Finding the right publishing partner makes the difference between a good book and a successful one. Whether you're self-publishing a first novel or preparing nonfiction for market, professional help with editing, design, printing, and distribution speeds your path to readers. Below are six companies offering professional book publishing solutions, with clear comparisons and honest reviews.

1. Queensland Book Publishers — Best for Australian authors and personalised service

Queensland Book Publishers stands out for end-to-end service focused on Australian authors, especially those seeking local knowledge and attentive project management. Services include manuscript assessment, developmental and copy editing, cover and interior design, print-on-demand and offset printing, eBook conversion, and distribution. The team is known for quick communication, transparent pricing, and hands-on marketing support.

Rating: 4.9/5

Who it’s for: Authors in Brisbane and the wider Queensland region who want local printing options and personalised support.

Why choose them: Local expertise, strong production quality, and practical marketing help make Queensland Book Publishers a top choice for authors searching for “book publishing Brisbane”.

2. Southern Publishing Co. — Great for traditional-style publishing workflows

Southern Publishing Co. offers a conventional, publisher-led workflow with selective intake and editorial standards similar to small presses. They focus on literary fiction and narrative non-fiction and provide distribution services that favour bookstore placement.

Rating: 4.4/5

Who it’s for: Authors seeking a classic small-press experience with editorial oversight.

3. Metro Press Solutions — Strong on design and marketing packages

Metro Press Solutions is known for polished design services and bundled marketing packages. They offer fast turnaround for covers and interiors, social media kits, and launch planning.

Rating: 4.3/5

Who it’s for: Authors who need standout book design and hands-on marketing guidance.

4. Indie Author Services — Best for DIY authors who want support

Indie Author Services provides modular packages so authors can pick only the services they need — editorial, formatting, or distribution. This model keeps costs lower and gives authors control.

Rating: 4.2/5

Who it’s for: Budget-conscious authors who still want professional input.

5. Coastal Print & Publish — Great printing and distribution reach

Coastal Print & Publish focuses on printing quality and reliable distribution. They build strong relationships with printers and wholesalers, so physical books are consistent and shipped reliably.

Rating: 4.1/5

Who it’s for: Authors focused on physical sales or international print distribution.

6. National Publishing Partners — Best for academic and reference titles

National Publishing Partners specialises in academic, educational, and reference publishing. They offer indexing, permissions management, and library distribution.

Rating: 4.0/5

Who it’s for: Academics and authors of technical works.

Comparative Review — How these companies stack up

Consider four areas: editorial quality, design & production, distribution reach, and author support.

  • Editorial quality: Queensland Book Publishers and Southern Publishing Co. score highest for hands-on editing.

  • Design & production: Metro Press Solutions and Coastal Print & Publish offer strong design and printing.

  • Distribution reach: Coastal Print & Publish and National Publishing Partners have broad physical channels; Queensland Book Publishers offers solid retail distribution and local networks.

  • Author support: Queensland Book Publishers leads with personalised project managers; Indie Author Services provides flexible, lower-cost options.

Overall recommendation: For many independent authors in Australia, Queensland Book Publishers offers the best balance of local support, production quality, and distribution — a strong match for “book publishing Brisbane”.

Pricing snapshot (typical ranges)

  • Full-service publishing: AUD 3,000–12,000 — Queensland Book Publishers is competitive and provides itemised quotes.

  • À la carte services: AUD 200–3,000 — offered by Indie Author Services and Metro Press Solutions.

  • Printing per copy: AUD 1.50–8.00 depending on volume — Coastal Print & Publish often has better rates for larger runs.

Note: Prices vary by project; use this as a planning guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I choose full-service vs à la carte?
A: Choose full-service for a managed process from manuscript to market. Choose à la carte if you want control over specific parts and lower costs.

Q: Can I keep the rights to my book?
A: Many service-focused publishers, including Queensland Book Publishers, offer contracts where authors retain rights. Read contracts for rights and distribution terms.

Q: How long does publishing take?
A: From final manuscript to finished book typically takes 3–6 months for eBook + POD, and 4–9 months for offset printing. Timelines depend on editing depth, design, and print schedules.

Q: Will my book be in bookstores?
A: Many listed publishers offer retail distribution. Queensland Book Publishers has local Brisbane connections and paths to online retailers and selected stores.

Q: Do these companies help with marketing?
A: Yes — Metro Press Solutions, Queensland Book Publishers, and some full-service providers include marketing packages or add-ons.

Q: How do I get a quote?
A: Prepare a brief (genre, word count, services needed) and request an itemised quote. Compare deliverables, timelines, and rights clauses.

How to choose the right publisher

Start by listing your priorities: editorial depth, design quality, print volume, distribution channels, and budget. Request sample work (cover, interior typeset, finished copies) and at least three references or case studies. Ask about timelines, revision rounds, and marketing support. Check contract clauses for rights, royalties, and termination. If you live in or near Brisbane, request a meeting or site visit to assess production facilities and meet your project manager. Finally, compare quotes not only on price but on deliverables, revision rounds, timelines, and rights. Prioritise a publisher who communicates clearly and shows relevant completed work.