- Eliza Randall
- 0 min read
BookBaby vs Amazon KDP
Table of Contents
Self-publishing has revolutionized the literary world, allowing authors to independently publish their work without relying on traditional publishing houses. In this article, we will compare two prominent self-publishing services: Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and BookBaby.
KDP is known for its extensive reach and ease of use, while BookBaby is recognized for its comprehensive service packages and robust distribution channels. Our goal is to provide a detailed comparison of KDP and BookBaby to help you decide which platform best suits your publishing needs and budget.
Let’s delve into the details and see how KDP and BookBaby stack up against each other.
Key Differences
- Cost Structure: No upfront fees with Amazon KDP; authors pay for additional services externally. BookBaby offers publishing packages starting at $1090 and additional charges for essential services like editing and marketing.
- Services Offered: Amazon KDP offers basic publishing services such as BookBaby offers comprehensive publishing services; and various packages with different inclusions, such as cover design and marketing.
- Support Levels: Amazon KDP offers no direct customer support. BookBaby has dedicated publishing specialists and production managers.
- Distribution: Amazon KDP offers extensive global reach through Amazon’s marketplace. BookBaby offers distribution to over 60 channels, including major retailers and niche platforms.
- Royalties: Amazon KDP offers 35-70% royalties, while with BookBaby authors retain 100% of royalties
- Marketing: Amazon KDP has limited promotional tools; authors manage their own marketing. BookBaby offers marketing services included in packages.
| FEATURE |  |  |
| ⭐ Customer Experience | 4.5 stars | 1.4 stars |
| 💸 Affordability | Packages starting from $1,090 | Free To Use |
| 💰Royalties | 100% | 35-70% |
| ⏳Production Speed | 8 weeks | 1-3 days |
| 🏢 Marketing Services | Ads for Authors Program | Comprehensive Services |
| 🌎 Distribution | 60+ channels | Distribution on countless Amazon |
| 🧑💻 Support | Publishing Specialists | No Dedicated Support |
| 📚Formats | All Formats (except Audiobooks) | E-Book and POD |
Overview of BookBaby
Founded in 2011, BookBaby has established itself as a leading self-publishing company, dedicated to providing authors with the tools and support needed to publish and distribute their work independently. The mission of BookBaby is to empower writers by offering comprehensive, high-quality publishing services.
BookBaby offers various services, including manuscript preparation, professional editing, book design, formatting, in-house printing, and distribution and marketing options. They are designed to be a one-stop for authors, ensuring that every step of the publishing process is covered.
BookBaby’s packages start at $1,090 for the basic Express package, not including editing services. Many authors find it expensive, particularly as additional services such as editing come at an extra cost.
BookBaby has garnered a high Trustpilot rating of 4.5 stars, reflecting the positive experiences and satisfaction of numerous authors who have used their self-publishing services.
BookBaby – Key Features
- Editing Services
- In-House Printing
- Marketing Services
- 100% Royalties
- Design Services
- Dedicated Support
- Distribution to 60+ companies
Does Not Offer
- Audiobook Services
- Copyright Protection
- Editing Not Included in Basic Packages
Overview of Amazon KDP
Amazon KDP initially focused on digital publishing, but it has since expanded to include print-on-demand services, allowing authors to publish paperback versions of their books within 10 business days.
The platform integrates with Amazon’s vast online marketplace, providing authors with access to a global audience. KDP is popular for its no upfront fees, flexible pricing, and the ability for authors to maintain control over their work.
However, with a Trustpilot rating of 1.4, KDP faces challenges, particularly for first-time authors who may need more support. While KDP is suitable for authors ready to distribute their books independently, it lacks comprehensive publishing services such as editing and marketing support.
Amazon KDP – Key Features
- No Upfront Fees
- Print-on-Demand Services
- Global Distribution via Amazon
- EBook and Print Book Publishing
- Basic Cover Design Tool
Does Not Offer
- Professional Editing Services
- Comprehensive Marketing Services
- Audiobook Services
- Direct Customer Support
Affordability
BookBaby’s Express Package starts at $1,090 and includes 25 softcover books, eBook conversion and distribution, print-on-demand services, and two ISBN barcodes. However, it lacks essential services like book cover design, interior formatting, and editing, which are additional costs. The Complete and Deluxe packages, priced at $2,190 and $2,890 respectively, include some of these features but exclude editing and proofreading, potentially increasing the overall cost by $900-$3,000 for an average-length book.
In contrast, Amazon KDP is free to use. Authors can upload and publish their eBooks and print books without upfront fees, with Amazon taking a share of royalties from sales. However, KDP does not offer bundled service packages. Authors must pay for additional services like cover design and editing separately, which can cost between $100-$500 for cover design and $300-$2,000 for editing services.
While Amazon KDP saves on initial costs, BookBaby’s packages provide a more comprehensive and integrated publishing solution, making it a slightly better option for those seeking bundled services and support.
Publishing Timeline
Publishing with BookBaby typically takes around 8 weeks, though it can be longer depending on the selected services and manuscript readiness. This timeline ensures a thorough process with comprehensive support.
Amazon KDP, however, publishes in just 3 to 10 business days, which is ideal for authors with ready-to-publish books. EBooks are quicker, while print books take slightly longer due to printing and quality checks. KDP’s speed is perfect for those who don’t need additional services like editing or cover design, which must be sourced separately if required.
Royalties
With BookBaby, authors retain 100% of their royalties, allowing them to maximize their earnings from each sale.
In contrast, Amazon KDP offers different royalty rates. For eBooks, authors earn 70% royalties for books priced between $2.99 and $9.99, and 35% for books outside this price range. For print books, the royalty rate is 60% for standard distribution and 40% for expanded distribution.
This tiered system provides flexibility but may result in lower earnings compared to BookBaby, depending on pricing and distribution choices.
Marketing Services
BookBaby offers a range of marketing services, such as Ads for Authors, which manage ads on social media platforms. However, these services are included only in the Deluxe package, making them accessible to authors willing to invest in higher-tier options. This comprehensive marketing support can significantly boost a book’s visibility and sales.
In contrast, Amazon KDP provides limited promotional tools like Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions. These tools require authors to manage their own marketing campaigns, which can be time-consuming and less effective without professional support.
Essentially, KDP’s marketing services are minimal compared to BookBaby, which offers more robust options, albeit in its more expensive packages. This distinction highlights BookBaby’s advantage in providing more substantial marketing assistance for authors looking to enhance their book’s reach.
Distribution Services
BookBaby partners with over 60 channels, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, BAM, and Walmart, ensuring wide availability across major platforms for both eBooks and print books.
On the other hand, Amazon KDP primarily distributes through Amazon’s extensive online marketplace, supporting sales in North America, Europe, and Asia, providing authors with a global reach.
Support Services
BookBaby provides dedicated support by assigning each author a publishing specialist and offering access to production managers for complex projects. This comprehensive support ensures authors receive personalized assistance throughout the publishing process.
In contrast, Amazon KDP relies on a community forum for support, which can be challenging for first-time authors who may need more guidance. KDP lacks real-time, personalized support, making it harder for authors to get immediate help with specific issues.
This difference highlights BookBaby’s commitment to offering extensive, hands-on support, while KDP leaves authors to navigate the process largely on their own.
Customer Reviews
BookBaby holds a Trustpilot rating of 4.5 stars, with positive feedback highlighting its comprehensive services and user-friendly processes. However, criticisms focus on high costs and additional charges for essential services like editing and marketing.
On the other hand, Amazon KDP has a Trustpilot rating of 1.4 stars, with mixed feedback. While some users appreciate the platform’s ease of use and broad distribution network, many criticize the lack of support and professional services, which often necessitates seeking external help.
Overall, customer reviews suggest that BookBaby offers a more satisfactory experience for authors despite its higher costs.
Choosing Between BookBaby or Amazon KDP?
When choosing between BookBaby and Amazon KDP, consider your needs for support and professional services. Amazon KDP offers a free and straightforward platform for self-publishing, but it requires authors to manage many aspects of the publishing process independently. This can be a significant drawback for first-time authors who need more guidance and professional services.
On the other hand, BookBaby, despite its higher costs, provides a more comprehensive publishing experience with extensive support, professional services, and a wide distribution network. Authors benefit from dedicated assistance, high-quality in-house printing, and a variety of marketing services to enhance their book’s visibility.
For authors who prefer a hands-off approach and need robust support throughout the publishing process, BookBaby is the better choice. While it requires a higher initial investment, the range of services and dedicated support can make the self-publishing journey smoother and more successful. BookBaby’s commitment to providing personalized assistance and a full suite of services positions it as the superior option for authors seeking a more professional and supportive publishing experience.
Learn More About BookBaby
If BookBaby feels like the right fit for your publishing needs, check out their website to see all they offer and kickstart your publishing journey today. Find out how BookBaby can help turn your manuscript into a professionally published books .