Vanity Presses

Vanity Presses and the Dangers They Pose to Self-Published Authors

The Illusion of Opportunity

The self-publishing boom has created countless opportunities for authors to bring their books directly to readers without the gatekeeping of traditional publishing. However, this empowerment has also opened the door to predatory businesses masquerading as legitimate publishers. Chief among them are vanity presses—companies that claim to offer professional publishing services but, in truth, profit primarily from the author rather than the sale of books. These companies prey on the hopes of new and uninformed writers, extracting thousands of dollars in exchange for subpar services and exploitative contracts. Understanding the difference between a vanity press and a legitimate publisher is vital for protecting your rights, your money, and your career as an author.

Defining Vanity Press vs. Legitimate Publisher

A legitimate publisher, whether traditional or hybrid, makes money by selling books to readers. In a traditional publishing model, the publisher selects manuscripts based on quality and market potential, invests in editing, design, marketing, and distribution, and pays the author an advance and royalties. The author does not pay the publisher.

A vanity press, in contrast, charges the author significant fees upfront for services like editing, formatting, cover design, distribution, and marketing. These companies often accept any manuscript, regardless of quality, because their business model depends on selling services to authors—not selling books to readers. Despite promises of wide distribution and marketing support, the results are often disappointing, and many authors are left with poorly produced books, minimal sales, and a lighter bank account.

Tactics Vanity Presses Use to Lure Authors In

Vanity presses often use deceptive tactics to attract unsuspecting authors. Here are several common strategies:

1. Flattery and Urgency: They shower authors with praise for their manuscript, claiming it has "great potential" or is "exactly what the market needs." This is often followed by a time-sensitive offer, pressuring the author to act quickly.

2. Imitation of Traditional Publishing: Many vanity presses call themselves “independent publishers” or “boutique publishers” to disguise their pay-to-publish model. They may even list a submission process to appear selective, though in reality they accept nearly every manuscript.

3. Aggressive Sales Teams: Once contact is made, authors may be bombarded with calls and emails from salespeople using high-pressure tactics. They’ll offer package upgrades, discounts “only available this week,” and scare authors into thinking self-publishing alone will lead to failure.

4. Misleading Terminology: These companies often misuse publishing terminology. For example, they may claim the author is retaining "rights" while a buried clause in the contract gives the company exclusive publishing rights for years.

Targeting the Naïve: Vanity Press Pricing

Vanity press pricing is often opaque and grossly inflated. Authors are offered "publishing packages" ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 or more. These packages include basic services like editing, cover design, ISBN registration, and “marketing” (which often amounts to little more than a press release sent to a list no one reads).

The danger is compounded when authors, unfamiliar with industry-standard pricing, assume these costs are reasonable. In truth, self-publishing the same book using freelance professionals or platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or Draft2Digital can be done for a fraction of the price—and with far better results.

Common package components include:

• “Editing” that is light proofreading or automated software

• “Custom cover design” that uses stock templates

• “Marketing” that consists of a basic webpage, email blasts, or pay-to-play press releases

• “Distribution” that often only includes uploading to Amazon or Ingram with high markups

Some vanity presses even charge additional fees for changes to your manuscript, marketing consultations, or removing your book from distribution.

Author Solutions and Its Subsidiaries

The largest and most notorious vanity press empire is Author Solutions, a company that owns or operates multiple imprints and “partner” publishers. These include:

• AuthorHouse

• Xlibris

• iUniverse

• Trafford Publishing

• Balboa Press (imprint of Hay House)

• WestBow Press (imprint of Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins)

• Archway Publishing (imprint of Simon & Schuster)

Despite the credible names attached, these imprints operate under the same predatory model. The use of respected traditional publishing brands creates a false sense of legitimacy, tricking authors into thinking they are being chosen by a traditional house. Numerous lawsuits, including a class-action suit in 2013, have accused Author Solutions of deceptive practices, rights grabs, and fraudulent marketing promises.

Rights Grabs and Surrender of Copyright

Perhaps the most insidious danger of vanity press contracts is the surrender of rights. Many of these companies include clauses that give them exclusive publishing rights for a period of years, control over pricing, and the right to keep books “in print” indefinitely. Some even claim rights over derivative works or translations.

For example, a typical vanity press contract may include language that grants the company exclusive distribution rights, the right to change the book’s pricing without author input, and limits the author’s ability to publish the book elsewhere—even if the company fails to sell any copies.

This can effectively trap an author, preventing them from self-publishing or moving to a legitimate publisher. In worst-case scenarios, authors must buy back their rights or seek legal assistance to get out of a contract.

Reputable Watchdogs: ALLi and Writer Beware

Two key resources exist to help authors avoid vanity press scams:

1. The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi): A professional nonprofit organization that advocates for ethical self-publishing. ALLi maintains a Watchdog Desk and a list of approved service providers, as well as a “Best and Worst Self-Publishing Services” guide. Visit: https://selfpublishingadvice.org/allis-best-self-publishing-services/

2. Writer Beware (run by Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association): A long-standing watchdog that investigates publishing scams, vanity presses, and questionable agents. They provide detailed warnings and analysis of bad actors in the industry. Visit: https://www.sfwa.org/other-resources/for-authors/writer-beware/

How to Spot the Warning Signs

Authors can protect themselves by looking for the following red flags:

• The publisher requires payment upfront for publishing or marketing services.

• The publisher accepts your manuscript instantly, with no meaningful editing or feedback.

• The contract includes non-negotiable terms that transfer rights to the company.

• The company uses high-pressure sales tactics or constant follow-ups.

• The publisher’s website is full of buzzwords like “author support,” “custom packages,” or “hybrid publishing” without transparent pricing or author success stories.

• Reviews from other authors mention poor service, hidden fees, or rights disputes.

Avoiding the Trap: Steps Authors Can Take

To stay safe:

• Research any company thoroughly before signing anything. Use ALLi and Writer Beware.

• Join writing communities on platforms like Reddit’s r/selfpublish, Absolute Write forums, or Facebook groups for authors to share experiences.

• If a publisher approaches you, ask detailed questions about rights, royalties, pricing, and distribution—and demand all terms in writing.

• Compare what the company is offering to what you can do yourself with tools like Reedsy, Draft2Digital, KDP, and freelancers on Upwork or Fiverr.

Top Five Vanity Presses to Avoid

While there are many companies that engage in vanity-style operations, the following five have earned a reputation for misleading authors:

1. Author Solutions (and all its subsidiaries)
   As detailed above, this company is widely condemned for exploitative pricing, poor service, and legal disputes. Avoid all associated imprints.

2. Page Publishing
   Known for charging high upfront fees and offering minimal editing and marketing. Numerous authors report receiving little value for what they paid.

3. Dorrance Publishing
   One of the oldest vanity presses, with a long history of charging authors thousands for production and marketing packages that deliver little.

4. Christian Faith Publishing
   A faith-based imprint that claims to help Christian authors get published but is widely reported to charge excessive fees while offering little value in return.

5. Newman Springs Publishing
   Marketed as a "partnership" publisher, but reviews indicate aggressive sales tactics, vague promises, and disappointing final products.

How to Get Out of a Vanity Press Without a Lawyer

If you’ve already signed a contract with a vanity press, there may still be a way out. First, read your contract thoroughly to understand the termination clause. Most contracts contain a clause that allows cancellation with written notice—though some may require you to wait a specific period.

Steps to take:

1. Write a formal request to terminate the contract. Be direct and professional. State that you are invoking your contractual right to terminate and request written confirmation.

2. Request a reversion of all rights to your work. Clarify that you want exclusive rights returned to you and ask for confirmation in writing.

3. Stop paying for additional services immediately. Cancel any recurring charges or agreements.

4. If they refuse or delay, document all communication. This will be helpful if you escalate the matter or choose to file a complaint.

5. File complaints with the Better Business Bureau, ALLi’s Watchdog Desk, and Writer Beware. Public pressure often results in faster resolution.

6. Only seek legal advice if you are dealing with aggressive legal language or a lack of cooperation. Most vanity press contracts are exploitative but not legally airtight, and pressure alone can often encourage compliance.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Publishing Journey

Vanity presses are a persistent threat to aspiring authors, especially those new to the industry. They feed on dreams, exploit ignorance, and leave their victims with nothing but disappointment and debt. But knowledge is power. By understanding how these companies operate, recognizing the signs of exploitation, and relying on trusted resources like ALLi and Writer Beware, authors can protect themselves and focus on what matters most—sharing their stories with the world.

Choose the self-publishing path with intention, not desperation. There are many ethical ways to bring your book to life—without selling your rights, your wallet, or your future.