Below are some of the self-publishers you may have heard about. I have included a brief description about these companies. I currently have five (5) but I will be adding more to this list.


iUniverse- Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, this print-on-demand book publishing services provider offers publishing products, editorial and marketing services to writers in becoming a published author. Some services include manuscript evaluation, ghostwriting, copy and content editing, core marketing and publicity. The company publishes all sorts of manuscripts, for as long as the author can pay for the services provided. They hold a non-exclusive contract, therefore the author retains all rights to the book. Distribution is mainly online, through Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and other online retailers.


AuthorHouse- Formerly known as 1stBooks, the company was started in 1997. Currently located in Bloomington, Indiana and a brand of Author Solutions, it provides assistance in publishing, promoting and marketing authors' books. Started using print-on-demand technology in January of 1999 to produce paper books, the company had released over 60,000 titles from 40,000 writers. Distribution is accomplished by partnering with Ingram Book Group and Baker & Taylor, who in return, will distribute books to Barnes & Noble, Amazon and over 25,000 retailers worldwide. The movie Legally Blonde which starred Reese Witherspoon, was based on a book by Amanda Brown, which was published by the company.


Outskirts Press- This print-on-demand self-publishing company is located in Denver, Colorado and was founded by CEO Brent Sampson in 2002, and incorporated in 2003. Aside from the standard package services, Outskirts also offers editorial services, LOC (Library of Congress control number), copyrighting, custom page layout, cover design and many more. Distribution is also done through online retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders.com and many others.


Xlibris- Also a brand of AuthorSolutions, the company is located in Bloomington, Indiana. As a print-on-demand publisher, publishing solutions are offered such as but not limited to editorial, marketing, distribution and promotion. The company also holds a non-exclusive contract and offers lifetime publication. Books are published in paperback, hardcover and digital formats. After publication, different marketing and publicity services are offered to further promote a book. Also nonselective with the manuscripts they publish, upfront fees are required in order for an author's book to be published.


Lulu- Headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina and branches in Canada and Europe, the company provides a range of publishing services for self-publishers. Founded in 2002, Lulu allows creators of posters, videos, books, calendars, manuals, etc., to publish and make their works available in several formats or versions themselves with copyright and editorial control.