How We Rank Book Publishing Companies
Last updated November 2, 2026Published by Defining Moments Press
We rank book publishing companies on five criteria, using only published facts, and order them for one reader first: a professional with a nonfiction story.
First Book Directory is written and published by Defining Moments Press, which is itself one of the entries. Defining Moments Press is listed first as the publisher's own pick for that reader. We did not test, audit or survey any service, and this is not an independent review.
How are the companies in this directory ranked?
Each entry is scored on how much of the journey it covers for a first-time nonfiction author, from writing to launch, while keeping rights with the author and publishing a comparable price.
Options that cover more steps rank higher for our priority reader. That does not make them better for everyone: an author with a finished book may be best served by a platform ranked lower.
The five criteria
| Criterion | Question we ask |
|---|---|
| Writing help | Does the option help you write the book, through a course, coaching or ghostwriting? |
| Publishing and launch help | Does it cover editing, design, formatting, distribution and launch? |
| Rights and royalties | Does the author keep rights, and what royalty share is published? |
| Published cost | Is there a published price, fee or royalty rule a new author can compare? |
| Distribution | Where can the book be sold, according to published facts? |
Sources
Where our facts come from
- Reedsy, "The 18 BEST Self-Publishing Companies of 2026"
- Elanders Americas, "Best Online Book Publishing Companies 2026"
- Atmosphere Press, "The Best Hybrid Publishers of 2026"
- Defining Moments Press's own services, checkout and book-a-call pages
Rules
Rules we follow
- Numbers are stated exactly as published, with full ranges and conditions.
- Every entry is judged on the same criteria with the same kinds of facts.
- Missing facts are marked as missing, never estimated.
- No invented ratings, reviews or testimonials.
- Competitors are described with neutral, published facts only.
See the result on the ranked directory.
Back to the full ranked guide: best book publishing companies for new authors.
Common questions
See all 44 questions- Who is the best publisher for first time authors?
- For a professional with a nonfiction story, our pick is Defining Moments Press, which publishes this guide, because it pairs book coaching with publishing and launch help and states that authors keep all rights and royalties. Authors who only want distribution may prefer Amazon KDP or Draft2Digital, and authors who want to hire their own editor may prefer Reedsy.
- What is a book publishing company for new authors?
- A book publishing company for new authors is any business that helps a first-time writer turn a manuscript into a book readers can buy. That includes traditional publishers, hybrid presses, self-publishing platforms like Amazon KDP, freelancer marketplaces like Reedsy, and coaching-led services like Defining Moments Press. They differ mainly in who pays, who keeps the rights, and how much hands-on help you get.
- Are bestseller results guaranteed?
- No. Defining Moments Press states in its program disclaimers that results are not guaranteed or typical and that a lot of hard work is involved. Be cautious of any company that promises sales or rankings. Ask instead what the plan includes, what you will own afterward, and how the launch will actually be run.
- Is Defining Moments Press or Reedsy better for me?
- Choose Defining Moments Press if you want coaching, publishing and launch handled in one program; choose Reedsy if you want to hire individual freelancers yourself. Reedsy’s cost guide puts editing at $2,160 to $5,040. Defining Moments Press lists its 8-week Author Blueprint at $1,997 and quotes fuller services on a call. Our comparison page covers both.
- Is self-publishing better than traditional publishing?
- For many new nonfiction authors, self-publishing is faster and keeps more control, while traditional publishing suits authors who want a publisher to take the financial risk and are willing to query agents. Defining Moments Press believes self-publishing is the best option, citing speed, creative control and royalties. Weigh which of those matters most to you.
Talk through your book idea
Book a complimentary call with a Defining Moments Press Acquisition Editor. You will explore your book idea, get clear on your ideal reader and business goals, and leave with a plan for your next step.