7 Insider Tips for Choosing the Best Amazon Book Publishing Company
Welcome to the Elite Book Publisher Blog! Here, we post expert tips, publishing trends, and useful advice to assist authors throughout the publishing process. Whether you're a beginning writer or a seasoned author, you'll find tips to help you write, publish, and market your book to succeed.
Updated on November 8, 2022
Breaking into publishing can be a lot of anxiety because there are so many options that promise success on Amazon. For new authors, especially in the United States, the right Amazon book publishing company can be the difference between a bestseller and a book quickly forgotten in the digital wasteland. With the right help, you get a manuscript turned into a well-edited product that is market-ready and able to reach the right audience.
In this post, we share 7 insider tips to help you choose the best Amazon book publishing company suitable for your goals, budget, and vision. Whether you're dreaming of a fiction bestseller or an all-conquering non-fiction guide, with this guide you'll learn about the factors to pay attention to the most.
You'll also get to know how to look out for red flags, understand the publishing process, and leverage trends in the U.S. book market.
1. Understand the Basics of Amazon Publishing
Knowing what Amazon publishing is essential before selecting a company. The Kindle Direct Publishing system provides an immensely powerful self-publishing option for authors wanting to reach millions of readers beyond borders and with royalty rates reaching up to 70%.
A good Amazon book publishing company can really guide you throughout the whole process, from formatting and editing to cover design and promotional strategy. They are your guides and support team who assist in polishing your book and optimizing it for visibility.
Self-publishing is a great liberator, but there's more: internet research for metadata, keyword optimization, ISBN registration, pricing models, and Amazon's unusual algorithm for how it brings up titles in its search results. You can be easily lost or confused without the proper guide.
Don't forget, Amazon KDP comes with a lot of very specific specifications for eBook and print formats. It means that your professional publisher will make sure your files meet all the standards by Amazon, so that your book does not get rejected or held up at the time of uploading.
Besides, Amazon book publishing company knows exactly how to optimize the listing with the right keywords, categories, and descriptions that really appeal to U.S.-based readers, at least.
2. Seek Proven Experience in the U.S. Market
Not every publishing company is familiar with the American book market and the demands of readers in the United States. Select an Amazon book publishing company with a good history of working with authors from the United States. Their knowledge assures your book is written according to industry standards regarding formatting, tone, and adherence.
Ask questions such as:
- Do they specialize mainly in working with U.S. authors?
- Are their books well-positioned on Amazon.com?
- Can they present American-based testimonials?
Also, make sure they know about U.S. genre tastes. For example, thriller and romance rule American fiction, and entrepreneurship and self-help top non-fiction. Publishing allies with that information can make your book more competitive.
Another key consideration is seasonal trends in the U.S. market. The right publishing partner will be aware of ideal times to release certain genres, e.g., putting a romance novel out on Valentine's Day or a holiday-based book in late November. Scheduling your release to coincide with U.S. consumer shopping habits can have a major impact on your visibility and sales.
3. Consider the Publishing Package
Each Amazon book publishing company has varying packages. Some provide only formatting and upload, while others provide professional ghostwriting services, editing, book cover design, ISBN registration, marketing, etc. Remember to compare packages not only in terms of price, but value.
Always look for:
- Professional book cover design that is targeted to U.S. readers
- Thorough editing (developmental + copyediting)
- Optimization of metadata for Amazon search
- Post-publishing services and U.S.-oriented marketing strategy
In addition, be cautious of additional fees. A reputable company should clearly provide a detailed breakdown of services covered by each package and provide you with a contract to safeguard your rights as an author.
Don't underplay the value of a complete package. From in-house layout to expert proofreading, every step makes your book better and more reliable. Businesses that provide audiobook production or author website design in addition to editing are a big plus if you're trying to establish your personal brand in the U.S. market.
4. Ask About Royalties and Rights
One of the most significant advantages of self-publishing on Amazon is that you keep the majority of your royalties and rights. But not every company functions transparently. Make sure the Amazon book publishing company you are looking at has open royalty terms.
You ought to:
- Maintain 100% copyright
- Get 60-70% or more of royalties from Amazon KDP
- Maintain pricing and distribution control
Avoid those that profess to be your ISBN owners, or that insist on exclusivity on your work. You are an American author; you must be in charge of where, how, and at what price your book is sold.
Also, specify whether the publisher extracts a percentage of your royalties or a one-time service charge. The majority of credible U.S. publishing allies operate on a flat-fee premise, which guarantees that after the service has been provided, all ensuing revenues flow directly to you.
5. Observe How They Facilitate Book Marketing
Getting your book published is only the beginning. Without a proper book marketing strategy, your book might not reach your target readers. A professional Amazon book publishing company should provide solutions suitable for U.S.-based readers.
These could consist of Amazon ad campaigns aimed at genre readers, professionally created book trailers, and engaging social media content that appeals to American consumers. Also, search for marketing companies that know how to establish a powerful author brand through personal websites, email marketing, and collaborations with U.S.-based influencers.
Successful promotion involves having your book featured on vetted American reading lists, contacting reviewers of books, and pitching your tale to local or national media outlets. Book visibility means something more than coming up high in Amazon ranks—it's about notice, timeliness, and building relationships with readers within your niche.
For instance, an excellent publishing partner will position your book to be featured for special Amazon promotions such as Kindle Countdown Deals or free promotions aligned with U.S. holidays or cultural celebrations. They will also assist you in targeting the optimal keywords and categories for maximum exposure on Amazon.com.
Look for a company that understands how American consumers browse and buy books. For instance, weekday Kindle deals, seasonal promotions, and leveraging local media outlets are essential components of a U.S.-specific launch strategy.
6. Check for Author Testimonials and Past Successes
You want to partner with a company that has real success stories. Look for authors who've seen tangible results, bestseller badges, positive reviews, or features in news outlets.
A credible Amazon book publishing company will happily show you:
- Author reviews
- Case studies
- Amazon rankings or performance reports
Look at their portfolio. Are the covers professionally done? Are the reviews legitimate and current? Do the books publish rank high in Amazon US categories? These give you the answer to separating the pros from the pretenders.
You can also check books they've published outright on Amazon. Check how well they're formatted, how many reviews they've had, and if the authors have gone on to publish more books. It indicates long-term customer satisfaction and publishing success.
7. Be Aware of Red Flags
The self-publishing industry has its own set of scams. Remain wary of companies that:
- Offer guaranteed bestseller status
- Have dubious royalty breakdowns
- Aggressively push upsells
- Don't let direct contact with your partnered team
A genuine Amazon book publishing agency will value openness, quality, and author participation. Trust your instincts. If it is too good an offer to be true, it most likely is.
Employ tools such as the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, or even U.S.-based authors' forums to research a company's reputation. No professional business should have anything to conceal.
Transparency also involves access to timelines, deliverables, and your book files. If the company sits on your book without a reason or charges unmentioned fees in your contract, that's a big red flag.
Why Elite Book Publisher Excels
At Elite Book Publisher, we are experts in assisting U.S.-based authors to publish quality books on Amazon. Our editors, designers, and marketers work closely with you to turn your dreams into a reality while preserving your voice as an author.
We provide:
- Complete publishing services customized for the U.S. market
- Clear royalty terms and author-centric contracts
- Custom marketing plans for American readers
- Project managers based in the U.S. and seasoned publishing experts
Our clients are first-time authors, business executives, fiction novelists, and thought leaders in the United States.
Whether you're authoring a memoir, a self-help book, or a suspense novel, Elite Book Publisher produces results that cut through. We pride ourselves on bringing your ideas to pages in lovely, high-quality books that cut through the hustle and bustle of the U.S. marketplace.
Final Thoughts
Determining the correct Amazon book publishing agency isn't only about cost; it's about trust, transparency, and experience. Invest in the time, ask the right questions, and work with a partner that shares your vision. With a quality team by your side, your publishing process will be easier, quicker, and more fulfilling.
Your book is worth more than a file upload. It's worth an experienced U.S.-based team that's invested in your voice and success.
Call on Elite Book Publisher for a complimentary publishing consultation. Contact our team today and start on the path to success as an author on Amazon. From manuscript to marketplace, we've got you covered every step of the way.