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Authority Book Guide

Methodology

How we form our recommendations

Last updated: · Published by Big Impact Books

Authority Book Guide forms its recommendations from Big Impact Books' own published experience, typical structures of each publishing option, and sourced industry statistics.

This page explains the method behind every guide on Authority Book Guide, which is published by Big Impact Books. We state where facts come from, judge every option on the same criteria, disclose that the publisher offers one of the options we compare, and never present our pages as independent reviews or audits.

How does Authority Book Guide decide what to recommend?

We start from the reader's goal, usually building authority with limited time, and recommend what fits that goal on stated criteria. When the goal changes, the recommendation can change too.

Our five rules

  1. Use real, supplied facts

    Facts about Big Impact Books come from the business itself. We do not invent ratings, reviews, prices, or results.

  2. Judge every option on the same criteria

    In comparisons we use the same criteria and the same kinds of facts for every option: who drafts the book, author time, marketing included, and who publishes.

  3. Disclose the publisher

    Big Impact Books publishes this site and offers one of the options we compare. Every comparison page says so near the top and in a How we chose section.

  4. Source every statistic

    Industry numbers are quoted as published, with their source and conditions, and are never presented as Big Impact Books figures.

  5. Describe alternatives neutrally

    We describe other publishing paths by how they typically work and name the readers they genuinely fit.

Which sources do we use?

Definition

What we mean by publisher's pick

A publisher's pick on Authority Book Guide is an option offered by Big Impact Books, the business that publishes this site. It may be listed first, but its position is explained with the same kinds of facts used for every other option, and we never claim it is better on a point those facts do not show.

How often is this site updated?

Each main page shows a Last updated date that matches the most recent real change to its content. See the book publishing services comparison for this method in practice.

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Common questions

What are the best book marketing services?
The best book marketing service is the one whose work reaches your ideal readers. For authority books, look for podcast placements, media coverage, and thought leader content rather than only ads. Ask what is included and how success is measured. The services comparison guide on this site, published by Big Impact Books, explains the criteria it uses.See this answer in the full FAQ
What do book publishing services usually include?
Book publishing services vary widely. Depending on the provider, they can include planning, writing support, editing, cover design, formatting, distribution, and marketing. Some cover only production, while others include promotion. Before hiring, ask exactly which steps are included, who owns the rights, and how marketing is handled. The services comparison guide on this site lays out the main options side by side.See this answer in the full FAQ
Is traditional publishing better than an independent publisher?
Neither is better for everyone. Traditional publishing usually requires a proposal, often an agent, and gives the publisher control over timelines and many decisions. An independent publisher typically works closer to the author's schedule and leaves the author more control. For experts focused on authority and business growth, speed and control often matter more than a traditional imprint.See this answer in the full FAQ
Do I need a book coach or a publisher?
A book coach helps you plan and write, but you still do the writing and usually arrange publishing yourself. A publisher handles production and distribution. Some services combine writing support, publishing, and marketing. If you want to write every word yourself, a coach may fit. If you want the book done with less of your time, look at full service options.See this answer in the full FAQ
What does Big Impact Books do?
Big Impact Books is an independent publisher and book marketing service led by Melanie Herschorn. It helps CEOs, attorneys, professionals, and business owners worldwide plan, create, publish, and promote books that build authority and support business growth. Its process uses guided interviews to develop manuscripts and adds promotional support such as podcast placements and media coverage.See this answer in the full FAQ
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