How to Self Publish a Book on Outskirts Press in 2026

You’ve poured your heart, soul, and countless hours into your manuscript. Now, the final, daunting hurdle stands between you and your dream of becoming a published author: choosing the right self-publishing platform. As you navigate this complex landscape, you’ve likely encountered Outskirts Press, a company that promises extensive author support, high-quality production, and a path to global distribution. But with significant upfront investment and a dizzying array of options, the crucial question remains: Is Outskirts Press the right partner for your book?

Making an informed decision requires more than just a glance at their homepage. It demands a deep dive into their packages, a clear understanding of their royalty structure, and an honest assessment of their process from an author’s perspective. This guide is designed to be your definitive resource for self-publishing with Outskirts Press. We will meticulously unpack their services, analyze the costs, weigh the pros and cons, and provide you with the clarity needed to determine if their model aligns with your publishing goals.

What is Outskirts Press? A Closer Look at This Full-Service Self-Publishing Company

Outskirts Press positions itself as a premium, full-service self-publishing provider. Unlike platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), which offers a largely do-it-yourself (DIY) experience, Outskirts Press operates on a model where authors pay for professional assistance throughout the publishing process. They are one of the longest-standing players in the “author solutions” space, offering a suite of services designed to take a raw manuscript and transform it into a professionally produced book available for sale worldwide.

The Outskirts Press Model: A La Carte and All-Inclusive

The core of the Outskirts Press business model is built on publishing packages and a la carte services. Their approach is fundamentally different from free-to-upload platforms. Here’s the breakdown:

• Package-Based System: Authors typically start by selecting a publishing package. These packages bundle essential services like cover design, interior formatting, ISBN assignment, and distribution setup. The packages range from basic to comprehensive, with higher tiers including more advanced marketing and design options.
• Print-on-Demand (POD) Technology: Like most modern self-publishing companies, Outskirts Press utilizes POD technology. This means your book is printed only when a customer places an order, eliminating the need for you to invest in a large, expensive print run and manage inventory.
• Author Control: A key selling point for Outskirts Press is the level of control and customization offered to the author. You have final say on your cover design, interior layout, and retail price, giving you more creative input than some more restrictive platforms.

Who is Outskirts Press For?

Outskirts Press isn’t designed for every author. It caters to a specific segment of the writing community that values professional guidance and is willing to invest financially to achieve a high-quality final product. Their ideal customer is often:

• The First-Time Author: Writers who feel overwhelmed by the technical aspects of formatting, design, and distribution and want a dedicated team to guide them.
• The Busy Professional or Entrepreneur: Individuals who have written a book to support their business or brand and lack the time to learn the intricacies of the DIY publishing process.
• The Quality-Conscious Author: Writers who are concerned that a purely DIY approach might result in an amateurish-looking book and are willing to pay for professional design and production standards.

Key Features and Services Offered

The company offers a comprehensive menu of services, either bundled in packages or available for individual purchase. These include:

• Book Design: Custom cover design and interior layout services.
• Editing: Various levels of editing, from basic proofreading to comprehensive content and line editing.
• Production: E-book formatting and conversion, paperback and hardcover trim sizes.
• Distribution: Global distribution network through partners like Ingram, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.
• ISBN Assignment: Providing the unique identifier required for selling books through retailers.
• Marketing & Promotion: A wide array of add-on services, including press release creation, book trailers, author websites, and social media marketing kits.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Publishing with Outskirts Press

Navigating the Outskirts Press process requires a methodical approach. Understanding each stage, from choosing your initial package to post-publication marketing, is critical to managing your budget and expectations.

Step 1: Choosing Your Publishing Package

This is your first and most significant decision. Outskirts Press offers several core packages, with the “Ultimate” package being their all-inclusive, top-tier offering. The primary difference between packages lies in the level of design customization, marketing support, and author copy inclusion.

Their most popular packages, often named after gemstones (like Pearl, Ruby, Emerald, and Diamond), are structured to offer escalating levels of service. For example:

• A basic package might include a template-based cover design, standard interior formatting, and basic distribution.
• A mid-tier package could offer a more customized cover design process with more revision rounds, more format options (e.g., hardcover), and a handful of marketing materials.
• A high-end package will typically feature one-on-one design consultation, premium distribution, extensive marketing tools, and a larger number of free author copies.

It is crucial to carefully read what each package includes. Services like editing are often *not* included in the standard packages and must be purchased separately, which can significantly increase your total investment.

Step 2: Understanding the Costs and Royalties (The Financial Reality)

This is where many authors get confused. The financial model of Outskirts Press is complex and requires careful examination.

Upfront Costs

The price of the publishing package is your primary upfront cost, ranging from over $1,000 to several thousand dollars. Remember to budget for additional necessary services not included in your package, such as professional editing, which is a non-negotiable step for any serious author.

Royalty Calculation

Outskirts Press advertises “100% royalties,” but this statement requires context. You, the author, set the retail price of your book. From that price, several deductions are made before you receive your payment:

1. Retailer/Wholesale Discount: This is the largest deduction. Retailers (like Amazon or Barnes & Noble) and wholesalers (like Ingram) take a significant percentage of the retail price, typically between 20% and 55%. Outskirts Press allows you to set this discount. A higher discount can incentivize bookstores to stock your book, but it reduces your profit per sale.
2. Printing Cost: The physical cost to print one copy of your book. This depends on page count, trim size, and whether it’s color or black and white.

What remains after these two deductions is the “net profit.” Outskirts Press claims to pay you 100% of this net profit. While technically true, the framing can be misleading for authors accustomed to the royalty models of KDP, where Amazon simply states you get a 60% royalty (minus print costs).

Example: If your book’s retail price is $20, the wholesale discount is 40% ($8), and the print cost is $4, the net profit is $20 – $8 – $4 = $8. You would receive $8 per sale.

Step 3: The Production Process: From Manuscript to Book

Once you’ve paid for your package, the production phase begins. You will be assigned a representative to guide you through the steps.

• Manuscript Submission: You’ll upload your final, edited manuscript according to their specifications. It’s highly recommended to have your manuscript professionally edited *before* this stage.
• Cover Design: You will fill out a questionnaire detailing your vision for the cover. Based on your package, you will receive concepts from their design team and have a set number of revision rounds.
• Interior Formatting: Their team will typeset your manuscript for a professional look. You will receive a digital proof (a galley) to review for errors. Meticulously check this proof, as any changes you request after approval may incur additional fees.

Step 4: Distribution and Getting Your Book to Readers

After you approve the final proofs, your book enters the distribution phase.

• Distribution Network: Outskirts Press will list your book for sale on major online retailers like Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble’s website. It will also be made available to thousands of brick-and-mortar stores and libraries through the Ingram catalog, the largest book wholesaler.
• ISBN Ownership: Typically, Outskirts Press provides and assigns the ISBN for your book. This means they will be listed as the “publisher of record.” While this is standard for many such services, some authors prefer to purchase their own ISBN to have full control and list their own publishing imprint. Check their policy on using a personal ISBN if this is important to you.

Step 5: Marketing and Promotion

Merely publishing a book is not enough; it needs to be marketed. Outskirts Press offers dozens of a la carte marketing services. These can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars and include options like:

• Press release writing and distribution
• Book trailers
• Author websites
• Marketing kits with bookmarks, postcards, and posters
• Amazon advertising campaigns

Critically evaluate the return on investment for these services. Many foundational marketing activities, like building an author platform and connecting with readers on social media, can be done for free and are often more effective than paid, one-off promotional items.

Outskirts Press Review: The Pros and Cons for Authors

No publishing service is perfect for everyone. A balanced view of the advantages and disadvantages is essential before making a financial commitment.

The Advantages of Using Outskirts Press

• High Level of Support: For authors who are not tech-savvy or are new to publishing, the guided process with a dedicated representative can be invaluable.
• Professional Production Quality: Their design teams are experienced and can produce covers and interiors that rival those of traditional publishers, helping your book stand out.
• Extensive Service Menu: The sheer number of available services allows for a highly customized publishing experience if you have the budget.
• Author Sets the Price: You have full control over your book’s retail price and wholesale discount, giving you flexibility in your sales strategy.

The Disadvantages and Potential Pitfalls

• High Upfront Costs: The primary barrier for most authors is the cost. It is a significant investment compared to platforms like KDP or IngramSpark, which have little to no setup fees.
• Complex Pricing: The package structure combined with numerous add-ons can be confusing and may lead to spending more than initially planned. The “100% royalty” claim, while technically accurate, can feel misleading when compared to simpler royalty models.
• Mixed Online Reputation: Like many similar long-standing companies, Outskirts Press has accumulated a mix of positive and negative reviews over the years. Prospective authors should research reviews on forums and watchdog sites like the Alliance of Independent Authors to get a full picture.

– Cost vs. Value of Marketing Services: The effectiveness of paid marketing services is often debated in the author community. It’s crucial to question whether you could achieve better results by investing that same money in targeted ads or hiring a specialized book marketing consultant.

Outskirts Press Alternatives: How Does It Compare?

To truly evaluate Outskirts Press, you must see how it stacks up against other popular options in the self-publishing world.

Outskirts Press vs. KDP (Amazon)

KDP is the DIY king. It’s free to upload and publish your book, and you have direct access to Amazon’s massive customer base. The trade-off is that you are responsible for everything: editing, cover design, formatting, and marketing. KDP is best for budget-conscious authors who are willing to learn the process or hire their own freelancers. Outskirts Press is for those who want to pay for a hands-off, guided experience.

Outskirts Press vs. IngramSpark

IngramSpark is the professional’s choice for wide distribution. Like KDP, it’s mostly a DIY platform but with a slightly steeper learning curve and small setup fees. Its main advantage is its direct line into the Ingram catalog, making it a favorite for authors who want to target bookstores and libraries. Outskirts Press uses Ingram for distribution, so by using Outskirts, you are essentially paying them to manage the IngramSpark relationship for you.

Outskirts Press vs. Xlibris

Comparing Outskirts Press to similar full-service providers is also helpful. Many authors exploring these options find themselves weighing the differences between various package-based models. For instance, understanding how to self-publish a book on Xlibris reveals a comparable business structure, with tiered packages and a suite of author services. Both companies cater to authors seeking comprehensive support, but they differ in their specific package contents, pricing, and company reputation, making a side-by-side comparison of their offerings essential for due diligence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Outskirts Press

How much does it cost to publish with Outskirts Press?

The cost varies significantly based on the package and add-on services you choose. Expect a minimum investment of over $1,000 for a basic package, with comprehensive packages and additional services like extensive editing pushing the total cost to several thousand dollars.

Does Outskirts Press own the rights to my book?

No, you retain 100% of the rights to your manuscript and the content of your book. You are granting them a non-exclusive license to print, distribute, and sell your book on your behalf for the duration of your contract.

What are the royalties with Outskirts Press?

You receive 100% of the net profit per sale. The net profit is calculated by taking the book’s retail price and subtracting the wholesale/retailer discount (which you set, typically 20-55%) and the per-book printing cost.

Is Outskirts Press a vanity press?

The term “vanity press” traditionally refers to companies that charge authors to print books with no regard for quality or sales potential and offer little to no distribution. Outskirts Press is more accurately described as an “author solutions” or “full-service self-publishing” company. While you do pay for services, they provide professional production and legitimate global distribution channels. However, their high-cost, package-based model leads many industry watchdogs to categorize them within the broader umbrella of paid publishing services that blur the line.

Can I use my own ISBN with Outskirts Press?

You should check their most current policy directly. Some packages may require you to use their ISBN, which lists them as the publisher. If you wish to establish your own publishing imprint, purchasing your own ISBN from Bowker (in the US) is a necessary step, and you must confirm if their process accommodates this.

What is the quality of Outskirts Press books?

The production quality of the final printed book is generally considered to be of a professional, industry-standard level. The quality of the content within the book (the writing, editing, and story) remains entirely the responsibility of the author.

Conclusion: Is Outskirts Press the Right Choice for Your Book?

Outskirts Press offers a comprehensive, supportive, and professionally managed path to publication. For the author with a sufficient budget who feels overwhelmed by the technical demands of self-publishing, their guided process can be a tremendous asset, resulting in a book that looks and feels every bit as professional as one from a traditional house.

However, this convenience comes at a significant price. The high upfront costs and complex fee structure require careful consideration and a clear understanding of the value you’re receiving. Authors who are comfortable managing projects, hiring their own freelancers for editing and design, and learning the free tools offered by KDP and IngramSpark can publish for a fraction of the cost.

Ultimately, the decision rests on your personal goals, budget, and comfort level with the publishing process. Before you sign any contract—with Outskirts Press or any other service—remember the single most important truth in publishing: your success begins and ends with the quality of your manuscript. No amount of fancy cover design or expensive marketing can save a poorly written or unedited book.

Investing in a polished, compelling, and error-free manuscript is the most critical first step. Whether you choose a full-service route or a DIY path, ensure your story is ready for the spotlight. At Ghostwriting LLC, our team of expert editors and seasoned writers can help you perfect your manuscript, ensuring it’s powerful enough to captivate readers and succeed on any platform you choose.

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Disclaimer: Ghostwriting LLC provides information for educational purposes only. Your own research is necessary, as we do not guarantee anything. Our services include publishing support, ghostwriting, marketing, and editing to help authors prepare their work for submission.