No $399+ package fee
Start free or pay $300 once for Lifetime — not hundreds upfront per book.
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Chiify vs BookBaby
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.
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.
Chiify vs BookBaby, side by side
| Feature | Chiify | BookBaby | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | $249+ as paid add-on | ✓ |
| Free ISBN | Yes | $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 | Yes | Yes | – |
| Library lending | Yes | Yes | – |
| Audiobook distribution | Yes | Yes | – |
| Print-on-demand | Via IngramSpark channel | Yes | – |
| Marketing services | Not included | Paid add-on ($299–$3,499) | – |
| Author keeps copyright | Yes | Yes | – |
| Lifetime EPUB warranty | Yes | No | ✓ |
| 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 | – |
Competitor details are based on publicly available information and can change — check BookBaby's site for current pricing and terms.
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%
Why authors choose Chiify
0% commission on Lifetime
BookBaby still takes 10–15% on sales after you paid for the package.
Free EPUB warranty
If retailer validation rules change, we re-convert at no charge — BookBaby has no equivalent.
WCAG 2.2 built in
EU Accessibility Act compliance on every plan, not an author problem.
When BookBaby might be the better choice
No tool is right for everyone. Here's where BookBaby can be the smarter pick:
- Marketing depth — BookBaby runs author ad campaigns full-time; Chiify does not bundle marketing.
- Print quality control — BookBaby owns printing operations with more direct paper and binding control.
- Hand-holding — account managers walk first-time authors through every step.
- Bundled services — one invoice covering editor + designer + distribution if you want done-for-you.
Try the numbers yourself with our free royalty calculator and print cost calculator.
Frequently asked questions
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 BookBaby editing but Chiify distribution?
Totally fine. Hire BookBaby (or anyone) for editing and design, then use Chiify for 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. The IngramSpark print quality through Chiify is the same as going direct — the difference is upload/revision fees and commission.
Start distributing your books worldwide
Keep 100% of your royalties — no exclusivity, no setup fees.