For indie authors in 2025, the world of publishing has become more accessible and diverse than ever. Whether you're a first-time author or someone who's already self-published a few works, choosing the right publishing service is key to getting your book in front of the right readers. 

1. Self-Publishing Platforms

Self-publishing has become the go-to option for many indie authors. Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, and Draft2Digital let you retain full control over your book’s release. You can publish e-books, print books, or both, and distribute them worldwide without any upfront costs other than the time and effort you put into editing and design.

• Amazon KDP is still the biggest player in the self-publishing space. You get access to a massive market, especially if you’re looking to publish an e-book.

• IngramSpark is perfect if you want to get your book into bookstores and libraries.

• Draft2Digital is a fantastic choice if you want to spread your e-book to platforms beyond Amazon, like Apple Books and Barnes & Noble.

These platforms are great if you want flexibility and control, but they do require you to handle marketing and promotions yourself.

2. Hybrid Publishing Services

If you're looking for something between full self-publishing and traditional publishing, hybrid publishers are a great option. These services typically offer more support (editing, design, marketing) while still letting you maintain control over your royalties. You get the best of both worlds: creative freedom with professional guidance.

• Greenleaf Book Group offers a full-service hybrid publishing package, including distribution, marketing, and more, all with a personal touch.

• She Writes Press is another strong contender, focusing on women authors and offering solid services like editorial support and book marketing.

• BookBaby is known for its affordable, customizable publishing options and wide distribution channels.

Hybrid publishing is ideal if you want a balance of professional support without sacrificing creative control or royalties.

3. Professional Book Publishing Services

For authors looking to go beyond DIY publishing but not quite ready for the traditional publishing route, best book publishing services can be a great option. These services provide full publishing packages that include editing, book design, and global distribution. They can also help with marketing your book to ensure it gets noticed.

• AuthorHouse and Xlibris are two well-known services offering professional publishing packages. They cover everything from book editing and cover design to marketing and distribution.

• Outskirts Press is another solid option, known for its wide array of customizable publishing packages and marketing services.

These services are a bit pricier than self-publishing, but they often take a lot of the heavy lifting off your shoulders, giving you more time to focus on writing.

4. Print-on-Demand (POD) Services

Print-on-demand services let you print copies of your book only when they’re ordered, which means no upfront costs or wasted inventory. This is a fantastic option if you want to offer physical copies of your book without committing to a big print run.

• Lulu is one of the best-known POD services, offering high-quality printing and global distribution options.

• Blurb is perfect for authors creating photo books, art books, or other highly visual works.

• Amazon KDP (Print) is also a great choice for authors who want to print their books and distribute them via Amazon.

POD services are a great way to print copies of your book without the financial risk of bulk printing.

5. Marketing and Promotion Support

While publishing your book is a huge achievement, getting the word out is just as important. Some publishing services offer marketing packages, but if you’re going it alone, you might want to look into professional marketing platforms.

• BookBub is a must for authors who want to boost their visibility. Known for its daily email promotions, BookBub helps books reach thousands of readers in your genre.

• Reedsy offers a marketplace where you can hire professional book marketers, editors, and designers to help perfect your marketing strategy.

• Bestseller Blueprint is another great option, offering guidance on how to build your book’s profile and achieve bestseller status on platforms like Amazon.

Even if you publish on your own, investing in marketing support can make a significant difference in how well your book performs.

Conclusion

The best book publishing services for indie authors in 2025 offer a variety of options, each catering to different needs and budgets. Whether you choose self-publishing for total control, a hybrid service for professional support, or a more hands-off professional publishing route, there’s no shortage of tools to help you succeed. By choosing the service that best fits your goals, whether it's global distribution, marketing support, or professional design, you can confidently share your work with the world.