BookBaby vs Spines for self-publishing

Authors earn more through BookBaby. Lots more!

We have negotiated the best eBook royalty rates for authors selling through websites like Amazon, where the bulk of self-published author income comes from.

While Spines takes a selling fee from authors' profits – up to 30% in some cases—BookBaby doesn't take a penny, meaning more profit for our authors. BookBaby pays 100% royalties on eBooks, while Spines only pays 70%. When you self-publish a book with BookBaby, you'll earn the highest possible royalties. These royalties will help offset the initial investment that you made as a self-published author, setting you up for profitability and success.

Spines only pays royalties when authors sell over $100. In contrast, the BookBaby Bookshop offers weekly payouts to our authors regardless of the amount earned. Spines authors must go out of their way to request these payouts, while BookBaby's payouts are automatically scheduled for convenience and efficiency.

When it comes to editing your manuscript, there are hundreds–dare we say, thousands–of freelancers out there who would do a great job. However, many of these freelancers' market through sites like Upwork and Fiverr. The problem with this is that these sites don't exactly monitor the work these folks are producing. So, you might be taking a gamble on the quality and efficiency of your edited work.

BookBaby, on the other hand, works with an exclusive network of trusted editors from around the world. These premier editors have worked with authors in every genre, including NY Times Bestsellers, so you can be sure that your work is being reviewed with the right lens. Our vetted, seasoned, professional editors will never let you down.

Additionally, cover design is included with all of BookBaby's self-publishing packages. Our book covers are designed by our in-house artists, unlike the AI bots over at Spines. Check out BookBaby reviews to hear about how our authors have benefitted from your cover design services. When you compare the score to Spines reviews, we score higher for customer satisfaction.

A professionally designed cover has imagery that instantly conveys the essence of what your book is about. Our designers have years of experience in each and every book genre. Whether the cover of your new romance novel needs to make a bold statement or your freshly baked cookbook cover needs to pop, BookBaby's designers will create a professional book design that you can be proud of. Plus, our cover design services include both printed books and eBooks!

People-powered publishing, editing, and design

We take pride in our people-powered publishing approach, and this extends to editing and design services. Let’s put it this way: would you rather have a human or a machine edit your book? Do you want a human or a machine to design your book cover?

Sure, AI publishing can sound intriguing, and that’s why Spines offers AI-generated editing and cover design. At BookBaby, we believe that our skilled, dedicated people are the secret to your publishing success.

When it comes to editing your book, there are hundreds–dare we say, thousands–of freelancers out there who would do a great job. However, many of these freelancers’ market through sites like Upwork and Fiverr. The problem with this is that these sites don’t exactly monitor the work these folks are producing. So, you might be taking a gamble on the quality and efficiency of your edited work.

BookBaby, on the other hand, works with an exclusive network of trusted editors from around the world. These premier editors have worked with authors in every genre, including NY Times Bestsellers, so you can be sure that your work is being reviewed with the right lens. Our vetted, seasoned, professional editors will never let you down.

You can’t read a book you don’t see

Spines doesn’t offer any advertising services, but we do. Friends and family tend to be the only people who know where to buy your book online. So if you want more readers to reach the promised land, you have to lead them there. One of the best ways to find new readers is through strategic marketing in the publishing world.

Authors from all genres are seeing sales by advertising their books on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Social media advertising can be a powerful tool for self-published authors looking to promote their publication, build readerships, and boost copies sold.

BookBaby will help you tap into these huge user bases by creating targeted ad campaigns for your book. You'll have our team in your corner throughout your entire publishing process—not just until your book is published.