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BookBaby vs. Outskirts Press

Which self-publisher should you trust to make your book?

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Self-publishing is a long and tricky process, and selecting a company for book publishing is a crucial step. You may ask yourself, who is the best self-publisher—BookBaby or Outskirts Press? While BookBaby and Outskirts Press offer many similar services, we’d like to tell you more about the differences between the two. We’ll help you decide on the best path towards becoming a published author.

Let’s take a look at how BookBaby and Outskirts Press stack up against one another. Here, you can see the similarities and differences, then make the best choice for your self-publishing journey.

Book publishing packages made just for you

You’ll find many Outskirts publishing package options throughout the Outskirts Press website. Some are based on your book printing color, while others are based on your book genre. BookBaby has three options—and they’re all based on you.

We’ll work with you to tailor a package fit to your publishing goals. You can customize everything, such as how many printed books you need, what type of cover design you want, and even add on book marketing services to boost the impact of your work.

No matter where your publishing journey takes you, our team will help you reach your finish line with a package that transforms you into a professional author.

Thorough, efficient editing by professionals

Outskirts Press only provides copy editing (including a non-refundable down payment of $285). But what if you just want a fresh pair of eyes to proofread your work? Or what if you need help restructuring your overall plot and characters?

Every book needs editing, but not all editing is the same. BookBaby has a range of expert editing services based on what your book needs. And instead of asking our authors for a down payment, we ask them to put our editors to the test. We’ll edit your manuscript's first five pages for free. Additionally, our pre-press review process helps ensure that we provide error-free printing. No typos. No glitches. Just pristine, professionally edited books.

Trim sizes fit for any story

It’s true—Outskirts Press offers a wide range of printed book trim sizes. However, you can only access them if you purchase their ultimate publishing bundle, which is their priciest option available.

BookBaby makes it easy to create a book that matches your vision without having to splurge on a big bundle. You can see and use any of our trim sizes and printing options, even if you’re only printing a press proof. And that goes for any book you’re making. Any size. Any shape. Any color.

We make it easy to customize every aspect of your book so that it perfectly suits your wants and needs. Not sure which trim size is best for your book genre? Find your answer here.

The reviews speak for themselves

With over 4,000 Trustpilot reviews and a high rating, BookBaby is the highest-reviewed self-publisher on the planet. BookBaby is on your team forever, supporting your book throughout its entire lifetime. In contrast, Outskirts press reviews barely exist, so it’s hard to know exactly what to expect from working with them. With BookBaby, the reviews vouch for reliability, quality, and trustworthiness.

Make an impact through book distribution

BookBaby’s Print On Demand program is the best way to affordably print and sell books. With on-demand printing, authors can distribute their books to readers without having to buy and store hundreds of books on their own. Print On Demand allows authors the freedom to market and sell their books around the world without having to worry about storing, shipping, or having enough books in stock. It’s practical and cost-effective.

While Outskirts Press does offer a print-on-demand service, they’re not up front about the many retail outlets that they partner with. Meanwhile, BookBaby tells it like it is. With BookBaby, your book will be available to Amazon, Powell’s Books, Books-A-Million, and Barnes & Noble, as well as Ingram, Baker & Taylor, NACSCORP, Bookazine, Diamond Comic, BPDI, Christian Book Distributors, and 50+ others. Your book can have a global impact.

Discover people-powered publishing

It may be called self-publishing, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it yourself. In fact, being an independent author is about taking the reigns in your story and not doing everything on your own. When you work with BookBaby, you partner with a team of experts who are dedicated to helping you at every stage of the process.

Whenever you need help finding an answer or would like expert suggestions, just reach out to our Publishing Specialists. Our US-based experts will be there for you whenever you need help.

Side-by-side comparison:

Service BookBaby Outskirts Press
Consultation down payment $0 $35
Book printing Yes Yes
Interior book formatting Yes Yes
Book cover design Yes Custom covers designed by experts Yes Limited to 20 template styles
eBook conversion Yes For all eBook formats Yes For Kindle, NOOK, and iPad
Print On Demand Yes Global distribution across 50+ stores Yes Only through Ingram and Baker & Taylor
eBook distribution Yes To Amazon, B&N, Apple Books, Nook, and 60+ online stores. Yes Only to Amazon, Apple Books, and NOOK bookstores
Audiobook conversion Yes Yes
Personalized sales page Yes No
Satisfaction guarantee Yes100% Money-back guarantee No
100% Satisfaction Guarantee

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Our stellar customer reviews are a testament to the satisfaction of our authors. Common themes in our reviews include praises for our knowledgeable publishing specialists, quality products, and quick turnaround times. If you're not thrilled with our work—whether it's eBook conversion, cover design, or print quality—we'll work with you until you are. That's our publishing promise to you.

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