5 Signs to Spot Vanity Publishers (And Which Ones to Avoid in 2025)
For most aspiring authors, getting that first book out into the world is a dream come true. So it makes complete sense that many of them would jump at the chance to get published—after all, who wouldn’t? But getting a book “out there” doesn’t always equate to successful publishing. In fact, many aspiring authors fall prey to vanity publishers, and unfortunately, they often realize it too late.
In order to help you avoid the trap of vanity publishers, we’ll break down in this article how to spot them from a mile away, and we’ll offer alternative routes to publish your books.
In this article:
What Is Vanity Publishing?
Coined in 1959, the term “vanity publishing” describes any publisher or press that doesn‘t profit from book sales. They rather profit from charging authors extortionate rates for the publishing services provided. The problem, however, is that the money the authors pay is usually spent in vain. Instead of using this money to produce high-quality books and promote them, vanity publishers pocket most of the money and spend the minimum on the publishing process.
While a traditional publisher typically pays authors for the right to publish their books (in the form of an advance and royalties), a vanity publisher charges authors to do the same. For instance, in a contract with a vanity press, authors would find themselves paying for editorial, production and design, and sales and marketing services.
It’s not just that authors often pay very high and unreasonable rates to get their books out into the world, but they rarely receive a proper return on their investment. Because they get the money for publishing the book up front from the author anyway, vanity publishers lack the incentive to make the book a successful one.
Unlike traditional publishers, whose investment in books is returned via book sales, vanity publishers don’t carry that kind of financial risk, and so they’ll cut costs on the services they provide, rendering their books of subpar quality.
This is why vanity publishers are often seen as operating on what is known as a predatory business model. They will usually promise a bestseller, great book marketing, and outstanding distribution to bookshops, and then fail to deliver. Therefore, their business model appears attractive to authors on the outside but ends up misleading and taking advantage of them.
Characteristics of Vanity Publishers: How to Spot Them From a Mile Away
So how exactly does an author who is new to the publishing industry recognize a vanity publisher? Although it’s not always clear straight away, there are a number of tell-tale warning signs, such as:
1. Charging Suspicious Fees
Vanity publishers tend to charge authors a lot of money to publish their books. Moreover, there is very little transparency in the sense that authors are not given insight into where exactly their money is going.
In fact, not only will vanity publishers charge authors fees upfront (usually for editorial, sales, and marketing services), but instead of repaying their authors after publication, these presses end up taking a big cut of any sales revenue generated by the books they publish. In other words, it’s a bad deal for the authors!
Of course, there are legitimate printing and self-publishing services out there that charge authors fees to help produce their books; however, these fees are reasonable and it’s always clear exactly what the author is paying for.
2. Compromising on the Quality
Vanity presses will likely be looking to cut down on costs, so it’s common for them to hire inexperienced staff and freelancers who will end up producing a low-quality version of your work. This means that many books published by vanity presses are badly edited, with design layouts that are typically based on already available templates.
3. Offering Unethical Contracts
Regardless of whether you’re an experienced author or an aspiring one, you should always obtain legal advice before signing any kind of publishing contract. However, there are some red flags that typically point toward vanity publishers.
Authors should be aware of the following:
- A contract that traps authors into signing away the copyright to their works indefinitely. This means that authors would be unable to take their book to another publisher even when their contract expires, or that they might be forced to give up foreign rights or adaptation rights to their work with little or no royalties in return.
- A contract that contains a “minimum sales” clause, which basically requires authors to purchase copies of their own books if they don’t sell enough to meet the minimum figure set by the publisher.
- A contract that does not offer fair book royalties to an author, giving the publisher a huge cut in any sales revenue generated by the work.
4. Making False Promises
Many vanity presses will attract authors by making grand claims such as: We guarantee that your book will be a bestseller! or We will ensure that your book reaches all major bookstores! The first claim is definitely a red flag because no publisher, no matter how well-established, can guarantee a bestseller.
As for the second claim, it’s usually an empty promise because vanity presses rarely have the sales connections needed to get bookshops to place book orders. If you look closely at a contract with a vanity press, you’ll find that what they’re actually promising is to list your book on a distribution service. However, that doesn’t guarantee orders, and you can always easily list your book yourself.
5. Chasing Authors to Publish Their Work
Let’s face it; the publishing industry is one of the most competitive industries out there. Publishing houses receive countless manuscripts every year, with many publishers now no longer accepting unsolicited manuscripts. Instead, they rely on agents to bring in books that are a good fit. Therefore, you should be suspicious if you are directly approached by someone claiming to represent a reputable publishing house.
Vanity presses can easily obtain your contact information from social media, and they tend to chase aspiring authors, offering them false promises of a great publishing deal. So, although it would be great if getting published were that easy, always be wary of deals that sound too good to be true!
Vanity Publishing Companies: How to Avoid Them?
Now that you know the main characteristics of a vanity press, it’ll be easier to steer away from them. However, it isn’t always that straightforward. There are, however, a number of useful resources out there that keep track of vanity presses authors should avoid.
For instance, Writer Beware is a Sci-Fi and Fantasy writers’ group that aims to address problems faced by writers. They maintain a Scam Archive that provides an updated list of publishers, agents, and other industry players to avoid, including vanity presses. This archive is based on complaints they’ve received and evidence compiled against these businesses, making it a valuable tool for writers navigating the publishing landscape.
Moreover, the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) offers authors free access to their Self-Publishing Industry Ratings, which rank the different publishing businesses out there to help authors decide which they can trust and which they should avoid.
A Sample List of Vanity Presses to Avoid
If you access these author resources, you will find that certain presses keep getting flagged as untrustworthy. Here are some examples of the names you will encounter on ALLi’s watchdog advisory list and other reliable sources:
| Name of Vanity Publisher | Issues | Comments |
| Abbott Press | Quality, Value, Service, Communication, Transparency, Marketing, Legal | Sells expensive services to authors with the promise of improving their book sales. |
| Author Solutions | Quality, Value, Service, Communication, Transparency, Marketing, Legal | Subject to multiple lawsuits in the USA. |
| America Star Books | Quality, Value, Service, Communication, Transparency, Marketing, Legal | Doesn’t pay royalties, sells books it no longer had any rights to sell, and neglects or fails to place books into bookstores. |
| Adelaide Books | Service, Communication, Quality, Transparency | Requires authors to purchase 45 copies of their books, even though this purchase requirement is not included in their sample author contracts. |
| Avro Basim Yayin | Communication, Practices, Legal, Other | Contacts authors and offers to buy Turkish rights to their books and then fails to pay for those rights. |
| Amazon Digital Publishers | Transparency, Quality, Marketing, Service, Other | Claims to be affiliated with Amazon, but actually has no connection to Amazon or Kindle Direct Publishing. |
| Archway Publishing | Quality, Value, Service, Communication, Transparency, Marketing, Legal | Attracts aspiring authors on the basis that it is an imprint of Simon & Schuster. It makes empty promises that authors could have a chance of getting their book to the S&S board. However, this imprint is actually outsourced to Author Solutions, who are themselves on the watchdog list. |
| AuthorHouse (UK) | Quality, Transperancy, Communication, Fees, Marketing, Distribution, Legal | An imprint of Author Solutions. Often overcharges authors and underdelivers on promises. Poor communication, weak marketing support, and opaque royalty reporting are common complaints. |
| Austin Macauley Publishers | Transparency, Legal, Communication, Other | Asks for a huge “contribution” fee from the authors for publishing their books. |
| Book Agency Plus | Legal, Transparency, Practices, Marketing, Other | Claims to have offices in London, New York, California, and Texas, yet no addresses or phone numbers for those locations are available. It also claims to be affiliated with the ALLi in order to induce authors to enter and pay for a book contest. |
| Book Vine Press | Transparency, Quality, Marketing, Service, Other | Offers overpriced services and inadequate editing, and has been accused of poor communication and unprofessional behavior by staff. |
| Genius Media (Wid Bastian) | Legal, Value, Other | Due to high fees, disputed claims, and credible reports of contract breaches, this company and its associated imprints remain on ALLi’s watchlist. It also operates under the name Kairos Phoenix. |
| Fawcett Publications | Marketing, Transperancy, Legal, Quality, Other | The real company with the same name closed in 1977. This is impersonation scheme operating from Pakistan. |
| IdeoPagePress Solutions | Value, Service, Communication, Transparency, Contract, Practices, Legal, Other | Claims to be headquartered in New York, but is actually operating out of the Philippines. |
| Just Fiction Edition | Quality, Value, Service, Communication, Marketing, Contract, Legal | Doesn’t pay owed royalties, and charges thousands more than the contract. |
| New Found Books | Service, Transparency, Legal, Other | Previously known as Shawline Publishing, the company rebranded after facing author lawsuits and allegations of unpaid royalties. |
| Olympia Publishers | Marketing, Distribution, Quality, Legal, Communication, Transperancy | Several publishers use similar names, but this specifically refers to olympiapublishers.com, also operating as Ashwell Publishing. |
| OmniScriptum | Quality, Value, Service, Communication, Marketing, Contract, Legal | Famous for copying Wikipedia articles verbatim and passing them off as books. It also has a suspicious legal structure. |
| Page Turner Press | Communication, Marketing, Quality, Service, Transparency, Value | This is an exploitative vanity press that operates out of the Philippines and impersonates Big 5 publishers. |
| Pegasus Elliot Mackenzie | Communication, Legal, Transparency, Services | Claims to operate as a traditional publisher then charges authors for publishing their books. |
| Publishing Mojo | Legal, Marketing, Transparency, Quality, Service, Other | A predatory vanity press and marketing scheme accused of posing as IngramSpark to lure unsuspecting authors. |
| VDM Publishing (Verlag Dr. Mueller) | Quality, Value, Service, Communication, Marketing, Contract, Legal | A highly active academic vanity press known for exploiting authors and publishing books that directly reproduce Wikipedia content without modification. |
Alternatives to Vanity Publishing
It’s understandable that all this information about vanity presses and publishers can be somewhat overwhelming for any aspiring author. However, there is an abundance of legitimate publishers and printing presses for authors to choose from.
Here are the different options available to authors when it comes to getting their work out in the world.
1. Self-Publishing
Although traditional publishing will always be associated with the “dream-come-true” of getting published by a reputable, big-time publisher, many authors are moving toward self-publishing their work because of the creative control it provides them.
When you self-publish your book, you manage your own book production, editing, marketing, etc. So even though you’ll probably hire the services of editors and book designers, you’ll always have the final say in any decision-making process.
Moreover, you can always get the help of a self-publishing company. Although it sounds a bit contradictory to have a company offering self-publishing services, many businesses do an excellent job of being one-stop shops for authors, such as Blurb, BookBaby, and Lulu.
The way this business model works is that the author pays for a range of publishing services. Some might say that that sounds suspiciously like what a vanity press does, but that isn’t the case. In the following table showing self-publishing vs. vanity publishing, we’ll highlight three key differences:
| Aspect | Self-Publishing Business | Vanity Press |
| Creative control | The author maintains control over every publishing decision, ranging from the cover design to the way the book is priced and marketed. | Vanity presses rarely consult authors at any stage of the publishing process, so authors have no control over their final product. |
| Copyright ownership | Authors maintain full copyright and legal ownership of their work. | As soon as they submit their manuscripts to a vanity press, it’s common for authors to be asked to sign away their copyrights, which means their books become the legal property of the vanity press. |
| Transparency and costs | The author pays for the services of publishing; however, there is complete transparency. This means that authors know exactly how much each service costs and what they will be receiving in return. | Not only will vanity presses charge excessive fees to publish the books they receive, but they are also unlikely to share a breakdown of these expenses with authors. |
If you are looking for a reputable platform to publish your ebook while keeping 100% of the royalties, then you might want to give Kotobee Books a try. And if you need any assistance with the publishing process, you can check out the various services they offer to get your book looking its best.
2. Hybrid Publishing
Another type of publishing that can sometimes be mistaken for vanity publishing is hybrid publishing. The word “hybrid” points toward a mix of traditional and self-publishing business models. Essentially, hybrid publishers charge authors to publish their books. However, authors are paid back in the form of higher royalty rates.
Let’s examine how hybrid publishers are completely separate from vanity presses.
| Aspet | Hybrid Publisher | Vanity Press |
| Selection process | Like traditional publishers, hybrid publishers have set selection criteria and a formal submission process. | Vanity presses are notorious for publishing anything, even if it means accepting low-quality work. |
| Royalties and author payment | Authors invest in some publishing costs, but receive higher royalties to balance the expense. | Vanity presses not only overcharge authors for low-quality publishing services, but they are also known for offering very low royalties. |
| Publishing team and quality | Hybrid publishers have experienced in-house and freelance editors and designers. Authors have more creative control as they work collaboratively with the publisher’s team. | Vanity presses will typically outsource all their publishing services to the lowest bidders. Thus, they compromise on the quality of the books since it means they get to pocket more money. In addition to this, authors will have very little say in the publishing process and are rarely consulted, if at all. |
Concluding Thoughts
In today’s competitive publishing industry, when it comes to getting their work out into the world, aspiring authors often find themselves bombarded with so many options. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged—which is where vanity presses come in. They offer up their shady contracts in attractive gift wrapping, and many authors are just so relieved to have finally found a publisher that they end up taking the bait.
When authors are armed with awareness, however, and know how to spot the red publishing flags, they can then learn to avoid all kinds of vanity publishing practices and instead seek out alternative routes that are legitimate as well as rewarding.
Whether it’s traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing, there are many routes to choose from. The key takeaway here, though, is that even the most experienced authors should always obtain some form of legal advice before signing any type of publishing contract.
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Read More
The Truth About Hybrid Publishing in 2025
Best Free Digital Publishing Platforms for Aspiring Authors
The Basic Guide to Self-Publishing Books
More from Our Blog
Shushma ~Arora
June 29, 2023very very informative for new writers. showing what is going on with publishers after covid 19 period to their businesses. I feel we will have to make good and informed decisions regarding our first book.
Thanks for the help. lots to learn.
Kotobee
September 10, 2023Hello Shushma,
Thank you for your comment, and we’re delighted to hear that you found the article informative! Making informed decisions, especially when it comes to publishing your first book, is crucial.
If you have more questions or need further guidance on any aspect of the publishing process, please feel free to ask. We’re here to help and support new writers like you on your journey.
Happy writing and publishing! 🙂
Karl Rosenfled, M.D.
August 30, 2024Have contacted Newman Springs Publishing. Thoughts? Are they a typical vanity publishing company?
Please advise.
Thanks
KR
Kotobee
September 4, 2024Hi Karl,
Newman Springs Publishing (NSP) has garnered mixed reviews on platforms such as Yelp. While some authors have expressed satisfaction with their services, others have raised concerns. The overall rating is around 2.9 stars, with some mentions of high-pressure sales tactics.
NSP is sometimes considered a hybrid publisher, and while some authors see value in their offerings, others approach with caution.
Our suggestion would be to investigate further—read reviews, compare your options, and carefully weigh the pros and cons. Your manuscript deserves the best possible home!
If you’re considering self-publishing, you might also want to explore Kotobee Books (https://books.kotobee.com/ ), where you can publish your ebook for free and receive 100% of your royalties for a limited time.
Sandy
April 11, 2025Just was storing info for my 2nd journey of possible help with hand written manuscript.
Jenny
September 15, 2023Is AlphaBookWriters a vanity publishing company?
Kotobee
November 5, 2023Hi Jenny,
We don’t have specific information on AlphaBookWriters. However, we recommend thoroughly researching any publishing company you’re considering. Look for red flags such as upfront fees, lack of transparency, or poor author reviews. Additionally, check reputable author forums and publishing watchdog websites to gather more insights about AlphaBookWriters before making any decisions.
Barbara
April 12, 2025I recently contacted House of Bestsellers. Sent manuscript and sent money for more editing. Now I’m worried if this is the right company! Can you tell me if they are legit or not?
Gary W. Loyd
August 17, 2023Please provide the whole list of vanity publishers and bad publishers to deal with. I am trying to publish my book , but there are so many publishers, they all sing a good song. but who can I trust ? I am retired and living on Social Security , with not a lot of money . I need the best bang for my buck. I can’t afford to get scammed.
Kotobee
November 5, 2023Hi Gary,
We understand your concern about finding a trustworthy publisher, especially on a limited budget. While we can’t provide an exhaustive list, we can offer some guidance on identifying reputable publishers. Look for publishers that don’t require substantial upfront fees, provide transparent contracts, and have positive reviews from authors. Reputable organizations like the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) also offer resources and recommendations. Additionally, consider self-publishing platforms like Kotobee Books (https://books.kotobee.com/), where you have more control and can minimize costs. Research thoroughly, read testimonials, and seek advice from fellow authors to make an informed decision.
We have also updated the list in this article to include more publishers that are more likely to be vanity press. So check it and please don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions.
James Jackson
September 24, 2023What’s the word on SCRIBE MARKETER? Are they legit? Do they have a decent track record with clients? They seem to want to push for paying up front for audio books and claim to get the printed and audio out at the same time.
Kotobee
November 5, 2023Hi James!
Unfortunately, we don’t have specific information regarding Scribe Marketer being a vanity press. However, it’s essential to approach any publishing service that requests upfront payment with caution. Reputable publishing services typically do not require authors to pay upfront for publishing services, especially for audiobooks. It’s advisable to research the company thoroughly, read client testimonials, check online reviews, and seek opinions from author communities or forums before making any decisions. Additionally, consider reaching out to industry watchdogs like the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) for their insights on the company’s reputation.
Mindy OConnor
October 2, 2023I would love to receive more articles like this. Newsletters, writing classes, etc. Thank you for a great article!
Kotobee
November 1, 2023Hi Mindy, we’re so glad that you liked our article! if you’d like to receive our weekly newsletter which includes updates on our latest articles and any new classes or offers, please visit this link to sign up https://bit.ly/3FHuFMY
Jan Buchanan-Medina
October 9, 2023Interesting, thank you Kotobee, but very worrying, too. Do you have any advice for authors who think they might have been caught up in a fake contract? I am asking for a progress report and it doesn’t seem to be available.
Thank you for the warning…
Jan
Kotobee
November 6, 2023Hi Jan!
Thank you for your comment, and we totally understand your concern. If you suspect you may have been caught up in a fake publishing contract, it’s crucial to take immediate action. First, carefully review the terms and conditions of the contract to understand the cancellation and refund policies.
Next, gather all correspondence and documents related to the contract, including emails, receipts, and any written agreements. Reach out to the publisher in writing, requesting clarification on the progress report and expressing your concerns. Keep a record of all communication.
Simultaneously, consider consulting legal advice from a lawyer specializing in publishing contracts. They can provide guidance on your specific situation and help you navigate the legal aspects of the contract.
You can also report the suspicious publisher to consumer protection agencies and organizations, like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), to alert other authors about your experience.
We hope this advice helps, and we wish you the best of luck in resolving your situation.
Lynn
October 14, 2023Everyone should know Randall J Andrews who is Jay Brown is a self publisher scam artist. He has JaCol Publishing Inc. He has rewritten m y novel with another author. That happened in 2019 when I never received any royalties from Amazon, so I withdrew. Jealousy prompted him to rewrite my novel, and in July 2023 he sold in it all Amazon stores without my permission He denies this repeatedly, but I took screenshots my novel in all stores. He took all the royalties—I can’t afford a lawyer.
Kotobee
November 6, 2023Hi Lynn!
We are truly sorry to hear about your situation with Randall J Andrews and JaCol Publishing Inc. It’s essential to document all evidence, including screenshots and correspondence. While legal help might be challenging, consider reaching out to pro bono legal services or author advocacy groups like the Authors Guild or ALLi for assistance. Reporting the incident to platforms like Amazon can also help.
We hope you find the support you need.
James McDonald
November 4, 2023Good morning. Unfortunately I was taken in by one of those so-called Publishers and have been presented with lies at every stage of the process which I have evidence of.
Is there an ombudsman or some organisation who I can make a complaint to about this behaviour?
My complaints go back the 3 years I have been with this mob and wish to take all my concerns to an independent organisation.
Don’t get me wrong here, they actually have rectified all of my complaints but I have reached the point where I want things done without having to complain.
Thank you.
Kotobee
November 5, 2023Hi James!
We are truly sorry to hear about your negative experience with the publisher. It’s great that your complaints have been resolved, but we understand your desire for a more permanent solution. We recommend reaching out to organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) for further assistance and guidance. They can provide valuable support in handling such situations. If you need legal advice, consulting an attorney specialized in publishing matters might also be beneficial.
Wishing you the best of luck in resolving your concerns.
jameslara
November 17, 2023Thanks for sharing informative post, i ask some question with you admin? please tell me The Writers Tree is also vanity publishers?, please think about it
Kotobee
December 27, 2023Hello!
We’re glad you found this post informative. 🙂
Unfortunately, we don’t have any specific information on The Writer Tree, but we advise you to research the company thoroughly, read client testimonials, check online reviews, and seek opinions from author communities or forums before making any decisions.
Best of luck with your writing and publishing endeavors. 🙂
Frank Cantone
December 19, 2023A few weeks ago I literally stumbled onto a company named American Self Publishers. I wasn’t interested in their pitch but then I remembered a script I had written back in the 80’s so I contacted them about it. They were very polite so that was a positive. When I told them the pages were not in order they said that’s okay and they offered to put them in order which I thought was odd. They also asked for a copy of the script so I printed a copy for them but they never gave me the mailing address which again was odd. I did give them a synopsis and they seemed interested and wrote up a critique. However in their last phone call they finally brought up money and payments. They were not very high but I am not working due to an accident last year so I told them I can’t do anything until I start earning an income. They seemed okay with that but then I saw a very negative review of them and that led me to this site. I had heard of vanity presses so that was a red flag. I am sure they will try calling again soon although again I can’t put up money until I have a job first.
Actually the script is a mis-mash of different events that dont’ make much sense, but I may go back to it one day. My real goal is to write a screenplay for a James Bond movie. Any comments, suggestions etc are welcome.
Kotobee
December 27, 2023Hi Frank,
Thank you for sharing your experience with American Self Publishers! It’s great that they were polite and accommodating in the initial stages. However, it’s wise to be cautious, especially when it comes to financial matters and after discovering a negative review.
Given your goal of writing a screenplay for a James Bond movie, it might be worthwhile to explore more established and reputable avenues for script submissions. There are many legitimate platforms and competitions that could provide valuable exposure and opportunities without the risks associated with certain vanity presses.
Cynthia
February 5, 2024Thoughts on Fulton Publishing please
Kotobee
April 21, 2024Hi Cynthia!
It’s great that you’re researching publishers for your novel. When it comes to Fulton Books, we recommend proceeding with caution. While they may have positive reviews from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), some reviewers have labeled them as vanity publishers. So try to explore other alternatives, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any help.
Good luck with your publishing endeavors 🙂
Laurie
February 16, 2024Do you know the best way to publish a children’s picture book that has original songs to listen to while looking at the pictures and lyrics?
Kotobee
April 21, 2024Hi Laurie!
If you’re still in the process of creating your children’s book, I highly recommend using Kotobee Author. It’s a powerful tool that enables you to craft outstanding interactive ebooks, which can be published across various platforms. Here are some inspiring success stories of children’s ebooks created using Kotobee Author (https://www.kotobee.com/en/products/author):
– https://www.kotobee.com/en/case-study/marwa-rakha-interactive-learning-with-kotobee
– https://www.kotobee.com/en/case-study/zara-khanna-interactive-ebook
And if you’ve already completed your ebook and are ready to share it with the world, consider using Kotobee Books (https://books.kotobee.com/). This platform allows you to publish your books for free (for a limited time!) and ensures you receive 100% royalty.
Best of luck with your creative journey! 🙂
Corey
April 24, 2024Any thoughts on Manhattan Book Group?
Kotobee
May 13, 2024Hello Corey!
Manhattan Book Group is a hybrid publishing company that offers authors creative freedom while providing professional services. Their approach empowers writers while ensuring high-quality support throughout the publishing journey. Notably, several reputable websites have endorsed the services offered by Manhattan Book Group, reinforcing its reliability and viability as a great choice for authors seeking professional publishing services.
Suzanne Paul
May 11, 2024Hi! I signed on with Amazon Publishing Library assuming it was Amazon – I now learned that it isn’t the same company – are they a scam/ vanity publishing? Also, rather than downloading my children’s book myself, if I worked with Amazon (Kindle Direct Publishing) or Kotobee Author, with either of these companies, do they offer services where I can work with one of their representatives to take care of that?
Kotobee
May 13, 2024Hi Suzanne,
Amazon Publishing Library operates as a hybrid publishing company, blending traditional and self-publishing models. Their range of services includes editing, design, and marketing, with costs shared between the author and the company. It’s worth noting that numerous reputable websites have endorsed their services.
Regarding Kotobee, we offer a comprehensive suite of ebook services encompassing consultation, design, conversion, scripting, and publishing. You can explore detailed information about each service on our website: https://www.kotobee.com/en/services
Additionally, we encourage you to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our ebook experts through this link: https://www.kotobee.com/?livedemo . They can provide personalized insights and guidance tailored to your specific needs and aspirations.
Best of luck with your ebook publishing journey. 🙂
mike
June 11, 2024any intel on Normans Publishing ?
Kotobee
August 6, 2024Hi Mike!
Based on the information available online, Normans Publishing does not appear to fit the typical definition of a vanity publisher. They offer a range of services including book editing, marketing, and video book trailers, and are known for their support of indie authors. However, it’s always a good idea to thoroughly research and ask specific questions about any fees and services before committing to a publisher.
Hope that helps 🙂
Patricia Cahill Rinn
July 3, 2024Hi I got an offer of hybrid publishing from Olympia Publishers. Should I take it? Are they reputable? Patricia
Kotobee
August 6, 2024Hi Patricia,
Thank you for reaching out! Olympia Publishers offers hybrid publishing contracts, which means the author contributes to the initial production and printing costs, while the publisher handles marketing and distribution.
As for their reputation, opinions are mixed. Some authors have had positive experiences, praising their support and professionalism. However, others have expressed concerns about the costs and the value received.
It’s important to thoroughly research and consider your options before making a decision. You might want to reach out to other authors who have worked with them to get a better understanding of their experiences.
Best of luck with your publishing journey! 🙂
Josh S.
July 11, 2024Wow, thank you for all of the advice listed here, I really appreciate what you have said along with the resources that you have provided. I am a first-time author looking for a self-publishing agency (I thought I needed a vanity agency, but from what you have said, self-publishing is what I am actually looking for).
Something to add to your discussion though – I won’t go into specific sites, but one thing to look out for is reputation-stealing sites, that pretend to be a bigger (legitimate) company when they are not. Things to look out for are shortened names (so if it is a multi-part name, they only include part of it), or dead links on the website, including “backers” and “feedback” links.
Kotobee
August 6, 2024Hi Josh!
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re glad to hear that you found the advice and resources helpful. It’s great to know that our article helped clarify the difference between vanity publishing and self-publishing for you.
Your additional tip about reputation-stealing sites is very valuable. It’s crucial for authors to be vigilant and do thorough research before committing to any publishing service. Watching out for shortened names and dead links, especially on ‘backers’ and ‘feedback’ pages, is excellent advice.
Best of luck with your self-publishing journey! We would also like to suggest checking out Kotobee Books (https://books.kotobee.com/) where you can publish your ebook for free and receive 100% royalties. And if you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out. 🙂
Megan
August 8, 2024This is an excellent and informative article and the comment section is gold too! I’m looking into Ballast Books and wonder if you have any insight on them?
Kotobee
August 12, 2024Hi Megan!
Thank you for your kind words! We’re glad you found the article and comment section helpful. 🙂
Regarding Ballast Books, they are a hybrid publisher offering a range of services, including editorial, design, marketing, and distribution. They aim to provide high-quality publishing support while allowing authors to retain more control and a higher percentage of royalties compared to traditional publishers.
Many authors have praised their professionalism and the comprehensive support they offer throughout the publishing process. However, it’s always a good idea to thoroughly research and consider your specific needs and goals before choosing any publisher.
Best of luck with your publishing journey.
beverley
October 7, 2024Any thoughts on Friesen Press?
Kotobee
October 31, 2024Hi Beverley,
Friesen Press is a well-known publishing service, and like any company, it’s important to evaluate their offerings carefully. While they provide services that can help authors self-publish, it’s always wise to consider factors like pricing, transparency, and control over rights and royalties. Researching reviews and reading the fine print on their contracts can help ensure they align with your publishing goals.
David Wilson
December 5, 2024I recently connected up with globalpublishings out of Irvine, California doing business as barnesnoble.co (not barnesnoble.com). In a moment of vulnerability I paid them an up-front fee for self-publishing of my completed manuscript. So far they have treated me with the utmost of professionalism, but I am suspicious of their “sneaky” misrepresentation of themselves as being affiliated with Barnes & Noble. Are you familiar with this group?
Kotobee
December 31, 2024Thank you for sharing your experience, David.
It’s good to hear that they’ve been professional so far, but your concerns about potential misrepresentation are understandable. It’s always worth investigating further when a company’s branding could be misleading.
Unfortunately, we’re not familiar with this specific group, but we recommend verifying their credentials and looking for reviews from other authors who’ve worked with them.
Wishing you the best on your publishing journey! 🙂
Heken
March 30, 2025I’ve found a good editor and on the hunt for self publishing house. I’ve found all this information very useful, thank you.
Kotobee
April 7, 2025Thanks, Heken, for your kind words!
If you are looking for a platform where you can publish your ebook for free and get 100% royalties (for a limited time), we suggest you check out our newest platform: Kotobee Books ( https://books.kotobee.com/ ).
Wishing you the best of luck with your publishing journey.
G Nwoko
April 8, 2025Ton of thanks for info on how many of these publishing companies operate.Meanwhile,what do you think of Page Publishing?Are they a Vanity Publishing Press?
Kotobee
August 21, 2025Unfortunately, Page Publishing does fall into that category. Sources like Writer Beware identify it as one of the more well-known vanity presses, charging authors several thousand dollars up front (including optional extras) and accepting almost any manuscript simply because the author pays.
In short, while they may present themselves as a “full-service press,” Page Publishing is best understood as a vanity press, not a traditional or hybrid publisher.
Maria
April 10, 2025Anyone heard of Reeds Publishing? It’s not in BBB. They seem legit I wanted to write my personal story for my children. They mentioned it could be broken down into 3 books…series. BUT they haven’t started the 1st but wants more money to start 2nd book so they can write it together. Any thoughts? Anyone experienced this?
Kotobee
August 21, 2025Hello Maria!
Reeds Publishing has mixed reviews: some authors praise the support and quality service, while others warn of unreturned fees and broken promises.
More concerning, a report on the BBB Scam Tracker (https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/lookupscam/1013704) describes a situation where a client paid for the first book, the publisher stalled on starting it, demanded more money for the second, and then refused to return the initial payment. That kind of behavior matches what many consider to be vanity press tactics, where authors pay and the publisher delivers little or no value.
In cases like this, even if some reviews seem positive, the payment-before-service approach and reported refusals to refund are serious red flags. It’s best to proceed with caution—especially when they ask for more money before delivering on earlier work.
Best of luck publishing your books =)
traci
April 11, 2025Make sure you add Blueprint Press and Beyond Movies to your list. This despicable bunch preyed on my elderly father and conned him out of his nest egg. Stay away from these people
Kotobee
August 21, 2025I’m so sorry to hear about your father’s experience, that’s truly awful!
Sadly, Blueprint Press and Beyond Movies have been flagged by many authors as vanity presses that use manipulative tactics and false promises. So thank you for bringing this up and warning other writers; it’s important that these names are shared so authors can steer clear and protect themselves.
Jay
April 14, 2025Do you have any information on Defiance Press? They appear to be a hybrid Press, but I’ve seen mixed reviews.
Kotobee
August 21, 2025Thanks for asking about Defiance Press. They present themselves as a hybrid publisher and offer packages that include editing, design, and marketing. However, many authors note that these services come with steep upfront costs, so reviews are understandably mixed. If you’re considering them, it’s best to look closely at the quality of the books they’ve published and make sure their services are worth what they charge.
Sandra
May 5, 2025Any information on Fawcett Publications? Can’t decide whether they are vanity publishers or self publishers. They promise a lot regarding distribution and inclusion on various platforms. Royalties go to the author, who keeps all rights to the work. The upfront fee required is not extortionate, but I’m wondering if the option is right for me. I don’t really want to be waiting many months to be sent a rejection so I’m wondering if this is the best way to get started.
Kotobee
August 21, 2025Thanks for your question! Fawcett Publications was once a traditional publisher, but the company using that name today operates more like a vanity press. Authors have raised serious concerns; Lee Goldberg even wrote an exposé calling it a scam, citing fake offices, inflated bestseller claims, and even stolen ghostwriter bios (https://leegoldberg.com/the-fawcett-publications-scam/). While their promises of wide distribution may sound appealing, the upfront payment model is the real red flag.
If you’re looking for a more transparent and author-friendly path, you might want to consider publishing through Kotobee Books (https://books.kotobee.com/), where you keep 100% of your royalties and have full control over your work.
Clifford Edward harwood
May 10, 2025You can add Olympia Publishers, London to your list of rip off artists. They will take your money claiming to have connections in the publishing world.
They have none. They could not care less.
A fool and his money are soon parted.
signed
fool with more money than brains.
Oh. The money is gone.
Kotobee
August 21, 2025I’m sorry you had this experience. Unfortunately, many authors report the same with Olympia Publishers. They present themselves as traditional but operate more like a vanity press, charging thousands while offering little in return.
WritersWeekly documents cases of poor editing, delayed royalties, and costly contracts (https://writersweekly.com/ask-the-expert/complaints-about-olympia-publishers-olympiapublishers-com).
Ann
July 3, 2025Hello Kotobee,
I wish I had found your blog last Fall, when I found Matador Publishers, who says they are in San Jose, CA. I paid them $1700 to have a children’s book published, including the services of an illustrator and getting my book onto Barnes and Noble and Amazon platforms. Yesterday I got an email from the illustrator that ‘his number will be changing due to internal changes,’ and today he called me and it was not an informative (to me) exchange. He did not give me any clear answers to my questions, so I have asked for ‘proof’ they are a legit company. I had tried to find the background on their domain and found nothing other than it is registered by someone in Iceland! when I told him that, he had no answer for me. I also questioned why so many people I dealt with have left, and their telephone numbers (all with different areas codes) have been disconnected. Please tell me if you know anything about them. their so-called website is matador-publishers.com. I have subscribed to your email so I can be a better informed author.
Kotobee
August 21, 2025Hi Ann,
I’m really sorry to hear about your experience! That sounds very concerning. The site you mentioned, matador-publishers.com, is not connected to the reputable UK self-publishing service Matador Publishing (troubador.co.uk). The company you paid appears to be using a similar name to confuse authors, which is unfortunately a common scam tactic.
A few red flags you mentioned (multiple disconnected numbers, untraceable domain ownership, evasive communication) strongly suggest they are not a legitimate publisher. You may want to stop any further payments, and if possible, dispute the charges with your bank or credit card provider.
Wishing you best of luck with publishing your books =)
Richard
July 23, 2025I have been discouraged with ‘Author House’, out of Bloomington, Indiana.
I have spent in excess of $1,700 so far, and as I painfully go thru the
process with them; I am constantly challenged and confused with
little to no satisfaction and ZERO accountability, ZERO consciousness, and
ZERO anything.
All I get from Author House are headaches. And reasons for things not
getting done.
I forgot what the first $1,000 was for, but I remember the rest.
PHASE TWO (the so-called editing stage), I paid $700 for a bunch
of editing suggestions. After about a week or so of looking over their
recommendations, I told them I didn’t want the manuscript changed
at all, but to go ahead and print it just the way it was. Then I asked
for my $700 back, or at least to be applied to the next phase.
And they said they couldn’t that.
SO THAT’S WHERE I AM AT.
PHASE THREE is their so called marketing phase.
And PHASE FOUR merchandising phase.
Most likely I will pull the plug on this whole thing and go elsewhere,
with a new awareness of the predators in that industry.
I will make that decision later this week.
Any suggestions or comments would be welcomed.
Kotobee
August 21, 2025Hi Richard!
Thank you for openly sharing your experience. Sadly, many authors have reported similar frustrations with AuthorHouse and other vanity presses—particularly around unclear costs, upselling, and a lack of accountability. The Better Business Bureau and other watchdog sites contain numerous complaints that echo what you’ve described, which may help you if you decide to pursue a refund or file a formal complaint.
It sounds like you’ve learned a hard lesson, but you’re not alone! And you still have plenty of solid publishing options ahead. If you decide to go the self-publishing route, we encourage you to check Kotobee Books (https://books.kotobee.com/), where you can publish your book for free (no hidden fees) and get 100% royalties for a limited time!
Paul
July 31, 2025Thank you! Keep doing this work.
I had a poor experience with the Dorrance publishing. The quality was OK, the service was OK, but they cheated me on my royalties. They refused to send me the Amazon reports about the books sold. They simply sent me their “calculations”. When I asked Amazon to provide me the reports on sale of the books they refused, telling me to address the Dorrance.
How to avoid such problem in future?
Kotobee
August 21, 2025Hi Paul, thank you for sharing your experience! I’m sorry to hear you had to go through that. Unfortunately, a lack of transparency in royalty reporting is a common issue with some assisted/vanity publishers.
To protect yourself in the future, here are a few steps you can take:
1. Choose platforms that pay royalties directly (like Kotobee Books, Amazon KDP, Draft2Digital, IngramSpark, etc.), so you can see sales reports firsthand.
2. Always check contracts carefully for how royalties are calculated and reported. If reporting isn’t mentioned clearly, that’s a red flag.
3. Ask about transparency before signing; a trustworthy service should allow you to access real-time or at least verifiable reports.
That way, you remain in control of both your book sales and your earnings.
Paul
August 1, 2025Hi, I published 7 books with different companies. The last was with Dorrance Co. The quality was good, but they cheated me with royalties sending their data of sold books, not the original from Amazon and other sellers. Amazon refused to provide the report, saying they have agreement with Dorrance not with me. How to avoid such situation in future? Can you recommend me a good lifetime agent? I have two books ready to publish.
Kotobee
August 21, 2025Hi Paul,
Publishing seven books is impressive; congratulations!
Regarding your question about a “lifetime agent,” it’s important to know that literary agents usually don’t work on a lifetime basis. Instead, they sign contracts on a per-book or per-project basis, taking a commission (often 15%) from the royalties they secure for you. If you’re considering an agent, make sure they’re reputable members of organizations like the Association of Authors’ Representatives (AAR) or recommended through trusted writer networks.
If you’d prefer more control without going through an agent, self-publishing directly on platforms like Kotobee Books, Amazon KDP or Draft2Digital lets you access sales reports and royalties transparently.
Wayne Cooper
August 16, 2025Dear KOTOBEE:
Does your company publish in other formats besides e-books? And my second question is, are you familiar with Mermaid Book Publishers? I published my first book with them, and I have since read some of their reviews, and people have had horrible experiences with them. During the publishing process, I noticed that on an average of every two weeks, they were always hitting me up for more money, and in the first couple of times, I foolishly felled for it, but I quickly had to wisen up because it became clear that all they’re about is doing the “Nickel and Dime” game on authors, especially first-time authors who o not have the experience of dealing with the publishing industry. Bottom line is, have you ever heard of them? They work….supposedly under the auspices of Amazon Book Publishers.
Kotobee
August 21, 2025Hi Wayne,
I’m sorry to hear about your experience with Mermaid Book Publishers. Unfortunately, there are many companies that present themselves as legitimate publishers but operate as vanity presses, charging authors high fees without delivering real value. What you described — frequent upselling and lack of transparency — are common red flags.
To your first question: Kotobee focuses on digital publishing solutions, particularly ebooks and audiobook formats. We don’t publish in print or other formats ourselves, but many of our authors use print-on-demand services like Amazon KDP Print alongside our tools if they’d like both print and digital editions.
And to clarify, “Amazon Book Publishers” isn’t an actual publishing house. Amazon provides platforms (like KDP) for authors to self-publish, but it doesn’t run third-party publishing companies. Any business claiming to be affiliated with Amazon should be carefully vetted.