Eliza Randall
December 17, 2024
0 min read

BookBaby vs. Bookemon

Self-publishing has revolutionized the way authors bring their books to life, offering a range of platforms to suit different needs, budgets, and goals. Among the many options available, BookBaby and Bookemon stand out as popular choices for independent authors. Both platforms provide tools and services to help authors publish their books professionally, but they cater to slightly different audiences with unique features and offerings.

In this article, we’ll dive into a comprehensive comparison of these two self-publishing platforms, examining their services, pricing, royalties, publishing timelines, marketing support, print-on-demand (POD) options, distribution reach, customer support, and overall user experience. Whether you’re a first-time author seeking a beginner-friendly platform or a seasoned writer looking for robust professional services, this guide will help you decide which platform aligns best with your publishing goals.

Key Differences Between BookBaby and Bookemon

Professional Services vs. Simplicity:
BookBaby caters to authors seeking a professional, full-service publishing experience, offering editing, design, marketing, and extensive distribution. In contrast, Bookemon focuses on simplicity and user-friendliness, providing intuitive tools for beginners and those creating smaller-scale personal projects.
Distribution Reach:
BookBaby distributes books to over 50 channels, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart, ensuring broad global reach. Bookemon’s distribution is limited to its own marketplace and Amazon, which may restrict the audience for authors looking to maximize sales.
Pricing and Costs:
Bookemon offers a low upfront cost and a free basic account for creating books, with additional services like the CAP package priced at $99. BookBaby has a modular pricing structure, starting at approximately $2,515 for a comprehensive publishing package, making it more suitable for authors willing to invest in professional-grade services

FEATURE
⭐ Customer Experience	4.5 stars	4.6 stars
💸 Affordability	Higher costs, starting around $2,515 for comprehensive services.	Low upfront costs; CAP package is priced at $99, but printing costs are higher.
💰Royalties	Authors retain 100% of net royalties, minus small distribution fees.	Lower royalty rates, especially when selling through Bookemon’s marketplace.
⏳Production Speed	4–8 weeks for full publication, with 3–4 weeks for design proofs and revisions.	Books can be available in 24–48 hours, though ISBN setup and Amazon listings take longer.
🏢 Marketing Services	Comprehensive options, including email promotions, metadata optimization, and social media ads.	Basic marketing support, such as video promotion on YouTube and TikTok.
🌎 Distribution	50+ channels, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart.	Limited to Amazon and Bookemon’s marketplace.
🧑‍💻 Support	Publishing specialists available; occasional reports of communication delays.	Basic customer support; mixed reviews on responsiveness.
📚Formats	Wide range of custom formats for eBooks, hardcover, and softcover books.	Softcover, hardcover, photo books, and eBooks; fewer custom options.
💎 Transparency	Modular pricing can feel complex; authors must navigate multiple steps to see full costs.	Transparent pricing; Book Price Calculator offers upfront cost estimates.

Overview of BookBaby

BookBaby is a well-established self-publishing platform that has been helping authors publish their work professionally since 2011. Known for its comprehensive range of services, BookBaby provides everything from editing and design to print-on-demand (POD) and global distribution. The platform is ideal for authors looking to produce high-quality books while retaining full control of their work. BookBaby’s standout feature is its professional-grade publishing services, which cater to authors aiming for commercial success and broader market reach.

One of BookBaby’s most significant advantages is its distribution network, spanning over 50 channels, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart. Authors also benefit from keeping 100% of their royalties, minus a small distribution fee when selling through certain platforms. In-house printing services ensure excellent quality and timely production for both hardcover and softcover books.

Despite its strengths, BookBaby’s modular pricing model can feel complex, requiring authors to select services individually, which may lead to higher costs compared to platforms with predefined packages. Additionally, while BookBaby excels in professional services, first-time authors or those on a limited budget may find the platform less accessible due to its higher starting costs.

BookBaby is best suited for serious authors seeking a polished, professional product with wide distribution and robust marketing support.

Top rated publishers:

9.5

8.9

6.0

Key Features of BookBaby

Comprehensive Publishing Services: Includes editing, interior formatting, cover design, and professional file conversion for print and eBooks.
Wide Distribution Network: Partners with over 50 channels, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and niche platforms.
In-House Printing: High-quality printing for hardcover and softcover books with customizable options such as trim sizes, paper stock, and finishes.
100% Royalties: Authors retain full royalties from sales, minus small distribution fees on some platforms.
Print-On-Demand (POD): Books are printed only when ordered, reducing upfront costs and inventory management.
Marketing Support: Offers metadata optimization, social media ads, email promotions, and a Book Promotion Bundle for enhanced visibility.
Flexible Modular Pricing: Authors can select only the services they need, tailoring their publishing experience to their goals and budget.
Professional Support: Dedicated publishing specialists are available to guide authors through the publishing process.
Fast Publishing Timeline: Typically 4–8 weeks from manuscript submission to book availability, with expedited turnaround for proofs and revisions.
Trustpilot Rating of 4.5: Praised for service quality, though pricing complexity is a noted drawback.

BookBaby Does Not Offer

Predefined Publishing Packages: Authors must build their publishing plan from scratch, which can feel overwhelming for beginners.
Copyright Protection Services: BookBaby does not include copyright registration; authors must handle this independently.
Simplified Pricing Transparency: Total costs are not displayed upfront, requiring authors to go through multiple customization steps.
Extensive Support for Low-Budget Projects: Higher starting costs may deter authors with limited financial resources.
Interactive Book Creation Tools: Unlike platforms with drag-and-drop interfaces, BookBaby relies on professional services rather than DIY tools for book design.
Extensive Free Resources: While offering robust services, BookBaby lacks significant free tools or templates for self-directed authors.
Collaborative Publishing Features: Does not provide group project tools for collaborative authorship, which may appeal to educators or hobbyists.

Overview of Bookemon

Bookemon is a versatile and user-friendly self-publishing platform that empowers users to create, publish, and share their own books with ease. Known for its intuitive design tools, Bookemon makes it simple for anyone—from educators and parents to first-time authors—to transform their ideas into professionally printed books. The platform supports a wide range of projects, including photo books, trade books, and eBooks, making it ideal for personal and small-scale publishing endeavors.

Bookemon excels in accessibility, offering a free basic account that lets users explore its features before committing. Its print-on-demand (POD) model eliminates the need for bulk orders, making it budget-friendly for those publishing one-off books or small batches. For authors seeking broader reach, the Creative Author Press (CAP) package provides an ISBN and distribution through Amazon, adding a layer of legitimacy and visibility to published works.

However, Bookemon has its limitations. It lacks professional editing services, advanced marketing tools, and the extensive distribution networks offered by competitors like BookBaby. Its primary distribution is limited to Amazon and Bookemon’s own store, which may restrict sales potential for authors aiming for a larger audience. Additionally, higher printing costs can impact profitability, especially for those producing multiple copies.

Bookemon is best suited for hobbyists, educators, and beginners seeking a straightforward, affordable way to publish books for personal or niche audiences.

Key Features of Bookemon

User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive tools make it easy for beginners to design and publish books without technical expertise.
Wide Range of Formats: Supports photo books, trade books (color and black-and-white), and eBooks in softcover and hardcover formats.
Document Import: Allows users to upload Word, PDF, or PowerPoint files for seamless book creation.
Free Basic Account: Offers the ability to explore the platform and create up to 10 books without upfront costs.
Creative Author Press (CAP) Package: Includes an ISBN and distribution through Amazon for $99, adding credibility to books for sale.
Print-On-Demand (POD): Books are printed only when ordered, minimizing upfront costs and inventory risks.
Collaborative Features: Supports group projects, making it ideal for educators, families, and collaborative authorship.
Flexible Layout Tools: Offers templates and WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) customization for creative control over book design.
Quick Publishing Turnaround: Books can be available for purchase within 24–48 hours after finalization.
Marketing Support: Includes basic video promotion on platforms like YouTube and TikTok to boost visibility.
Trustpilot Rating of 4.6: Praised for ease of use and print quality, with some concerns about limited distribution and higher printing costs.

Bookemon Does Not Offer

Professional Editing Services: Authors must handle proofreading, copy editing, or line editing independently.
Extensive Distribution Networks: Limited to Amazon and Bookemon stores, restricting reach compared to platforms with broader partnerships.
Advanced Marketing Tools: No dedicated marketing bundles or metadata optimization for enhancing book visibility.
Low Printing Costs: Higher printing fees can impact profitability, especially for larger orders or multiple copies.
Customizable Pricing Packages: Although affordable, options like the CAP package are limited in scope compared to more comprehensive solutions.
Support for Large-Scale Publishing Projects: Lacks the advanced services and scalability needed for professional-grade, high-volume publishing.
Royalty Maximization: Offers lower royalties compared to competitors that allow authors to retain 100% of net earnings.
Expedited Publishing for Global Reach: ISBN setup and Amazon availability can take time, delaying broader market entry.
Interactive Author Assistance: Basic customer support may not suffice for managing complex projects or addressing technical issues.

Comparing Affordability/Costs

When it comes to affordability, Bookemon clearly stands out as the more budget-friendly option. With its free basic account, authors can explore the platform and create up to 10 books at no cost. For those seeking commercial publishing, the Creative Author Press (CAP) package, priced at $99, includes an ISBN and Amazon distribution, making it an affordable choice for entry-level authors. However, Bookemon’s printing costs can be high, which may affect profitability for authors requiring multiple copies.

In contrast, BookBaby operates on a modular pricing structure, with costs starting at around $2,515 for a comprehensive publishing plan. This includes professional services like editing, formatting, and marketing, which justifies the higher price point. Authors also pay only for the services they choose, providing flexibility but potentially leading to higher total costs.

Overall, Bookemon is more affordable for beginners or those working on smaller projects, while BookBaby offers more value for authors willing to invest in professional-grade services and global distribution.

Publishing Timelines

BookBaby offers a professional but slightly longer publishing timeline, typically ranging from 4 to 8 weeks. This period accounts for tasks like editing, formatting, and design, as well as author approvals of proofs. Design proofs are usually ready within 3–4 weeks, with additional time required for revisions or customizations. While this timeline ensures a polished final product, it may feel lengthy for authors aiming for a faster release.

Bookemon, on the other hand, boasts a much quicker process. Books can be available for purchase within 24 to 48 hours after finalization, particularly for projects using pre-uploaded files and templates. However, for authors purchasing the Creative Author Press (CAP) package, additional time may be required for ISBN setup and Amazon listing, though Bookemon does not provide exact timelines for these steps.

In summary, Bookemon offers faster publishing for simple projects, making it ideal for authors seeking quick results. BookBaby’s timeline, while longer, reflects its focus on professional-grade services and attention to detail, catering to authors prioritizing quality over speed.

Royalties

BookBaby stands out by offering authors 100% of net royalties from book sales, minus small distribution fees on certain platforms. Authors have full control over their earnings and can withdraw royalties at any time, with no minimum payout threshold. This flexibility ensures authors can easily access their profits whenever they choose. Additionally, BookBaby provides scheduled payouts, allowing authors to manage their income efficiently.

Bookemon, on the other hand, offers lower royalty rates, particularly when books are sold through its own marketplace. The specific percentage is not disclosed but is generally less favorable compared to BookBaby’s 100% policy. Royalty payouts are less flexible, and authors may face restrictions or delays depending on sales channels.

In comparison, BookBaby offers a more author-friendly royalty structure with easier and more flexible access to earnings. Bookemon, while offering affordability in publishing, may not be the best choice for authors looking to maximize profits from book sales.

Top rated publishers:

9.5

8.9

6.0

Marketing Services

BookBaby offers a comprehensive range of marketing services aimed at helping authors maximize their book’s visibility and sales. These services include:

Metadata Optimization ($149): Enhances online discoverability through effective keyword strategies.
Book Promotion Bundle ($399): Features placement in BookBaby’s New Release section, email marketing to over 150,000 book buyers, and social media ads.
Ads for Authors Campaigns: Includes targeted social media and online ads to boost exposure.

While these services are not included in basic publishing packages, they are tailored to provide robust support for authors who need professional marketing assistance. BookBaby’s marketing options significantly ease the challenge of self-promotion, though they add to the overall cost of publishing.

Bookemon, in contrast, provides only basic marketing tools. Authors can gain visibility through video sharing on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, helping generate interest within smaller, niche audiences. However, there are no advanced options like metadata optimization or email campaigns. Marketing support is included in their Creative Author Press (CAP) package ($99), making it a low-cost, beginner-friendly option but limited in scope.

In summary, BookBaby excels in offering professional, detailed marketing services for authors aiming for broader reach, albeit at an additional cost. Bookemon, while more affordable, offers minimal marketing support, which may not be sufficient for authors seeking extensive promotion.

POD & Distribution

BookBaby offers a comprehensive print-on-demand (POD) service and an extensive distribution network as part of its publishing model. With POD, books are printed only when ordered, reducing upfront costs and eliminating inventory management. This service is included in their core publishing packages, which start at around $2,515 for a fully equipped publishing experience.

BookBaby excels in distribution, partnering with over 50 channels including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and niche platforms. This ensures global availability of both print and eBook formats. Distribution services are not automatic but can be added based on the author’s preferences, making BookBaby a standout option for authors prioritizing wide reach and professional presentation.

Bookemon also provides POD services, offering flexibility with no minimum print runs. Authors can choose from various formats such as hardcover, softcover, photo books, and trade books. However, Bookemon’s distribution is limited to Amazon and its own marketplace, which may restrict an author’s ability to reach broader audiences. POD is included in Bookemon’s services, but extended distribution options (via the Creative Author Press package at $99) require an additional purchase.

In comparison, BookBaby outshines Bookemon in both POD quality and distribution reach, making it the better option for authors aiming to sell globally. Bookemon, while sufficient for smaller projects, lacks the expansive network necessary for broader market penetration.

Support Services

BookBaby provides robust support services tailored to guide authors through the entire self-publishing process. Authors have access to publishing specialists, who act as personal guides to assist with everything from project planning to final distribution. These specialists can help authors navigate the platform’s modular pricing system and customize their publishing experience. Additionally, BookBaby’s customer support team is available for inquiries, though some users have reported delays in communication during complex projects. For authors seeking a hands-on approach and professional guidance, BookBaby offers a supportive environment to ensure quality results.

Bookemon, on the other hand, offers more basic support services. While the platform’s intuitive tools and templates are designed for ease of use, customer support is primarily reactive, addressing issues as they arise. Collaborative features, such as group project options, make it ideal for niche or hobbyist projects, but there is no equivalent to a publishing production manager or dedicated specialist.

In summary, BookBaby provides a more comprehensive support structure, catering to authors who need expert guidance through every stage of the publishing process. Bookemon is better suited for independent authors or hobbyists who are comfortable managing their projects with minimal assistance.

Customer Experience and Reviews

BookBaby is highly rated, with a 4.5-star average on Trustpilot, reflecting generally positive customer experiences. Authors frequently praise the platform for its professional-quality services, including editing, design, and distribution. The ability to retain 100% of royalties is also a significant draw. However, some users have noted challenges with pricing transparency and communication delays, particularly for more complex projects requiring multiple revisions. Overall, BookBaby is lauded for its end-to-end publishing support and polished results.

Bookemon holds a slightly higher 4.6-star rating on Trustpilot, with many customers applauding its user-friendly platform and quick publishing process. The intuitive design tools and free basic account are particularly appreciated by beginners and hobbyists. On the downside, authors have reported concerns about high printing costs and limited distribution options. Customer support also receives mixed reviews, with some users experiencing delays in response times.

In summary, BookBaby is celebrated for its professional services and comprehensive support, while Bookemon wins points for ease of use and affordability. Both platforms have strong reputations, but the choice largely depends on whether an author prioritizes professional-grade publishing or simple, budget-friendly solutions.