Author Solutions

What Author Solutions does

Author Solutions, LLC is a Bloomington, Indiana-based private company that operates the world's largest portfolio of supported self-publishing imprints, serving individual authors worldwide. The company traces its origins to its founding imprints AuthorHouse (1997), Xlibris (1997), and iUniverse (1999), with the current LLC structure consolidated around 2007; to date it has helped more than 225,000 authors publish over 300,000 titles. Its customers are individual writers seeking an alternative to traditional publishing gatekeeping — spanning general authors, Christian writers, self-empowerment authors, lifestyle authors, and Spanish-language writers — across six continents and nine countries.

The company runs nine brand-positioned imprints differentiated by audience and partnership: AuthorHouse, iUniverse, Xlibris, and Palibrio operate as wholly-owned core labels, while Archway Publishing (operated on behalf of Simon & Schuster), Balboa Press (a Hay House division), LifeRich Publishing (a Reader's Digest imprint), WestBow Press (a Thomas Nelson & Zondervan division), and Partridge function as partner-branded imprints. The underlying platform is built around print-on-demand (POD) infrastructure and the proprietary "AuthorCentric Process," which delivers customizable publishing packages covering editing, proofreading, cover design, page layout, and marketing. This multi-imprint architecture enables audience segmentation while leveraging co-branded relationships with major trade publishers for distribution credibility and retail channel access through Ingram, Indigo Chapters, and partner networks.

Author Solutions generates revenue through three streams: bundled publishing service packages sold directly to authors, add-on services (editorial review, custom illustrations, marketing campaigns, and distribution), and transaction-based royalty income from book sales. The go-to-market is sales-led and direct-to-consumer, with authors scheduling free publishing consultations through each imprint's website. The company operates at scale with 5,001–10,000 employees split between the Bloomington headquarters and a large operations office in Cebu, Philippines led by an Associate Vice President and General Manager appointed in 2015.

Name

Author Solutions

Legal name

Author Solutions, LLC

Website

https://authorsolutions.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Author Solutions operates nine supported self-publishing imprints (AuthorHouse, iUniverse, Xlibris, and partner-branded labels) serving individual authors worldwide with bundled editing, design, marketing, and print-on-demand distribution services through strategic alliances with major trade publishers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Self-Publishing Services

NAICS

Book Publishers (51313)

SIC

Books: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2731)

akta.pro primary industry

Self-Publishing Platforms (KDP-style Marketplaces & Portals) (MPAJAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Author Service Marketplaces & Aggregators (Vetting, Bundled Services) (MPAJAJAB), Editorial & Production Services (Copyediting, Proofreading, Formatting, Typesetting) (MPAJAJAG), Author Marketing, PR & Launch Services (Ads, Book Tours, Influencers) (MPAJAJAL), Author Website, Storefront & Direct-to-Reader Commerce (D2C Sales) (MPAJAJAE)

Keywords

• Self-publishing services
• Book publishing packages
• Editorial and design services
• Print-on-demand publishing
• Author marketing services

Headquarters

HQ city

Bloomington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Publishing Service Packages: Authors purchase bundled service packages for book publishing including editing, design, marketing services. The company provides customizable publishing packages with transparent pricing from the start.
2. Add-on Services: Additional services such as editorial review, custom illustrations, book marketing campaigns, and distribution services sold separately or as add-ons to core publishing packages.
3. Royalty Payments: The company processes royalty payments to authors for their published works, implying a revenue share model on book sales.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Author Solutions provides supported self-publishing services to individual authors through multiple publishing imprints. Authors purchase customizable service packages that bundle editorial review, cover design, page layout, proofreading, marketing, and distribution across print and digital ebook formats. The company operates print-on-demand technology and strategic alliances with major trade publishers (Simon & Schuster, Hay House, HarperCollins Christian, Reader's Digest, Thomas Nelson & Zondervan) to deliver books to global retail channels.

Product overview

Author Solutions operates as a supported self-publishing platform with a portfolio of nine distinct imprints. The company offers a one-stop-shop publishing solution that bundles editing, design, publishing guidance, and marketing services. The three core imprints are AuthorHouse (helping 70,000+ authors since 1997), iUniverse (serving 34,000+ authors since 1999), and Xlibris (60,000+ authors since 1997), alongside Palibrio for English/Spanish publishing. Partner imprints include Archway Publishing (Simon & Schuster), Balboa Press (Hay House), LifeRich Publishing (Reader's Digest), WestBow Press (Thomas Nelson & Zondervan), and Partridge. Strategic alliances with major trade publishers enable distribution through channels like Ingram and retail partnerships with Simon & Schuster and HarperCollins Christian.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• AuthorHouse A core supported self-publishing imprint of Author Solutions. AuthorHouse has helped more than 70,000 authors publish more than 96,000 titles since 1997, using the AuthorCentric process to bundle editing, design, layout, proofreading, marketing, and distribution services for individual authors worldwide.
• iUniverse A core supported self-publishing imprint of Author Solutions. Since 1999, iUniverse has served more than 34,000 authors, publishing upwards of 5,000 new titles annually, providing traditional publisher-level editorial and production services while leaving decision-making power with the author.
• Xlibris A core supported self-publishing imprint of Author Solutions and a self-described pioneer of the industry. Xlibris has helped over 60,000 authors publish over 86,000 unique titles since 1997, with international divisions in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, using print-on-demand technology and customizable publishing packages.
• Palibrio A core supported self-publishing imprint of Author Solutions created for authors. Palibrio has helped over 3,000 writers publish more than 4,500 titles in English and is expanding to offer Spanish and English publishing opportunities for Hispanic/Latino authors worldwide.
• Archway Publishing A partner imprint from Simon & Schuster, operated by Author Solutions, that combines supported self-publishing with traditional publishing methods to help authors bring books to market professionally and affordably, with access to Simon & Schuster's distribution channels.
• Balboa Press A partner imprint and division of Hay House, operated by Author Solutions, specializing in publishing self-empowerment books by authors aspiring to make a positive impact; more than 8,000 authors have achieved their publishing ambitions through Balboa Press.
• LifeRich Publishing A partner imprint of Reader's Digest, operated by Author Solutions, that enables authors to publish across lifestyle categories including home, cooking, business, family stories, and life lessons, with access to Reader's Digest's brand association and distribution.
• WestBow Press A partner imprint and division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan (HarperCollins Christian), operated by Author Solutions, that empowers emerging Christian writers to share messages of faith through supported self-publishing services.
• Partridge A partner imprint of Author Solutions providing authors with access to purpose-built publishing packages and additional services needed to realize their publishing goals globally.

Quantifiable outcome

• Books can go from manuscript to publication in as few as 4 months
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and regional.

• Simon & SchustercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchway Publishing is from Simon & Schuster and operated by Author Solutions, combining supported self-publishing with traditional publishing methods and providing access to Simon & Schuster's distribution channels.
• Hay HousecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBalboa Press is a division of Hay House, specializing in publishing self-empowerment books by authors who aspire to make a positive impact on the world. Over 8,000 authors have published through Balboa Press.
• Reader's DigestcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLifeRich Publishing is an imprint of Reader's Digest, giving authors access to publish content ranging from home-cooked meals and business solutions to bedtime stories and life lessons.
• Thomas Nelson & Zondervan (HarperCollins Christian)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWestBow Press is a division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan, empowering emerging Christian writers to answer their callings and share messages of faith through publishing with supported self-publishing services.
• HarperCollins ChristiancoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStrategic alliance with HarperCollins Christian Publishing through the WestBow Press imprint, providing faith-based authors with access to Christian publishing expertise and distribution.
• IngramcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor book distribution partner providing global retail availability for published titles through Ingram's extensive distribution network.
• Indigo ChaptersregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partnership with Indigo Chapters, a major Canadian bookseller, providing retail availability in Canada.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Blurb: Book creation and self-publishing platform specializing in photo books, trade books, and magazines. Comparable to Author Solutions on print-on-demand and self-publishing tooling.
• Lulu Press: Self-publishing platform offering print-on-demand, ebook distribution, and editorial services. Competes directly with Author Solutions across both the DIY and supported-service tiers of self-publishing.
• Barnes & Noble Press: Barnes & Noble's self-publishing platform for ebooks and print-on-demand books. Direct competitor offering an alternative distribution channel to Author Solutions' Indigo Chapters and Ingram relationships.
• BookBaby: Self-publishing services company providing editing, design, printing, ebook conversion, and distribution — overlapping directly with Author Solutions' supported-service package offerings.
• Draft2Digital: Ebook distribution and self-publishing services platform (which acquired Smashwords in 2022). Competes with Author Solutions on ebook distribution and increasingly on author services.
• Smashwords: Ebook self-publishing and distribution platform (now part of Draft2Digital). Overlaps with Author Solutions' digital publishing and distribution capabilities.
• IngramSpark: Ingram Content Group's self-publishing platform offering print-on-demand and global distribution. Direct competitor in author services and POD, and an alternative to Author Solutions' distribution partnership with Ingram.
• Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): Amazon's free self-publishing platform for ebooks and print-on-demand paperbacks. Direct competitor to Author Solutions in the self-publishing space, with a DIY-only model versus Author Solutions' supported-service bundles.

Emerging players

• Reedsy: Marketplace connecting authors with vetted publishing professionals (editors, designers, marketers). Overlaps with Author Solutions' supported-service model as an emerging alternative for authors seeking professional services.

Broad incumbents

• Simon & Schuster: Major traditional trade publisher and Author Solutions partner through the Archway Publishing imprint. Serves overlapping author audiences across traditional and supported self-publishing, providing Author Solutions with distribution reach and a potential vertical-integration threat.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/authorsolutions
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC3Hv172oHbY8yNKN3zKsV2w/live
• Facebookfacebook.com/authorsolutions
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/author-solutions-inc
• Instagraminstagram.com/authorsolutionscareers

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Author Solutions