Which Package Is Right for Me?
Match your goals and budget to a tier — then verify inclusions before checkout. We explain what changes for you, not just a feature dump.
AuthorShelf has six 2026 packages from Spark ($399) through Ultimate ($2,989). Every tier includes lifetime portal access, distribution setup, and 100% rights & royalties. Packages differ in production depth and launch assets — not in who owns your book.
Quick self-select
- First book + tightest budget + OK with AI-assisted production + human QC → Spark ($399)
- First book + professional cover/interior without overbuying → Launch ($597) — most common debut start
- Launch-level production + stronger discoverability → Grow ($749)
- Real launch assets (A+, media kit, hardcover option, returns) → Pro ($997 — most popular full path)
- Building an author brand / platform → Signature ($1,987)
- White-glove stack with maximum included services → Ultimate ($2,989)
See full “what changes at each tier” profiles →
Outcomes · not just feature lists
What actually changes for you at each tier
Packages differ in production depth and launch assets — not in ownership. Every tier keeps your rights and royalties. We do not invent testimonials or promise sales numbers.
Typical author: Finished manuscript, tight budget, wants a real path to “published” without building a vendor stack.
What changes: You leave with a production-ready title path, lifetime portal visibility, ISBN, and retail distribution setup — with AI-assisted production plus mandatory human QC.
Skip if: Authors who need heavy developmental editing, full custom cover direction, or launch marketing assets included in the package price.
You do
Provide a complete manuscript, approve phases in the portal, and handle optional marketing beyond basic distribution.
We do
Production workflow, QC, files, distribution setup, portal tracking.
Typical author: First-time author who wants a professional-looking book without overbuying brand platforms.
What changes: You get human-led cover/interior presentation, eBook path, retail distribution, and portal control — a clean debut without mystery fees.
Skip if: Authors who need A+ Content, hardcover, media kit, or bookstore-returns program included day one (see Pro).
You do
Approve cover and interior proofs; respond in portal within stated windows.
We do
Design direction, formatting, eBook path, ISBN, distribution, lifetime portal.
Typical author: Author who wants Launch-level production plus stronger discoverability tooling.
What changes: Same production backbone as Launch, with extra discoverability setup so the book is easier to find online.
Skip if: Authors who primarily need launch assets (A+, media kit) — Pro is the clearer jump.
You do
Approve proofs; share positioning notes for metadata/discoverability where requested.
We do
Production + expanded discoverability setup in portal workflow.
Typical author: Author treating release as a real launch — wants production plus assets that support pitching and retail presentation.
What changes: Fuller custom production direction, hardcover option, Amazon A+ Content, media kit/sell sheet, and returns program included — one package instead of stitching freelancers.
Skip if: Authors who only need “get the book printed” and will build marketing themselves later (Launch may be enough).
You do
Approve design and eProofs; use media kit assets in your own outreach.
We do
Production + launch assets + returns path + portal; no paid ads management unless purchased separately.
Typical author: Series author, coach, or speaker building an author brand beyond a single upload.
What changes: Premium production plus brand-facing assets (website path, social campaign materials, podcast pitch kit) so the book sits inside a platform.
Skip if: One-book authors who won’t use brand assets this year — Pro usually fits better.
You do
Supply brand inputs; own ongoing website content and social posting cadence.
We do
Premium production + brand asset setup paths + portal; hosting renewals may apply after included periods.
Typical author: Author who wants white-glove coordination and maximum included production stack.
What changes: Highest included support: developmental editing path, audiobook, dedicated management feel, premium assets — one coordinated package.
Skip if: Budget-first debuts who prefer starting lean and adding services later.
You do
Stay responsive on approvals; participate in higher-touch production reviews.
We do
Coordinated white-glove production stack in portal with maximum included services for the tier.
What’s included on every package
- Lifetime Author Portal access (production, approvals, messaging, royalty tools)
- ISBN assignment (or help with your ISBN) and global retail distribution setup
- 100% rights and 100% book royalties retained by you — no revenue share on sales
- Six-phase production workflow with eProof / approval gates before go-live
- Human quality control on deliverables (including AI-assisted paths)
- Phase-based refund rules in the Services Agreement at checkout
What’s not included (important)
- Guaranteed sales volume, rankings, bestseller status, or review counts
- Paid advertising management or paid media spend (unless purchased separately)
- Buying reviews, ranking schemes, or “we will make it a bestseller” packages
- Unlimited revision rounds beyond what your package description lists
- Legal advice, tax advice, or literary agent representation
- Ongoing marketing execution after asset delivery (you own outreach unless you hire more help)
AuthorShelf publishes your book professionally and keeps process visible. Sales and discoverability depend on genre, category competition, pricing, metadata quality, and your ongoing marketing — we do not sell outcome guarantees.
Finish manuscript → launch checklist
For authors who already wrote the book and want a clean path to market — without opaque vendors.
- Confirm fit — use the 30-second helper above or book a free Author Readiness Call.
- Pick a package — Launch or Pro for most debuts; Spark if budget is primary; Signature/Ultimate for brand platforms.
- Checkout + Services Agreement — e-sign at purchase; refund rules are phase-based and written.
- Portal onboarding — upload manuscript, complete title metadata, track phases 1–6.
- Approve design & eProofs — nothing goes live without your portal approvals.
- Distribution & Title Live — retail setup, then royalty visibility tools in the portal.
Distribution — named, not vague
- Amazon retail path (ebook + print where included in your package setup)
- Barnes & Noble pathway as part of global retail setup
- Wide POD / wholesale distribution via industry channels (Ingram-class) so bookstores can order where policies allow
- Bookstore Returns program included on Pro, Signature, and Ultimate (add-on on lower tiers)
- Search Inside / Google Books discoverability tools on tiers that include them
Retailer acceptance and bookstore orderability can depend on trim, content compliance, and partner rules. Ask on a free readiness call if wide wholesale distribution is a hard requirement for your book.
Quick answers authors ask before buying
Do I keep my rights and royalties?
Yes. 100% rights and 100% of book sale royalties stay with you. AuthorShelf is paid for production services — not a cut of your book sales.
Who owns the ISBN and distribution setup?
We assign or help with ISBN and set up global retail distribution paths included in your package. You control pricing where platforms allow and may use other channels in parallel.
How long does production take?
Typical window is about 6–8 weeks depending on package, manuscript readiness, and how quickly you approve portal tasks. Timelines are estimates, not guarantees.
What if I’m not happy mid-project?
Refunds are phase-based (full / partial / none after final eProof approval) and are defined in the Services Agreement at checkout. A free readiness call before purchase is the best way to confirm fit.
Will my book sell?
No ethical publisher can guarantee sales. We deliver professional files, distribution setup, and (on higher tiers) launch assets. Sales depend on category competition, pricing, metadata, reviews, and your ongoing marketing.
Payment options
Pay in full (lowest price) on every package product page, or choose an optional Milestone Plan when available (+ $149 setup fee). Manage remaining payments in your portal under Account → Payments.
After you purchase
Sign in to the Author Portal, complete title setup, upload your manuscript, and follow phases through design, eProof approval, and distribution. Nothing goes live without your portal approvals.
Still unsure? Book a free Author Readiness Call — no pressure to buy on the call.