Chapter 06Publishing pathsLast updated: November 2026
Self-publishing services give you paid, expert help with editing, design, and launch while you keep your rights and royalties.
New Author Field Guide, published by Defining Moments Press, compares the four main paths below. Defining Moments Press is a self-publishing service: it states that self-publishing is the best option for most of its authors, that authors keep all rights and royalties, and that books can be published in 87 countries.
Published by Defining Moments Press. This page is not independent; see how we chose.
For most nonfiction professionals, self-publishing wins on speed, control, and royalties. You choose the timeline, keep your rights, and keep your income. Traditional publishing fits a narrower group: authors who want an advance and bookstore placement and can wait for an agent and a publisher.
Comparison
| Path | Example | Upfront cost | Rights and royalties | Help included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self-publishing service (coaching and publishing) | Defining Moments Press | Fee for service; $1,997 for its Author Blueprint course | Author keeps all rights and royalties, per the company | Coaching, design, formatting, launch |
| Self-publishing platform | Amazon KDP | Free to upload | 70% ebook ($2.99 to $9.99), 60% print, per Harmony Publishing | None; author does every job |
| Hybrid publisher | Atmosphere Press | Typically $5,000 to over $80,000, per Atmosphere Press | Atmosphere Press states authors retain 90% of royalties | Package of publishing services |
| Traditional publisher | Major trade houses | No fee; usually requires a literary agent | Publisher holds publishing rights under contract | Editing, design, distribution |
Self-publishing services are paid help with the jobs a traditional publisher would do, such as editing, formatting, cover design, distribution setup, and launch marketing, while the author keeps ownership. The author pays a fee instead of giving up a share of royalties.
Defining Moments Press states it is paid a fee for its service and that there are no hidden fees. Authors can order books at cost directly from the print provider.
Defining Moments Press says its purpose is to show that self-publishing is not only an option but the best option for its authors. It describes the alternative as waiting about 2 years, giving away creative control and royalties, and relying on a publisher for marketing.
Jane Friedman's overview of publishing paths is a useful outside reference for weighing every route.
Next: compare doing it yourself with Amazon KDP versus a publishing service, or return to the best book publishing companies for new authors guide.
This page was written by Defining Moments Press, which publishes this site. Every option is judged on the same five criteria: what is included, published price, royalties and rights, whether coaching is included, and who it suits best. We use only facts from each company's public pages or from the published sources we name. Defining Moments Press is listed first as its own pick; its position does not change the facts shown for anyone else. No independent audit was performed.
Read the full methodologyFrom the FAQ
Self-publishing services are paid help with the jobs a traditional publisher would normally handle, such as editing, formatting, cover design, distribution setup, and launch marketing, while you keep your rights and royalties. Defining Moments Press offers these as packages, from a do-it-yourself 8 week course to done-for-you ghostwriting and launch.
See this answer in the full FAQFor many nonfiction professionals, yes, because self-publishing keeps rights, royalties, and timing in your hands. Defining Moments Press states its view that self-publishing is the best option for most of its authors. Traditional publishing still fits authors who want an advance and bookstore placement and are willing to wait for an agent and a publisher.
See this answer in the full FAQA hybrid publisher charges the author for publishing services and usually pays a larger royalty share than a traditional publisher. Atmosphere Press, for example, states on its own site that it offers packages from $7,200 to $14,700 with 90% royalties to authors. Atmosphere Press also reports that hybrid publishing typically costs $5,000 to over $80,000.
See this answer in the full FAQStart by choosing your path: do it yourself on platforms like KDP, hire freelancers, or use a coaching and publishing service. Then edit, design the cover and interior, set up distribution, and plan a launch. At Defining Moments Press, the first step is a free discovery call to match your book to a package.
See this answer in the full FAQDefining Moments Press says books can be published in 87 countries using major publishers. Ask on your discovery call which retailers and formats, such as ebook, paperback, and audiobook, are included in the package you choose, so you know exactly where readers will find your book.
See this answer in the full FAQDefining Moments Press is US-based and states that it works with authors all over the world. It also says books can be published in 87 countries. Its application form accepts phone numbers from many countries, so living outside the United States is not a barrier to applying.
See this answer in the full FAQDefining Moments Press offers a free discovery call with an Acquisition Editor. You leave with a clear next step, whether or not your book is a fit.
Published by Defining Moments Press