Rotten Publishers

Find out how a publisher treats its authors before you sign.

Rotten Publishers is a free review platform for book publishers. Authors rate the trade houses, small presses, university presses and agencies they’ve submitted to, signed with, or been published by: advances, royalty statements, rights clauses, and what actually happened after the contract.

94 publishers · 31 author reviews

Know which model you are signing into

Some publishers pay you. With others you pay for the production and keep the rights, which is a perfectly normal way to publish a book. Trouble starts when a company charges a fee while presenting it as an editorial offer, because then being accepted tells you nothing.

Compare the models

What Rotten Publishers is

A review site for authors

Writers publish first-hand accounts of dealing with a publisher such as submitting, being offered a contract, signing, or working through a full publishing cycle. Every review shows which of those the author actually experienced.

Moderated before publishing

A person reads every review before it goes live, publishers can claim their listing and reply in public, and a claimed listing can never edit or remove a review. No payment changes that.

What signing in gives us

An account is only needed to post a review or reply to one. Signing in with Google shares your name, email address and profile picture, and nothing else. We never request access to Gmail, Drive, contacts or any other Google service.

Best reviewed

Ranked by author recommendation, weighted so a single review can't top the list.

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Author Central House

Self-publishing serviceAuthor-funded

5.0 · 4 reviews

Author Central House is a full-service self-publishing partner helping authors in the USA turn manuscripts into professionally published books with 100% ownership, up to 70% royalties, and distribution to 40,000+ retailers worldwide. From ghostwriting and editing to cover design and global launch, every step is guided by a dedicated Account Manager, with the author in creative control throughout.

100%

Recommended

would recommend to another author

Houston, United States

Boundless Book Publisher

Hybrid publisherAuthor-funded

4.8 · 9 reviews

Boundless Book Publishers helps aspiring and established authors transform ideas, stories, and expertise into professionally crafted books. Whether you have a complete manuscript or only the beginning of an idea, our experienced team can guide you through the journey from concept to publication. Our services cover book writing and ghostwriting, editing, proofreading, formatting, cover design, illustrations, publishing, printing, marketing, audiobooks, book trailers, and author websites. We work across a wide range of genres, creating solutions tailored to each author's vision and audience. With a focus on quality, collaboration, and personalized support, Boundless Book Publishers makes the publishing process simpler and more accessible—helping authors turn their ideas into books they can proudly share with the world. Think Beyond the Page. Bring Your Story to Life.

100%

Recommended

would recommend to another author

NY, UNITED STATES

Fenno Publishing

Self-publishing serviceAuthor-funded

5.0 · 1 review

Fenno Publishing helps authors transform their stories and ideas into professionally published books ready to reach readers around the world. From an early concept to a completed manuscript, we provide personalized support throughout the publishing journey. Our services include manuscript editing and proofreading, book cover design, formatting, publishing, audiobook production, author websites, content creation, and book marketing. We combine creative expertise with practical publishing support to help authors develop polished books and build a stronger presence in the marketplace. Whether you're publishing your first book or expanding your author portfolio, Fenno Publishing provides an all-in-one solution designed to make the process simpler, more accessible, and more rewarding. Your Story Deserves the World.

1

Too few reviews

1 so far, too few for a verdict

NY, UNITED STATES

Most criticised

Publishers whose reviewers most often warn other authors away.

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Page Bloom Publishers

Self-publishing serviceAuthor-funded

4.3 · 7 reviews

Page Bloom Publishers is a full-service publishing partner dedicated to helping authors transform their ideas and manuscripts into professionally published books. From the first draft to the finished book, we provide personalized support across writing, editing, book design, publishing, distribution, and marketing. Our team works closely with authors to understand their vision, refine their work, create a compelling presentation, and position their books for the right audience. Whether you're publishing your first book or building your author brand, Page Bloom Publishers makes the publishing journey simpler, more professional, and more accessible. Your Story. Our Expertise. A Book That Gets Noticed.

100%

Recommended

would recommend to another author

New York, United States

George Hill Publishers

Self-publishing serviceAuthor-funded

4.3 · 3 reviews

George Hill Publishers helps aspiring and established authors turn ideas, experiences, and manuscripts into books they can be proud of. Whether you have a fully written manuscript or simply an idea waiting to become a story, our team provides the expertise and creative support to guide you through every stage of the book creation journey. From research and professional book writing to editing, proofreading, formatting, cover design, publishing, and marketing, we bring together the creative and technical expertise needed to transform your vision into a polished, reader-ready book. We believe the best publishing experience is collaborative. Your ideas, voice, and vision remain at the heart of the project while our writers, editors, designers, and publishing specialists help bring everything together. Your Idea. Your Voice. Your Book. Our Expertise.

100%

Recommended

would recommend to another author

Houston, United States

The Book Publishing Experts

Self-publishing serviceAuthor-funded

4.7 · 3 reviews

The Book Publishing Experts is a full-service publishing team that's helped hundreds of authors get their books written, published, and read. We cover the entire journey — ghostwriting, editing, cover design, publishing, and marketing — which means you get one team from first draft to final launch instead of juggling five freelancers. Our clients come to us with everything from finished manuscripts to a single strong idea, and leave as published authors. The reviews here are from people who've actually been through the process with us. We'd rather let their words do the talking.

100%

Recommended

would recommend to another author

Texas, USA

Recent reviews

The latest first-hand accounts from authors.

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Published with themVerifiedExperience in August 2026

Kevin is a Gem, I love working with them!!

on The Book Publishing Experts

Louis Grumet from United States

I've been with The Book Publishing Experts for years now, and I keep coming back for one simple reason, Kevin and his team treat my books like they're their own. Kevin published my work and then didn't stop there. He handled the whole marketing side, got my name out in the author world, and made me feel like more than just another project on a list. Honestly, these people are close to my heart. I don't say that about many folks I do business with, but Kevin and his team earned it. I love working with them, and I'm not going anywhere.

Communication
5/5
Editorial quality
5/5
Marketing & publicity
5/5
Royalty transparency
5/5
Contract fairness
5/5
Posted 3 days ago
Published with themVerifiedExperience in June 2026

Best Publishing Team

on The Book Publishing Experts

Stephen Williams from United States

Honestly? Kevin and his team spoiled me. Best experience I've had with any service like this, and now everyone else has a lot to live up to.

Communication
5/5
Editorial quality
5/5
Marketing & publicity
5/5
Royalty transparency
4/5
Contract fairness
4/5
Posted last week
Published with themExperience in July 2026

From Scared to Published

on The Book Publishing Experts

Linda Nelson from United States

Working with Kevin and his team honestly took the fear out of the whole thing for me. I came in nervous, sitting on a manuscript I'd been too scared to show anyone, and they just... got it. Every step was explained, every question answered, and never once did I feel like a bother. I'm holding my published book now, and I still can't quite believe it started as a mess of pages on my laptop.

Communication
5/5
Editorial quality
4/5
Marketing & publicity
3/5
Royalty transparency
2/5
Contract fairness
4/5
Posted 4 weeks ago
Published with themVerifiedExperience in April 2025

Happy with the final result

on Author Central House

John from United States

They helped me with publishing, marketing, and animation, and the whole process was much easier than I expected. I loved seeing my book come together and then watching the story come to life through animation. They were helpful, patient, and understood what I wanted. I’m very happy with the final result.

Communication
5/5
Editorial quality
4/5
Marketing & publicity
5/5
Royalty transparency
4/5
Contract fairness
5/5
Posted last month