What Xlibris does

Xlibris, founded in 1997 and headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, is a self-publishing services provider operating as a subsidiary of Author Solutions, LLC, itself owned by Penguin Random House (Bertelsmann). The company serves individual authors seeking to produce and distribute physical and digital books without a traditional publishing contract, with a customer base of more than 60,000 authors served across the United States, New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Its sub-brand Palibrio addresses Spanish-language authors, with over 96,000 works published through that channel.

The core product is a tiered publishing package, priced between $599 and $7,299 depending on book specification (black-and-white versus full color) and market. Packages include ISBN assignment, production, and a set of optional add-on services such as editing, marketing, web design, illustration, and distribution setup. Underlying production relies on print-on-demand technology that minimizes inventory holding and allows on-demand manufacturing per order, with books distributed through Ingram Book Company to 71,000+ retailers and directly listed on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Books, Kobo, and Apple iBooks.

Revenue is generated primarily through up-front author-paid publishing packages and ancillary services, supplemented by retail royalties on book sales. Xlibris holds BBB accreditation and complies with CCPA standards, and has participated in international book fairs in Beijing, Frankfurt, Sharjah, and Guadalajara as an author acquisition channel. The business model is fundamentally B2C with a long-tail individual author customer base, with corporate positioning anchored on providing an accessible alternative to traditional publishing.

Name

Xlibris

Legal name

Xlibris LLC

Website

https://xlibris.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Xlibris is a self-publishing services provider founded in 1997 and headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, offering tiered publishing packages ($599-$7,299) and add-on services to more than 60,000 individual authors in the US, NZ, AUS, and UK, with distribution via Ingram, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retailers under parent Author Solutions, LLC.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Self-Publishing Services

NAICS

Book Publishers (513130)

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), Self-Publishing Distribution Aggregators (Wide E-book/Audiobook/Print) (MPAJAJAC), Editorial & Production Services (Copyediting, Proofreading, Formatting, Typesetting) (MPAJAJAG), Author Website, Storefront & Direct-to-Reader Commerce (D2C Sales) (MPAJAJAE)

Keywords

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

Headquarters

HQ city

Bloomington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Self-Publishing Service Packages: Authors pay upfront for publishing packages (ranging from ~$599 to ~$7,299) that include editing, design, formatting, ISBN assignment, and distribution setup. Packages are tiered by service level (Essential, Basic, Professional, Personalizado/Custom, Superior, Ejecutivo/Executive).
2. Royalty Payments: Authors receive a percentage of the retail price for each book sold. The company performs online sales and royalty accounting, with quarterly royalty payments. Distribution through Ingram, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers generates per-transaction royalties.
3. Add-on Services: Optional paid add-ons including editorial services, marketing campaigns (press releases, web design, book videos, international book exhibitions), copyediting, translation, data entry, illustrations, hardcover availability, Library of Congress registration, US Copyright Office registration, and books return program.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels13 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Xlibris is a self-publishing services provider that sells publishing packages (Black & White, Color, Poetry, Children's, Christian, and Palibrio Spanish-language imprints) and a wide range of add-on services for individual authors, including copyediting, custom illustration, cover and interior design, web design, translation, e-book conversion, worldwide distribution, copyright and Library of Congress registration, and book marketing. Founded in 1997, the brand now operates under Author Solutions, LLC and complements its packages with marketing services such as press releases, promotional videos, social media setup, and book exhibitions.

Product overview

Xlibris is a self-publishing services provider founded in 1997, offering a comprehensive platform for authors to publish books in various formats. The company operates two main product lines: Xlibris for English-language publishing and Palibrio for Spanish-language publishing. Xlibris provides publishing packages in six tiers (Esencial through Ejecutivo) for both black & white and full-color books, with prices ranging from $599 to $7,299. Palibrio offers similar Spanish-language publishing services. Both imprints include specialty publishing for Poetry, Children's Books, and Christian Literature. The platform supports print-on-demand in paperback, hardcover, and e-book formats with worldwide distribution through Ingram, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google, Apple, and other retailers. Additional services include editorial services (copyediting, translation), marketing services (press releases, web design, book videos, international exhibitions), and distribution through major book channels. Authors retain all rights to their work and receive royalties on sales.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Palibrio: Spanish-language self-publishing imprint operated by Xlibris, continuing the legacy of Palibrio publishing services.

Products and services

• Xlibris Black & White Publishing A self-publishing package tier for authors producing black-and-white interior books (typically novels, memoirs, non-fiction). Offered at multiple sub-tiers with progressive services.
• Xlibris Color Publishing A self-publishing package tier for authors producing color interior books (often illustrated, photographic, or design-heavy titles). Multiple sub-tiers available.
• Xlibris Poetry Publishing A self-publishing package tailored specifically to poetry collections, with formatting appropriate to poetry layout and presentation.
• Xlibris Children's Book Publishing A self-publishing package tailored to children's picture and chapter books, with formatting and illustration workflows suited to the category.
• Xlibris Christian Book Publishing A self-publishing package tailored to Christian-themed titles (devotionals, faith-based fiction/non-fiction), with category-appropriate positioning and distribution.
• Palibrio (Spanish-language publishing) Dedicated Spanish-language self-publishing imprint under Xlibris, offering Spanish-language publishing packages, Spanish-language editorial/marketing services, and distribution into Spanish-language retail channels.
• Copyediting Services Professional copyediting of the author's manuscript to correct grammar, punctuation, consistency, and style. Sold to authors à la carte or as part of packages.
• Custom Illustration Service Bespoke illustration services for authors needing original artwork, typically for children's books or other illustrated projects.
• Web Design Service Custom author website design to establish an online presence and promote an author's book.
• Translation Service Translation of an author's manuscript into additional languages (commonly used to support Palibrio's Spanish-language pipeline).
• E-book Conversion Conversion of a manuscript into e-book formats (e.g., EPUB, MOBI) for digital retailers and reading devices.
• Worldwide Book Distribution Distribution of the finished book into global retail channels (online and physical) through the Author Solutions network.
• Books Return Program Program allowing bookstores to return unsold copies, increasing shelf placement willingness for physical retail.
• Library of Congress Number Acquisition and assignment of a Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN) for the author's book to support library cataloging.
• U.S. Copyright Office Registration Preparation and filing of U.S. Copyright Office registration on the author's behalf for legal protection of the work.
• Press Release Service Drafting and distribution of a press release to media outlets to announce the author's book launch.
• Marketing Services Marketing service bundles aimed at promoting an author's book through multiple channels (social media, online ads, publicity, etc.).
• International Book Exhibition Showcasing an author's title at international book exhibitions or fairs to expand visibility and rights opportunities.
• Premium Spanish Book Video Premium-tier Spanish-language promotional video for an author's book, distributed via online channels.
• Standard Spanish Book Video Standard-tier Spanish-language promotional video for an author's book.
• YouTube Promotional Video Book promotional video produced and distributed on YouTube to drive visibility and sales.
• Social Media Setup Guide Assistance with setting up author social media profiles and providing guidance on using them for book promotion.
• BookStub Redemption Promotional redemption/coupon program leveraging BookStub to drive in-store and online book discovery.
• Hardcover Availability Optional upgrade enabling the author's book to be produced in hardcover binding in addition to standard formats.
• Data Entry Service Data entry/transcription of the author's manuscript content into the production system.
• Referral Program Referral program that rewards existing customers for sending new authors to Xlibris.
• Interior Templates Pre-designed interior layout templates authors can use for their books, offered as part of the production workflow.
• Cover Templates Pre-designed cover templates authors can select from as part of the cover-design workflow.

Quantifiable outcome

• Authors can have books available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Ingram distribution network within a single publishing process.
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers6 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

Integration15 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Ingram Book CompanycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIngram Book Company is the world's largest book wholesaler, providing Xlibris/Palibrio authors access to over 71,000 retail and library customers globally. Through Ingram, books are available for wholesale ordering by bookstores, libraries, and other retailers worldwide, making distribution one of Xlibris's most significant competitive advantages.
• AmazoncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorXlibris/Palibrio books are available for sale on Amazon.com in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle e-book formats. Amazon's strict content, format, and pricing requirements apply, with publication at Amazon's discretion.
• Barnes & NoblecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBooks are available on BarnesandNoble.com with 'Read Instantly' preview functionality, allowing readers to preview approximately 20% of books before purchasing. E-books are available through the NOOK digital bookstore.
• GoogleminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBooks and e-books are available through Google Books and Google Play Store, giving authors access to Google's extensive global reader base and search discovery.
• KobominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorE-books are distributed through Kobo's global platform, reaching millions of readers in 190 countries with access to over 4 million e-books, newspapers, and magazine titles.
• Apple (iBooks)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorE-books and audiobooks are available for purchase through Apple's iBooks Store on iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. Apple has over 2 million e-books available globally.
• OverdriveminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDigital books are distributed to libraries and schools through OverDrive's platform, which serves over 5,000 publishers and provides secure DRM and download services.
• ScribdminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorE-books are available on Scribd, the world's largest social reading and publishing platform, giving authors exposure to Scribd's subscription reader base.
• AudibleminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAudiobooks are available through Audible's global marketplace, expanding author reach to audiobook listeners worldwide.
• Gardners (UK)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGardners is a leading UK book wholesaler offering over 1.6 million e-books, providing Xlibris/Palibrio authors distribution to UK and European markets.
• Booktopia (Australia)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBooktopia is Australia's fastest-growing online bookstore with 4 million book titles, named Australia's favorite bookstore. Provides Australian market access for authors.
• Combined Book Exhibit (CBE)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Combined Book Exhibit is a respected name in the publishing community with over 75 years of experience. Xlibris/Palibrio partners with CBE to offer authors the ability to exhibit their books at international book fairs including Beijing, Frankfurt, Sharjah, and Guadalajara.
• Books In PrintminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAll published books are registered in the Books In Print database, ensuring discoverability by librarians, booksellers, and trade buyers globally.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Outskirts Press: Assisted self-publishing services company with tiered publishing packages, editorial services, and global distribution. Directly comparable model targeting the same individual author customer.
• Balboa Press: Premium self-publishing imprint associated with Hay House. Comparable to Xlibris's higher-tier packages and specialty positioning, particularly around holistic-author and spiritual/wellness publishing niches.
• Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): Amazon's free self-publishing platform and the dominant force in the category. Directly comparable to Xlibris because both enable authors to publish and distribute print and e-books globally, but KDP undercuts Xlibris on price with no upfront fees.
• IngramSpark: Ingram's self-publishing platform providing print-on-demand and distribution to the same wholesale network Xlibris relies on. Highly comparable on the distribution and POD capability layer that underpins both businesses.
• Lulu: Self-publishing platform offering print-on-demand books, e-book distribution, and editorial services. Closely mirrors Xlibris's tiered package structure and global retail distribution approach.
• BookBaby: Assisted self-publishing services offering editing, design, formatting, and distribution. Closely comparable business model to Xlibris with similar package-based pricing and author-services focus.
• iUniverse: Direct sister brand under Author Solutions offering nearly identical publishing services and tiered packages. Most comparable to Xlibris because the two brands operate under the same parent with overlapping value propositions.
• Westbow Press: Christian-focused sister brand under Author Solutions offering specialized publishing packages for faith-based authors. Comparable to Xlibris's Mensajero/Predicador Christian specialty packages.
• Draft2Digital: E-book distribution aggregator that places author manuscripts across dozens of retailers (Apple, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, libraries). Comparable to Xlibris on the distribution aggregator layer, though Draft2Digital lacks the assisted-services component.

Emerging players

• Reedsy: Modern marketplace connecting authors with vetted editors, designers, and marketers, plus free self-publishing tools. Competes with Xlibris for the same indie author segment but with a contemporary product experience and marketplace model.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/xlibrispub
• Facebookfacebook.com/XlibrisPublisher
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/xlibris

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Xlibris