Comparison
Children's Book Publishing Services Compared
Last updated: November 2026Published by Defining Moments Press
This guide is published by Defining Moments Press, one of the options it compares. Every option is judged on the same stated criteria; it is not an independent review.
01What do children book publishing services include?
Children's book publishing services usually include some mix of coaching, editing, design, formatting, distribution, and launch marketing, and the right mix depends on how much of your book is done. Defining Moments Press offers four author packages, from a do-it-yourself 8-week course to done-for-you ghostwriting, and authors keep all rights and royalties.
02What counts as a children's book publishing service?
03How do the three publishing paths compare?
Each path is judged here on the same six criteria. Traditional publishing facts come from scholars.direct. Defining Moments Press facts come from its own website.
| Criterion | Traditional publisher | Self-publishing on your own | Coached self-publishing (Defining Moments Press) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who pays for production | The publisher | You | You pay a service fee |
| Who chooses the illustrator | The publisher | You | You (illustration not listed in packages) |
| Rights | Publisher takes most rights | You keep them | You keep all rights |
| Royalty or income | Roughly 5 to 12 percent of list price, often split with the illustrator | Full margin after print and retailer costs | You keep all royalties; order books at cost |
| How you get in | Usually through an agent | No gatekeeper | Apply; reply within 2 business days |
| Support | Publisher sells into shops | Whatever you arrange | Coaching, design, formatting, launch, by package |
04Which Defining Moments Press package fits which writer?
Listed in order from least to most hands-on support, using the package descriptions on the Defining Moments Press services page.
Author Blueprint (do it yourself)
An 8-week course with audio and video tutorials, step-by-step process, templates and tools, a free Facebook group, and unlimited email support. Its checkout page lists a single payment of $1,997. Fits disciplined writers who want a process.
Author Launch (done for you)
Formatting, book design, cover design, book marketing, launch to bestseller, and an author Facebook group. Fits authors whose manuscript is already written.
Author Training (done with you)
Book coaching for 1 year, the 8-week writing course, ongoing training, formatting, book design, marketing, a full launch, and a media and podcast list. Fits writers who want a coach throughout.
Author Premium (done for you)
Ghostwriters write your book, plus cover and book design, formatting, full launch, media appearances, marketing account setup, and a one-page launch funnel. Fits professionals with a story but no time to write.
Prices for Author Launch, Author Training, and Author Premium are not published on the Defining Moments Press site. Ask on the discovery call.
05What is not included that children's authors need?
Illustration is not listed in any Defining Moments Press package. Picture books depend on art, so this is the single most important question to ask on the call. If you hire an illustrator yourself, agree on payment, deadlines, and who owns the art in writing before work starts. In traditional publishing, the illustrator is chosen by the publisher and often shares the royalty.
06Questions to ask any children's book publishing service
- Who owns the rights and the files when we finish?
- What share of royalties, if any, do you keep?
- Is illustration included, and who owns the art?
- Which formats, ebook, paperback, or hardcover, are included?
- Can I order author copies at cost?
- What marketing is included, and for how long?
- Are there any fees not listed in the package?
07How we chose
Published by Defining Moments Press. We compared every path on the same six criteria: who pays for production, who chooses the illustrator, rights, royalty or income, how you get in, and support. We used only facts from each path's published sources and Defining Moments Press's own website. This is not an independent review. See our methodology for details and return to the children's book coach guide.
08Common questions
What are the best book publishing companies for new authors?
The best publishing company for a new author is one that matches your goal, states what is included, and lets you keep the rights you care about. Compare who pays for production, who owns rights, royalty share, timeline, and marketing support. Defining Moments Press publishes this guide, lets authors keep all rights and royalties, and charges a service fee.
See this answer in the full FAQDo I keep my rights and royalties with Defining Moments Press?
Yes, Defining Moments Press states that you keep all royalties and rights. It is paid a fee for its service rather than taking a share of your book income. It also says there are no hidden fees and that you can order books at cost direct from the provider, which matters if you plan to sell copies at schools, readings, or events.
See this answer in the full FAQAre there hidden fees with Defining Moments Press?
Defining Moments Press states that there are no hidden fees. It is a US-based company that is paid a fee for its service, and authors keep all royalties and rights. You can order books at cost direct from the provider. Ask on the discovery call for a written list of what your package includes so you can compare it fairly.
See this answer in the full FAQDoes Defining Moments Press provide illustrations for children's books?
Illustration is not listed in any of the packages on the Defining Moments Press services page. The packages list cover design, book design, and formatting. Because picture books depend on art, ask on the discovery call how illustration is handled, or plan to hire an illustrator and agree on rights in writing before work starts.
See this answer in the full FAQI already wrote my children's book. What help is available?
If your book is written, the Author Launch package from Defining Moments Press is designed for authors who just need help launching and publishing. It includes formatting, book design, cover design, book marketing, a launch to bestseller, and access to an author Facebook group. Illustration is not listed, so confirm your art is ready or ask about it on the call.
See this answer in the full FAQWhat if I do not have time to write my book?
Defining Moments Press offers an Author Premium done-for-you package in which its ghostwriters write your book for you. It also includes cover design, book design, formatting, a full launch to bestseller, book media appearances, marketing account setup, and a one-page launch funnel. Ask on the discovery call whether ghostwriting is available for children's books specifically.
See this answer in the full FAQTalk through your book idea
On a complimentary call, an acquisition editor at Defining Moments Press helps you explore your book idea, get clear on your ideal reader, and leave with a plan for your next step.
Book a free discovery call