Harmony Publishing vs AuthorHouse
AuthorHouse is one of the larger author-services companies, offering publishing packages alongside à-la-carte services.
Short version. AuthorHouse and we do broadly the same kind of work — bundling editing, design, printing and distribution. The differences that matter are what each package includes, who holds the publisher of record, and what royalty share is taken. Ask any author-services company those three questions before you sign.
Side by side
| Harmony Publishing | AuthorHouse | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A full-service self-publishing company | A full-service author-services company |
| Entry price | From $699 (Essentials) | Package pricing; tiers vary by inclusion |
| What the entry price includes | Cover design, interior layout, ISBN, distribution setup, 100% royalties | Depends on the tier; check exactly what each package contains |
| Royalties | You keep 100% | Check the current terms — some author-services models 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 a 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 the whole route handled with clear ownership | Authors who want a large provider with varied packages |
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 AuthorHouse cheaper than Harmony Publishing?
Both sell packages, so compare 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 before you sign.
What should I ask before choosing an 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 straightforward.