Gatekeeper Press
Gatekeeper Press is a Tampa-based self-publishing services provider founded in 2015 that offers independent authors print-on-demand, eBook distribution, editing, cover design, and illustration services globally, retaining 100% author ownership and royalties, and serving 2,700+ authors across 11 years.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersTampa, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Gatekeeper Press does
Gatekeeper Press is a Tampa, Florida-based premium self-publishing services provider founded in 2015 by Rob Price, operating as a privately held LLC with 51-100 employees. The company offers independent authors a full-stack publishing solution including print-on-demand paperback and hardcover production, eBook formatting and global distribution, professional editing (developmental, copy, and proofreading), custom cover design, and custom illustration services for children's books. Its core technology is a print-on-demand publishing platform integrated with a global distribution network reaching Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple iBookstore, Google Play, Kobo, Ingram Content Group, OverDrive, Baker & Taylor, Scribd, Bookshop.org, IndieBound, Gardners, Freading, and Wheelers — collectively providing access to 40,000+ libraries and major retailers worldwide.
Gatekeeper Press generates revenue through a hybrid model combining one-time publishing packages priced from $3,500 to $5,250 (Children's Book Package, Signature Package, Poetry/Novella Package), a $499/year Gatekeeper+ subscription membership offering discounted rates and anniversary credits, optional à la carte marketing services ($500 press releases up to $5,250 Amazon Bestseller Campaigns), $2,499 author websites, per-word editing fees ($25-$55 per 1,000 words), and revenue from discounted author copy printing and shipping. The company serves a long-tail SMB customer base of individual independent authors seeking professional publishing services without surrendering rights, royalties, or creative control, with 2,700+ authors served and over $3 million paid out in royalties since founding.
The go-to-market motion is sales-led and consultative, with dedicated Author Managers assigned to each author and free consultations driving custom publishing package quotes. The company maintains industry credibility through IBPA Proud Member status, Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) "Highest Recommended" designation, an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, and 150+ five-star Google reviews. Marketing channels span content marketing via the corporate website and blog, broad social media presence (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, X, Pinterest, Threads), SEO, industry partnerships, and author testimonials.
Gatekeeper Press firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Gatekeeper Press
- Legal name
- Gatekeeper Press LLC
- Website
- https://gatekeeperpress.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Gatekeeper Press is a Tampa-based self-publishing services provider founded in 2015 that offers independent authors print-on-demand, eBook distribution, editing, cover design, and illustration services globally, retaining 100% author ownership and royalties, and serving 2,700+ authors across 11 years.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Gatekeeper Press industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Self-Publishing Services
- NAICS
- Book Publishers (51313)
- SIC
- Books: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Editorial & Production Services (Copyediting, Proofreading, Formatting, Typesetting) (MPAJAJAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Cover Design, Illustration & Book Interior Design Services (MPAJAJAH), Rights, ISBN & Publishing Administration Services (Identifiers, Metadata, Royalties) (MPAJAJAK)
Keywords
Where Gatekeeper Press is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tampa
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Gatekeeper Press business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Publishing Services: One-time fees for comprehensive publishing services including editing, cover design, formatting, illustrations, and distribution setup. Authors retain 100% of sales royalties while Gatekeeper earns revenue from initial service package purchases.
- Gatekeeper+ Membership: Annual subscription membership at $499/year providing discounted publishing rates, marketing discounts, expedited timelines, and anniversary credits worth $500 total.
- Marketing Services: Additional revenue from optional marketing add-ons including bestseller campaigns, press releases, book trailers, and website development services.
- Author Copy Sales: Revenue from printing and shipping author copies of published books at discounted rates for members.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Children's Book Package - Full service for illustrated children's books |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Signature Package - Cover design and paperback publishing |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Poetry/Novella Package - Short form content publishing |
| Subscription | Annual | Gatekeeper+ Membership - Annual subscription benefits |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Author Website - Custom author website with e-commerce |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Amazon Bestseller Campaign |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Press Release Service |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Book Video Trailer |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Editing Services - Per word pricing |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels13 records
Marketing channels11 records
Gatekeeper Press product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Gatekeeper Press is a premium self-publishing service provider that delivers a comprehensive suite of assisted publishing services for independent authors, including print-on-demand paperback and hardcover publishing, eBook formatting and distribution, professional editing, custom cover design, and custom illustrations. Authors retain 100% of rights, royalties, and creative control, with worldwide distribution to major retailers and 40,000+ libraries. Services are sold as standalone offerings or bundled into publishing packages, supported by the annual Gatekeeper+ membership program.
Product overview
Gatekeeper Press is a premium hybrid publishing service provider offering a comprehensive suite of self-publishing products and services for independent authors. The core offering includes print-on-demand publishing (paperback and hardcover), eBook publishing and distribution, professional editing and proofreading, custom cover design, and custom book illustrations. Authors can purchase à la carte services or choose from pre-configured packages including the Children's Book Package (for illustrated children's books), Signature Package (for general titles), and Poetry/Novella Package (for shorter works). Add-on services include marketing bundles with author websites, bestseller campaigns, video trailers, and press releases. The Gatekeeper+ annual membership program provides discounted rates on publishing and marketing services along with priority support. The company also provides free online tools including a Royalty Calculator and Author Copy Calculator to help authors estimate costs and earnings.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Print on Demand Publishing Print-on-demand paperback and hardcover publishing with professional layout, formatting, and worldwide distribution through major retail channels. For independent authors who want professionally printed books available globally without inventory costs.
- eBook Publishing Hand-formatted eBook publishing for distribution across all tablets, phones, and eReaders including Amazon Kindle, Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and Kobo. For independent authors seeking wide eBook availability.
- Editing and Proofreading Professional developmental, copy editing, and proofreading services to prepare manuscripts for publication. For independent authors who need professional manuscript preparation.
- Cover Design Custom book cover design services with unlimited revisions, creating eye-catching covers tailored to genre-specific norms. For independent authors who need professional cover artwork.
- Illustrations Custom book illustration services for children's books, featuring traditional and digital art styles including watercolor, graphite, colored pencil, acrylics, and freehand digital art. For authors of illustrated children's books and other illustrated works.
- Marketing Services Marketing bundle including author websites, Amazon and Barnes & Noble bestseller campaigns, promotional video trailers, press releases, and Publishers Weekly advertising. For published authors who want to promote their books and drive sales.
- Children's Book Package Comprehensive publishing package for children's books including developmental editing up to 5,000 words, illustrated cover design, hardcover and paperback formatting, eBook formatting, ISBNs, barcodes, Library of Congress registration, and free author copies. Illustrations priced at $300 each with volume discounts. For authors creating illustrated children's picture books.
- Signature Package Publishing package including cover design and paperback formatting and distribution. Hardcover available for an additional $1,000. Editing services available as add-ons. For authors seeking a standard publishing package for general titles.
- Poetry/Novella Package Publishing package for poetry and novellas up to 30,000 words including proofreading, cover design, and paperback or hardcover formatting and distribution. For authors of poetry collections, novellas, and other short-form literary works.
- Gatekeeper+ Membership Annual membership program at $499/year offering exclusive discounted publishing rates (save $250), marketing services discounts (save $200), expedited publishing timelines, author spotlight marketing to 20,000+ readers, and $500 in anniversary credits. For authors seeking ongoing publishing support and cost savings.
Quantifiable outcome
- Authors retain 100% of their rights, royalties, and creative control over their published works
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Gatekeeper Press
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Gatekeeper Press technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration13 records
Gatekeeper Press partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Ingram Content GroupcoreWorld's largest and most trusted distributor of physical and digital content. Ingram serves as the primary wholesale distribution partner for Gatekeeper Press, enabling books to reach bookstores, libraries, and online retailers globally through their extensive distribution network.
- AmazoncoreAmazon serves as the primary online retail channel for Gatekeeper Press authors, distributing both print and eBook formats through Amazon.com, Amazon Kindle Store, and Amazon's European websites including UK, Germany, Spain, France, and Italy.
- Barnes & NoblecoreMajor bookseller providing distribution through BarnesandNoble.com and NOOK eReading platform for Gatekeeper Press authors' print and eBook titles.
- Apple iBookstorecoreApple's iBookstore serves as a key eBook distribution channel, making Gatekeeper Press titles available on iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, and iTunes worldwide.
- Google PlaycoreGoogle Play Store serves as an eBook distribution channel, making Gatekeeper Press titles available worldwide for purchase from the web and Android devices.
- KobocoreGlobal eBook retailer with customers in 200+ countries. Kobo distributes Gatekeeper Press eBooks through kobobooks.com and all Kobo eReaders and apps.
- OverDrivecoreLeading digital distributor making Gatekeeper Press eBooks available to millions of end users globally through OverDrive's network of online retailer partners and 15,000+ libraries, schools, and colleges.
- Baker & Taylor / BliominorGlobal media company providing content management and distribution for Gatekeeper Press titles through the Blio eReading application and library distribution channels.
- GardnersminorBritain's leading independent book wholesaler for over 25 years, Gardners serves as a wholesale distribution partner reaching local bookshops, multi-national companies, and 1,000+ internet retailers globally.
- Bookshop.orgminorOnline bookstore with mission to financially support local independent bookstores. Gatekeeper Press titles are distributed through this channel, enabling readers to support local businesses while purchasing online.
- IndieBoundminorProduct of the American Booksellers Association supporting independent bookstores. IndieBound distribution helps Gatekeeper Press authors reach readers who prefer shopping at locally owned independent bookstores.
- FreadingminorFreading eBook Service provides library distribution through Library Ideas, reaching over 1,000 libraries in multiple countries. Enables Gatekeeper Press authors to reach library readers.
- WheelersminorNew Zealand-based distributor supplying schools, public libraries, and general public. Wheelers provides Gatekeeper Press authors access to the New Zealand market and educational institutions.
- ScribdminorWorld's premier book membership service with library of over 1 million books, audiobooks, and comics. Scribd provides Gatekeeper Press authors subscription-based distribution reaching readers globally.
- Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA)coreGatekeeper Press is a Proud Member of IBPA, the leading trade association for independent publishers. This membership provides credibility, industry resources, and networking opportunities within the independent publishing community.
- Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi)coreGatekeeper Press holds Partner Member status with ALLi, the leading self-publishing industry association. ALLi provides highest recommended status designation and directs authors seeking quality self-publishing services to Gatekeeper Press.
- Winning WritersminorLiterary organization and Writing Digest contests sponsor. Partnership provides marketing visibility and credibility through association with writing community resources and contests.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Gatekeeper Press competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Smashwords: Long-standing indie eBook distributor aggregating author titles across major retailers. Directly comparable on the digital-publishing side of Gatekeeper's offering.
- BookBaby: Self-publishing service providing editing, cover design, formatting, printing, and distribution services for indie authors. Near-direct competitor to Gatekeeper Press in paid publishing-service packages for the same author segment.
- Lulu: Self-publishing platform offering print-on-demand, eBook distribution, editing, and design services for independent authors. Closest comparable to Gatekeeper in service scope, scale, and target customer (indie authors seeking assisted publishing).
- Barnes & Noble Press: B&N's DIY self-publishing platform for print and eBook distribution through the NOOK and BN.com ecosystem. Comparable in distribution and eBook/print publishing orientation, but offered as a free retailer-native alternative.
- Draft2Digital: eBook aggregation and distribution service distributing indie titles to Apple, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, libraries, and other retailers. Closely comparable on the distribution/aggregation layer, though less focused than Gatekeeper on editing/design service bundles.
- WestBow Press: Self-publishing imprint operating in the same paid publishing-services category as Gatekeeper — provides editing, design, and distribution packages targeting faith-based and general indie authors.
Broad incumbents
- IngramSpark: Ingram Content Group's self-publishing service for print-on-demand and eBook distribution to the same global retail and library channels Gatekeeper Press uses (Ingram is both a partner and a competitor). Comparable on the distribution side of the value chain.
- Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): Amazon's free self-publishing platform for print and eBooks, distributed through the world's largest book retailer. Directly comparable to Gatekeeper Press on distribution and eBook/print publishing, but offers a free DIY alternative to Gatekeeper's paid service bundles.
Emerging players
- Reedsy: Marketplace connecting indie authors with vetted editors, designers, and marketers plus a free publishing tool. Comparable on the editorial/design services layer; emerging as a tech-led alternative to traditional assisted-publishing providers like Gatekeeper.
- PublishDrive: eBook distribution and analytics platform aggregating indie titles across Amazon, Apple, Kobo, Google, and library channels. Comparable on global distribution analytics, less so on the full-service publishing bundle Gatekeeper sells.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Gatekeeper Press social profiles
Digital presenceGatekeeper Press financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Gatekeeper Press leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Gatekeeper Press funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Gatekeeper Press M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Gatekeeper Press
What does Gatekeeper Press do?
Gatekeeper Press is a premium self-publishing service provider that delivers a comprehensive suite of assisted publishing services for independent authors, including print-on-demand paperback and hardcover publishing, eBook formatting and distribution, professional editing, custom cover design, and custom illustrations. Authors retain 100% of rights, royalties, and creative control, with worldwide distribution to major retailers and 40,000+ libraries. Services are sold as standalone offerings or bundled into publishing packages, supported by the annual Gatekeeper+ membership program.
Is Gatekeeper Press a public or private company?
Gatekeeper Press is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Gatekeeper Press founded?
Gatekeeper Press was founded in 2015. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Gatekeeper Press based?
Gatekeeper Press is headquartered in Tampa, United States, in the North America region.
How does Gatekeeper Press make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Publishing Services are the primary driver. The others are gatekeeper+ Membership, marketing Services and author Copy Sales.
Who are Gatekeeper Press's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Smashwords, BookBaby, Lulu, Barnes & Noble Press, Draft2Digital and WestBow Press. Broad incumbents are IngramSpark and Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). Emerging players are Reedsy and PublishDrive.
Does Gatekeeper Press have an API?
No public API is recorded for Gatekeeper Press.
What industry is Gatekeeper Press in?
Gatekeeper Press's product category is Self-Publishing Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAJAJAG, Editorial & Production Services (Copyediting, Proofreading, Formatting, Typesetting), with a secondary code of MPAJAJAH, Cover Design, Illustration & Book Interior Design Services. Its NAICS code is 51313 and its SIC code is 2731.