Harmony Publishing vs Author Solutions
Author Solutions is the parent company behind several author-services imprints, including AuthorHouse, iUniverse and WestBow Press.
Short version. Author Solutions and we both sell publishing packages: editing, design, printing and distribution bundled into tiers. The meaningful differences are what each tier contains, who holds the publisher of record, and what royalty share is taken. Those three questions decide value more than the headline price, and every author-services company should answer them in writing before you sign.
Side by side
| Harmony Publishing | Author Solutions | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A full-service self-publishing company | A group of author-services imprints under one parent company |
| Entry price | From $699 (Essentials) | Package pricing varies by imprint and tier |
| What the entry price includes | Cover design, interior layout, ISBN, distribution setup, 100% royalties | Depends on the imprint and tier — check each inclusions list |
| Royalties | You keep 100% | Check current terms — author-services models often take a share |
| ISBN and publisher of record | Registered in your name or your own imprint | Check who is named as publisher of record |
| Editing | Copyediting and proofreading from Premium; developmental from Rockstar | Available as package inclusion or add-on |
| Printing | Included; priced per copy on specification | Included in packages |
| Distribution | Worldwide, set up in your name | Available; channels vary by package |
| Best for | Authors who want one team with clear ownership terms | Authors who want a large provider with several brand options |
Competitor descriptions reflect their published service structure at the time of writing and may change. Check current terms directly. Our prices are on the cost page.
Three questions to ask any provider
Including us. The answers decide more about value than the headline price:
- Ask who the publisher of record will be. If it is not you or your imprint, understand why before you sign.
- Ask what royalty share they take. Any percentage of your sales is a cost that compounds over the life of the book.
- Ask whether you receive your editable source files. If you cannot take your book elsewhere later, you are locked in.
On all three, our answer is: you are the publisher of record, we take no royalties, and you receive your print-ready and editable files.
Frequently asked questions
Is Author Solutions cheaper than Harmony Publishing?
Both sell packages, so the only useful comparison is like for like: which services are included, how many printed copies, what the royalty share is, and whether the ISBN is in your name. A lower headline price usually means less included or a share of your sales.
Who owns the rights and the ISBN?
With us: you are the publisher of record, the ISBN is registered in your name or your imprint, and you keep 100% of royalties and full rights. Ask any author-services company to confirm the same in writing, and to name the publisher of record.
What should I ask before choosing any author-services company?
Three things: who the publisher of record will be, what royalty share is taken, and whether you receive your editable source files so you can take the book elsewhere later.
Can I compare packages directly?
Yes, and you should. Bring the two inclusions lists side by side and price the difference. Our packages and prices are published on the cost page, so the comparison is direct.