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.
Auto-generated from all reviews of this business. For reference only.
I specifically emailed support, and checked the 'author proof' only, and gave two weeks for production. The 'proofers' rejected my request 4 times. This is the second book which has had this issue. In the end, the book arrived too late to debute it at the event - and thus - serious questions on who is paid attention to - the customer or the 'proofer' covering their behinds/jobs.
Also, even though one of the 'rejections' was for insufficient bleed for some images, the entire 540 page book was reduced scale, and does not have full bleed on any single top edge of the entire book. In other words, my bleeds fully met their template, and yet they printed the entire book with no bleeds on the top.
Other than that - well - it's pretty cool to hold the work in my hands.
The setup process with BookBaby was smooth, but print distribution has been unreliable and disappointing. My book missed its promised presale date and never appeared on Barnes & Noble as represented. I also experienced extended periods where the book was listed as “temporarily out of stock” on Amazon. This resulted in lost momentum and significant frustration. Authors relying on dependable POD distribution should proceed with caution.
What was overwhelming for me is just another day at the office for them
Without BookBaby, our children’s book might never have happened or it certainly would have taken much longer. As a new writer, I didn’t realize that many of the biggest hurdles come after the book is finished. Fortunately, I had BookBaby. What could have been a book-stopping obstacle for me was simply part of their process. They took what we created and turned it into a real book, and I’m incredibly grateful for their support.
BookBaby is a thoroughly professional business, one that values a human answering their phones. The website for authors is excellent and easy to navigate
Recommend.
Things started out well, but then it came time for distribution. And the print version of my book is STILL not available at any bookseller besides BookBaby. According to their own timeline, my book should have been up for presale no later than November 19. That date came and went and no results. I reported the problem, they resubmitted and as of today, December 11, 2025, my book is STILL not available for sale on any book sellers except BookBaby. And when I report it, I’m told I have to wait the requisite 3 weeks after the submission. This is unacceptable.
Reply from BookBaby2025-12-11
Hi Karen, we apologize for the delay with your Print On Demand listing. Our distribution team is already working on the issue and will update you as soon as they have it remedied.
Their staff is very friendly. However, as a new author, they do not explain the process. They assume all new authors understand their procedures. They are very expensive with no measureable results.
The personal touch at Book Baby is so important when creating and ordering a book! Everyone to the person at Book Baby has been kind, helpful and generous in helping me with my book. Thank you so much!
I appreciate the time, expertise and suggestions from the editor. However I fairly quickly found two errors on their part which make me feel that I have to scrutinize the remainder of my document.
They are scammers. You pay thousands of dollars and they don’t so a thing. They make it sound like you will sell at least some copies if you pay for a bigger package than demand more money for advertising. Their “advertising” consists of making a single fb page on a single group and charging you hundreds for something you can make yourself in 2 minutes for free. They will promise you the moon and not deliver a thing. They are liars and scammers and I have half a mind to sue them for fraud. They have no morals and do not hesitate to lie to you on the phone. They have gotten away with it for to long and hopefully will get what they deserve one day.
Reply from BookBaby2025-12-04
Hi John, we’re genuinely sorry to hear that your experience hasn’t met your expectations. We never want an author to feel disappointed in the services they’ve purchased. While we do our best to be clear that sales cannot be guaranteed, and we note on our advertising service pages that ad campaigns don’t ensure book sales, we understand how frustrating it can be when results don’t align with hopes.
Self-publishing often requires ongoing promotion from the author, and we provide a variety of free resources and guides to help support that process. That said, we’d really like the chance to review your account and understand what happened. If you’re willing to share your customer number with us (the information previously supplied did not pull up an actual account or order in our systems), we’d be happy to take a closer look and clarify anything about the services you received.
We appreciate your feedback and hope we can work with you to resolve your concerns.
My interaction was with the various teams employed to accomplish publication and promotion of my novel, The Fly Who Knew Too Much. It was always positive and helpful. Phone calls were always answered promptly, advice was courteously given when required and tempered with patience. As a first time author I was treated better than I had expected. I would highly recommend Bookbaby to anyone entering the world of self-publishing.
They sure promise the world, but all I saw was more bills to pay. After being nickel-and-dimed for $$$thousands, under contract, there were no sales. Under the contract, I could not go through another company for 2 years. Imho, it was very scam-like. As an ENNIE award winner, I'm quite confident I could have done better all on my own.
Reply from BookBaby2025-12-01
Hello Kristi. It looks like we published an eBook for you in 2015, but I don't see anything since then. Are you able to reach out with info on a more recent project? It is inaccurate that we require a two year contract. You are able to cancel your distribution with us at any time and take the title elsewhere.
Overall good. Customer service is helpful to navigate if you are a first time author like me. I am using Bookbaby with my Second Book. The ad campaigns are excellent.
I purchased a media date optimization program. And I do not know what changes have been made concerning my book Vietnam, guns and fury I have received no information concerning upgrades and when I try to find my book in other ways, besides just putting in the name of the book, I have a little success.
Reply from BookBaby2025-11-24
Hi Jerry. You approved your proof for your metadata optimization on Nov 6, so that information was sent out to our distribution network. A member of our support team will reach out to you directly to assist with any other questions you may have.
The availability to speak with a live person whose/will assist you with corrections, answer questions and to walk you through process is invaluable. The kindness and professionalism goes a long way when you are chattering new territory. GREAT EXPERIENCE!!
I’ve just finished my second project using BookBaby and couldn’t be happier about it. Their interfaces are simple and effective.
I love the custom templates they have for the inside and cover of the books, as well as the pdf proof that shows exactly how it will be printed.
Every time I’ve called with questions I’ve been met with friendly and helpful customer service. That alone will keep me coming back, even though the quality in itself is amazing.
If you’re looking to self publish for fun or professional use I would recommend BookBaby.
Communication is the heart of customer service and the response time of BookBaby production team is very much appreciated.
A newbie in authorship is frequently confronted with frustration and even a small glitch can induce stress so that rapid response is helpful.
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