BookBaby Reviews 5,444

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.3

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Review summary

Based on reviews, created with AI

Reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently praise the high quality of the products, particularly the vibrant colors and clear print of their finished books. The staff and customer service are frequently highlighted for being helpful, knowledgeable, and patient, providing excellent support throughout the self-publishing process. Many people appreciate the personalized guidance and the team's professional, encouraging attitude. However, some customers also noted issues with the service, specifically regarding formatting inconsistencies and problems with the distribution process. A few reviewers mentioned slow or conflicting responses from customer service agents, and some experienced delays or unfulfilled promises regarding book availability on various platforms.

What people talk about most

Product

Reviewers highlight positive aspects of the product, with many expressing satisfaction with the finished book... See more

Service

Customers had ambiguous experiences with service. Many reviewers expressed satisfaction, praising... See more

Quality

Consumers find quality to be positive. Many reviewers praise the outstanding print output, vibrant colors,... See more

Staff

Reviewers mention positive feedback about staff. Customers consistently praise the staff for being... See more

Customer service

People report positive experiences with customer service. Many customers praise the professionalism,... See more

Based on these reviews

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I loved the product—the book cover they created. I would have given 5 stars for that. However, I was disappointed in the communication during the process. I felt like I was talking to a robot or AI. I... See more

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Your support staff was very helpful as I tried to navigate through your process. While I was finally successful in uploading my digital files correctly, I think the website could be more user friendl... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Technologically for m me it was nerve-racking. With the help of my niece and Evan. The process became smooth. We were able to arrange conference calls that quieted my nerves. All was explained clearly... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My experience with bookBaby was amazing, every time I called or needed assistance they were always there never making me feel like I was getting on their nerves or bothering them, they just keep encou... See more


Company details

  1. #62 of 82 best companies in Association or Organization
  2. #18 of 26 best companies in Book Store
  3. #74 of 104 best companies in Hobby Store

Written by the company

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.

BookBaby - Book Printing & Self-Publishing Services Made Easy

Written by the company

We know you’ll be happy with our work. In fact, we guarantee it.
We stand behind our products and services with the strongest guarantee in the eBook and publishing businesses.

Contact info

4.3

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

5K reviews

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Rated 2 out of 5 stars

I specifically emailed support

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.

December 13, 2025
Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Unreliable POD

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.

August 22, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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.

December 4, 2025
Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Things started out well

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.

November 27, 2025
BookBaby logo

Reply from BookBaby

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.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Friendly Staff but….,

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.

December 8, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Not quite a great as I’d hoped

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.

November 18, 2025
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

They are scammers

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.

November 1, 2025
Unprompted review
BookBaby logo

Reply from BookBaby

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Bookbaby delivers a first-rate product

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.

November 14, 2025
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Waste of money, time and resources

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.

November 27, 2024
Unprompted review
BookBaby logo

Reply from BookBaby

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

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.

November 13, 2025
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Poor communication

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.

November 7, 2025
BookBaby logo

Reply from BookBaby

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The availability to speak with a live…

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!!

October 30, 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I’ve just finished my second project…

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.

October 29, 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Communication is the heart of customer…

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.

October 23, 2025

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