Paige Ross
December 25, 2024
0 min read

BookBaby vs. Greenleaf Book Group

For authors looking to bring their books to market, selecting the right publishing partner can feel like a daunting task. Two popular options in the industry, BookBaby and Greenleaf Book Group offer distinct approaches to publishing, catering to different types of authors and budgets.

BookBaby is a self-publishing platform designed for authors seeking affordability, flexibility, and control over their projects. Its modular pricing structure allows authors to customize their publishing experience and retain 100% of their royalties.

On the other hand, Greenleaf Book Group operates as a hybrid publisher, combining traditional publishing expertise with the creative freedom of self-publishing. Known for its high-quality services and custom marketing strategies, Greenleaf is ideal for authors willing to invest in a professional and collaborative process.

In this article, we’ll compare the two publishers across key factors, such as pricing, royalties, services, timelines, and customer experiences, to help you decide which one best suits your publishing goals.

Key Differences

Publishing Model:
- BookBaby is a self-publishing platform that empowers authors with complete control over their projects. It offers a modular pricing structure, allowing authors to select only the services they need, such as editing, formatting, distribution, and print-on-demand (POD).
- Greenleaf Book Group, as a hybrid publisher, provides a more collaborative approach. Authors work closely with publishing professionals but must go through a selective acceptance process (only 10% of submissions are approved), and Greenleaf oversees much of the process, including marketing and distribution strategies.
Cost and Flexibility:
- BookBaby is budget-friendly, with full-service packages starting at $2,515, making it accessible for authors looking to manage costs while retaining royalties.
- Greenleaf Book Group requires a significant financial investment, with fees ranging from $10,000 to $250,000, but offers premium services such as tailored marketing and branding strategies for authors with substantial budgets.
Publishing Timelines:
- BookBaby boasts a quick turnaround time of 4–8 weeks, which is ideal for authors seeking a faster route to market.
- Greenleaf, however, emphasizes quality over speed, with publishing timelines ranging from 9 to 24 months, making it a better option for authors focused on long-term market success.

FEATURE
⭐ Customer Experience	4.5 stars on Trustpilot; praised for ease of use but criticized for pricing clarity.	Positive feedback on professionalism, but concerns over high costs and selectivity.
💸 Affordability	Modular pricing; starts at $2,515 for a complete package.	High upfront costs; $10,000–$250,000 based on project scope.
💰Royalties	100% of net sales retained by the author.	Up to 70% royalties with authors retaining full intellectual property rights.
⏳Production Speed	4–8 weeks from manuscript submission to market.	9–24 months, with detailed steps for quality assurance.
🏢 Marketing Services	Basic marketing bundles (e.g., metadata optimization, promotion bundles).	Custom, targeted strategies for branding, audience growth, and visibility.
🌎 Distribution	50+ channels, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and niche platforms.	Strong retail and specialty network, including airport bookstores.
🧑‍💻 Support	Responsive team; self-publishing specialists available for guidance.	Collaborative publishing model with in-depth author support.
📚Formats	Print books, eBooks, and POD services.	Print books, eBooks, audiobooks, and bulk printing.
💎 Transparency	Modular pricing may feel confusing, requiring multiple steps for cost clarity.	Lack of detailed upfront pricing; custom quotes only provided post-review.

Overview of BookBaby

BookBaby is a well-known self-publishing company that has been helping independent authors bring their books to market since 2011. As a one-stop publishing solution, BookBaby provides a wide array of services, including custom book printing, eBook creation, formatting, editing, cover design, and global distribution to over 50 channels like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and more.

What sets BookBaby apart is its modular pricing model, which allows authors to select and pay for only the services they need. This flexibility makes it an attractive choice for first-time authors or those on a budget. Additionally, BookBaby offers 100% royalty retention, meaning authors keep all their net earnings from book sales—a major draw for those looking to maximize profits.

BookBaby excels in offering quick production timelines (4–8 weeks) and comprehensive Print-On-Demand (POD) services, making it ideal for authors who want to publish their work efficiently. It also boasts an easy-to-navigate platform and strong customer support, which helps guide authors through the publishing process.

However, BookBaby is not without its drawbacks. The lack of predefined publishing packages can overwhelm new authors unfamiliar with the process, and the pricing model—while flexible—can feel confusing due to the many customization options. Additionally, while their marketing services are helpful, they remain fairly basic compared to competitors offering tailored strategies.

BookBaby is best suited for authors who value affordability, creative control, and fast publishing timelines.

Top rated publishers:

9.5

8.9

7.7

Key Features of BookBaby

Modular Pricing Model: Allows authors to select and pay for only the services they need, ensuring flexibility and control over the publishing process.
100% Royalty Retention: Authors keep all net earnings from their book sales, maximizing profits.
Wide Distribution Network: Partners with 50+ distribution channels, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and niche platforms.
In-House Print-On-Demand (POD) Services: Provides cost-effective printing options, eliminating the need for large upfront print runs.
Fast Publishing Timelines: Books can be ready for market in as little as 4–8 weeks, depending on the selected services.
Comprehensive Service Range: Includes editing, professional cover design, interior formatting, eBook conversion, and physical book printing.
Marketing Support: Offers metadata optimization and book promotion bundles to improve visibility online.
Customizable Book Formats: Authors can choose from standard or fully custom trim sizes, paper types, and cover finishes.
User-Friendly Platform: Simplifies the self-publishing process, making it accessible even for first-time authors.
Flexible ISBN Options: Authors can purchase an ISBN through BookBaby or use their own.

Where BookBaby Falls Short (Does Not Offer)

Predefined Publishing Packages: Does not provide all-in-one packages, requiring authors to navigate and customize individual services, which can be overwhelming for beginners.
Comprehensive Copyright Protection: Authors must handle copyright registration themselves, as this service is not included.
Advanced Marketing Campaigns: Marketing services are limited to basic options like metadata optimization and promotion bundles, lacking the personalized strategies offered by some competitors.
Audiobook Production: BookBaby does not offer services for audiobook creation, limiting format options for authors.
Manuscript Submission Review: Unlike hybrid publishers, BookBaby does not offer detailed manuscript evaluations or feedback on market potential.
Royalty Advances: As a self-publishing platform, authors must invest upfront, with no advance payments provided.
Comprehensive Distribution Support: While distribution is extensive, BookBaby does not include promotional efforts to ensure books gain visibility in those channels.
Clear Upfront Pricing: Total costs can only be determined after selecting multiple services, leading to potential confusion for authors.

Overview of Greenleaf Book Group

Greenleaf Book Group (GBG) is a renowned hybrid publisher based in Austin, Texas, with over 25 years of experience in the publishing industry. Known for combining the best aspects of traditional publishing and self-publishing, GBG provides authors with professional guidance while allowing them to retain ownership of their intellectual property and control over their work.

Greenleaf specializes in high-quality publishing services, including developmental editing, professional book design, and comprehensive marketing strategies tailored to each author’s audience. Their robust distribution network includes partnerships with major retailers like Amazon, and Barnes & Noble, and even specialty outlets such as airport bookstores. They have a strong track record, with over 50 of their titles achieving bestseller status on lists like the New York Times and Wall Street Journal.

Greenleaf is particularly suited for non-fiction authors, especially those in business, leadership, or self-help genres, although they also accept fiction, memoirs, and children’s books. However, the company is highly selective, accepting only about 10% of submissions, which may discourage some authors.

While Greenleaf offers unparalleled professionalism and market access, it comes with a hefty price tag, ranging from $10,000 to $250,000. Their lengthy publishing timeline (9–24 months) and lack of transparent upfront pricing can also be challenges for authors seeking faster, more cost-effective solutions.

Greenleaf is best suited for authors who prioritize quality, comprehensive support, and long-term market success, and who are prepared to make a significant financial investment in their publishing journey.

Key Features of Greenleaf Book Group

Hybrid Publishing Model: Combines the expertise of traditional publishing with the creative control and ownership of self-publishing.
Selective Submissions: Accepts only about 10% of manuscripts, focusing on projects with strong market potential.
High-Quality Production: Offers professional developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading to ensure books meet industry standards.
Custom Book Design: Provides personalized cover designs and interior formatting for both print and digital formats, as well as audiobook production.
Comprehensive Marketing Strategies: Tailored promotional campaigns that include branding, social media outreach, and audience development to enhance book visibility.
Strong Distribution Network: Distributes to major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and independent bookstores, as well as niche and specialty outlets like airport bookstores.
Retention of Intellectual Property Rights: Authors maintain full ownership of their work, providing long-term flexibility for licensing and adaptations.
High Royalty Rates: Offers authors up to 70% royalties, much higher than traditional publishers.
Support for Non-Fiction and Fiction: Specializes in business, leadership, and self-help genres, but also accepts fiction, children’s books, memoirs, and graphic novels.
End-to-End Support: Provides assistance throughout the publishing process, from manuscript development to post-launch branding.
Post-Publication Services: Helps repurpose and rebrand previously published works for new audiences.

Greenleaf Book Group Does Not Offer

Transparent Pricing: Does not provide detailed upfront pricing; authors must request custom quotes, which can create uncertainty about costs.
Affordability for Budget-Conscious Authors: With fees ranging from $10,000 to $250,000, Greenleaf’s services are out of reach for many authors.
Guaranteed Acceptance: Only accepts about 10% of manuscripts, making it a highly competitive and selective process.
Short Publishing Timelines: The publishing process can take 9–24 months, significantly longer than most self-publishing platforms.
Standalone Services: Editing, design, and marketing services are only available as part of comprehensive publishing packages and cannot be purchased independently.
Royalty Advances: Does not offer royalty advances, requiring authors to invest heavily upfront.
Full Control Over Distribution: While their distribution network is extensive, authors may not have complete control over how their books are marketed and sold post-publication.
Self-Publishing Flexibility: Unlike self-publishing platforms, Greenleaf does not allow authors to fully control every aspect of the publishing process.
Focus on All Genres Equally: Primarily focuses on non-fiction (business, self-help, leadership), which may limit the appeal for fiction or niche genre authors.

Top rated publishers:

9.5

8.9

7.7

Comparing Affordability/Costs

When it comes to affordability, BookBaby and Greenleaf Book Group cater to very different budgets.

BookBaby is the more affordable option, with modular pricing starting at $2,515 for a full-service publishing package, including editing, cover design, formatting, Print-On-Demand (POD), and distribution. Authors have the flexibility to select only the services they need, making it accessible for those on a tight budget. However, the step-by-step pricing model can be confusing, as the total cost is only revealed after selecting multiple options.

On the other hand, Greenleaf Book Group is significantly more expensive, with publishing costs ranging from $10,000 to $250,000, depending on the project’s complexity. This price includes high-quality editing, design, tailored marketing strategies, and robust distribution services. While the premium pricing reflects the professional, full-service approach Greenleaf offers, it is not suitable for budget-conscious authors or those seeking quick and simple publishing solutions.

In terms of affordability, BookBaby clearly stands out as the more economical choice, making it ideal for first-time authors or those seeking cost-effective solutions. However, for authors with a higher budget aiming for extensive professional support and custom marketing strategies, Greenleaf may justify the investment.

Comparing Publishing Timelines

The publishing timelines for BookBaby and Greenleaf Book Group differ significantly, catering to authors with different priorities.

BookBaby offers one of the fastest publishing timelines in the industry. On average, the process takes 4 to 8 weeks from manuscript submission to book availability, depending on the selected services. Design proofs are typically ready within 3 to 4 weeks, and revisions are completed within a few business days. This makes BookBaby ideal for authors looking to publish their work quickly and efficiently.

In contrast, Greenleaf Book Group follows a much longer timeline, emphasizing quality and thoroughness. The publishing process takes between 9 and 24 months, with an average of about 18 months for most projects. This timeline includes an initial manuscript review (3–6 weeks), detailed editing, professional design, custom marketing planning, and distribution preparation. While the extended timeline ensures a polished, high-quality product, it may not suit authors who want to get their books to market quickly.

In summary, BookBaby excels in speed, making it a better option for authors on tight schedules, while Greenleaf Book Group’s longer timeline appeals to those who prioritize professional refinement and a comprehensive publishing approach.

Comparing Royalties

When it comes to royalties, BookBaby and Greenleaf Book Group offer distinct advantages depending on what authors prioritize—full earnings or higher professional support.

BookBaby allows authors to retain 100% of their net royalties, meaning authors keep all profits from their book sales after distribution fees. This is a major benefit for authors focused on maximizing earnings. Royalties are available for withdrawal at any time, with no minimum payout threshold, offering flexibility and ease of access. This straightforward system makes BookBaby a standout option for authors who want complete control over their revenue.

Greenleaf Book Group, on the other hand, offers authors up to 70% royalties, which is significantly higher than traditional publishing models (typically 10–15%). While Greenleaf takes a share of the profits to cover distribution and marketing efforts, the 70% rate is still competitive in the hybrid publishing space. However, unlike BookBaby, authors must first invest heavily in Greenleaf’s services (starting at $10,000), which could delay profitability.

In comparison, BookBaby’s 100% royalty retention is ideal for authors who want full earnings and flexibility, while Greenleaf’s 70% royalties provide an appealing option for authors looking for premium services and professional market positioning.

Comparing Marketing Services

Marketing is a critical aspect of book publishing, and both BookBaby and Greenleaf Book Group offer marketing support, though the depth and approach vary significantly.

BookBaby provides basic marketing services, including:

Metadata Optimization ($149): Improves online discoverability by optimizing keywords and descriptions.
Book Promotion Bundle ($399): Includes placement as a New Release on BookBaby’s Bookshop, email marketing to 150,000+ buyers, and social media promotion.

While these services are helpful for boosting visibility, they are fairly limited compared to more personalized strategies. Marketing services are not included in BookBaby’s publishing packages and must be purchased separately. Authors still shoulder most of the responsibility for long-term promotion and audience engagement, which can be challenging for those without prior marketing experience.

Greenleaf Book Group, on the other hand, excels in offering custom, comprehensive marketing strategies. Their team collaborates with authors to develop tailored campaigns that include:

Branding support to refine the author’s image and message.
Social media outreach and audience building.
Targeted promotional efforts designed to connect books with the right audiences.

These services are built into Greenleaf’s publishing packages and are far more detailed, making them ideal for authors who struggle with marketing. However, the high cost of Greenleaf’s services ($10,000–$250,000) may not be feasible for all authors.

In summary, BookBaby offers affordable, entry-level marketing tools, while Greenleaf provides premium, hands-on marketing support that can make the process significantly easier for authors, especially those aiming for widespread visibility and success. Authors on a budget may find BookBaby sufficient, but those willing to invest heavily in professional promotion will benefit more from Greenleaf’s expertise.

Top rated publishers:

9.5

8.9

7.7

Comparing POD & Distribution

BookBaby and Greenleaf Book Group both provide Print-On-Demand (POD) and distribution services, but they differ significantly in scope, pricing, and focus.

BookBaby

Distribution: BookBaby partners with over 50 distribution channels, including major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and niche platforms. They also distribute ebooks to platforms like Apple Books and Google Play. This ensures that books are widely available online and in stores. Distribution is included in the cost of publishing packages.
POD Services: BookBaby excels in Print-On-Demand. This service allows authors to print books only as they are ordered, eliminating the need for large, upfront print runs and reducing inventory costs.
Strengths: BookBaby’s distribution is broad and built into their publishing services, making it easy and cost-effective for authors to get their books to market. However, the reach of distribution does not necessarily guarantee high sales or visibility. Marketing is still required for exposure.

Greenleaf Book Group

Distribution: Greenleaf offers an extensive and premium distribution network. In addition to Amazon and Barnes & Noble, their network includes specialty retailers like independent bookstores, libraries, and even airport bookstores. Their strong relationships with distributors make them a standout in getting books into physical and specialty retail locations.
POD Services: Greenleaf provides Print-On-Demand as well as bulk printing options, catering to authors who want flexibility in print runs or need warehousing and logistics support. These services ensure high-quality production but are part of the larger publishing package, which starts at $10,000.
Strengths: Greenleaf excels in distribution, particularly for authors targeting physical retail markets. However, authors have less control over how and where their books are distributed, as Greenleaf handles the process.

Comparison

BookBaby offers cost-effective POD and wide digital distribution, making it accessible for self-published authors aiming for online sales.
Greenleaf Book Group, while more expensive, provides unmatched access to specialty and physical retail locations, making it a strong choice for authors prioritizing physical book sales.

In conclusion, BookBaby’s POD services are ideal for authors with smaller budgets and who prefer flexibility, while Greenleaf stands out as a distribution powerhouse, albeit at a premium cost.

Comparing Support Services

The level of support offered by BookBaby and Greenleaf Book Group differs greatly, reflecting their distinct publishing models.

BookBaby

Author Support: BookBaby provides access to a team of self-publishing specialists who guide authors through the publishing process. While authors have control over the decision-making, they can seek assistance at various stages, such as manuscript preparation, formatting, and distribution.
Hands-On or DIY?: Authors manage much of the process themselves, with support available when needed. This makes BookBaby an ideal choice for those who want flexibility but still appreciate access to expert advice.
Key Strength: BookBaby’s platform is user-friendly and designed to help first-time authors navigate self-publishing with minimal stress, but it does not provide dedicated project managers.

Greenleaf Book Group

Author Support: Greenleaf provides a highly collaborative experience. Each author is assigned a publishing production manager who acts as the main point of contact throughout the publishing process. Authors receive detailed guidance during every stage, from manuscript review to marketing and distribution.
Hands-On or Full-Service?: Greenleaf’s hybrid model is full-service, meaning authors benefit from expert oversight and professional execution. This comprehensive approach ensures a polished final product but requires authors to relinquish some control.
Key Strength: Greenleaf excels in offering personalized, hands-on support, which is particularly valuable for authors unfamiliar with the complexities of publishing.

Comparison

BookBaby offers basic but sufficient support for independent authors who prefer a DIY approach with expert guidance available when needed.
Greenleaf Book Group provides dedicated, full-service support with personalized assistance, making it ideal for authors who prefer to work closely with professionals throughout the publishing journey.

In summary, BookBaby is better for authors who want control with optional support, while Greenleaf stands out for its hands-on, tailored support system, perfect for those seeking a collaborative experience.

Customer Experience and Reviews

BookBaby

Customer Feedback: BookBaby has received generally positive reviews for its affordability, flexibility, and user-friendly platform. Customers often praise the ease of navigating the publishing process and the ability to customize services to fit their needs.
Ratings: BookBaby holds a 4.5-star rating on Trustpilot, reflecting strong satisfaction among self-publishing authors.
Common Praise: Authors appreciate the fast publishing timelines, quality of in-house printing, and the ability to retain 100% of royalties. The responsive customer support team is another highlight for many users.
Criticism: Some authors have expressed frustration with the lack of upfront pricing clarity, as the modular pricing model requires them to navigate multiple steps to determine the total cost. Others feel that the marketing services are limited and could be more comprehensive.

Greenleaf Book Group

Customer Feedback: Greenleaf Book Group is praised for its professionalism and high-quality services, including editing, design, and marketing. Authors often commend the personalized support and attention to detail throughout the publishing process.
Ratings: While Greenleaf does not have a widely publicized Trustpilot or Google rating, it has a strong reputation in the industry, particularly among authors seeking premium hybrid publishing solutions.
Common Praise: Authors value the collaborative experience with Greenleaf’s team, the extensive distribution network, and the polished final product. The company’s track record of producing bestselling titles adds to its credibility.
Criticism: The most common complaints center around the high costs, lack of upfront pricing transparency, and the selective manuscript acceptance process, which can feel discouraging to some authors.

Comparison

BookBaby is often favored by authors looking for affordability, flexibility, and ease of use. Its 4.5-star Trustpilot rating underscores its popularity among first-time and budget-conscious authors.
Greenleaf Book Group receives praise for its premium services and professional support but faces criticism for high costs and lack of transparency. It is better suited for authors who are willing to invest in quality and a collaborative experience.

In summary, BookBaby appeals to those prioritizing simplicity and value, while Greenleaf attracts authors looking for a hands-on, high-quality publishing experience, despite its premium pricing.