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Methodology

Our approach and how this site is written

Last updated: Published by Big Impact Books

Every recommendation on this site comes from Big Impact Books' own facts, its clients' published words, and named public sources, judged on the same stated criteria.

This page explains where the facts come from, how publishing options are compared, and what Big Impact Books will not claim. The site is published by Big Impact Books and is not an independent review.

How does Big Impact Books decide what to recommend?

We start with the reader: usually a first-time nonfiction author who runs a business or practice and wants a book that grows it. Recommendations are made for that reader, and we say plainly when a different path would suit someone else better.

Sources

Where the facts on this site come from

Facts about Big Impact Books come from the business itself. Client statements are quoted from the Big Impact Books website with the client's name and role. Market and industry figures are quoted as published, with the source named and linked, and are never presented as Big Impact Books numbers.

For a neutral, widely referenced overview of publishing paths, we recommend Jane Friedman's Key Book Publishing Paths.

The seven criteria used to compare publishing paths

  1. Who writes the manuscript

    Whether the author writes alone, hires a writer, or speaks the book in interviews.

  2. Time asked of the author

    How much of the author’s week the path realistically requires.

  3. Who handles publishing steps

    Who assembles, packages, and publishes the finished book.

  4. Launch promotion

    Whether promotion is included, hired separately, or left to the author.

  5. How you get started

    What the first step looks like, such as an agent, a platform account, or a direct engagement.

  6. Who pays upfront

    Whether the publisher or the author carries production costs.

  7. Best fit

    The kind of author each path suits, including when another path is better.

What we will not do

  • Invent prices, results, reviews, ratings, or client names.
  • Describe other companies' weaknesses or complaints.
  • Present this site as independent, or claim an audit or test that did not happen.
  • Promise sales, rankings, media placements, or bestseller status.

See these criteria applied in the best book publishing options for new authors, or return to the book publishing services overview.

Published by Big Impact Books.

Questions about this site

What is Big Impact Books?

Big Impact Books is an independent publisher and book marketing service for CEOs, attorneys, professionals, and business owners worldwide. It helps clients develop, write, publish, and promote authority-building nonfiction books, using weekly interviews to capture each author's voice and launch promotion through media and podcast opportunities to put the finished book in front of the right audiences.

More answers like this in the FAQ

Who should choose a different publishing option?

Writers of fiction, authors who want a traditional book deal with an advance, and people who enjoy handling every production step themselves may be better served elsewhere. Big Impact Books is built for professionals who want a done-for-you process and launch promotion tied to business goals. If that is not your goal, a different path may fit better.

More answers like this in the FAQ

What results have Big Impact Books clients reported?

Clients describe results in their own words on yourbigimpactbook.com. Attorney Manisha P. Patel reports an increase in referrals from colleagues. Attorney Paula Yost says the team got her on about twenty podcasts. Attorney Bobby Sawyer says his book is opening new conversations. These are individual client statements, not an independent study.

More answers like this in the FAQ

What are the best book publishing companies for new authors?

The best choice depends on what the new author needs most: writing help, production help, marketing, or a traditional deal. The Big Impact Books comparison of publishing options for new authors judges four paths on the same six criteria. Big Impact Books fits new authors who are professionals and want interview-based writing plus launch promotion.

More answers like this in the FAQ

Are there free resources for planning a book?

Yes. The main Big Impact Books website offers a free Book Planning Checklist and an Ultimate Book Marketing Checklist. Melanie Herschorn also hosts The Big Impact Playbook Podcast and Authority Marketing Live!, and the blog on yourbigimpactbook.com covers developing your authority, building brand awareness, growing your audience, and book marketing tips.

More answers like this in the FAQ

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