Is BookBaby exclusive when I distribute through them?

Generally no, BookBaby doesn't require exclusivity. You can publish through BookBaby and Chiify simultaneously as long as you don't duplicate ISBNs for the same edition.

What if I want some BookBaby services (editing) but use Chiify for distribution?

Totally fine. BookBaby (and many other services) sell editing/design as standalone services without distribution. You can hire BookBaby for editing, hire any designer for the cover, then use Chiify for the actual distribution. That's a common setup.

How does Chiify compare on print quality if it's using IngramSpark?

Both BookBaby and Chiify route through Ingram's print network at the end of the day (BookBaby has additional print partners). The IngramSpark print quality you get through Chiify is the same as if you'd gone direct. The difference is what's done with the upload/revision fees.

Chiify vs BookBaby

Chiify or BookBaby? What you really pay.

BookBaby positions itself as a full-service self-publishing solution — distribution plus editing, design, marketing, and printing. Their package pricing starts around $399 and climbs. Chiify focuses on distribution + EPUB + ISBN, free to start.

Switch to Chiify free See Chiify pricing

BookBaby is one of the most-advertised self-publishing brands in the US. Their model is bundled service packages — you pay a few hundred to a few thousand dollars up front for a combination of distribution, ebook conversion, cover design, editing, marketing, and printing.

Chiify is the opposite: nothing bundled, nothing upfront. Free EPUB conversion, free ISBN, distribution to every major retailer and library at 0% commission on Lifetime. Different model for different needs — here’s how to choose.

At a glance

Feature	Chiify	BookBaby
Upfront cost	Free or $300 Lifetime once	$399 entry, $999 typical, $4,000+ premium
Commission on sales	0% (Lifetime/Pro), 10% (Free)	10–15%
Free EPUB conversion		$249+ as paid add-on
Free ISBN		$99 add-on
Cover design	Not included (use any designer)	$499+ bundle
Editing services	Not included (use any editor)	$0.018+/word bundles
Amazon, Apple, Kobo, Google
Library lending
Audiobook distribution
Print-on-demand	Via IngramSpark channel
Marketing services	Not included	Paid add-on ($299–$3,499)
Author keeps copyright
Lifetime EPUB warranty
WCAG 2.2 accessibility	Auto on every plan	Not built-in
Best for	Authors who handle their own edit/cover/marketing	Authors wanting full-service done-for-you

Who BookBaby is really for

If you want it all done for you

BookBaby is genuinely a one-stop shop. If you want someone to edit your manuscript, design your cover, format your EPUB, design your paperback interior, distribute it everywhere, and run marketing ads for you, BookBaby will do all of that — for a price that scales with the scope.

Their lower tier (around $399) gives you distribution + ebook conversion. Their higher tiers ($1,000–$4,000+) bundle in editing, cover design, paperback design, and marketing.

If you don’t want to find your own editor or cover designer, BookBaby’s done-for-you packages have value. The tradeoff is the price.

Who Chiify is for

If you already have your manuscript and cover

Chiify focuses on the distribution and technical-compliance layer. We assume you (or someone you hired separately) wrote the book and made the cover. We handle: EPUB conversion, accessibility, ISBN, distribution to every major retailer + library, ONIX feeds, sales reporting, royalty splits, and pre-orders.

By not bundling editing/design/marketing, we keep the price at zero (Free) or $300 once (Lifetime). For authors who find their own editors and designers, the savings are massive.

Cost comparison

Real numbers, one book

BookBaby (\"Distribution + Ebook\" entry package)

Package fee: $399
ISBN add-on: $99
Ebook conversion: included in package
Cover design (extra): $499 if added
Distribution commission: ~15%
Typical first-book total: $498–$997

Chiify Free plan

Upload + EPUB conversion: $0
ISBN: $0
Distribution commission: 10%
Cover/editing (find your own): $0–whatever you choose
Typical first-book total: $0 + commission

Chiify Lifetime plan

One-time fee: $300
Then everything else: $0 forever
Commission: 0%

Where BookBaby has the edge

Honest about it

Marketing depth— BookBaby has years of experience running author ad campaigns and a marketing team that does this full-time. Chiify doesn’t.
Print quality — BookBaby owns its printing operations and has more direct control over paper stock, color management, and binding for paperback. Chiify routes print through IngramSpark.
Hand-holding— BookBaby’s account managers walk first-time authors through every step. Chiify expects you to be reasonably self-directed.
Bundled services— if you want one invoice covering editor + designer + distribution, BookBaby does that. Chiify doesn’t bundle.

Frequently asked

Is BookBaby exclusive when I distribute through them?: Generally no, BookBaby doesn't require exclusivity. You can publish through BookBaby and Chiify simultaneously as long as you don't duplicate ISBNs for the same edition.
What if I want some BookBaby services (editing) but use Chiify for distribution?: Totally fine. BookBaby (and many other services) sell editing/design as standalone services without distribution. You can hire BookBaby for editing, hire any designer for the cover, then use Chiify for the actual distribution. That's a common setup.
How does Chiify compare on print quality if it's using IngramSpark?: Both BookBaby and Chiify route through Ingram's print network at the end of the day (BookBaby has additional print partners). The IngramSpark print quality you get through Chiify is the same as if you'd gone direct. The difference is what's done with the upload/revision fees.

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Free to start. Free EPUB conversion. Free ISBN. Human review in 24 hours. No exclusivity.

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