How Amazon Transformed the Publishing World: A New Era for Authors

The book industry has seen more change in the last 15 years than in the previous century. What once required literary agents, years of pitching, and a lucky break has now become a path many can walk with the right tools. And at the center of this shift? Amazon.

For many, Amazon is simply where they buy books. But for writers, it’s a game-changing platform that’s challenged traditional norms and redefined what book publishing companies look like today.

In this blog, we’ll take a close look at how Amazon Book Publishers, the Amazon Publishing Company, and the broader rise of Amazon self publishing companies are reshaping the industry—and what that means for you as an aspiring author.

 

The Old vs. New World of Publishing

Let’s rewind.

Before Amazon entered the scene, authors had two main paths:

  1. Traditional Publishing – Submitting manuscripts to book publication companies, waiting months for responses, and often facing countless rejections.
  2. Vanity Publishing – Paying companies large sums to publish your work, often without quality control or marketing support.

Today, there’s a third (and much more accessible) option: self-publishing through Amazon. It’s opened the door for hundreds of thousands of authors to reach readers without the red tape.

But to understand how to navigate this space, you need to know the difference between Amazon’s publishing options.

 

What Are Amazon Book Publishers?

The term “Amazon Book Publishers” is often used loosely. In reality, it covers two different branches of Amazon’s publishing ecosystem:

  1. Amazon Publishing Company (APub) – Amazon’s traditional publishing division.
  2. Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) – Amazon’s self-publishing platform.

Both serve the same goal: to publish and distribute books to a global audience. But how they do it—and what they offer—are very different.

Let’s break them down.

 

1. Amazon Publishing Company (APub): A Modern Book Publishing House

Think of the Amazon Publishing Company as a traditional book publishing company under a modern tech umbrella. It signs select authors, publishes under specialized imprints, and provides editorial, design, and marketing support.

Key Imprints Include:

  • Thomas & Mercer – Mysteries and thrillers
  • Montlake – Romance
  • Lake Union – Literary fiction
  • Amazon Crossing – Translated works
  • Little A – Literary fiction and memoir

Authors published under Amazon Publishing often receive advances, professional editing, cover design, and access to Amazon’s powerful marketing engine.

Pros:

  • Professional treatment like traditional book publication companies
  • Strong promotion within Amazon’s ecosystem (including Kindle deals and ads)
  • Print and digital distribution worldwide

Cons:

  • It’s selective—you often need an agent or a strong sales history
  • Amazon retains partial rights
  • No guaranteed bookstore placement (brick-and-mortar stores often avoid Amazon-published books)

Amazon Publishing is best for authors with an established track record or a strong pitch—and who want the backing of a powerful book publishing company.

 

2. Amazon Self-Publishing Company: Total Control With KDP

On the other side is Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)—the platform where anyone can upload and sell their book. This is the world of Amazon Self-Publishing Companies.

KDP allows authors to:

  • Upload manuscripts in print or digital format
  • Set their own pricing
  • Retain 100% of their rights
  • Earn up to 70% royalties on Kindle eBooks
  • Reach millions of readers via Amazon’s marketplace

You don’t need permission or approval. That’s what makes it revolutionary.

Why KDP Changed the Game:

  • No gatekeepers: Anyone can become a published author.
  • Speed: Publish in as little as 24–72 hours.
  • Scalability: From a short story to a 500-page novel, your content finds readers worldwide.
  • Passive income: Royalties keep rolling in over time.

This self-publishing path has helped authors sell millions of copies, land movie deals, and build long-term careers—all without a traditional book publication company.

 

Traditional Book Publishing Companies vs. Amazon: What’s Better?

It depends on your goals.

Traditional book publishing companies still hold prestige. They can help with major reviews, media attention, and retail distribution. But they come with challenges:

  • Long timelines (12–24 months)
  • Low royalties (typically 10–15%)
  • Limited control over content and cover

In contrast, Amazon Self-Publishing Companies let you move fast and earn more—but you need to manage the process yourself, or hire help to do it right.

How Amazon Changed the Expectations of Book Publishing Companies

Amazon’s rise has forced even the most established book publication companies to adapt.

Here’s how:

  • More authors have leverage: Publishers now compete with KDP for talent.
  • Hybrid models are rising: Authors can choose à la carte services—editing, design, marketing—without giving up control.
  • Marketing matters more: Simply being “published” isn’t enough. Visibility, Amazon optimization, and reader engagement are now essential.
  • Global reach is now expected: KDP offers instant access to global markets. Traditional publishers must do the same to keep up.

In many ways, Amazon didn’t just become a book publishing company—it redefined what a publishing company should be.

 

Working with a Book Publishing Company for Amazon Success

Even though Amazon makes it easy to publish, quality still matters.

That’s where professional support from a book publishing company comes in. You don’t need to go it alone.

At Richmond Publishing House, we help authors:

  • Create professional manuscripts through ghostwriting and editing
  • Design standout covers and interiors
  • Format books for Amazon’s technical requirements
  • Optimize product pages for Amazon rankings
  • Launch books with a full marketing strategy

You can still self-publish—but with the polish of a traditionally published book.

This hybrid approach is becoming the gold standard for serious authors. You keep the royalties and rights, while we handle the heavy lifting.

 

The Hidden Value of Amazon Book Publishers for NicheAuthors

Not every book is meant for a big publisher. Some genres and niches thrive better with self-publishing:

  • Short guides
  • Memoirs
  • Local histories
  • Workbooks or journals
  • Niche fiction (sci-fi, fantasy, litRPG)

In these cases, Amazon is often the best option. You reach your ideal reader directly and avoid the corporate filter.

Plus, you can update your content, run price promotions, and even sell companion products—all strategies that traditional book publishing companies typically can’t match.

 

Common Myths About Amazon Publishing

Myth #1: Amazon publishing is low quality.

Truth: The quality relies on you. Many self-published writers pay professionals in editing and design to meet or even surpass typical publishing requirements.

Myth #2: Self-publishing will not make you any money.

Truth: Amazon pays many writers full-time salaries. Quality material, intelligent marketing, and regularity these are the keys.

Myth #3: You can’t be taken seriously as a self-published author.

Truth: That stigma is passing away. Industry experts, award-winners, and bestsellers are all self-publishing as a matter of course.

 

Final Thoughts: Your Book, Your Way

The publishing world is no longer controlled by a handful of book publication companies. Thanks to Amazon, authors have more freedom—and more responsibility—than ever.

Whether you want to:

  • Pitch your manuscript to the Amazon Publishing Company
  • Go indie through KDP (Amazon’s self-publishing platform)
  • Or hire a book publishing company to guide you through it all…

…you now have the power to choose.

Richmond Publishing House is there to assist you if you are ready to manage your writer route without compromising on quality. Creative approach, strategic thinking, and professionalism combine to get your book to the most important scene in the world: Amazon.

 

Ready to Publish Your Book the Right Way?

Richmond Publishing House can assist you to transform your manuscript into a best-seller. Whether you're an experienced writer first trying a first draft to shelf that is, we will provide expert guidance every stage of the process.

 

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