Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of books do you publish?
A: We can look at absolutely anything that you have in mind – and we will be frank in our appraisal of its potential and appeal. First it has to be legal, honest and decent!
Q: In what format does it need to be?
A: We can look at work on discs or paper, or even just a collection of notes in a scrapbook.
Q: What decisions will I need to make?
A: The fun of self-publishing includes choosing the size, quality of paper, cover design, illustrations etc etc – but don’t worry, we have lots of experience and can advise you – remembering that some aspects such as colour pictures or employing an artist/designer will increase the cost.
Q: What about copyrights and permissions?
A: You will need to show that you have permission to use any words or pictures that are within someone else’s copyright. That may involve paying them a fee.
Q: How long will it take to get my book into print?
A: We can create a book in a matter of weeks, depending on how much work needs to be done on it.
Q: Will it make me rich?
A: Not necessarily, although it’s always an exciting possibility…. Realistically, we would need to discuss your aims in wanting to produce a book. Only a tiny percentage of those on the market become bestsellers, but there is enormous satisfaction just in seeing your name in print – something you can’t put a price on.
Q: Is this vanity publishing?
A: No. It is self-publishing, which does mean that you finance the production, but at no time will we try to convince you that you have a sure-fire success if in fact we believe that sales will be low. Nowadays many vanity publishers only produce ‘Print on Demand’ books which means that your money is spent purely on the setting up and a few sample copies: your book may never reach the shelves.
Q: Will it be on sale in shops like W H Smith?
A: Large chains like W H Smith demand a high percentage discount and so it is not usually economical to sell to them, but local deals can be struck and all our books can be ordered in any bookshop in the UK. They are also available on our website and through Amazon, and of course you can have a quantity to sell yourself. For any books that we sell, we would keep a small commission and pass the rest to you.
Q: Will I hold a book launch?
A: You can make as much or little of a splash with publicity and celebrations as you wish. We can help with preparations, press releases, posters and sending out review copies.
Q: How much will it all cost?
A: Rather like building anything from a car to a house, there are certain essentials that go into making up a book, but the cost can vary widely depending on your choices of materials and design. By all means discuss your idea with us and we’ll be pleased to get you a quote.