Self Publishing Q & A

We help authors become published writers with our extensive experience in this ever-changing industry.

Watch our latest video with useful information for writers considering the self-publishing route for their book.

How do we publish your book?
Your book will be available and on sale throughout the world in the biggest bookshop ever: Amazon. Readers can buy your book in two forms: as a paperback through a Print-on-Demand process and as an e-book (electronic book) via Kindle.
And now, with our new Total Distribution service, every bookshop in the world can have your book.

What is Print-on-Demand?
Known as PoD, Print-on-Demand is a revolutionary new way to self-publish. When customers order your book, a copy is printed and posted directly to them. No need for large print-runs or the expense of keeping stock. This publishing service costs just $295.

How much will I make in royalties?
Your book will be sold in two formats: in paperback and in Kindle ebook. The structure for paying royalties is different for both.

For sales of the paper version of your book, the money earned from sales on Amazon is split into three parts. Firstly, Amazon takes half, then the printer takes their manufacturing cost plus a share of the profits. The remainder is your royalty.

Example
A 50,000-word US Trade size paperback book retailing at $8.99 on Amazon has its sales price divided as follows: Amazon takes $4.50, the printer charges $2.75 as cost plus 35¢ commission, leaving $1.40 remaining as your royalty.

* These prices are only examples and were accurate at the time as provided by the printer. They are subject to change at any time and completely outside of our control.

Which Kindle format pays the most in royalty fees?
Amazon has two fee structures for royalties on Kindle books: 70 percent and 35 percent. These are dependent upon the price of your book. Generally, if your book is priced over $2.99, then 70 percent is paid as royalties. If under $2.99, then 35 percent is paid as a royalty. However, if your book has a large file size and is priced above a certain amount, Amazon may require the 35 percent fee structure. Amazon will also deduct a small fee in relation to the file size of your book. This is often 5 or 10 cents.

How much does PublishNation take in royalties?
Nothing.

Who owns the rights to my book?
You do. The book is owned by you in its entirety.

How will people find my book?
There’s lots of information freely available on the internet to help authors attract readers to their book. You may have tried this already and are disappointed with the results or you may be looking for professional support for your new book. We can help. Please visit our page on Book Marketing.

Do I receive copies of my book as part of the package?
Our standard package does not include the supply of paper version books or proof copies. These must be paid for separately.

Can I buy my book at a discount?
Yes. You’ll be able to order author copies at a substantial discount off the retail price.

What about corrections?
You can make corrections to your work when we email you back the drafts of your book. We can make corrections for you, but a fee of at least $20 will apply.

Will I receive a proof copy?
You’ll have the option of ordering a proof copy or proceeding with the publishing and then ordering author copies.

Will my book be on sale in shops?
We will publish your book where it will be on sale with Amazon marketplaces across the world.

And now, with our new Total Distribution service, every bookshop in the world can have your book.

What paperback sizes are there?
A variety of sizes are available for your book:
Standard (13.97 cm x 21.59 cm)
US Trade (15.24 cm x 22.86 cm)

Other sizes are available, depending upon what type of book you have. Children’s books are often large square 21.59 x 21.59 cm.

The printing cost of your book will vary in relation to the sizes. Generally, the more pages a book has, the higher the cost. Images also increase the cost of a book.

Am I responsible for sending my book to the Library of Congress?
Yes. Under the Mandatory Deposit guidelines, authors are responsible for sending 2 copies of their book to The Library of Congress:
Library of Congress Copyright Office
Attn: 407 Deposits
101 Independence Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20559

http://www.copyright.gov/mandatory/index.html

‘My dealings with David at PublishNation have been throughout constructive, professional, supportive and friendly. He could not have done more to guide me though the painless process and the final result – the proof copy – far surpassed my expectations in term of speed of delivery and quality. What pleased me most was that David – unlike those from some companies – never told me what he couldn’t do, but suggested helpful ways on the road to getting my book to market.’