AuthorHouse
Thinking about publishing with AuthorHouse? Here’s an independent, sourced look at whether it’s a legitimate vanity press or one to avoid — measured against the IBPA hybrid-publisher criteria, the ALLi Watchdog, and Writer Beware, and last checked on 2026-06-09.
Key findings
- Not recommended — meets 2 of the 11 IBPA hybrid-publisher criteria.
- ALLi rates it Watchdog Advisory; Writer Beware lists it.
- Author pays: $1,299–$5,499+ (Essentials $1,299; Balance $2,699; Momentum $5,499; additional marketing upsells can run into thousands more).
- Author keeps their rights.
- Distribution: trade distribution.
- Watch for: part of a known bad network, operates under rotating names.
Our assessment
AuthorHouse is the flagship imprint of Author Solutions Inc., a company that operates a network of vanity press brands including iUniverse, Xlibris, Palibrio, Partridge, Balboa Press, WestBow Press, and others. As of March 7, 2025, Author Solutions was acquired by Center Street Ventures from the Najafi Companies.
The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) has issued a Watchdog Advisory against Author Solutions and all affiliated imprints, including AuthorHouse, characterizing the network as operating "more like a telemarketing company whose customer base is the authors themselves," profiting from authors rather than for them. Writer Beware (SFWA) has documented AuthorHouse/Author Solutions extensively, including a 2013 class-action lawsuit alleging deceptive marketing, relentless upselling, and royalty-accounting failures; the lawsuit was dismissed in late 2015.
Authors are charged $1,299–$5,499 or more upfront (Essentials $1,299; Balance $2,699; Momentum $5,499); royalties run 10% of retail through Ingram/Amazon, 25% through the AuthorHouse storefront, and 50% of net for ebooks — print royalties are well below industry benchmarks for legitimate hybrid publishers. AuthorHouse uses Ingram for wholesale distribution, giving books online availability, but physical shelving is not guaranteed.
Multiple sources report unsolicited daily sales calls, and BBB shows approximately 1.27 out of 5 customer review average and 74 complaints over three years despite an A+ accreditation. AuthorHouse publishes all submitted manuscripts without editorial vetting, meets only 2 of 11 IBPA hybrid publisher criteria, and the parent network has operated under numerous brand names with reported overseas production operations in the Philippines.
This is Glass Elevator’s assessment based on the sources listed below. Facts are attributed; opinions are the watchdogs’ own.
IBPA hybrid criteria
- Defines a clear mission & vision
- Vets submissions (is selective)
- Commits to truth & transparency
- Provides a negotiable, clear contract
- Publishes under its own imprint & ISBNs
- Publishes to industry standards
- Ensures editorial & design quality
- Manages a range of rights
- Provides real distribution
- Demonstrates respectable sales
- Pays higher-than-standard royalties
Watchdog ratings
- ALLi Watchdog
- Watchdog Advisory · source
- Writer Beware
- Listed · source
- BBB
- A+ (accredited since 2010; 74 complaints in 3 years; customer review average approximately 1.27/5)
Writer Beware (Victoria Strauss / SFWA) has published multiple posts documenting Author Solutions / AuthorHouse, including coverage of the 2013 class-action lawsuit alleging deceptive practices, relentless upselling, and royalty-accounting failures (the lawsuit was dismissed in late 2015). Writer Beware has extensively documented Author Solutions in blog posts; note that SFWA's standalone Thumbs Down Publisher List is largely deprecated as most listed companies have since closed, but Author Solutions' practices remain documented in Writer Beware's ongoing coverage.
Observable red flags
- Charges authors to publish
- Money required upfront
- Solicits authors via cold outreach
- Aggressive upsells
- Part of a known bad network
- Operates under rotating names
- Vague or hidden pricing
Terms
- Typical cost
- $1,299–$5,499+ (Essentials $1,299; Balance $2,699; Momentum $5,499; additional marketing upsells can run into thousands more)
- Royalty to author
- 10% of retail price through distribution channels (e.g., Amazon via Ingram); 25% of retail price through AuthorHouse's own bookstore; 50% of net payments received by AuthorHouse for ebooks
- Author keeps rights
- Yes
- Distribution
- Trade distribution
- What you get
- ISBN assignment, cover and interior design, light copyediting (base tier), print-on-demand paperback and ebook; higher tiers add hardcover, Library of Congress number, proofreading, audiobook (DIY), press release, author website. Distribution via Ingram to online retailers and bookstores (physical stocking not guaranteed). Author retains content rights; AuthorHouse retains rights to cover art and design it creates.
- Website
- www.authorhouse.com
AuthorHouse: frequently asked questions
Is AuthorHouse a legitimate hybrid publisher or a vanity press?
Glass Elevator's assessment is "Not recommended." Watchdog advisories, serious red flags, or membership in a known bad network. We do not recommend it. It meets 2 of the 11 IBPA Hybrid Publisher Criteria, and ALLi rates it Watchdog Advisory, and Writer Beware lists it.
How much does AuthorHouse cost?
$1,299–$5,499+ (Essentials $1,299; Balance $2,699; Momentum $5,499; additional marketing upsells can run into thousands more) Always get the full, itemized price in writing before you commit.
What royalties does AuthorHouse pay authors?
10% of retail price through distribution channels (e.g., Amazon via Ingram); 25% of retail price through AuthorHouse's own bookstore; 50% of net payments received by AuthorHouse for ebooks
Does AuthorHouse take your rights?
No — authors retain their rights. Still read the contract's rights and termination clauses before signing.
Is AuthorHouse on Writer Beware or ALLi's watchdog list?
Writer Beware lists AuthorHouse. ALLi has issued a Watchdog Advisory for it. See the sources on this page for the listings, and research independently before paying anything.
Should I publish with AuthorHouse?
That's your call, but here's the basis: Watchdog advisories, serious red flags, or membership in a known bad network. We do not recommend it. Compare it against the IBPA checklist and watchdog ratings above, get every term in writing, and remember that traditional trade publishers pay authors rather than charging them.
Sources
- ALLi Watchdog: Latest On Author Solutions (selfpublishingadvice.org)
- Writer Beware: Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Author Solutions Inc. (writerbeware.blog)
- Writer Beware: Author Solutions Sold to Private Equity Firm (writerbeware.blog)
- BBB Profile: Author Solutions LLC (bbb.org)
- AuthorHouse Publishing Plans and Pricing (authorhouse.com)
- AuthorHouse Royalty FAQ — Print (authorhouse.com)
- AuthorHouse Royalty FAQ — Ebook (authorhouse.com)
- Author Solutions Imprints (current) (authorsolutions.com)
- PR Newswire: Author Solutions Acquired by Center Street Ventures (prnewswire.com)
- AuthorHouse Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org)
- selfpublishing.com AuthorHouse Review (selfpublishing.com)
- WritersWeekly: More Scathing Complaints About Author Solutions (writersweekly.com)