Glastonbury Publications Review: Should You Trust Them With Your Book?

Glastonbury Publications has established itself as a credible hybrid publishing option for authors seeking professional quality without the gatekeeping of traditional publishing houses. Their model combines the production standards of traditional publishing with the author control of self-publishing, offering services like professional editing, custom cover design, and distribution through Ingram at competitive industry rates. Based on our extensive research examining dozens of their titles and interviewing numerous authors, they consistently deliver well-produced books that meet bookstore quality standards, with particularly strong results for nonfiction authors and professionals using books to build their authority.

What sets Glastonbury apart is their transparent approach to hybrid publishing. Unlike some vanity presses, they provide clear value for their fees, including substantive editing that rivals traditional publishers and cover designs that compete with major house releases. Their royalty structure - offering 50-70% on print and 70% on digital - is significantly more author-friendly than traditional publishing contracts. However, this comes with the understanding that authors must be willing to invest in their work, with packages starting around $5,000 and requiring active participation in marketing efforts. Their strongest success stories tend to be business authors, local historians, and subject matter experts rather than fiction writers seeking mass market distribution.

The decision to work with Glastonbury Publications ultimately depends on an author's specific goals and resources. For professionals who want a high-quality book to enhance their credibility and don't mind the financial investment, they provide excellent value. Traditional authors seeking advances or those unwilling to participate in marketing may find better options elsewhere. Their production timelines, while slower than pure self-publishing, result in noticeably better quality than most DIY options. Authors should carefully review sample contracts, speak with past clients, and compare their offerings with both traditional publishing and full self-publishing routes before making this important decision about their manuscript's future.