Novum Publishing Review – Full Review & Guide

For many aspiring authors, the journey to getting published can feel overwhelming, with countless choices and uncertainties clouding the path forward.

Whether it’s finding a reliable publisher, securing marketing help, or simply navigating the complex world of self-publishing, authors face plenty of challenges.

This review explores Novum Publishing, a company that claims to offer support to new authors, but is it really the best option for you?

What is Novum Publishing?

Novum Publishing is a self-publishing company that focuses on helping new authors bring their books to market.

With a presence in several European countries, Novum aims to provide a range of services, from editing and design to marketing and distribution.

The company emphasizes its commitment to new authors, promising tailored support for those venturing into publishing for the first time.

Founded over 20 years ago, Novum Publishing positions itself as a bridge between traditional publishing and self-publishing, claiming to offer the best of both worlds.

However, while they promote a range of services and an international presence, the experience authors receive may vary, and the company’s ability to deliver on its promises has been a topic of debate within the self-publishing community.

What does Novum Publishing offer?

Novum Publishing advertises a wide range of services aimed at first-time authors, but it’s important to take a closer look to ensure these offerings meet your needs as a writer.

• Manuscript Evaluation – Novum offers a manuscript review process, but unlike traditional publishers, this service is more of a formality, as almost all submissions are accepted. This raises concerns about the quality of the books they choose to publish.
• Editing Services – The company provides editing and proofreading services; however, the quality of these services can be inconsistent, with some authors questioning whether the editorial support is as professional as advertised.
• Book Design and Formatting – Novum assists with book design, but while the designs are functional, they tend to lack creativity or personalization, which might leave your book feeling generic.
• Marketing and PR – They offer marketing and PR packages, but the strategies often lean heavily on paid advertising without much innovation. For the high price point, authors might expect more effective promotion than what is typically delivered.
• Distribution and Sales Channels – Novum provides global distribution through online retailers, but their reach doesn’t quite compare to other, more established self-publishing platforms. Authors often feel that their books don’t get the visibility they were hoping for.

Pros and Cons of Novum Publishing

Like any self-publishing company, Novum Publishing has its strengths and weaknesses. While they aim to support new authors, it’s important to evaluate both the benefits and potential drawbacks of working with them.

Pros

There are a few positive aspects to Novum Publishing, though they may not stand out as significantly as expected:

1. Experience in the industry – Novum has over two decades of experience, but for some authors, this longevity hasn’t necessarily translated into cutting-edge service or innovation.
2. International presence – The company operates in several countries, but their reach still pales in comparison to larger, more global publishing platforms.
3. Range of services – While they offer a variety of services, many of these are standard offerings, and authors may find they lack personalization.

Cons

On the flip side, several aspects of Novum Publishing can cause concern for authors:

1. High costs – Novum’s packages tend to be expensive, especially considering the competition, and it’s not always clear if the value justifies the price.
2. Lack of selectivity – Since nearly all manuscripts are accepted, the quality of the books they publish can vary, potentially reflecting poorly on all authors associated with them.
3. Inconsistent editorial quality – Authors have reported mixed experiences with their editing services, which can lead to books that aren’t as polished as they could be.
4. Generic designs – Book designs often come across as uninspired, leaving authors with covers and layouts that fail to stand out in a crowded market.
5. Limited marketing impact – Despite offering marketing packages, the effectiveness of these services is questionable, with some authors seeing little return on investment.

Alternatives to Novum Publishing

While Novum Publishing may seem like a viable option for new authors, it’s essential to explore alternatives that could offer a better fit for your needs.

Several traditional publishing services also claim to support authors, though they come with their own set of challenges.

1. Penguin Random House
   As one of the largest traditional publishers, Penguin Random House offers an impressive global reach. However, getting a deal with them is extremely competitive, and even if you succeed, authors often lose significant creative control and face long publication timelines.
2. HarperCollins
   HarperCollins provides world-class publishing services, but like many traditional publishers, they focus more on established authors, making it tough for new voices to break through. Additionally, their royalty rates tend to favor the publisher, leaving authors with a smaller share of profits.
3. Simon & Schuster
   Simon & Schuster boasts a strong reputation, but they’re known for being highly selective. New authors rarely get the chance to sign with them, and even those who do may find the process slow and impersonal, with little flexibility in the terms of the contract.
4. Selfpublishing.com
   Selfpublishing.com, on the other hand, offers a transparent, author-first approach to self-publishing. Unlike traditional publishers, they allow authors to retain full creative control and benefit from faster timelines. Their focus on empowering writers with the tools and resources needed to succeed makes them a standout option for those looking to take charge of their publishing journey.

Why authors should consider selfpublishing.com instead of Novum Publishing

While Novum Publishing offers a range of services for new authors, selfpublishing.com provides distinct advantages that could make it a more attractive option for many writers.

With a focus on transparency, control, and author empowerment, selfpublishing.com might be better suited to those looking for a more personalized and effective publishing experience.

1. Full creative control – Unlike Novum, where certain processes can feel rigid or standardized, selfpublishing.com allows authors to retain complete control over their work, ensuring that the final product aligns with their vision.
2. Transparent pricing – Selfpublishing.com offers clear, upfront pricing with no hidden costs, giving authors peace of mind and eliminating any surprises down the line.
3. Tailored marketing strategies – The marketing services offered by selfpublishing.com are more flexible and focused on the needs of individual authors, which can lead to better results than the more generalized approaches provided by Novum.
4. Expert support – Authors working with selfpublishing.com benefit from a dedicated team that provides personalized guidance at every step of the process, from manuscript development to book promotion.
5. Proven success stories – With numerous successful authors who have used the platform to publish their books, selfpublishing.com has a track record that demonstrates their ability to help writers achieve their publishing goals.

Novum Publishing Review – Final Thoughts

Novum Publishing offers a range of services aimed at helping new authors get their work out into the world, but there are areas where it may fall short, especially for those looking for a more customized approach.

While Novum provides some valuable tools, the high costs, lack of transparency, and inconsistent service quality can be drawbacks. In comparison, selfpublishing.com offers greater control, better support, and more flexibility, making it a solid choice for authors seeking a more empowering publishing experience.