Royalties & Distribution
How to Publish a Book on Amazon KDP (Files, ISBN, and Proofs)
KDP is a retailer dashboard, not a publisher. Here is what Amazon needs, what you still have to produce, and when a package is worth it.
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Self-publishing guides for authors who want clarity
Transparent packages, royalties, Lightning Source literacy, and the Author Portal — written for authors who refuse opaque paid packages.
Packages & Pricing
Self-Publishing Companies That Don’t Take Royalties (How to Verify)
Cheapest is not the filter. The filter is whether the company takes a cut of book sales. Here is how to verify — and how AuthorShelf’s net formula…
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Company & Industry
Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing in 2026: An Honest Split
Traditional publishing pays an advance and takes rights. Self-publishing keeps control and cost. Here is which path fits — and where paid packages sit.
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Company & Industry
AuthorScale Pricing vs AuthorShelf: Marketing App vs Publishing Packages
AuthorScale pricing is $19.99, $29.99, or $49.99 per month for a social posting app, or $999.99 lifetime. AuthorShelf is book production from $399–$2,989. Different companies.
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Packages & Pricing
Self Publishing Packages: What $399–$2,989 Actually Includes
A plain-English map of AuthorShelf self publishing packages: Spark $399 through Ultimate $2,989, portal, ISBN, rights, and what changes by tier.
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Packages & Pricing
Author Services: Editing, Cover Design, Formatting (What to Buy)
Author services vs a self publishing package: editing, book cover design services, formatting, and launch — priced before checkout at AuthorShelf.
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Marketing & Launch
Book Cover Design Prices: Custom Cover Cost ($349 listed)
Book cover design prices at AuthorShelf: $349 custom cover upgrade, $99 revisions. Package cover paths from $399. What you get for print and eBook.
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Royalties & Distribution
Who Owns Your ISBN and Copyright When You Self-Publish?
Copyright is yours unless you sign it away. ISBN identifies an edition. AuthorShelf does not take your rights or a cut of book sales.
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Self-Publishing Process
Book Formatting for KDP and Print: What “Print-Ready” Actually Means
Margins, fonts, TOC, ebook reflow, and print wraps. Why last-minute formatting is how first books slip.
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Self-Publishing Process
How Long Does Self-Publishing Take? Realistic Timelines
DIY can be days if files are ready. Professional production is usually weeks. Here is what actually adds time.
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