Jane Murphy
November 14, 2024
0 min read

Atmosphere Press vs. Amazon KDP

In today’s ever-evolving publishing landscape, authors have a variety of options when it comes to bringing their books to life. From traditional publishers to hybrid and self-publishing platforms, the decision on which path to take can be overwhelming. In this article, we dive into a detailed comparison of Atmosphere Press and Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)—two popular yet distinct options for authors looking to publish their work.

Atmosphere Press, a hybrid publisher, offers a blend of professional support and creative control, while Amazon KDP, the world’s leading self-publishing platform, empowers authors to publish independently at no upfront cost. By examining these companies across key categories such as services, pricing, royalties, publishing timelines, and marketing support, we aim to help you determine which option is best suited for your publishing needs. Whether you’re an established author or just starting out, this comparison will guide you in making an informed decision.

Key Differences Between Atmosphere Press and Amazon KDP

1. Publishing Model & Costs: Atmosphere Press operates as a hybrid publisher, requiring authors to pay upfront for their services, with packages typically costing up to $5,000. In return, authors receive hands-on support with editing, design, and project management. In contrast, Amazon KDP follows a full self-publishing model where authors can publish for free. While KDP has no upfront costs, authors are responsible for sourcing their own editing, design, and marketing services, which can add to the overall expenses.

2. Level of Support: Atmosphere Press offers a high-touch, personalized approach by assigning dedicated project managers to assist authors through every step of the publishing process. This includes developmental editing, cover design, and promotional strategies. On the other hand, Amazon KDP is a DIY platform, providing limited support with no dedicated managers or in-house editorial services. Authors using KDP rely on community forums and self-help resources to navigate the process.

3. Royalty Structure & Distribution: Atmosphere Press allows authors to keep 90% of their royalties, with the company taking a modest 10% cut. Additionally, they handle global print-on-demand distribution through multiple channels. In contrast, Amazon KDP offers up to 70% royalties for eBooks (based on pricing criteria) and 60% for paperbacks sold on Amazon, dropping to 40% if expanded distribution is used. KDP leverages Amazon’s extensive global network, but authors must manage marketing efforts independently to maximize visibility.

Overview of Atmosphere Press

Atmosphere Press is a hybrid publishing company based in Austin, Texas, known for its author-centric approach and transparent publishing model. Founded in 2015 by Dr. Nick Courtright, the company aims to bridge the gap between traditional and self-publishing by offering professional support while allowing authors to retain creative control and the rights to their work. Atmosphere Press is particularly appealing to writers who want the benefits of traditional publishing—like developmental editing, custom cover design, and project management—without sacrificing ownership or royalties. Authors keep 90% of their royalties, with Atmosphere Press taking only a 10% cut.

The company is selective in its acceptance process, ensuring manuscripts meet a certain quality standard before moving forward. Their services range from editorial coaching to audiobook production, positioning them as a strong option for authors looking for a more collaborative publishing experience.

Top rated publishers:

9.5

8.1

7.6

However, Atmosphere Press does not cover the upfront costs of publishing, with packages costing up to $5,000, which may be prohibitive for some. Additionally, while they offer paid marketing services as add-ons, their standard packages lack comprehensive promotional support. This makes Atmosphere Press best suited for authors who are willing to invest in their publishing journey but still want professional guidance and support along the way.

Key Features of Atmosphere Press

Hybrid Publishing Model: Authors retain creative control and 90% of royalties while receiving professional publishing support.
Comprehensive Services: Offers developmental editing, copy editing, custom cover design, manuscript review, and audiobook production.
Dedicated Project Managers: Each author is assigned a project manager for personalized guidance throughout the publishing process.
Flexible Packages: Services are tailored based on collaborative conversations, with options ranging from full publication packages to individual services.
Print-on-Demand (POD) Distribution: Global distribution through print-on-demand, reducing warehousing costs and expanding reach to online retailers.
Custom Author Websites: Provides website design services to help authors establish an online presence.
Optional Marketing Add-Ons: Paid marketing services like the “Book Boost” package for targeted advertising, social media campaigns, and book reviews.
Author-Focused Approach: Emphasizes transparency, ethical practices, and selective manuscript acceptance to maintain quality.
Support for Various Formats: Publishes print books, eBooks, and audiobooks.
No Advances or Full-Service Marketing: Requires upfront payment for services and does not include comprehensive marketing in basic packages.

Atmosphere Press: What They Do Not Offer

No Upfront Funding: Requires authors to pay for publishing services, with no advances provided.
No Guaranteed Bookstore Placement: While they offer global distribution, they do not guarantee placement in physical bookstores.
No Full-Service Marketing in Basic Packages: Comprehensive marketing support is only available as paid add-ons; standard packages include limited promotion.
No Warehousing: Utilizes a print-on-demand model, which means no bulk printing or warehousing of physical books.
No Literary Agent Services: Does not assist with securing literary agents or traditional publishing contracts.
No Rights Control: Authors retain 100% rights, but Atmosphere Press does not handle rights management for foreign translations or film adaptations.
No Personalized Support for DIY Authors: Not ideal for authors who prefer a hands-off approach or need minimal support.
No Advances on Royalties: Authors receive earnings only after book sales, with no upfront royalty payments.

Overview of Amazon KDP

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a leading self-publishing platform that has revolutionized the industry by allowing authors to publish eBooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers directly on Amazon’s marketplace at no upfront cost. Launched in 2007, KDP is particularly known for its accessibility and ease of use, making it an attractive option for independent authors who want to retain full control over their work. With KDP, authors can reach a global audience through Amazon’s extensive distribution network, and benefit from royalty rates of up to 70% for eBooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99.

The platform excels in offering a fast, streamlined publishing process, often taking just 3 to 10 business days to get a book live. It’s ideal for tech-savvy authors comfortable with a do-it-yourself approach, as it provides tools to upload, format, and distribute books efficiently.

However, KDP lacks key publishing support services such as professional editing, cover design, and marketing, which must be sourced externally. The platform also does not provide dedicated customer support, relying instead on community forums for assistance. Authors new to self-publishing may find the lack of hands-on guidance challenging, especially when managing marketing campaigns and optimizing book visibility. Overall, KDP is best suited for experienced self-publishers looking for cost-effective, rapid access to the market.

Key Features of Amazon KDP

No Upfront Costs: Free to publish eBooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers; Amazon takes a share of royalties instead.
High Royalties for eBooks: Offers up to 70% royalty rate for eBooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99.
Global Reach: Books are distributed worldwide through Amazon’s extensive marketplace, reaching millions of readers.
Print-on-Demand (POD): Uses a print-on-demand model to eliminate warehousing costs and reduce waste.
Fast Publishing Timeline: Books can be published within 3 to 10 business days, with eBooks often live in as little as 72 hours.
Flexible Pricing Control: Authors set their own prices and can adjust them at any time.
Promotional Tools: Includes Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions to boost sales and visibility.
Earnings Dashboard: Provides real-time sales data and monthly royalty reports through the KDP dashboard.
Formats Supported: Publishes eBooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers; no support for spiral-bound or other specialized formats.
Full Rights Retention: Authors maintain 100% ownership of their content, with no rights taken by Amazon.

Amazon KDP: What They Do Not Offer

No Professional Editing Services: Authors must secure their own editing, proofreading, and manuscript review services.
No Cover Design Assistance: The built-in cover creator tool is basic; professional design services must be sourced externally.
No Full-Service Marketing Support: Offers limited in-platform promotional tools, but no comprehensive marketing packages or managed ad campaigns.
No Dedicated Customer Support: Relies on community forums and help articles instead of personalized assistance.
No Advances or Upfront Payments: Authors earn royalties only after books are sold, with no advance payments.
No Guaranteed Bookstore Placement: Books are primarily sold on Amazon; expanded distribution to non-Amazon retailers is limited and not guaranteed.
No Audiobook Production: Authors must use separate services (like ACX) for creating and distributing audiobooks.
No Assistance with Literary Rights: Does not offer support for film, translation, or subsidiary rights management.
No Hands-On Project Management: Ideal for DIY authors; no dedicated project managers or personalized publishing guidance.
Limited Format Options: Does not support spiral-bound, magazines, or other specialized print formats.

Comparing Affordability/Costs

When it comes to affordability, Amazon KDP and Atmosphere Press have very different pricing models.

Amazon KDP stands out as the more cost-effective option, as it allows authors to publish eBooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers at no upfront cost. Authors can upload their manuscripts and start selling on Amazon’s marketplace without paying for any publishing services. However, since KDP does not include professional editing, cover design, or marketing services, authors often need to invest in these areas independently, which can increase overall expenses.

In contrast, Atmosphere Press follows a hybrid publishing model where authors pay for comprehensive publishing packages. These packages typically cost up to $5,000, covering services like editing, cover design, and project management. While this upfront investment ensures a polished book with professional support, it may not be feasible for authors on a tight budget. Atmosphere Press does not include full-scale marketing in its base packages, requiring additional costs for promotional services.

Overall, Amazon KDP is more affordable for authors comfortable with a DIY approach, while Atmosphere Press offers a higher-end, hands-on publishing experience for those willing to invest upfront. The choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize cost savings or professional support.

Comparing Publishing Timelines

The publishing timelines for Atmosphere Press and Amazon KDP differ significantly, largely due to their distinct publishing models.

Amazon KDP is known for its quick turnaround times. Once an author uploads their manuscript, eBooks are typically published within 72 hours, while print books take about 5 to 10 business days. This rapid timeline is possible due to KDP’s automated systems and streamlined process, making it ideal for authors looking to get their work to market quickly.

In contrast, Atmosphere Press follows a more traditional, hands-on approach, resulting in a longer timeline. The average publication process takes 4 to 8 months, as it includes developmental editing, cover design, proofreading, and other personalized services. This timeline allows for thorough review and collaboration to ensure a high-quality final product. The extended process is best suited for authors who value professional guidance and are not in a rush to publish.

Overall, Amazon KDP offers faster publishing for authors looking for speed and flexibility, while Atmosphere Press prioritizes quality and support, leading to a longer, more involved process.

Comparing Royalties

Atmosphere Press and Amazon KDP take different approaches to royalties, appealing to authors with varying needs.

Atmosphere Press offers authors a generous 90% royalty rate, allowing them to keep the majority of their earnings while the publisher takes only a 10% cut. However, specific details about their royalty payout schedule are not widely disclosed, so authors may need to confirm this directly with the company to understand when and how they’ll receive payments.

Top rated publishers:

9.5

8.1

7.6

In contrast, Amazon KDP provides two royalty options for eBooks: a 70% rate for books priced between $2.99 and $9.99 and a 35% rate for books priced outside that range. For print books, authors earn 60% royalties on sales made on Amazon, which drops to 40% if using expanded distribution. KDP also deducts printing costs before calculating royalties, which can affect overall earnings.

Regarding payments, KDP is more transparent and efficient, offering monthly payouts about 60 days after the sale, with easy tracking through their dashboard. This makes it simpler for authors to monitor and receive their royalties. Atmosphere Press, while offering a higher royalty percentage, may require more direct communication to track sales and payments.

Comparing Marketing Services

Marketing is often one of the biggest challenges for authors, and Atmosphere Press and Amazon KDP take very different approaches to support in this area.

Atmosphere Press offers a range of marketing services, but they come at an additional cost. Their “Book Boost” packages, which range from $1,000 to $5,000, include services like acquiring book reviews, landing interviews, and targeted advertising. They also provide personalized consultations and social media campaign support. However, these marketing services are not included in their standard publishing packages. Authors must purchase them separately, which can increase overall costs. While Atmosphere Press offers helpful guidance, it still requires authors to invest extra resources for comprehensive marketing efforts.

In contrast, Amazon KDP provides only basic promotional tools, such as Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions for eBooks. These tools can help boost visibility on Amazon, but there’s no hands-on support. Authors are responsible for managing their own advertising campaigns, including setting up Amazon Ads, which requires learning how to navigate the platform effectively. There are no additional fees for using KDP’s built-in promotional tools, but authors often need to budget for paid ads and other external marketing efforts.

Overall, Atmosphere Press provides more personalized marketing assistance, but it comes at a significant cost. Meanwhile, KDP is a more budget-friendly option but requires authors to take on the bulk of the promotional work themselves, which can be daunting for those new to marketing.

Comparing POD & Distribution

Both Atmosphere Press and Amazon KDP offer print-on-demand (POD) and distribution services, but with different levels of reach and included features.

Atmosphere Press uses a POD model to distribute books globally, ensuring authors don’t need to invest in large print runs or manage inventory. Their books are available through major online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, with access to independent bookstores via an international distributor. These distribution services are included in Atmosphere Press’s initial publishing packages, making it easier for authors to reach a broad audience. However, while they facilitate distribution, authors often need to handle their own marketing efforts to maximize visibility and sales.

Amazon KDP, on the other hand, excels as a self-publishing and distribution platform, leveraging Amazon’s massive global marketplace. KDP’s POD service ensures that books are printed only when ordered, eliminating upfront printing costs. Books are automatically available on Amazon’s international sites, and authors can opt for expanded distribution to reach non-Amazon retailers, although this may reduce royalties. KDP’s POD service is entirely free, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious authors. However, the platform’s primary focus is on distribution rather than offering full-service publishing support.

In summary, both platforms include POD and distribution services without additional fees, but Amazon KDP stands out for its extensive reach and cost-effectiveness, while Atmosphere Press offers a more personalized approach with broader bookstore access for authors willing to invest in their publishing journey.

Comparing Support Services

Support services can significantly impact an author’s publishing experience, and Atmosphere Press and Amazon KDP offer very different levels of assistance.

Atmosphere Press provides a hands-on, personalized support model. Each author is assigned a dedicated project manager who guides them through every stage of the publishing process, from editing to final production. This one-on-one support helps authors navigate complex aspects of publishing, ensuring that they have professional assistance along the way. Additionally, they offer editorial coaching, manuscript reviews, and consultations, which can be particularly valuable for first-time authors who need guidance.

In contrast, Amazon KDP follows a do-it-yourself approach with minimal support. While KDP offers a detailed help center and access to community forums where authors can seek advice from fellow users, there are no dedicated project managers or personalized support. Authors are responsible for managing every aspect of the process themselves, from formatting to marketing. This makes KDP best suited for authors who are comfortable handling the technical aspects of publishing on their own.

Ultimately, Atmosphere Press is ideal for authors who prefer more structured support and collaboration, while Amazon KDP is better for independent authors who are confident in navigating the self-publishing journey solo.

Customer Experience & Reviews

Customer experiences for Atmosphere Press and Amazon KDP vary significantly due to their distinct publishing models.

Atmosphere Press generally receives positive feedback for its personalized support and professional services. With a 4.7-star rating on Trustpilot, many authors commend the company for its hands-on guidance, transparency, and collaborative approach. Positive reviews highlight the dedicated project managers and high-quality editing and design services. However, some authors have reported mixed experiences, particularly regarding the effectiveness of marketing services and communication around royalty payments.

On the other hand, Amazon KDP has a much lower customer satisfaction rating, with a 1.4-star rating on Trustpilot. While some authors appreciate the platform’s ease of use, free publishing options, and global reach, many have expressed frustration over the lack of customer support. Complaints often center on difficulties in resolving issues, navigating the platform, and the limited tools available for professional-quality book production. The absence of real-time, personalized assistance can be challenging, especially for first-time authors.

In summary, Atmosphere Press excels in customer support and author experience, making it a better fit for those seeking hands-on help, while Amazon KDP is preferred for its affordability and quick self-publishing capabilities, though at the cost of limited support services.