Direct answer
The label matters less than the contract and commercial model. Compare who pays for production, who owns or licenses rights, how royalties are calculated, who controls ISBNs and platform accounts, what distribution is actually provided and how either party can end the agreement.
Follow the money
Understand every author payment, publisher investment, retailer deduction, royalty calculation and optional marketing charge before signing.
Follow the rights
Check copyright ownership, licence duration, territories, formats, subsidiary rights and any reversion or termination clauses.
Follow the distribution claim
Ask whether “distribution” means listing availability, wholesale access, sales representation or confirmed retail placement; these are not the same thing.
This page provides general publishing information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Service scope and third-party platform terms should be confirmed before purchase or publication.
