Author House is a self-publishing service, not a housing authority program
Author House is a company that helps people publish books independently — it has nothing to do with housing, rental information, or the housing authority programs you may have been reading about. If you arrived here looking for information about housing authority services, rental help, or homeownership, you're on the wrong page and should return to the housing authority section.
Author House is owned by Penguin Random House and offers services like editing, cover design, printing, and distribution for authors who want to self-publish. The company charges fees for these services upfront, and authors keep a percentage of sales revenue. It's a legitimate business, but it operates in the publishing industry, not housing or social services.
Key Takeaways
- Author House is a self-publishing company owned by Penguin Random House, not a housing or government program.
- The company charges authors fees for publishing services like editing, design, and printing before any books are sold.
- If you're looking for housing authority information, rental information, or homeownership guidance, this page does not contain that information.
- Housing authority programs and self-publishing services are completely separate topics with different purposes and organizations.
How Author House works as a publishing service
Author House operates as a hybrid publisher. Authors submit a manuscript, choose a service package (which varies in what's included), and pay upfront fees. The company then handles or coordinates editing, cover design, ISBN assignment, printing, and distribution to online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Authors receive royalties on each book sold, but the royalty rate depends on the package chosen and the retail price set. Author House also offers marketing services for an additional cost. The company keeps a portion of revenue as its fee for providing these services.
The upfront costs can range significantly depending on which package an author selects. Some packages include professional editing and custom cover design; others offer more basic services. Authors should review what each package includes before committing, since they will pay these fees regardless of whether the book sells.
Why you might have seen Author House mentioned
Author House appears in search results for many topics because it advertises widely online. If you typed something about housing, homeownership, or housing authority and landed here, it was likely because of a search engine mismatch or an ad placement, not because Author House is related to your actual question.
The company name contains the word "house," which can cause confusion with housing-related searches. Housing authorities, rental information programs, and homeownership resources are entirely different topics run by government agencies and nonprofits, not by publishing companies. Search engines sometimes prioritize paid ads or popular websites over exact matches, which is why you may have ended up on this page by accident.
The difference between Author House and actual housing programs
Housing authorities are government agencies that manage public housing, rental information, and homeownership programs in your city or county. They work with federal funding to help people afford housing and maintain their homes. Author House is a for-profit business that sells publishing services to individual authors.
When you contact a housing authority, you're reaching a government office that can tell you about programs you may be able to use. When you contact Author House, you're contacting a publishing company that will try to sell you a book publishing package. The two organizations serve completely different purposes and operate under different rules.
If you need housing information, the housing authority is the right place to start. If you want to publish a book, Author House is one option among many self-publishing platforms. Confusing the two will waste your time and may prevent you from getting the help you actually need.
If you're actually looking for housing information
Return to the housing authority section of this site to find information about rental information, housing programs, homeownership, maintenance, financing, and other housing-related topics. Those resources are written for people managing homes or seeking housing support — not for authors or publishers.
If you have questions about your local housing authority, rental help, or homeownership, search for those terms directly or contact your city or county housing department. They can direct you to the actual programs and services available in your area. You can also call 211 to be connected to housing resources in your region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Author House a government program?
No. Author House is a private publishing company owned by Penguin Random House. It is not affiliated with any government agency, housing authority, or social services program. It exists to help authors self-publish books for a fee.
Does Author House help with housing or rent?
No. Author House has no connection to housing, rent, mortgages, or housing information of any kind. If you need help with housing, contact your local housing authority, city housing department, or a nonprofit that focuses on housing and homelessness.
Why did I find this page when searching for housing help?
Search engines sometimes return results that don't match what you're looking for, especially when a company name contains common words like "house." If you're seeking housing information, go back and search for your specific need — such as "rental information," "housing authority," or "homeownership" — along with your city or county name.
What should I do if I need actual housing information?
Contact your local housing authority, city housing department, or call 211 to be connected to housing programs in your area. These organizations handle rental information, public housing, homeownership programs, and other housing-related support. Author House cannot help with any of these needs.
Can Author House help me buy a house?
No. Author House publishes books; it does not help with home purchases, mortgages, or real estate. If you're looking to buy a home, speak with a mortgage lender, real estate agent, or your local housing authority about homeownership programs that may be available in your area.