Balboa Press Reviews 

Sure, we all wish self-publishing didn't cost so much, but the fact is, when you team up with a whole bunch of publishing professionals you don't expect them to work for free do you? I like getting paid for my time, talent, and professional expertise, and that's how the adult world works. My experience publishing "The Seven Stone Path: An Everyday Journey to Wisdom" with Balboa Press was excellent. Great communication, and they always under-promise and over-deliver. Everything happened when they said it would, and every question was promptly answered. The final product was beautiful, and everyone loves the look and feel of the book. Sure, they reach out to you from time to time to see if you're interested in additional services, and some customers perceive this as "sales pressure." I see it differently. They're just very, very interested in your book actually being successful, and they know how to do that. For example, what's the point of investing thousands of dollars in self-publishing if you don't also spend a few thousand on professional editing? Or a few thousand more on a professional publicist and a professional marketing team? (Many people in the publishing profession told me that your marketing budget should be your single highest budget item). You don't want your book to read like an amateur blog, and then just sit unsold in boxes in your garage right? I think of my book as a small business, and we all know you have to invest a good amount of start-up money to get your business off the ground, whether it's a taco truck or a self-help book. I researched a lot of self-publishing companies and decided to go with Balboa Press, and I'm very glad I did.

I found it frustrating as a Canadian to have to pay in US D’s as it made a significant difference in cost . I was also frustrated by having so many different project managers throughout the publishing process.

The final result was fine. The process was a nightmare!

Publishing was the best choice for me. So far it has been wonderful.

There are too many people to deal with throughout the process of self publishing, (submitting, editing, printing, sales) and each time everyone bullies you into parting with more money. I complained to the company about this three times and not one person has been in touch to discuss

I am so pleased I chose Balboa initially for the affordability and did not expect the level of courteous, professional and dedicated support I received throughout the entire process. The formatting by Balboa was such. blessing and I am so happy with the finished product. I just received my first case of 250 books and very pleased

It would be more helpful to have just one person who acts as coordinator for the process, rather than a host of different people. Also, it would help to be given a timeline of the entire process at the beginning, which should also include formatting and editing guidelines. What was most disappointing is the continuous up-selling and lack of actual content in the initial package purchased as every step incurred additional costs.

The company is professional, and courteous and very helpful and prompt responses and very patient and happy to answer questions....

Not a good experience at all!!! Communication was terrible. Follow up was terrible. Follow thru was terrible. And the people who help are like subbed out to China and never help or serve outside a basic script. I say go straight to Amazon to publish your book.

I republished my book have on Balboa after getting one hour phone call from Balboa. I was led to believe that republishing my book with them I would get their marketing services what I was not told that I would get never ending demands for more money to get these services. Balboa may be ok if you have deep pockets but if you are a pensioner like myself go to Amazon.

After I submitted my manuscript & my final , the 1 item i requested to be fixed on the cover did not get done.
My 2nd request cost be despite the 1st one prepaid not being completed.
I also purchased marketing support: a website business cards reviews ads etc. I can not suggest anyone do this based on my experience.
1st hand communication is horrendous. I've been waiting weeks to connect with my coordinator. Do not expect timely responses.
As a marketing professional I know the trends to run ads - yet no one will comply with my requests. They don't communicate so it is difficult to know when they are doing the ads & to what target audience or location.
Reviews do not come with the release of the book. They come months later despite the materials delivered 6 months prior to book release.
Royalties I am now being told are taxed at an individual rate despite the fact that I am a corporation. It's a tax nightmare.
Balboa can learn transparency to discuss these concerns at the onset of signing up writers. In fact I spoke with my contact in depth about writing & publishing thru my corporation / brand yet it never happened.
There are better platforms available to publish & market. Wish it were different.

Ali, Jad and all of the Balboa team created a very successful interactive experience for myself and were very patient and helpful as they navigated me through my first publishing endeavour, The Facepoet.

This same quality of service now extends beyond the finished published product as I trust them and allow myself to receive the benefits of their own personal and professional experiences which the product would not exist without.

My only regret would be that I didn't acknowledge my publishing team in the actual final print copies released however I hope to express that gratitude in all future opportunities.

Swift, friendly responses, excellent guidance and the books are beautifully presented. Plus, freight-time is faster than expected.
I can't ask for better than that. :-)

They got the book published, but I found communication difficult. Often I wouldn't get a reply to my enquiries.

What service was included in the initial fee was ambiguous and it felt like I was constantly being approached to buy additional services.

I also believe that there was some dishonesty about complimentary copies, and I was misled into buying copies that I didn't need.

But in the end, the book is published and we'll see what comes of their marketing efforts.

In my book there are passages with see pic and there are no pictures to be seen despite editing

Overall, Balboa Press has been wonderful. There have been a couple of times during my book writing process where a team member has dropped the ball. With that said, once I follow up with them, things get back on track pretty quick.

The end product was better than I expected. The printing was done in a very fast time ad I was pleased with this. The finished product was very much to my liking. The people I dealt with were always helpful.
The only downside was the constant pressure to buy and spend more without receiving assurances that these additions would do anything to enhance my project. The staff were always ready to listen to me and make suggestions of alternatives

I noticed today the Balboa press has set up the W-8BEN form only for US authors. This from is set up to force foreign nationals to opt out by agreeing Balboa press to pay the 30% withholding rate. The address field is set up only for US authors and the bank account details are also set up only for US authors. If you are a non US author please stay away from Balboapress. They are a fraud and would need to be investigated.

The staff members were always polite, patient and professional.