What is vanity publishing? — More Information
“Vanity publishing” traditionally refers to companies who charge Authors for publishing services while implying that they are acting like a traditional publishing house.
Some vanity-style providers present themselves as publishers, yet their commercial model is based on selling production services to Authors — not generating sales to readers.
Where the confusion arises
Traditional publishers invest their own money to publish a book. They select, edit, produce, print and distribute — at their cost — because they believe the book can sell into the market.
In vanity publishing the money-flow is inverted. The Author pays the “publisher” to print or produce the book, whether there is realistic reader demand or not.
How to recognise vanity publishing behaviours
Authors may encounter providers who:
- bundle multiple services together with no option to buy only what is needed
- take rights or restrictive licences that are not required to provide the service
- use high-pressure sales techniques to persuade the Author to spend more
- promote distribution claims that are not clearly evidenced or explained
Warning — contractual overreach
Any agreement that attempts to claim broad ownership, exclusive distribution, or long-term control over an Author’s work should be examined very carefully.
Warning — bundles which cannot be un-bundled
Professionals quote services item-by-item. If the provider refuses to price individual tasks, Authors should consider that a red flag.
Self-publishing services are not inherently “vanity”
Self-publishing support companies can be legitimate, helpful and professional. The key distinction is whether the Author remains fully in control, retains their rights, buys only what they need, and can clearly understand all commercial terms.
Vanity publishing is defined by the behaviour and the business model — not by the fact that the Author pays for services.
For related questions, see our Category 1 FAQs:
Publishing choices, author rights and contracts