No written scope
If a company cannot list exactly what is included, you cannot compare it or hold it to anything.
Choosing a publishing partner
Self-publishing companies to avoid: red flags for CEOs
Last updated November 2, 2026 · Published by Big Impact Books
Which self-publishing companies should I avoid?
Avoid any self-publishing company that will not give you a written scope, pushes add-on packages, is vague about who owns your files, or promises sales and rankings. This checklist is published by Big Impact Books and judges companies by warning signs, not by name.
Naming companies would date quickly and could be unfair. Warning signs travel well: use them on every provider you consider, including the publisher of this site.
Six warning signs to check before you sign
Pressure to buy add-on packages
A low base price followed by a steady stream of extras is a common way costs climb.
Vague ownership of files and rights
Get it in writing: who owns the manuscript, cover files, and publishing rights after launch.
Promises of bestseller status or sales
No provider can honestly guarantee rankings or a number of copies sold.
No plan for marketing
A book published with no plan to reach readers often stalls after launch day.
A voice that is not yours
If the process does not include your own words and stories, the book may not build trust in you.
Why does choosing the right partner matter?
HMD Publishing reports that 73% of authors choose the wrong partner initially, costing them an average of $2,400 in rework and 4 months of delays. That is one publisher's figure from its own platform, but it shows how expensive a poor fit can be.
For a CEO, the bigger cost is often time and reputation. A book that does not sound like you, or that launches with no audience, can be hard to recover from.
How we chose these warning signs
Each warning sign was chosen because it affects one of the criteria used across this site: the author's time, the author's voice, clarity of what is included, and whether promotion is planned. This checklist was written by Big Impact Books, which publishes this site. It is not an independent review.
New here? Start with the full guide to book publishing for CEOs.
Questions about choosing a partner
What self-publishing companies should I avoid?
Avoid any company that will not give you a written scope, pushes expensive add-on packages, is vague about who owns your files, or promises bestseller status or sales numbers. HMD Publishing writes that the cheapest option costs 340% more in the long run. The red flags guide on this site lists the warning signs to check before signing.
More in the FAQ: What self-publishing companies should I avoid?How do I choose the right book publishing service?
Choose by fit, not price alone. Compare what is included, how much of your time it takes, whose voice the book will carry, and whether marketing and publicity are part of the plan. Ask for a written scope and timeline. Big Impact Books, for example, combines publishing with promotion and is designed around one hour a week.
More in the FAQ: How do I choose the right book publishing service?What does a book publishing service do?
A book publishing service guides an author from idea to finished, published book. Depending on the provider, that can include developing the content, editing, design, and getting the book to readers. Big Impact Books describes its process as done-for-you publishing and promotion, built to take just one hour a week of the author's time. Ask any provider for a written list of what is included.
More in the FAQ: What does a book publishing service do?What happens if a book is published without a marketing plan?
Usually the book reaches far fewer readers than it could. Big Impact Books warns that publishing without marketing can lead to missed opportunities, limited sales, and hindered growth, leaving the author with books and no one who knows to buy them. A plan that starts before launch gives the book momentum and a ready audience.
More in the FAQ: What happens if a book is published without a marketing plan?How much does book publishing cost?
Book publishing costs vary widely with the path you choose and the services included. Big Impact Books does not list prices on its website, so pricing is discussed with its team directly. Choosing poorly is expensive too: HMD Publishing reports that 73% of authors choose the wrong partner initially, costing an average of $2,400 in rework and 4 months of delays.
More in the FAQ: How much does book publishing cost?