The self-publishing world is full of promise—but also full of pitfalls. With countless companies offering “complete publishing support,” it’s easy for authors to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. One of the longest-standing names in the industry is Dorrance Publishing. They’ve been around for decades, but does longevity equal quality?
As someone who’s analyzed dozens of publishing services and guided authors through this maze, I took a closer look at Dorrance’s offerings, author feedback, and long-term value. I also compared it to a modern, more dynamic alternative: Estorytellers.
What I found was clear—Estorytellers is not just an alternative; it’s a better publishing partner built for serious authors.
Dorrance Feels Too Corporate?
Estorytellers work with authors, not against their budgets. Transparent, expert-led publishing you can trust.
What is Dorrance Publishing?
Founded in 1920, Dorrance Publishing brands itself as “America’s oldest publishing services company.” That legacy often appeals to first-time authors, especially those seeking a reputable name and step-by-step assistance.
Their services include:
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Manuscript review
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Editing and formatting
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ISBN assignment
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Cover design
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Print and digital distribution
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Press releases and media kits
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Royalty disbursement
While Dorrance positions itself as a full-service solution, many authors feel its approach leans more traditional and transactional than empowering or strategic.
Dorrance Publishing Reviews: What Authors Really Experience
To understand how authors truly feel about Dorrance, I combed through reviews from Trustpilot, BBB, Quora, and author forums.
Common Praise:
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Responds quickly to initial inquiries
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Handles editing and publishing efficiently
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Long-established, familiar name
Frequent Complaints:
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High upfront fees (often between $3,000 and $10,000)
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Generic marketing services with minimal visibility
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Lack of transparency around royalties
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Slow or unclear communication after payment
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Overpromising on media exposure and promotion
While Dorrance delivers a professional product, many authors feel the emotional and business-side of publishing is missing. That’s where Estorytellers steps in differently.
Publishing Shouldn’t Feel Like a Sales Pitch
Dorrance sells packages. Estorytellers builds relationships—editing, design, printing, and guidance tailored for you.
Who Might Dorrance Be Best For?
Dorrance may be suitable if:
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You want someone to “handle everything” and don’t mind the high cost
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You aren’t focused on ROI, brand, or long-term reader growth
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You’re happy with standard formatting and a press release
But if you want more control, transparency, and post-publishing momentum, Dorrance might leave you wanting more.
Why Estorytellers Outperforms Dorrance for Authors Who Want Impact
Estorytellers is a modern publishing and content creation powerhouse. Unlike traditional vanity publishers, they don’t just publish your book—they build your brand.
Their services are tailored for:
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First-time authors needing editorial guidance
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Business professionals writing thought-leadership content
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Poets, memoirists, and fiction writers ready to reach global readers
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Authors who want strategy—not just services
Ghostwriting + Story Crafting
Estorytellers provides professional ghostwriting services to help you get your ideas on paper in your voice. Unlike Dorrance, they don’t assume you have a polished manuscript—they help shape it.
Big Idea, No Time to Write?
Estorytellers’ experienced ghostwriters will craft your story from scratch while keeping your message and tone intact, confidential, and collaborative.
Strategic Editing and Development
While Dorrance includes standard editing, Estorytellers provides:
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Developmental editing
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Structural feedback
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Genre-specific refinement
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Author coaching along the way
They polish your book for the reader, not just for grammar.
Custom Design for Visibility
Estorytellers’ design team creates genre-aligned, marketable covers, not templated designs. The interiors are reader-friendly and aesthetic, increasing buyer trust and reviews.
Real Marketing, Not Just Media Kits
Dorrance often promises press releases and exposure, but most authors don’t see measurable results.
Estorytellers builds a custom marketing strategy for every launch:
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Amazon SEO optimization
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Paid ad campaigns
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Social media content
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Influencer and podcast outreach
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Long-term positioning
They focus on visibility and conversions, not just distribution.
100% Royalties and Full Rights
With Dorrance, royalties and rights are often buried in contract language. Estorytellers keeps it simple:
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You own everything
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You keep 100% of royalties
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You have total creative and pricing control
Dorrance Publishing vs Estorytellers: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Dorrance Publishing | Estorytellers |
|---|---|---|
| Ghostwriting | Not offered | Full service |
| Editing Support | Basic proofreading | Advanced editing tiers |
| Marketing | Press release only | SEO, ads, influencer PR |
| Royalties | Partial and unclear | 100% to author |
| Design Quality | Generic covers | Custom branding |
| Post-launch Support | Minimal | Ongoing growth coaching |
Skip the Logo. Choose What Works.
Estorytellers isn’t about vanity publishing—we’re about real results, real people, and real author journeys from start to success.
Final Verdict: Should You Choose Dorrance or Estorytellers?
Dorrance is a legacy name with decent production. But it’s built for authors who want their book done, not successful.
Estorytellers is designed for authors who want:
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A high-quality book
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A real readership
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A long-term strategy
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A publishing team that prioritizes author success
If you want to be more than just published—if you want to be read, respected, and rewarded—then Estorytellers is the publishing house to trust.
