“When I started my journey of self-publishing, I quickly learned I needed professional help.
Anyone who says publishing a book is easy is, in my opinion, telling you half-truths. Yes, I could have done it all alone, but it would not have been the best product I could possibly produce, and there is still a monetary investment required to get you to the finished product with self-publishing.
I started researching publishing companies and even sent my manuscript to some to have them review and decide whether they wanted me in their stable of authors. A few were quick to reply and sent out a menu of services—again, for a nominal fee. I asked them one question: What do you think of my manuscript? The responses were “It’s good” or “It’s exactly what we are looking for.” Then, I asked them what they liked the most and what they liked the least? The response was “Well, I haven’t really read it yet” or “I haven’t started it, but I’m looking forward to reading it.” One representative even kept calling my book by a different title.
Thank god I received an email from Andy (president and publisher of Ballast Books) asking if I could jump on a phone call with him. I said sure. I was expecting more of the same: “We would love to publish your book,” etc., etc. To my happy surprise, Andy asked me to give him a couple of weeks to read this, and then he would let me know if I was a good fit for his publishing house.
Andy liked what he read and was interested in working with me, but my manuscript needed some work. That honest feedback from someone in the industry is exactly what a new author needs. He loved the bones, but now we needed to make a broth that everyone could palate.
We got to work. Andy and his team are nothing but top-notch professionals. I loved how Ballast was not so much worried about deadlines but more interested in producing the best product possible. This is not to say that they don’t meet deadlines—they do—but when a step backward was required, Andy and his team articulated it well, and ultimately, it was my decision on how to proceed.
What started as words on a computer screen is now a product that anyone who has seen the cover, listened to the audio, or read the final edit absolutely loves.
Thank you, Andy, and thank you, Ballast Books, for taking my rough-cut gem and turning it into a beautiful piece of work that generations will enjoy for decades to come.”
“Ballast Books is among a new wave of hybrid publishers democratizing and disrupting the publishing industry. Their business model opens publishing up to visionary authors with a purpose whose works often get overlooked by traditional publishers. Every step of the way, Ballast’s collaborative approach and exceptional quality has equaled or surpassed my experience of traditional publishers within the top seven.”
“As a first-time author, the publishing process can be confusing and overwhelming. I am glad I selected Ballast Books as my publishing company. From day one, the Ballast Team was incredibly professional and attentive, providing a level of reliability and efficiency that surpassed all my expectations. The quality of their book publishing service was exceptional, and I would recommend Ballast Books to any author looking for a reliable team to help with all aspects of the publishing process. Thank you, Ballast Books, for not only meeting but exceeding my expectations!”
“For a writer publishing for the first time, Ballast Books has been the perfect partner for me. It is very easy to be overwhelmed by the publishing juggernaut. Ballast Books handled everything from developing the finished manuscript and layout, to printing, distribution and marketing strategies. The publisher himself, Andy Symonds, is accessible for advice, coaching and a great help when decisions need to be made. Breanne Beightol, their marketing pro, has been terrific to work with and has secured numerous guest appearances on podcasts and conferences. These folks are the best, full stop.”
“As a first-time author (who isn't really an author), I was very intimidated going into the experience of writing a book. From the beginning, Ballast gave me comfort, guidance, and unfiltered truth that gave me the confidence to achieve my dream of publishing a memoir. They were easy to work with, responsive, and direct—all of which matters for full-time executives like myself. I would recommend Ballast to anyone with a dream of becoming a published author.”
“Have you dreamed of writing a book? What happens when your dream suddenly becomes a nightmare? Changing publishers midstream is an author’s nightmare—kind of like jumping out of an airplane without a parachute and hoping to grab a friend on the way down. During the publishing of my second book, I lost my parachute (aka my publisher) and was freefalling—that is, until Ballast Books invited me to grab onto their parachute. Ballast Books not only took on my unfinished project, but they also they did it with class and professionalism. I had a tight deadline to meet, and the team at Ballast was unwavering in their commitment. Even though words are my life, I find myself without the words to describe the depth of gratitude and respect I have for the Ballast team. If you have suddenly found yourself without a publishing home or are otherwise considering your publishing options, put Ballast Books at the top of your list. I think you will be as pleased as I am . . . maybe more!”
“Ballast Books made it easy for a first-time author to produce and deliver a very professional product. From first contact to first book on the shelves – no question was left unanswered, and the collaboration was second to none. I’d gladly recommend their services for any author—a “first-timer” like me, or for someone who has multiple books on the drawing table. Thanks for helping me deliver Relentless Positivity in a manner that exceeded my expectations!”
“It was my goal for many years to publish a coffee table book, and initially felt overwhelmed by the possibilities. I knew I needed the editorial and design support from a publishing company, but had strong opinions on many visual elements that I knew could be usurped by a traditional publishing model. In this research phase, I discovered Ballast Books through the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, as they had recently published The Twenty-Year War. The quality and visual appeal of that book, alongside feeling comfortable that my military theme would fit into their library, prompted me to inquire.
I immediately felt at home and excited at the “hybrid” model Ballast Books uses. Every step of the way, they provided high level professional support, while honoring my vision for the project. Their meticulous attention to detail and expertise helped the book to be elevated beyond what I thought it could be. Everyone on the team made the experience outstanding- from vision casting to editing, design, logistics, strategy, and marketing, I’m so glad I worked with Ballast Books on this project!”
"Working with Ballast Books has been an exceptional experience from start to finish. As someone with a powerful but deeply personal story, I needed a publishing team that could handle both the technical demands of book production and the emotional weight of my journey. They are a publisher that doesn't shy away from controversial subjects but rather leans into them. Ballast delivered on all fronts.
Their team treated Phoenix Revival with the care, respect, and professionalism it deserved, guiding me through the editing process, helping refine my message, and creating a final product that I’m proud to share with the world. They understood my mission and worked alongside me to amplify it, not just publish it.
If you're an author with a meaningful story and a drive to make an impact, Ballast Books is the team you want behind you."
We’re the best of both worlds. Ballast’s hybrid model combines the quality and industry expertise of traditional publishing while enabling authors to retain control of the creative process, keep full rights over their intellectual property, and see greater profits on sales of their books, hallmarks of self-publishing.
Our goal is to democratize the publishing industry for the benefit of all authors. You do not need an agent to submit your work to Ballast Books. Simply reach out to get in touch with an acquisitions editor and begin discussing your book.
All authors invest in their books, no matter which publishing route they choose. Yes, you read that correctly. All authors. The key financial difference between hybrid publishing and traditional publishing is WHEN the author invests. The hybrid publishing model allows the author to make their investment upfront by directly funding the publishing of their work and then reap the reward of 80 percent to 100 percent of royalties on every book sold for years to come.
When a traditional publisher makes the initial investment in production and distribution costs, the author pays in the form of giving up the majority of royalties—and the rights to their work—to the publisher for the entirety of the contract. Depending on the success of the book, what the author ends up “paying” the publisher in royalties may likely eclipse the publisher’s initial investment many times over. While the traditional option offers a low upfront risk, many authors are discovering it is simply not worth the potential profits they’re forfeiting in the long run.
No two books are identical, and neither are their publishing proposals. Our acquisitions editors will review your work and schedule time to talk with you about your goals for publication. We’ll then create a publishing proposal of recommended services unique to your book.
With Ballast Books, the author keeps almost all royalties, which are paid quarterly on all sales that have been rectified with distributors/retailers.
Ballast Books provides expertise in all aspects of the publishing process: editing, ghostwriting, curation, design, layout, printing, marketing & PR, distribution, fulfillment, reporting, and sales.
Ballast Books can get your book to market faster than a traditional publisher. However, we can take whatever pace works best for the author.
Authors come to us in all stages of the process. Whether you have just the beginnings of an idea or a fully written and professionally edited manuscript, we can help guide your book through production, retail distribution, and beyond.
While our current available titles are primarily adult nonfiction, we are openly accepting all genres for review at this time.
(To submit to our children’s book imprint, please visit www.blueballoonbooks.com.)
When you publish with Ballast Books, you will own the rights to your work. Period.
Your book should be available wherever books are sold, whether in physical stores or online. We work with large retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Costco, and Target, as well independent bookstores, specialty retailers, and even airport stores.
Yes! In fact, we encourage independent sales. When our authors sell their books directly to customers, they keep 100 percent of the profit.
No publisher can make your book a bestseller. Who makes your book a bestseller? You and your readers. But we’ll do everything we can to make sure it’s ready for the list.
A well-written book is the cornerstone of a fully developed brand and business. Becoming an author can lead to additional opportunities like speaking, consulting, selling courses, and more.
The more we know about your book, the better prepared we’ll be to offer our guidance and expertise. When inquiring about our services, please provide a detailed summary of your book, whether it’s written or not. If you have started the writing process, be prepared to submit a sample of the work to an editor upon request. Don’t worry—your submitted ideas and writing are safe. We will never share or use any portion of your work without your consent.
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