BookBaby empowers self-published authors with the world’s largest eBook and printed book distribution network, reaching readers in over 170 countries through 100+ retailers and distributors, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Ingram. We provide a full range of publishing services, from book printing and formatting to cover design and Print On Demand. Based near Philadelphia in Pennsauken, NJ, BookBaby is proud to help authors share their stories worldwide.
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Is BookBaby legit?
BookBaby (bookbaby.com) has a 4.1 out of 5 rating on OK.one, based on 201 user reviews collected here. It is listed under Media & Publishing and its reputation is good. 73% of reviews are 4 stars or higher and 13% are 1 star; The business has replied to 74% of negative reviews; Reviews mostly discuss Product, Customer service, Quality. Last updated 2026-09-02.
What reviewers say
AI generated
Reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers frequently praise the friendly and supportive staff who patiently guide first-time authors through every single step of the entire publishing journey. Many people also appreciate the exceptional print quality, vibrant colors, and gorgeous professional book designs that consistently exceed their initial expectations.
However, some reviewers were not happy with publishing errors, unexpected formatting issues, and frustrating communication delays that occurred after making their initial purchases. A few other people also felt that the editing services and the strict proofing process could be significantly improved for better results.
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BookBaby was very helpful, professional, and patient with me as a first-time user of this kind of service. The product they produced was excellent and timely. Costs were reasonable. Though they provide much reading material to learn how to use them, it is not unusual not to read them. That's my fault, but video tutorials or a 20- minute discussion about how this works would have helped. At the end of the day, I highly recommend them and would definitely work with them again.
The folks at BookBaby are extremely helpful and friendly, responsive to all questions, and invested in making your project the best it can be.
They have amazingly quick turnaround on projects and their instructions are easy to understand on the website.
Their informative e-mails cover all aspects of self-publishing. I love this company! I have worked on several book projects with them, with a new one in the works. I wouldn't use anyone else.
This was my first time self publishing a book and I'm glad I found Book Baby during a google search. I used them for the printing of my book and also for ebook. The book was good quality. I feel they were knowledgeable and very patient with me. Their response time to my questions were within a reasonable time frame. I would use them again and I would recommend them.
BookBaby has been exceptional from start to finish. They printed all three books in my series with zero drama, consistent quality, and impressive turnaround times. Their customer service team is knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely committed to helping authors succeed.
What I appreciate most is their transparency — no hidden fees, no surprises, and clear communication at every step. As an author and publisher, that level of professionalism matters.
If you're looking for a reliable, trustworthy partner to bring your books to life, BookBaby delivers exactly what they promise.
Disappointed in this publisher at every step, they over promise and under deliver. I ended up doing each part myself but with an added expense incurred for sending back revisions. Most agregious, was that I discovered after I signed and paid my contract that their policy for wide print distribution is no longer available, they now "focus on only Amazon and Bookshop", but I was not given a refund for purchasing the now unavailable service. Nor was I notified of the significant procedure change in a letter.
BookBaby has been my publisher for 3 1/2 years, and what I've appreciated the most about the team is their constant willing help and support. Each member is professional and friendly at all times, and they show how much they care about helping their clients to understand the different stages of the publishing process by thoroughly answering any questions that come up. I also appreciate their invitation to reach out with more questions if needed, and when I do, they always make me feel welcome. They really are the best team ever.
Sierra was professional and knowledgeable. I am most impressed with the educational and instructional resources available on your website, from Sierra, and throughout the project. Easy online portal, and regular email updates. Everything seems well organized.
Whatever you do, pay the extra $99 for a preview copy of your book! I know it's my fault that I didn't read the fine print, and that BookBaby isn't responsible that the illustrations in my children's book weren't suited for full-bleed, but it would have been helpful if the option for a preview copy was clearer upfront. By the time it was offered I was already in sticker shock so decided to risk it. I guess it never occurred to me that the cost of the Amazon/Bookshop distribution wouldn't be credited to a new edition. Oh well, an expensive lesson learned. Hope others will learn from my mistake!
I submitted my book for editing and got no confirmation of receipt. When I reached out, I received a flat answer stating it would take 7-10 business days for me to have my project done. No confirmation of receipt. Now, 13 business days later, no confirmation, no email notifications, and no response. Bad first experience.
Reply from BookBaby2026-04-01
Hello Lisa, thanks for the feedback. It sounds like you perhaps aren't getting our automated emails. We sent you one on March 14 when your editing order was received, and then sent another email on March 24 when the editing was completed. Please check to make sure those aren't going into your spam or bulk mail folders. We will resend them to you today.
I had my manuscript edited by BookBaby.
I found the Editor’s comments and suggestions very helpful. In addition, he or she was finished with editing the manuscript in about four weeks, which I found an excellent period of time. Overall, I am very happy with this service.
I had a mixed experience with BookBaby, but ultimately a positive outcome. There were many initial delays and some communication challenges during the production process - particularly around timelines and clarity of responsibility - but the team made a concerted effort to resolve the issues.
I appreciate Jaci’s professionalism and responsiveness in addressing my concerns and ensuring the project moved forward. Most importantly, my book was delivered just in time to meet my deadline, barely, but it was met - and the final commitment was fulfilled.
Overall, I’m satisfied with the end result and the effort made to resolve the issues.
I was impressed by how obviously thorough the reviewer had been in editing my manuscript. It was evident that every line had been carefully considered: punctuation, grammar, style, font, and content.
Every comment was helpful, but one in particular saved me from moving on to publishing with a major discrepancy in the story's timeline.
Morgan Hushagen, the Senior Publishing Specialist has been very helpful through the process. I’m not quite done yet, but so far everything has worked out well and he has been very helpful.
This was my first time working with BookBaby. I actually found them through an online search, along with other companies that could convert my book file to an ePub. I vetted several of them, but BookBaby was the company that I chose to work with; and I'm glad I did! BookBaby's work is top-notch. I was very satisfied with the finished product! The timeliness of delivering the product was well within the set window that I was given; and even when there was just one tiny issue that needed to be corrected, it was done and delivered to me quickly as well. I'm so glad that I discovered BookBaby, and as a Publishing Consultant I definitely plan to send clients their way.
BookBaby has always done an exceptional job of assisting me. From the conception of the cover to the ordering of books, I've always had a great experience.
I paid for Optimization and some marketing. I probably could have done the optimization and I have no notification about the progress of the other marketing. Just sort of dangling out here. Just not enough communication.
This is an outstanding company to work with! They were super helpful with every question that we had and the their customer service is excellent! The books were printed even quicker than expected and shipped to 2 different locations without any issue. Would definitely use them again!
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