Choosing a self-publishing partner is less about slogans and more about what happens after you pay. Use a written checklist: Are inclusions listed before checkout? Do you keep rights and royalties? Is production visible in a portal — or stuck in email? What are revision limits? Is there a mandatory subscription after launch?
Red flags
- Opaque “custom quote only” menus that expand after you are committed
- Unclear royalty formulas or surprise revenue shares
- No written approvals for covers and proofs
- Guaranteed bestsellers or paid-review schemes
What “good” looks like
Itemized packages, human QC on AI-assisted work, portal-tracked phases, and honest marketing language. AuthorShelf publishes six tiers from $399–$2,989 with 100% rights and royalties and a lifetime portal on every package.
Next step
Use our free 15-point partner checklist, then compare publishers or view packages.