Project Updates

Q: Do you have any updates for me?

A: Please check your spam folder first! If there isn’t an email from us there, then we don’t have an update for you yet. We promise we’re not hiding the good stuff.

Timelines

Q: When will you be done working on my book?

A: We’ll be done when your manuscript is polished to perfection! (And we add one bonus day for each time you ask this question. Just kidding… mostly.)

Q: When will I have a book cover?

A: Book covers are designed after we complete the editing process. This ensures the cover accurately reflects your finalized content and positioning.

Q: When will my book be released?

A: Your book will make its grand entrance after we’ve completed editing, formatting, cover design, and you’ve approved the paperback proof. Each step ensures your book is market-ready!

Q: Why are you taking so long?

A: Because your book deserves our full attention to make it the absolute best it can be. Don’t you agree? Quality craftsmanship takes time.

Author Tasks

Q: I feel like I should be doing something.

A: You absolutely should! Now is the perfect time to build your author platform. If you received our 2-week basic training emails, you have a comprehensive list of activities to tackle. If you haven’t received this training, let us know immediately so we can enroll you.

Manuscript Preparation

Q: How should I format my final manuscript?

A: Microsoft Word (.docx) is the industry standard. No need for fancy PDFs, please!

Q: What style guide should I follow?

A: Chicago Manual of Style is our go-to reference.

Q: Can I still make changes to my manuscript after submission?

A: Yes, either before we’ve begun editing (please let us know ASAP!) or after we’ve completed the first round of edits.

Q: How detailed should my chapter titles/headings be?

A: Keep it simple—you might be overthinking this one.

Editing Process

Q: What types of editing will my manuscript undergo?

A: We provide copyediting, line editing, and proofreading unless we’ve specifically discussed developmental editing.

Q: How much input will I have during the editing process?

A: As much as you’d like! We value your voice, but we also value efficiency.

Q: Will I work directly with the editor or through an intermediary?

A: You’ll work directly with Lisa. No middlemen here!

Q: What’s the timeline for receiving editorial feedback?

A: When we’ve had sufficient time to give your manuscript the attention it truly deserves.

Q: How many rounds of edits should I expect?

A: As many as needed to polish your manuscript until it shines like a diamond.

Design Elements

Q: How much input will I have on cover design?

A: Your input is welcome, but we may gently overrule ideas our market research suggests would hurt your sales. We want your book to succeed!

Q: Will I be able to provide feedback on interior design elements?

A: Absolutely! This happens during the formatting phase after editing is complete.

Q: Can I include images/illustrations, and what format should they be in?

A: We generally recommend against this, but if you must, JPG format works best. Each image will require written copyright release documentation.

Q: Will I see design mockups before they’re finalized?

A: Yes! You’ll need to approve every step of production as your book comes to life.

Production Schedule

Q: What is the complete production schedule?

A: The journey goes: manuscript submission → editing → your revisions → our editing → your revisions (repeat as needed) → formatting → cover design → paperback proof → your approval → release scheduling. Each step builds on the quality of the previous one.

Q: When will I receive proofs to review?

A: When they’re fresh out of the oven and ready for your eyes.

Q: How long do I have to review and return proofs?

A: Take the time you need. We’re publishing books, not performing emergency surgery.

Q: What might cause delays in the production timeline?

A: Footnotes, endnotes, images, natural disasters hitting the Carolinas (this really happened!), and our emails mysteriously vanishing into your spam folder.

Marketing and Promotion

Q: When does marketing begin for my book?

A: For you? Right NOW! For us? After editing and formatting are complete.

Q: What promotional activities are planned?

A: You’ll receive a newsletter feature, and you should have already started on your first author interview for Defiance. Have you scheduled readings at local schools and libraries yet?

Q: How can I support the marketing efforts?

A: Build your author platform, review books in your genre, and cultivate a following. Your engagement now creates readers later!

Q: Will I have input on the book description/jacket copy?

A: Yes, but please understand this is specialized marketing copy. We’re pros at this and our shared goal is selling your book, not letting it gather dust.

Contracts and Rights

Q: What rights am I retaining versus granting to the publisher?

A: You retain all rights to your book. Our contract simply establishes us as the exclusive publisher while the agreement is active.

Q: How will royalties be calculated and paid?

A: Your royalty percentage is specified in your contract. This percentage is calculated from royalties received from our distributors and paid to you the month we receive them.

Q: Will my book be considered for foreign rights sales?

A: Our distributors are worldwide. Readers in 89 countries can order your book already!

Q: What happens if I want to use excerpts from my book elsewhere?

A: If it promotes your book, go for it!

Communication

Q: Who is my main point of contact during production?

A: Lisa Woodward, Publishing Director, at your service.

Q: How often will I receive updates?

A: We value both your time and ours. Updates will come as meaningful progress occurs. And yes, please keep checking that spam folder!

Q: What’s the best way to communicate questions or concerns?

A: Email Lisa at [email protected] — direct and efficient.