might prefer Authors Breeze despite the potential delays.
Royalties
The royalty structure is a critical factor for authors looking to maximize earnings from their book sales. BookBaby and Authors Breeze differ significantly in their royalty offerings, payout processes, and transparency.
BookBaby offers authors 100% royalty retention on net earnings, minus any applicable distribution fees. This means authors keep the entirety of their earnings from book sales, making it an attractive option for those prioritizing revenue. Royalties are paid out on demand, allowing authors to withdraw funds whenever they choose, without minimum thresholds. This flexibility, combined with clear royalty terms, provides authors with complete control over their earnings.
Authors Breeze provides a royalty range of 70% to 100%, depending on the distribution platform. While 100% royalties are offered in some cases, the lower end of the spectrum makes Authors Breeze less competitive than BookBaby for maximizing profit. Additionally, Authors Breeze’s payout structure is less transparent, and the details regarding withdrawal processes or thresholds are not readily available.
BookBaby is the clear winner in this category, offering 100% royalty retention, simple payout processes, and full transparency. Authors Breeze, while offering flexibility, may not be as advantageous for authors who prioritize maximizing their earnings and ensuring an easy, hassle-free payout experience.
Marketing Services
Marketing is one of the most challenging aspects of self-publishing, and both BookBaby and Authors Breeze offer services to support authors, though their approaches differ in scope and effectiveness.
BookBaby provides a range of marketing services to enhance book discoverability and promote sales. These include metadata optimization ($149) to improve search rankings, social media ad campaigns, and a Book Promotion Bundle ($399), which features placement as a “New Release” on the BookBaby Bookshop, email marketing to 150,000+ readers, and social media promotion. While not exhaustive, these options help authors reach wider audiences, though authors must pay for these services separately—they are not included in BookBaby’s core publishing packages. For authors seeking guidance, BookBaby’s services are well-suited for basic promotion but may fall short for those requiring advanced campaigns, such as PR strategies or book tours.
Authors Breeze offers limited marketing support. Their services primarily include basic social media promotion and general marketing advice. While this can be useful for authors on a tight budget, the lack of comprehensive marketing packages—such as PR campaigns, ad management, or promotional events—means authors will need to handle significant aspects of their marketing independently. Pricing for these services is not clearly outlined, adding to the challenge of planning a promotional budget.
BookBaby offers more structured and impactful marketing options, making it easier for authors to increase their book’s visibility. While still limited compared to traditional publishers or specialized marketing firms, it provides a solid starting point for independent authors. Authors Breeze, with its minimal and undefined marketing services, is less equipped to ease the burden of book promotion, leaving much of the effort to the author. For those seeking stronger marketing support, BookBaby is the better choice.
Print-On-Demand (POD) & Distribution
Print-on-demand (POD) and distribution services are essential for self-published authors to reach their readers while minimizing upfront costs. Both BookBaby and Authors Breeze offer these services, but their features, scope, and costs vary.
BookBaby stands out with its robust POD and distribution network, offering access to over 50 distribution channels, including major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and niche platforms. Authors can choose between digital and print distribution or both, and POD ensures that books are printed only when ordered, reducing the need for a large inventory. This service is part of BookBaby’s customizable pricing model, where authors can include it in their package. For printed books, BookBaby handles production in-house, guaranteeing high-quality hardcover and softcover editions. Their extensive distribution network is a key strength, making BookBaby a solid choice for authors aiming for global reach.
Authors Breeze also provides POD services, ensuring books are printed as orders are placed. Their distribution focuses on global digital platforms, including eBooks and audiobooks, with some reach into print formats. However, their physical distribution options are more limited compared to BookBaby, and they do not guarantee placement in physical bookstores. Distribution services are typically offered as add-ons, and detailed costs are not transparent, which may make planning more difficult for authors.
BookBaby clearly leads in this category with its extensive distribution network and professional in-house POD services. It excels as a publishing and distribution service, offering authors flexibility and reach across multiple formats and platforms. Authors Breeze, while effective for digital distribution, lags behind in physical book distribution and does not provide the same level of transparency or comprehensiveness. Authors seeking wide distribution and reliable POD should consider BookBaby for its streamlined and expansive offerings.
Support Services
The level of support offered by a self-publishing company can greatly influence an author’s experience, particularly for those new to the publishing process. Both BookBaby and Authors Breeze provide support services, but the nature and reliability of that support differ.
BookBaby prides itself on its responsive and helpful publishing specialists, who are available to guide authors through every stage of the publishing process. Authors have access to a dedicated support team that assists with everything from manuscript submission to distribution, ensuring a smooth and professional publishing journey. This level of personalized support is especially beneficial for first-time authors navigating the complexities of self-publishing. Additionally, BookBaby offers a user-friendly platform with clear instructions for uploading and managing projects, further simplifying the process.
Authors Breeze, while offering assistance to authors, has a more inconsistent reputation regarding customer support. Some authors praise the company for its supportive and responsive staff, especially during the initial stages of their projects. However, there are frequent complaints about poor communication, delays in responses, and challenges in resolving issues like refunds or project revisions. Unlike BookBaby, Authors Breeze does not appear to assign dedicated publishing managers, leaving some authors feeling less guided throughout the process.
BookBaby provides a more structured and reliable support system, ensuring authors are never left to navigate the publishing journey alone. On the other hand, while Authors Breeze offers helpful staff, the inconsistent communication and lack of a clear, dedicated support framework make it less dependable. Authors looking for hands-on, dependable support will find BookBaby to be the stronger option.
Customer Experiences & Reviews
Customer feedback provides valuable insight into the reliability and quality of self-publishing companies. Both BookBaby and Authors Breeze have garnered reviews that highlight their strengths and areas for improvement, but their reputations differ in terms of consistency and transparency.
BookBaby maintains a strong reputation, reflected in its 4.5-star rating on Trustpilot. Many authors praise BookBaby for its professional services, user-friendly platform, and reliable support team. The clear and transparent pricing model is another highlight, making it easier for authors to navigate their self-publishing journey. Some negative reviews mention confusion with pricing and occasional delays, but these are relatively rare compared to the overall positive feedback. On Google Reviews, BookBaby also scores well, with authors frequently mentioning the quality of their printed books and distribution services.
Authors Breeze, in contrast, has a more mixed reputation, with concerns raised about customer experience. While some authors appreciate the quality of their ghostwriting and editing services, frequent complaints about poor communication, delays, and difficulties with refunds tarnish their reputation. Additionally, concerns about the authenticity of certain reviews on platforms like Sitejabber have caused skepticism among potential clients. Trustpilot ratings for Authors Breeze are not widely available, making it harder to gauge overall sentiment, though, from the reviews that they do have, they score a decent 4.6-star rating on Trustpilot. Their Google Reviews score is lower, reflecting dissatisfaction among some authors.
BookBaby stands out for its consistently high ratings, transparent processes, and positive author experiences. Authors Breeze struggles with mixed reviews and communication challenges, making it less reliable for authors seeking a seamless publishing process. Authors prioritizing professionalism and peace of mind are more likely to find satisfaction with BookBaby.
BookBaby vs. Authors Breeze
Choosing between BookBaby and Authors Breeze depends on your specific needs, goals, and budget as an author. While both companies offer valuable self-publishing services, their focus areas and strengths cater to different types of writers.
- If You’re a First-Time Author: BookBaby is the better choice for first-time authors seeking clear guidance and support. With dedicated publishing specialists, transparent pricing, and a user-friendly platform, BookBaby provides a straightforward and reliable path for beginners. In contrast, Authors Breeze’s communication issues and lack of transparency may create challenges for those new to publishing.
- If You Need Comprehensive Marketing Services: Neither company offers extensive marketing campaigns, but BookBaby provides more structured options like metadata optimization and promotional bundles, making it the stronger choice for marketing. Authors Breeze’s marketing services are minimal, and limited to basic social media promotion.
- If You’re on a Tight Budget: Authors Breeze can offer lower entry-level pricing, making it more suitable for authors looking for basic services. However, costs can escalate quickly with added features like ghostwriting or editing, making BookBaby’s modular pricing model potentially more predictable.
- If You Want Maximum Royalties: BookBaby is the clear winner with 100% royalty retention, while Authors Breeze offers 70–100% royalties depending on the platform.
In summary, BookBaby is ideal for authors who value professionalism, transparency, and robust support, while Authors Breeze caters to those needing hands-on services like ghostwriting or editing, though with some caveats regarding communication and pricing transparency. Evaluate your publishing priorities to determine which company best aligns with your needs because, at the end of the day, that’s what matters most!
For an even more in-depth look at BookBaby and Authors Breeze, click their names to explore detailed reviews right here on Top10publishers. Discover comprehensive insights and access valuable information to help you make an informed decision.
For further details, visit their official websites.