Methodology
How this site forms its comparisons and recommendations
Last updated: November 2026 · Published by Big Impact Books
Every recommendation on this Big Impact Books site comes from three kinds of facts: what Big Impact Books has published about its own services, what its named clients have said, and numbers from named third-party sources linked on the page. Every option in a comparison is judged on the same stated criteria.
How does this site decide what to recommend?
It starts from the reader’s situation. Most readers here are CEOs, attorneys, and business owners with deep expertise and little time. For that reader, the criteria that matter most are: whose words end up in the book, whose name is on it, the weekly time required, whether publishing is handled, whether promotion is included, and what the published price information says.
Big Impact Books often appears first in tables because it publishes this site. Its position does not change the evidence. Every comparison also names the cases where another option fits better.
The rules we follow
Use only real facts
Client quotes are reproduced from Big Impact Books’ website as written. Nothing is invented: no ratings, reviews, prices, or credentials.Source every market number
Prices and statistics come from named pages such as Reedsy, Manuscript Report, and Publishers Weekly, quoted with their full ranges and never presented as Big Impact Books figures.Describe alternatives neutrally
Other paths, such as ghostwriting or DIY publishing, are described in general terms. We do not criticize named competitors.Say what we do not know
Where Big Impact Books has not published a fact, such as package prices or a fixed timeline, the page says so and points to the main website.Date every page
Each page shows a Last updated date, and key figures carry an as-of date.
Is this site independent?
No. This site is written and published by Big Impact Books. Treat its comparisons as the publisher’s own view, built on the facts and sources shown. For independent perspectives on publishing paths, see Jane Friedman’s publishing paths guide. Read more about who publishes this site, or return to book publishing services from Big Impact Books.
Common questions
What is a book publishing service?
A book publishing service is a company that handles some or all of the work of turning a manuscript into a published book: editing, design, formatting, distribution setup, and often marketing. Big Impact Books starts earlier and ends later than most, beginning with planning and interview-based writing before a manuscript exists, and continuing after launch with podcast placements and media outreach.
See this answer in the full FAQDoes Big Impact Books list its prices online?
Package prices are not part of the information supplied for this site. Done-for-you book programs are generally priced by scope, such as whether you start from interviews or a draft and how much promotion you want. The simplest way to get a current number is to visit yourbigimpactbook.com and ask about the program that fits your book.
See this answer in the full FAQWhich self-publishing companies should I avoid?
Avoid any company that hides what is included, pressures you with countdown timers or deep limited-time discounts, keeps your rights, or promises bestseller status or guaranteed sales. The Big Impact Books guide to self-publishing companies to avoid lists the red flags and the questions to ask any provider, including Big Impact Books itself, before you sign.
See this answer in the full FAQWhat is the difference between a ghostwriter and Big Impact Books?
A traditional ghostwriter writes the book for you, often uncredited, and you review drafts. Big Impact Books interviews you weekly and shapes your own words into the book, with you clearly as the author. Melanie Herschorn says she refuses to hide behind ghostwriting so that clients own their brilliance. Both approaches save you from writing alone.
See this answer in the full FAQIs self-publishing better than traditional publishing?
It depends on your goal. Traditional publishing generally involves agents, proposals, and long timelines, with the publisher controlling much of the process. Self-publishing gives you control and speed, but you handle everything. For CEOs and attorneys whose goal is authority, a done-for-you partner like Big Impact Books pairs that control with professional writing, publishing, and promotion.
See this answer in the full FAQ