BookBaby Publishing Review

What is BookBaby?

BookBaby is a self-publishing company that provides a variety of services to authors who want to self-publish their books. The company offers services such as book editing, design, formatting, printing, distribution, and marketing. BookBaby aims to help independent authors and publishers bring their books to market and make them available to a wider audience. The company also provides e-book conversion services and distributes e-books to major retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books. BookBaby was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Pennsauken, New Jersey.

Who Founded BookBaby?

BookBaby was founded by Steven Spatz in 2011. Prior to founding BookBaby, Spatz had more than 25 years of experience in the publishing industry. He worked as the Director of Production, Internet Marketing and Technology at Bookmasters, a book manufacturing and publishing services company, before starting BookBaby. Spatz saw an opportunity to help independent authors and publishers self-publish their books and founded BookBaby to provide a range of services to meet their needs.

What Are The Key Features of  BookBaby ?

BookBaby offers a variety of services to authors who want to self-publish their books. Some of the key features of BookBaby include:

1. Editing and Proofreading: BookBaby provides professional editing and proofreading services to help authors improve the quality of their writing.
2. Design and Formatting: BookBaby offers design and formatting services for both print and e-books, ensuring that the final product looks professional and polished.
3. Printing and Distribution: BookBaby prints and distributes books to major retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and independent bookstores. They also offer print-on-demand services, so authors can order books in small quantities.
4. E-book Conversion: BookBaby can convert manuscripts into e-books that are compatible with all major e-readers, including Amazon Kindle, Apple iPad, and Barnes & Noble Nook.
5. Marketing Services: BookBaby offers a range of marketing services to help authors promote their books, including press releases, social media advertising, and email marketing campaigns.
6. Author Dashboard: BookBaby provides an online dashboard that authors can use to track sales, royalties, and other important data related to their books.

Overall, BookBaby provides a comprehensive suite of services that can help authors self-publish their books and reach a wider audience.

How to use BookBaby to Publish Books?

To use BookBaby to publish your book, you can follow these steps:

1. Visit the BookBaby website: Go to the BookBaby website and create an account if you haven't already done so.

2. Choose your services: Select the services you want to use, such as editing, design, formatting, printing, distribution, and marketing.

3. Upload your manuscript: Upload your manuscript to the BookBaby platform. You can upload your manuscript in Microsoft Word, PDF, or other formats.

4. Review your book: BookBaby will provide a proof of your book for you to review before it goes to print or e-book conversion. Make sure to review it carefully and make any necessary changes.

5. Set your pricing: Set the price for your book and choose the distribution channels you want to use.

6. Publish your book: Once you're satisfied with your book, you can publish it and it will be available for purchase through major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books.

7. Monitor your sales: BookBaby provides an online dashboard where you can track your book sales, royalties, and other important data related to your book.

Overall, BookBaby makes it easy for authors to self-publish their books by providing a range of services and an intuitive online platform. By following these steps, you can use BookBaby to turn your manuscript into a published book that's available to readers around the world.

Is BookBaby Legit?

Yes, BookBaby is a legitimate self-publishing company that has been in operation since 2011. The company provides a range of services to authors looking to self-publish their books, including editing, design, formatting, printing, distribution, and marketing. BookBaby has helped thousands of authors publish their books and make them available to readers around the world.

BookBaby has received positive reviews from authors who have used their services, and the company has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Additionally, BookBaby has partnerships with major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books, further cementing their legitimacy as a self-publishing service provider.

Overall, BookBaby is a reputable and trustworthy self-publishing company that provides authors with the tools and support they need to publish their books successfully.

BookBaby Alternatives?

There are several alternative platforms to IngramSpark for self-publishing authors and independent publishers, including

1. Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): Amazon's KDP platform allows authors to publish and distribute eBooks and print books to a global audience through Amazon's online marketplace.
2. Draft2Digital: Draft2Digital is a digital publishing platform that offers authors a simple way to distribute their books to a variety of online retailers, including Amazon, iBooks, and more
3. IngramSpark: IngramSpark is a self-publishing platform that offers printing, distribution, and marketing services for authors. They also offer a wide range of formats, including print-on-demand, e-books, and audiobooks. Read more about IngramSpark here
4. Lulu: Lulu is a self-publishing platform that offers print-on-demand technology and distribution to a variety of online retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Read more about Lulu here
5. Blurb: This platform specializes in photo book publishing, but also offers tools and resources for authors to publish and sell their own books in print and digital formats. Blurb offers a variety of design templates and customization options, and authors can set their own prices and earn up to 80% royalty on each sale. Read more about Blurb here
6. Sqribble: Sqribble is an Ebook Writing software that allows users to create eBooks in a fast and easy way. It has advanced automated features such as pre-designed templates, automatic content generation, and drag-and-drop editing that is user-friendly and saves time compared to traditional eBook creation methods.  Read more about Sqribble here
7. Reedsy: Reedsy is a self-publishing platform that connects authors with professionals such as editors, designers, and marketers to help them create and publish their books. Read more about Reedsy here

BookBaby Price?

BookBaby offers a range of pricing options for authors looking to self-publish their books. Here's an overview of some of their pricing:

1. Basic eBook publishing package: This package includes formatting and conversion of your manuscript into an e-book, distribution to major e-book retailers, and the creation of a basic cover design. The price for this package starts at $249.

2. Standard eBook publishing package: This package includes everything in the Basic package, as well as an upgraded cover design, an ISBN, and a marketing guide. The price for this package starts at $399.

3. Premium eBook publishing package: This package includes everything in the Standard package, as well as copy editing, up to 10 images, and priority distribution to major e-book retailers. The price for this package starts at $549.

4. Print-on-Demand publishing package: This package includes formatting and conversion of your manuscript into a print-on-demand book, an ISBN, creation of a custom book cover, distribution to major retailers, and worldwide print-on-demand availability. The price for this package starts at $1,099.

In addition to these packages, BookBaby also offers a range of add-on services, including editing, design, and marketing services. The cost of these services varies depending on the specific service and package chosen.

It's important to note that BookBaby's pricing may vary based on the specific needs and goals of each author, and authors should review their options carefully to determine the best fit for their budget and needs.

BookBaby Vs Reedsy?

BookBaby and Reedsy are both self-publishing companies that offer a range of services to help authors publish and distribute their books. Here are some key differences between the two:

1. Services: BookBaby offers a wider range of services, including formatting, cover design, printing, and distribution. Reedsy, on the other hand, focuses primarily on editing and design services.

2. Pricing: BookBaby's pricing is more straightforward, with packages that include everything from formatting to distribution. Reedsy, on the other hand, allows authors to choose from a variety of individual services, which can make pricing more complicated.

3. Design: Reedsy is known for its high-quality design services, with a curated network of professional designers available to work on book covers, interior layouts, and other design elements. BookBaby also offers design services, but some authors prefer Reedsy's more personalized approach.

4. Platform: Reedsy is primarily an online platform that connects authors with publishing professionals, while BookBaby offers a more traditional self-publishing service.

Ultimately, the choice between BookBaby and Reedsy will depend on your specific needs and preferences as an author. Consider factors like services, pricing, design, and platform when making your decision. If you're looking for a comprehensive self-publishing service, BookBaby may be the better choice. If you're primarily focused on editing and design, or if you prefer a more personalized approach, Reedsy may be a better fit.

BookBaby Vs IngramSpark?

Here is a comparison of BookBaby Vs IngramSpark:

1. Distribution: IngramSpark is known for its extensive distribution network, which includes over 40,000 retailers, libraries, and schools worldwide. BookBaby, on the other hand, primarily distributes through online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books.
2. Pricing: IngramSpark has a more complex pricing structure, with separate fees for uploading files, revising content, and ordering proof copies. BookBaby's pricing is more straightforward, with packages that include everything from formatting to distribution.
3. Print quality: Both companies offer high-quality print-on-demand services, but some authors prefer the print quality of IngramSpark's books.
4. Customer service: BookBaby is known for its excellent customer service, with a team of publishing experts available to answer questions and provide guidance throughout the publishing process. IngramSpark also offers customer support, but some authors have reported longer wait times for assistance.

Ultimately, the choice between BookBaby and IngramSpark will depend on your specific needs and preferences as an author. Consider factors like distribution, pricing, print quality, and customer service when making your decision.