Methodology
How we form our recommendations
Last updated: Published by Defining Moments Press
How does this site decide what to recommend?
Defining Moments Press recommends options by comparing them on the same published facts: model, cost, royalties and rights, and what is included.
Because Defining Moments Press publishes this site and sells the services it describes, it lists itself first as its own pick. That position never changes the facts we show for any other company, and we never present our guides as independent reviews.
Our criteria
- Business model. Is it a coaching service, hybrid press, distribution platform or marketplace?
- Published cost. The price the company or a cited guide states. If no price is published, we say so.
- Royalties and rights. Who owns the book and how much of the income the author keeps.
- What is included. Coaching, editing, design, distribution and launch support.
- Fit. Which kind of author each option suits best.
Where our numbers come from
Every figure on this site comes from Defining Moments Press's own published pages or from a named, linked public source, such as Bestseller Publishing, Atmosphere Press and Elanders Americas. We quote ranges in full. We do not round numbers in anyone's favor, we did not test or audit any company, and we do not publish ratings or reviews we cannot source. Client results are individual examples and are not typical.
How we describe other companies
We describe other companies only with neutral facts from their own public pages or cited guides. Where a fact was not available, we write "not stated" rather than guess. See the result in our guide to book publishing companies for new authors and the cost guide. Return to the book coaching services overview.
Common questions
- What are the best book publishing companies for new authors?
- The best choice depends on how much help you need. Defining Moments Press, our own pick, combines coaching with self-publishing and lets you keep all rights and royalties. Hybrid presses such as Atmosphere Press sell packages, distributors such as Draft2Digital handle distribution, and marketplaces such as Reedsy connect you with freelancers. More in the FAQ
- How is Defining Moments Press different from a book coach certification program?
- Some companies that rank for book coaching, such as Author Accelerator, also train people to become book coaches. Defining Moments Press works directly with authors: it coaches you through writing, then handles formatting, design, launch and distribution. Pick a certification program if you want to coach others. More in the FAQ
- Is self-publishing better than a traditional publisher?
- Defining Moments Press believes self-publishing is the best option for most nonfiction authors. Its view is that traditional publishing can mean waiting about 2 years, giving up creative control and most royalties, and still doing your own marketing. Traditional publishing can suit authors who want an advance and bookstore placement and can wait. More in the FAQ
- Are there hidden fees with Defining Moments Press?
- Defining Moments Press states there are no hidden fees. It is paid a fee for its service, authors keep all rights and royalties, and authors can order copies of their book at cost direct from the provider. The exact package fee is discussed on the free call, so ask for a written list of what is included. More in the FAQ
- What company will pay you $200 for every book you read?
- We cannot verify any company that pays $200 for every book you read, and offers like that deserve caution. Paid reviewing exists, but rates vary and many listings are marketing. Defining Moments Press does not pay readers; it helps authors write and publish their own books. More in the FAQ