Writing a book is difficult, but what about publishing it? That’s a whole different kind of stress. Many authors think publishing is just uploading a Word document, picking a cover, and waiting for sales to roll in. But once you actually start the process, you quickly realise there are a hundred moving parts behind every real book you see online.
Editing, formatting, cover design, ISBNs, printing, Amazon setup, marketing, distribution, it’s a lot.
And this is exactly why book publishing services exist. Publishing services help authors turn a rough draft into a book that looks not only professional but also has a chance of selling. So if you are working on it, here’s the full breakdown of what book publishing services are, what you actually need, and what to avoid.
What are Book Publishing Services?
Book publishing services are basically everything you need after you finish writing. Once you have a manuscript, publishing services help you turn it into a real book that people can buy online or in stores.
That includes things like:
- Editing your writing so it sounds clean and professional
- Designing your book cover
- Formatting your pages properly
- Setting up your Amazon account and uploading everything correctly
- Printing physical copies
- Marketing your book so it doesn’t disappear after launch
Maybe you know how to technically do these on your own but not every author have time, skills, or patience to handle it properly. And honestly, they shouldn’t have to.
Why Publishing Services Matter More than Ever
Publishing has become easier than ever. But that also means the market is crowded.
Readers today have endless options. If your book looks cheap, reads awkwardly, or has grammar mistakes, they will stop reading. Fast. Even if your story is amazing.
Professional publishing services help you avoid those mistakes and make sure your book feels like it belongs in the real book world. Not like something rushed and uploaded in a weekend.
Have a look at: What Are Book Publishing Services: Types & Benefits
11 Book Publishing Services Every New Author Must Know
If you’re searching for the ultimate guide to book publishing, this breakdown will save you hours of confusion.
1. Editing Services: The Step Most Authors Skip (and Regret)
If you only invest in one thing, invest in editing.
Editing is the difference between a book that feels professional and a book that feels unfinished. There are different types of editing, and most authors don’t even realise they exist until someone explains them.
Developmental Editing
This is the big-picture type of editing.
A developmental editor looks at the structure of your book. They focus on things like:
- Does the plot make sense?
- Are the chapters in the right order?
- Is the message clear?
- Does the pacing feel right?
- Does the story feel complete?
This is extremely helpful for novels, memoirs, and nonfiction books.
Line Editing
Line editing is more about flow. It helps your writing sound better. It fixes awkward sentences, improves readability, and makes your voice more consistent.
Copyediting
Copyediting focuses on grammar, punctuation, spelling, and consistency. It’s where your writing starts to feel clean and polished.
Proofreading
Proofreading is the final check before publishing. It catches small errors that might still be hiding in your manuscript. It’s like the final “safety net.” Skipping proofreading is risky because even a great editor can miss tiny mistakes.
2. Ghostwriting Services
A ghostwriter takes your idea, interviews you, builds an outline, and writes the book in your voice. You still own the story and the message. The ghostwriter just helps you turn it into something readable and well-written.
Ghostwriting is common for:
- Entrepreneurs
- Coaches
- CEOs
- Influencers
- Public speakers
- Busy professionals
- People writing memoirs
The key is working with someone who knows your genre. You don’t want a romance ghostwriter writing a business book. That never ends well.
3. Book Formatting: Making Your Book Look Like a Real Book
Formatting is something most new authors ignore until it becomes a problem. Formatting is what makes your book readable. If your spacing is off, your margins are wrong, or your chapters look messy, readers will notice. Even if they don’t say it out loud.
Formatting services include:
- Setting up chapters correctly
- Choosing readable fonts
- Fixing margins and spacing
- Making the book print-ready
- Formatting for Kindle and ebooks
- Building the table of contents properly
Print formatting and ebook formatting are not the same thing, so most authors need both. Many authors still compare self-publishing options with traditional publishing services before deciding what fits best.
4. Book Cover Design: The Thing that Sells Your Book
A good cover can literally sell a book by itself. A bad cover can kill a great story. That’s the truth.
People scroll through Amazon fast. They judge your book within seconds. If your cover looks amateur, they assume the writing is amateur too.
Professional book cover design includes:
- Front cover design
- Spine design
- Back cover layout
- Typography and genre styling
- Amazon thumbnail optimisation
- Barcode placement for print
And no, Canva templates don’t count as professional design unless they’re done by someone who knows what they’re doing.
5. ISBN and Copyright Support
ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It’s basically the ID number used to track and sell books. Some self-publishing platforms offer free ISBNs, but authors who want full ownership often buy their own.
Publishing services often help with:
- ISBN setup
- Book metadata
- Copyright guidance
- Category selection
- Publisher imprint options
It’s not the most exciting part of publishing, but it matters if you want your book to look official. Even self-published authors can learn a lot by studying how traditional publishing services handle book production.
6. Printing Services (Paperback and Hardcover)
If you want physical copies of your book, printing matters. Most authors now use print-on-demand, which means books are printed only when someone orders. But many authors also want bulk printing, especially for:
- Book signings
- Speaking events
- School programs
- Giveaways
- Bookstores
Printing services can include:
- Paperback printing
- Hardcover printing
- Premium paper quality
- Colour printing (children’s books)
- Bulk shipping and packaging
A book should feel good in someone’s hands. If it feels cheap, it affects the reader experience.
7. Publishing Setup on Amazon and Other Platforms
This is where a lot of authors mess up. Amazon KDP seems simple, but it’s easy to upload your book incorrectly. Publishing services often handle:
- Kindle eBook upload
- Paperback setup
- Pricing strategy
- Category selection
- Keyword research
- Author profile setup
- Linking eBook + paperback versions
- Setting up preorders
They also help with other platforms like IngramSpark, Kobo, Apple Books, and Barnes & Noble.
8. Marketing Services: Because Publishing Isn’t Enough
Here’s what no one tells new authors: Publishing is not marketing.
Just because your book is live doesn’t mean people will magically find it. Marketing services help your book get seen.
These services may include:
- Book launch planning
- Amazon SEO and keyword optimisation
- Social media content strategy
- Book trailer creation
- Influencer outreach
- Email marketing setup
- Press releases
- Paid Ads Management
- Goodreads Promotion
Marketing is what separates books that sell from books that sit quietly online.
9. Audiobook Publishing Services
Audiobooks are bigger than ever. Many people don’t even read books anymore. They listen while driving, working out, or cleaning.
Audiobook services can include:
- Professional narration
- Audio editing
- Mastering and quality checks
- Distribution to Audible and other platforms
- Audiobook marketing
If your book is the type people would enjoy listening to, audiobooks are worth considering.
10. Author Branding Services
In 2026, authors are brands. Readers want to connect with the person behind the book. That’s why branding services have become a major part of publishing.
These services can include:
- Author website design
- Social media branding templates
- Author logo design
- Press kit creation
- Biography writing
- Email list setup
Even simple things like a professional author page can make you look 10 times more serious.
11. Publishing Packages v. Individual Services
Some authors want a full publishing package where everything is handled for them. Others prefer to pick services individually.
Publishing Packages are Great if:
- You’re a first-time author
- You want everything managed in one place
- You don’t want to hire freelancers separately
- You want consistent quality across your book
Individual Services are Better if:
- You already have a designer or editor
- You’re working on a tight budget
- You only need help with one part
Both options are fine. It depends on what you need.
A true ultimate guide to book publishing should cover editing, design, marketing, and distribution, not just uploading.
What to Look for in a Publishing Company
Not all publishing companies are the same. Some are amazing. Some are shady. Some are just disorganised. Before you pay anyone, make sure they can answer basic questions like:
- Do you have real samples?
- Can I see published books you’ve worked on?
- Do you offer a clear timeline?
- Do you provide a written contract?
- Will I own the final files?
- Do you offer revisions?
- How do you communicate during the project?
If they avoid answering these questions, don’t trust them.
Common Mistakes Authors Make When Publishing
A lot of authors make the same mistakes, and it costs them.
Rushing Everything
Good books take time. Publishing too quickly often leads to sloppy editing and weak design.
Hiring the Cheapest Option
Cheap publishing services usually give cheap results. And your name is attached to it.
Ignoring Marketing
Some authors publish and expect sales. But books don’t sell without visibility.
Skipping Editing
This is the biggest one. A book with errors loses readers quickly.
Dont miss this: Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Publishing Your First Book
How Much Do Book Publishing Services Cost?
Prices vary depending on the service provider, book length, and genre. Some authors spend a few hundred dollars. Some spend several thousand. And ghostwriting projects can cost much more. But the truth is, you don’t need to obsess over exact numbers. What matters is what you’re getting. A book is not a small project. It’s a product. And if you want it to compete, it needs to look like a product that was built properly.
Final Thoughts: Publishing is a Process, Not a Button
Publishing isn’t a one-step thing. It’s a full journey. And if you do it the right way, your book can become more than a personal achievement. It can become a brand asset, a credibility tool, and something you’re proud to share for years.
The best part? You don’t have to do it alone. The right publishing services can turn your manuscript into a book that looks professional and actually stands a chance in today’s market. Because your story deserves more than being written. It deserves to be published the right way.
If you need expert assistance with publishing, then simply connect with Vanguard Ghostwriting!
FAQs
What are book publishing services?
Book publishing services include editing, cover design, formatting, ISBN help, printing, distribution, and marketing. They help turn your manuscript into a real book that looks professional and sells online.
Do I need publishing services if I’m self-publishing?
Yes. Even self-published authors need editing, formatting, and cover design. These services help your book look trustworthy and prevent mistakes that can hurt reviews and sales.
What is the difference between self-publishing and traditional publishing?
Self-publishing gives you full control and faster publishing. Traditional publishing takes longer but may offer more support. Both can work, depending on your goals and budget.
How much do book publishing services usually cost?
Costs depend on book length and the services you choose. Some authors spend a few hundred dollars, while others invest several thousand for full publishing packages.
What publishing service should I invest in first?
Editing should be your first priority. A well-edited book builds trust with readers and improves reviews. A strong cover and good formatting should come right after.
