Self-publishing
Self-publishing services
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Published by Defining Moments Press, the company that offers the Author Blueprint. This page is not independent.
Self-publishing services help you publish a book under your own name while keeping your rights, and Defining Moments Press combines that with coaching so nonfiction authors publish in about 8 weeks.
Is self-publishing better than traditional publishing?
For most nonfiction professionals, Defining Moments Press believes self-publishing is the better option. You avoid waiting years, keep your creative liberties, and keep your royalties. Traditional publishing can still suit authors who want an advance and a publisher team and accept a slower timeline.
Coached, DIY, and traditional publishing compared
| Criterion | Coached self-publishing (Defining Moments Press) | DIY self-publishing | Traditional publishing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who owns rights and royalties | You keep all of them | You keep them | Set by your publishing contract |
| Typical timeline | 8 weeks or less, as stated | Depends on you | Often a long process; the company cites about 2 years |
| Creative control | Yours | Yours | Shared with the publisher |
| Support | Course, templates, coaching options, launch help | Whatever you learn or hire | Publisher editing and production |
| Upfront cost | $1,997 for the Author Blueprint; others quoted | Your own vendor costs | Usually none to the author |
Traditional and DIY descriptions reflect how these paths generally work. Learn more from the Authors Guild, a long-standing US organization for writers.
What a self-publishing service should do for you
Production
Make the book look professional
Formatting, book design, and cover design are listed in the Defining Moments Press Author Launch, Author Training, and Author Premium packages. In the Author Blueprint, you learn to handle publishing in ebook and print yourself.
Distribution
Get the book in front of readers
Defining Moments Press says books can be published in 87 countries using major publishers. You can also order copies at cost direct from the provider for events and clients.
Launch
Give the book a real launch
Higher packages include a launch to bestseller, book marketing, and a media and podcast list. Results are not guaranteed or typical, and a lot of work is involved.
When should you self-publish without a service?
Going fully solo makes sense if you already write steadily, enjoy learning publishing tools, and have time to manage vendors. If you have started a book and stalled, or want the book tied to your business, a coached program is usually the better fit.
See the ranked guide to publishing paths for new authors, or go back to the nonfiction book coaching overview.
How we chose
We compared each path on the same five criteria: rights and royalties, timeline, creative control, support, and upfront cost. Facts about Defining Moments Press come from its own website. This comparison was written by Defining Moments Press, which offers one of the paths listed. Read our full methodology.
Common questions
Short answers to what people ask before they start. Read all 42 answers on the nonfiction book coaching FAQ.
Is self-publishing better than traditional publishing?
Defining Moments Press argues that self-publishing is the best option for nonfiction authors who want their book to serve a business, because you avoid long waits, keep creative control, and keep your royalties. Traditional publishing can still suit authors who want an advance and a publisher team and are willing to wait.
Should I self-publish on my own or hire a coach?
Self-publishing alone costs less in fees but leaves every step to you. A coach or program adds structure, accountability, and launch know-how. If you already write consistently and enjoy learning publishing tools, going solo can work. If you have started and stalled before, a guided program like the Author Blueprint is usually the better fit.
How is this different from a vanity press?
Ask any publishing service who keeps the rights and royalties. Defining Moments Press states that authors keep all rights and royalties, that there are no hidden fees, and that authors can order books at cost direct from the provider. The company gets paid a fee for its service, and the book stays yours.
Where will my book be available?
Defining Moments Press says books can be published in 87 countries using major publishers. Self-publishing in both ebook and print is part of the Author Blueprint process, so readers can find your book in more than one format. Ask on a call which channels apply to your specific book.
Do I keep my book royalties?
Yes. Defining Moments Press states that authors keep all royalties and all rights to their book, and the company gets paid a fee for its service instead. This is one reason it argues that self-publishing is the best option for nonfiction authors who want their book to support a business.
What does launch to bestseller mean?
Launch to bestseller is a service listed in several Defining Moments Press packages, including Author Launch, Author Training, and Author Premium. It is a coordinated book launch aimed at bestseller status. Defining Moments Press notes that results are not guaranteed or typical and that a lot of hard work is involved.
Talk through your book idea
Book a free discovery call with a Defining Moments Press acquisition editor. You will explore your book idea, your ideal reader, and your business goals, and leave with a clear next step.