Do I need a book editor
Every writer needs an editor. Even editors need an editor. Numerous scientific studies and articles have confirmed that it’s impossible for the human mind to identify all the typos, spelling mistakes, grammar issues, and other linguistic errors lurking in your manuscript. Your writer’s brain is just too consumed with the meaning conveyed by all those letters that you worked so hard to sew together, that it tricks itself into overlooking even the most obvious typos.
What is the difference between copy-editing and proofreading
Book proofreading is the vital last step of the editing process.
After your manuscript has received its professional edit, your book proofreader will perform a final review to fix
any remaining mechanical and grammar issues before your book is printed and published.
Proofreading is not a structural edit and instead focuses on eliminating minor errors and inconsistencies.
What is a print-ready file
A print-ready file is a PDF that meets all of the criteria of a successfully-printed product.
This means that it will pass our file analysis with ease and onto production:
The file is supplied as CMYK and not RGB. If you are unfamiliar with this process, we can convert it for you, though appearances can vary.
For more information on CMYK, click here.
Will there be any hidden charges?
Read the fine print. Some self-publishing companies ask for a flat fee. Others, may ask for a percentage of your royalties. Some may have hidden costs, for additional services, can add up. You need to decide for yourself what services you require, and be upfront about it. Speak your mind. Say what you need, and then ask for a breakdown of each cost. Plus, a total all-inclusive fee for the service you require. If they cannot supply that, step away. And never sign a contract without reading the fine print.
At SELF-PUBLISHING SERVICES, we have no hidden costs. Everything is upfront and in writing. You tell us what you want. Your wishlist. We will compile a quote on the basis of that conversation – and then we will unpack the quote together. There is no commitment from your end to use us, until the service contract is signed,
And yes, you can start simple and expand your service request list as we proceed. Sometimes what you need only becomes clearer as the process unfolds. So we suggest you ask for all the costs upfront, that way you can make an informed decision. And only commit in stages, as you feel comfortable.
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Who will be my primary contact?
Most self-publishing companies employ a large number of people – and freelancers. In and of itself this is not a problem. Each is most likely a specialist in their own field. But you need a point person. Someone responsible to you. Available to you. That you know how to contact whenever you need them. And is familiar with you, your needs, and your project.
If you find you are getting passed from pillar to post, making no real headway, or receiving no real answers, trust your instinct. Don’t make a payment, till you have that security in writing.
In fact, zoom meet. It is always better to engage directly. Face to face before you make any decisions. That way all your questions can be addressed upfront, and the meeting can be recorded.
At SELF-PUBLISHING SERVICES, I will be your primary contact. Regardless. And for me, your satisfaction is my primary concern. I have been doing this for many years, and I still to this day consider it a priveledge to walk the journey with my authors.
What about confidentiality?
Your book is your property. Yes, it may feel like a leap of faith to send it through, for the purposes of costing. But, if it makes you feel more comfortable, you don’t have to send the whole book until a confidentiality agreement is signed.
That said, even prior to utilizing our services, we operate on a strict code. Neither your manuscript nor any personal information is shared or will ever be shared. What you share with us remains your intellectual property.
Make sure you own your cover image
Yes, we offer cover design services. But, not all services are equal. Designing a book cover can be expensive, depending on your needs.
To offset costs, a lot of companies use stock images. There is nothing wrong with this. But, make sure that if you are paying for the image, that image belongs to you, and
cannot be re-used or recycled by the company concerned to cut costs on another book.
Where will my book be sold?
Amazon.com is the number one place to sell print and e-books online – and this is by default our first port of call. That said, you are welcome to use other resources to reach extended markets. We are always available to discuss options, and ideas, so please feel free to make suggestions. We will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Do I set my own prices?
Yes. You price your book. Though we would advise you do so comparitive to other books in your class.
That said, Amazon has a minimum price of $0.99.
Is payment an upfront fee or a percentage of sales or both?
You receive 100% royalties on every book sold.
Our fees are determined by the services you require.
Once we have seen your manuscript and are clear on your needs and expectations, we will send you a quote. Upon acceptance, work will commence, not before. In some cases we may agree to an upfront fee to begin work, but normally we don’t expect payment until our work is done. That’s how confident we are in what we do.
Do you have any other questions?
Contact us at bookministry.org@gmail.com OR download our FREE eBook for what you may want to know about publishing your first book. You know you’re in good hands when you utilize the services of the one who wrote the book, How to Publish Your First Book!
