I’m currently in the process of finishing my manuscript, and I’ve started thinking seriously about publishing. But with so many book publishing companies out there, I’m feeling a little overwhelmed. What should I really be looking for when choosing the right publishing partner?

From my own experience running Pen Publishing Services, I know how important it is for authors to feel supported throughout the journey — from editing and formatting to cover design, distribution, and marketing. But every author has different needs, and not all companies offer the same level of service or transparency.

I’d love to hear from fellow writers here. What red flags or must-haves should I keep in mind when evaluating a publishing company? How important is royalty percentage, timeline, or creative control to you?

If you’ve already published a book, what did you wish you had known before signing with your publisher?
And for those still searching — what’s the #1 thing that would make you feel confident about a publishing company?

Looking forward to your advice and experiences!

I’m currently in the process of finishing my manuscript, and I’ve started thinking seriously about publishing. But with so many book publishing companies out there, I’m feeling a little overwhelmed. What should I really be looking for when choosing the right publishing partner?

From my own experience running Pen Publishing Services, I know how important it is for authors to feel supported throughout the journey — from editing and formatting to cover design, distribution, and marketing. But every author has different needs, and not all companies offer the same level of service or transparency.

I’d love to hear from fellow writers here. What red flags or must-haves should I keep in mind when evaluating a publishing company? How important is royalty percentage, timeline, or creative control to you?

If you’ve already published a book, what did you wish you had known before signing with your publisher?
And for those still searching — what’s the #1 thing that would make you feel confident about a publishing company?

Looking forward to your advice and experiences!