Publisher comparison
Atmosphere Press
vs DartFrog Books
A factual side-by-side. No winner is declared from headline percentages alone.
Publishing model
Atmosphere PressHybrid publisher Source: Publishing packages
DartFrog BooksHybrid publisher Source: Hybrid publishing
Upfront cost
Atmosphere Press$7,200–$29,700 Source: Publishing packages
DartFrog Books$15,000 program fee Source: Hybrid publishing
Royalty structure
Atmosphere Press90% of net sales Source: Publishing packages
DartFrog Books70% of net royalties on POD; 100% of distributor royalties on offset printing Source: Hybrid publishing
Royalty basis
Atmosphere PressNet sales Source: Publishing packages
DartFrog BooksNet royalties / distributor royalties depending on print model Source: Hybrid publishing
Rights
Atmosphere PressAuthor retains 100% ownership rights Source: Publishing packages
DartFrog BooksAuthor retains 100% ownership Source: Hybrid publishing
Distribution
Atmosphere PressGlobal print and ebook distribution; ISBN included Source: Publishing packages
DartFrog BooksWorldwide print and digital distribution Source: Hybrid publishing
Sales representation
Atmosphere PressNot clearly disclosed as a traditional sales-rep relationship on the pricing page Source: Publishing packages
DartFrog BooksModel depends on program; confirm retail sales representation in proposal Source: Hybrid publishing
Editing
Atmosphere PressTwo editorial meetings and two proofreading rounds in Essential Source: Publishing packages
DartFrog BooksProofreading included; other editing may be needed before admission Source: Hybrid publishing
Marketing
Atmosphere PressPackage-specific marketing and promotion; higher tiers add reviews, ads, publicity and other launch support Source: Publishing packages
DartFrog BooksMarket positioning, reader exposure and launch support; additional services optional Source: Hybrid publishing
Selection
Atmosphere PressYes — manuscripts are reviewed before an offer Source: Publishing packages
DartFrog BooksYes — submission review Source: Hybrid publishing
Pricing transparency
Atmosphere PressPublic amount; check scope
DartFrog BooksPublic amount; check scope
Contract transparency
Atmosphere PressPublic document linked; confirm current applicability
DartFrog BooksCould not verify a public standard contract
Last verified
Atmosphere Press2026-09-07
DartFrog Books2026-09-07
Which deserves a closer look?
Atmosphere Press: Authors who want an all-in hybrid package with public pricing and a public contract. Review the evidence.
DartFrog Books: Authors who want a fixed hybrid package and a clearly stated POD/offset royalty distinction. Review the evidence.
These are fit considerations based on the reported service model, not a universal winner.
PublisherCheck noteThe better fit depends on the actual contract, your sales strategy and what you need the publisher to do. Before choosing, model the likely dollars per copy — not just the royalty percentage.
Run the break-even calculator