Publishing

Self-publishing services for professionals who want to publish their book

Last updated: November 2026 · Published by Defining Moments Press

Self-publishing services help you publish your book under your own control, so you keep your rights and royalties instead of signing them to a traditional publisher.

Defining Moments Press believes self-publishing is not only an option but the best option for most authors. It says the traditional route can mean waiting around 2 years, giving away creative liberties and royalties, and relying on a publisher that may not market your book. With its programs, books can be published in 87 countries using major publishers.

Ask about publishing your book

Should I self-publish or go with a traditional publisher?

For most professionals who want a book working for them soon, self-publishing is the faster, more flexible route. Traditional publishing can still fit authors who want a publisher's name and are willing to find an agent, wait for acceptance, and accept the publisher's terms on timing and royalties.

Publishing routes compared

Published by Defining Moments Press. Each route is described on rights, royalties, control, timing, and support, using Defining Moments Press statements about its own service and the general structure of each route.
Route	Rights	Royalties	Creative control	Timing	Support
Defining Moments Press (assisted self-publishing)	You keep all rights	You keep all royalties; it is paid a service fee	Yours	Stated goal of 8 weeks or less to write and publish	Coaching, formatting, design, launch, and marketing, depending on program
Do-it-yourself self-publishing	You keep all rights	You keep royalties after retailer fees	Yours	Set by you	You hire or do everything yourself
Traditional publishing	Usually licensed to the publisher	A share set by the contract	Shared with the publisher	Set by the publisher	Editing and distribution through the publisher

What publishing services include

Definition: what are self-publishing services?

Self-publishing services are the professional tasks that turn a manuscript into a book readers can buy, delivered without the author giving up ownership. They usually include formatting the interior, designing the book and cover, setting up distribution in ebook and print, and planning a launch. Some companies, including Defining Moments Press, add coaching before the writing starts and marketing after the book is live. The author remains the publisher of record in spirit: the decisions, the rights, and the royalties stay with them.

Defining Moments Press publishing facts

87 countries where books can be published
All rights and royalties stay with the author
No hidden fees, per the company
Books at cost ordered direct from the provider
Ebook and print both covered in the Author Blueprint

How to publish my book: the steps

Finish and edit the manuscript
Or use the Author Launch service if your book is already written.
Format the interior
Layout for both print and ebook editions.
Design the cover
The cover is the first thing readers and organizers see.
Set up distribution
Publish in ebook and print so readers can buy the format they prefer.
Plan the launch
Defining Moments Press includes a launch to bestseller in several programs.
Order author copies
Order books at cost direct from the provider for events and clients.

Choosing among book publishing companies for new authors

Compare any company on the same five questions: Do I keep my rights? Do I keep my royalties? What exactly is included? What is the timeline? Are there fees beyond the quoted price? Defining Moments Press publishes this guide and answers the first two with a clear yes. For how coaching fits in, read our main guide to choosing a nonfiction book coach for professionals.

How we chose

Publishing routes are compared on rights, royalties, creative control, timing, and support. Every option on this page is judged on those same points using published facts. This page was written by Defining Moments Press, which publishes this guide; it is not an independent review. Read the full methodology.

Published by Defining Moments Press.

Common questions

Should I self-publish or find a traditional publisher?

Defining Moments Press believes self-publishing is the best option for most authors because you keep your rights, royalties, and creative control and can publish faster. Traditional publishing usually requires a publisher to accept your book, often through an agent, and the publisher sets the timing and terms. Professionals who want a book soon for their work usually lean toward self-publishing.

What are self-publishing services?

Self-publishing services help you publish a book under your own control without signing your rights to a traditional publisher. Common services include formatting, interior design, cover design, distribution setup, and marketing. Defining Moments Press offers these in its Author Launch, Author Training, and Author Premium programs, and authors keep all rights and royalties.

What are the best book publishing companies for new authors?

The best publishing company for a new author is one that matches your goal, budget, and the level of support you need, and lets you keep the rights you care about. Defining Moments Press, which publishes this site, focuses on new nonfiction authors with coaching, design, and launch support. Compare any company on rights, fees, timeline, and what is included.

Where will my book be published and sold?

Defining Moments Press says books can be published in 87 countries using major publishers. Its programs cover both ebook and print editions, so readers can buy your book in the format they prefer. Ask on your discovery call which retailers and formats best fit your audience and goals before you publish.

Can I get help if I have already written my book?

Yes. Defining Moments Press offers Author Launch, a done-for-you service for authors who already wrote a book and need help publishing and launching it. It includes formatting, book design, cover design, book marketing, a launch to bestseller, and access to the author Facebook group, so you do not need to start over.

Do I keep my royalties if I publish with Defining Moments Press?

Yes. Defining Moments Press says authors keep all royalties and rights to their book. The company is paid a fee for its service rather than taking a share of your sales. This is one reason it describes self-publishing as the best option for most professionals who want a book to build authority.

How much does publishing a book cost?

Publishing costs vary with how much help you buy, since formatting, cover design, editing, and launch support are often priced separately. Defining Moments Press charges a fee for its services, says there are no hidden fees, and lets authors order books at cost direct from the provider. Its Author Blueprint 8 Week Challenge was listed at one payment of $1,997 on its checkout page as of November 2026.

Read all 44 answers on the nonfiction book coaching FAQ

Publish your book on your terms

Keep your rights and royalties. Start with a free discovery call to see which publishing program fits.

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