- Jane Murphy
- 0 min read
Authors Breeze vs. BookBaby
Table of Contents
In today’s rapidly evolving publishing landscape, self-publishing has emerged as a powerful option for authors who wish to maintain control over their work and reach readers more quickly. With a multitude of self-publishing services available, it can be challenging to choose the right partner to guide you through the process. In this article, we’ll conduct an in-depth comparison between two prominent self-publishing companies: Authors Breeze and BookBaby.
Both companies offer a wide array of services designed to support authors, from editing and formatting to distribution and marketing. However, they differ significantly in their approach, pricing structures, and customer experiences. Our goal is to provide a clear breakdown of what each company offers so you can make an informed decision on which service best aligns with your publishing needs and goals.
Key Differences – Authors Breeze and BookBaby
1. Service Scope & Specialization: Authors Breeze is best known for its ghostwriting and editing services, making it ideal for authors who need extensive help developing their manuscripts. In contrast, BookBaby does not offer ghostwriting but excels in printing and comprehensive distribution, leveraging over 60 channels to get books into both online and physical retail spaces.
2. Pricing & Included Services: While Authors Breeze focuses on affordable, customizable packages, many essential services like editing and marketing are already integrated. On the other hand, BookBaby’s tiered packages can become expensive as they exclude necessary services like editing and marketing, which must be purchased separately—potentially driving up the total cost for authors.
3. Royalty Retention & Distribution Fees: BookBaby allows authors to retain 100% of their royalties, offering flexibility in withdrawing earnings with no minimum thresholds. Authors Breez, meanwhile, offers a royalty structure where authors keep 70% to 100% of their royalties, depending on the distribution platform used, but may involve additional fees based on sales channels.
| FEATURE |  |  |
| ⭐ Customer Experience | 3.0 stars | 4.5 stars |
| 💸 Affordability | Packages starting from $799 | Packages starting from $1,090 |
| 💰Royalties | 70% – 100% | 100% |
| ⏳Production Speed | 4- 12 weeks based on complexity | 8+ weeks, often longer based on complexity |
| 🏢 Marketing Services | Limited; basic support only | Available only in the Deluxe package |
| 🌎 Distribution | Global digital distribution | 60+ channels, including major retailers |
| 🧑💻 Support | Mixed reviews on responsiveness | Dedicated publishing specialists, but some delays reported |
| 📚Formats | Ebook and print-on-demand | Ebook, print-on-demand, and in-house printing |
| 💎 Transparency | Issues with refund policies reported | Generally transparent but costly services |
Overview of Authors Breeze
Authors Breeze is a comprehensive self-publishing service designed to assist authors at every stage of their literary journey. Based in Los Angeles, California, the company focuses on providing tailored support for both aspiring and experienced writers, making it an attractive choice for authors who need hands-on assistance. Known for its diverse range of services, Authors Breeze excels in ghostwriting, editing, manuscript polishing, formatting, and cover design. This makes it a one-stop solution for authors looking to transform their ideas into professionally crafted books.
Where Authors Breeze stands out is its affordable and customizable packages, allowing authors to choose only the services they need, which is particularly beneficial for those working with tighter budgets. Additionally, its fast publishing timelines appeal to writers eager to see their books in print quickly.
However, the company has some limitations. It does not offer extensive marketing services or in-person consultations, and there are limitations in physical book distribution—mostly focusing on digital platforms. Authors Breeze also lacks audiobook production and traditional publishing support, which could be a drawback for those looking for a broader reach. Furthermore, some customers have reported issues with communication delays and refund difficulties, which may be a consideration for authors seeking consistent support.
Key Features of Authors Breeze
- Comprehensive Publishing Services: Offers ghostwriting, editing, formatting, cover design, and publishing support.
- Customizable Packages: Flexible service options tailored to fit different author needs and budgets.
- Fast Turnaround Times: Quick processing, often completing projects within 4-12 weeks depending on complexity.
- Global Distribution: Provides ebook and print-on-demand distribution to reach a worldwide audience.
- Supportive Customer Service: Dedicated team to assist authors through various stages of the publishing process.
- High-Quality Editing: Renowned for improving manuscript quality with professional editing and proofreading services.
- No In-Person Consultations: All communication is conducted remotely via email or phone.
- Royalties: Authors retain 70% to 100% of royalties, depending on distribution channels.
- Self-Publishing Focus: Does not offer traditional publishing or extensive marketing campaigns.
- Limited Physical Bookstore Reach: Primarily focused on digital platforms with restricted access to physical retail distribution.
Does Not Offer
- Extensive Marketing Services: Limited to basic marketing guidance; lacks robust promotional campaigns, PR support, or book tour arrangements.
- Audiobook Production: No dedicated services for converting manuscripts into audiobooks.
- Physical Bookstore Distribution: Limited physical distribution channels; mainly focus on online platforms for ebook and print-on-demand sales.
- Specialized Editing: No detailed packages for developmental editing or manuscript critiques.
- Copyright Protection: Authors are responsible for securing their own copyrights; not included in standard packages.
Overview of BookBaby
BookBaby is a well-established self-publishing company that has been supporting independent authors since 2011. Known for its comprehensive, all-in-one publishing solutions, BookBaby caters to authors who seek professional guidance across every step of the publishing process. The company excels in ebook and print book production, offering extensive in-house printing services and access to over 60 distribution channels, including major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million. This makes it a top choice for authors aiming to reach both digital and physical markets.
A significant advantage of working with BookBaby is its 100% royalty retention, allowing authors to keep all of their net earnings. Additionally, each author is assigned a dedicated publishing specialist to guide them through the process, which is ideal for those who value personal support.
However, BookBaby’s packages can be expensive, especially since essential services like editing and marketing are not included in the base packages. Authors often face high additional costs if they require professional editing, which is priced separately. Furthermore, while the company offers marketing services, these are only available in their higher-tier packages. BookBaby also does not offer ghostwriting or traditional publishing support, focusing solely on self-publishing solutions.
Key Features of BookBaby
- Comprehensive Publishing Packages: Offers tiered packages with services for manuscript preparation, book formatting, and cover design.
- 100% Royalties: Authors retain all net earnings from their book sales, providing full financial control.
- Extensive Distribution Network: Access to over 60 distribution channels, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart.
- In-House Printing: High-quality print-on-demand services and bulk printing capabilities.
- Dedicated Publishing Specialists: Personal support is provided throughout the publishing process.
- Professional Editing Services: Offers proofreading, copy editing, and line editing at additional costs.
- Marketing Support: Includes social media advertising and metadata optimization in higher-tier packages.
- Flexible Royalty Payouts: Authors can withdraw royalties at any time with no minimum threshold.
- User-Friendly Platform: Easy-to-use online dashboard for managing manuscripts, orders, and sales reports.
- Niche Distribution Options: Ability to distribute to specialized platforms targeting specific audiences.
Does Not Offer
- Ghostwriting Services: Does not provide ghostwriting assistance for authors needing help with manuscript creation.
- Included Editing in Packages: Editing and proofreading services are not included in standard packages; they must be purchased separately at high costs.
- Comprehensive Marketing in Basic Packages: Marketing services are only available in the highest-tier package (Deluxe) and are not included in more affordable options.
- Flexible Printing Options for Large Quantities: Printing large volumes of books can become costly due to limited print runs included in packages.
Comparing Affordability
When comparing affordability, Authors Breeze is generally more budget-friendly, offering customizable packages starting at around $799 that include essential services like editing and formatting. This flexibility allows authors to pay only for what they need, making it ideal for those on tighter budgets. In contrast, BookBaby’s pricing starts at $1,090 for its basic package and goes up to $2,890 for its Deluxe package, which includes some marketing support. However, crucial services like editing are not included in any of their standard packages and must be purchased separately, often adding thousands of dollars to the final cost. As a result, while BookBaby offers a more comprehensive range of services, Authors Breeze stands out as the more affordable option for authors seeking cost-effective publishing support.
Publishing Timelines
Authors Breeze is known for its quick turnaround, often completing projects within 4 to 12 weeks depending on the complexity of the manuscript and services required. This speed appeals to authors who are eager to get their books to market quickly. On the other hand, BookBaby typically takes around 8 weeks to publish, but the process can extend further, especially for more complex projects or if additional services like editing are needed. While BookBaby offers a more structured approach with dedicated support, the timeline can be delayed due to the additional steps involved in their comprehensive publishing packages. Thus, Authors Breeze is generally faster, making it a better fit for authors prioritizing a quicker publishing process.
Royalties
When comparing royalties, Authors Breeze allows authors to keep 70% to 100% of their earnings, depending on the distribution channels, with payments typically made on a quarterly or biannual basis. In contrast, BookBaby offers authors 100% of their net royalties, retaining no portion beyond distribution fees, and stands out for its flexible payout system that lets authors withdraw their earnings at any time with no minimum threshold. This makes BookBaby ideal for those who want quick access to their funds, while Authors Breeze, though still offering generous royalties, may involve additional platform fees and less frequent payouts.
Marketing Services
Both Authors Breeze and BookBaby offer marketing services, but their approaches and inclusivity in packages vary significantly.
Authors Breeze provides only basic marketing support, such as guidance on promoting books and optimizing online presence. However, these services are limited and not comprehensive enough for authors looking to launch large-scale marketing campaigns. Additionally, marketing services are not included in their standard packages and typically require additional fees, making it less ideal for authors who need more robust promotional support.
BookBaby, in contrast, offers more structured marketing options, but only in its higher-tier Deluxe package ($2,890). This includes services like social media ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, along with metadata optimization to enhance book discoverability. However, the costs for additional, extensive campaigns can be high, and these efforts do not guarantee increased book sales. For authors with lower-tier packages (Express or Complete), marketing services must be purchased separately, which can significantly increase overall expenses.
In Summary , While both companies offer some level of marketing assistance, BookBaby’s services are more comprehensive, though costly. Authors Breeze’s marketing support is more limited, making it less helpful for those who need significant promotional assistance to boost visibility.
POD & Distribution
Both Authors Breeze and BookBaby offer Print-On-Demand (POD) and distribution services, but their scope and inclusivity differ.
Authors Breeze provides POD services and global digital distribution, enabling authors to reach a wide audience through various online platforms. However, their physical distribution capabilities are more limited, with a focus primarily on ebooks and POD sales through major online retailers. Distribution is included in their standard packages, but it’s primarily centered on digital formats rather than extensive physical bookstore placements. While Authors Breeze supports authors with self-publishing services, distribution is not necessarily their primary strength, as their main focus is on content creation (like ghostwriting and editing).
BookBaby, on the other hand, excels in distribution and POD services, offering access to over 60 distribution channels including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart. Their in-house printing allows authors to print physical books on demand, reducing the need for large upfront inventory. POD and distribution are included in all BookBaby packages, making it a strong option for authors looking to sell physical books alongside ebooks. Additionally, BookBaby supports both ebook and print distribution, helping authors maximize their reach across multiple formats. However, physical bookstore placement can still be challenging without additional marketing efforts.
In Summary, While Authors Breeze focuses more on digital distribution with some POD options, BookBaby stands out for its robust, all-encompassing distribution network and in-house printing services, making it ideal for authors who want their books available both digitally and in physical formats.
Support Services
Both Authors Breeze and BookBaby offer varying levels of support to authors throughout the publishing process, but their approaches differ in terms of comprehensiveness and personalization.
Authors Breeze provides authors with basic customer support via email or phone, assisting with questions related to their publishing packages and project status. However, some authors have reported delays in communication, which can be frustrating, especially during critical stages of publishing. Authors Breeze does not assign dedicated project managers, meaning authors may need to be more proactive in managing their projects and ensuring timelines are met.
BookBaby offers a more hands-on approach with dedicated publishing specialists assigned to each project. These specialists guide authors through each step, from manuscript submission to final distribution, providing personalized assistance. For more complex projects, authors may also receive support from a production manager to handle specific details, which can be a huge relief for first-time authors. This level of support helps streamline the process and ensures that authors are not left to navigate the complexities of self-publishing on their own.
In Summary, BookBaby stands out for its dedicated support structure, making it ideal for authors who want a more guided experience. Authors Breeze offers standard customer service but lacks the one-on-one support of a publishing manager, which might require authors to be more self-sufficient during the process.
Customer Experience and Reviews
Authors Breeze receives mixed reviews across platforms, with ratings averaging around 3.0 out of 5 stars. Customers often praise the quality of editing and ghostwriting services, noting significant improvements in their manuscripts. However, there are frequent complaints about poor communication, with some authors reporting long delays in responses and difficulties obtaining refunds, despite the company’s stated money-back guarantee. Additionally, some users have expressed concerns about the authenticity of positive reviews on certain platforms.
BookBaby, in contrast, enjoys a stronger reputation, holding a 4.5 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot. Many authors appreciate the comprehensive services, easy-to-use platform, and support from dedicated publishing specialists. Positive reviews highlight the company’s extensive distribution network and professional printing quality. However, some authors have raised concerns about the high cost of add-on services (like editing and marketing) and occasional delays in project timelines. Despite these critiques, BookBaby generally maintains a more favorable customer experience, especially among those who value hands-on support.
In Summary Authors Breeze faces challenges with communication and refund issues, affecting customer satisfaction.BookBaby is better rated for its user-friendly experience and support, although its pricing can be a drawback for budget-conscious authors.
Authors Breeze vs. BookBaby: Which is Right for You?
Both Authors Breeze and BookBaby offer valuable self-publishing services, but each caters to different author needs. If you’re a first-time author seeking affordable, hands-on assistance with services like ghostwriting, editing, and quick publishing timelines, then Authors Breeze may be the better option. The company’s customizable packages allow you to select only the services you need, which can help keep costs manageable. It’s a good fit for authors who want a budget-friendly, flexible solution to get their books to market quickly.
On the other hand, BookBaby is a strong choice if you’re an author looking for a more extensive distribution network, professional in-house printing, and the ability to retain 100% of your royalties. BookBaby is particularly suited for authors who prefer a guided experience, as they assign dedicated publishing specialists to each project. This makes it ideal if you want more hands-on support through every step of the publishing process, from manuscript submission to final distribution.
For those focused on marketing and promotion, BookBaby again has the edge with more comprehensive marketing services, though these are primarily included in their higher-tier packages. In contrast, Authors Breeze offers only limited marketing support, which may not be sufficient if you’re looking to run a full-scale promotional campaign.
Ultimately, the best option will depend on your specific needs. If affordability and flexibility are your priorities, Authors Breeze is the way to go. However, if you value extensive distribution, marketing support, and full royalty control, BookBaby is better suited to meet those goals.
For a more in-depth review, read our detailed reviews on BookBaby and Authors Breeze by clicking on the company, or visit their official websites for further details.