Self Publishing

Why Self Publish?
Authors choose to self-publish their books for many different reasons. Some have tried to have their book published through a traditional publishing house and failed. Some writers want complete control over the publishing process, while others may have a book that serves a niche market or helps them to promote themselves, their product and/or service. No matter the reason, self-publishing authors share a common  goal: to get their book out to the public professionally and cost-effectively.

How long does it take to publish a book?
The length of time it takes to publish a manuscript varies by length, quality of the writing, subject matter, and whether there are special considerations for permissions and/or illustrations. Most traditional publishers can take two years or longer to complete your book. Most self-published books can be completed in 3 to 7 months depending on the requirements and condition of the manuscript.

Why do prices vary so widely?
Some enterprising printers use publishing as a synonym for printing. This means that they will print your manuscript “as is” or they may have someone on staff proofread your manuscript for spelling, punctuation, and other obvious errors. Your book will most likely be designed to fit a template, which means that your book will look like all the other books that they have printed. In the hands of a professional, your manuscript will be edited, copyedited, and proofread by at least three different industry professionals who will thoroughly review your work for organization, structure, grammar, and errors. Remember, you generally get what you pay for.

What is an NDA?
An NDA is a non-disclosure agreement that should be signed by anyone who will be evaluating or editing your work. It is typically provided by the author/writer but most reputable companies will supply one. Click here for copy.

Should I use an offset printer or a print-on-demand provider?
Selecting the right printer for your project should be handled by a skilled publishing professional at the start of your project. The specifications for your book, quantity, cost, target market and fulfillment are key variables in the equation.

What should I look for in an editor?
At Words2Print Media Group our editors are knowledgeable about the industry and have extensive, writing, editing, copyediting, and proofreading skills as well as a history of published materials that showcase their talents. Your editor should be skilled in developing a rapport with you and should demonstrate keen insight into your project.

What is a developmental editor?
A developmental editor, also called a content editor, goes behind a writer to provide objective feedback on a writer’s work.  The developmental editor is concerned with both the big picture and the small details. In a work of fiction he or she checks the integrity of the characters, plot, dialogue, etc., and must be able to rewrite and edit in the author’s voice. In non-fiction books, the developmental editor is primarily concerned with the theme, writing style and pace of the work.

What is a copyeditor?
A copyeditor is less concerned with the creativity of the work and focuses instead on the style, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and other mechanics of writing.

What is a proofreader?
A proofreader is part of the quality control process and is responsible for the final check of a book before it goes to press. This can sometimes take several rounds.

Do I need all three editors for my book?
Yes. The functions provided by these editors are highly specialized. A copyeditor can usually handle proofreading work, and some do. The reverse is not usually as successful.

Why does my book need to be designed?
Words2Print Media Group requires that manuscript be delivered in Microsoft Word. Once the manuscript is edited, it is poured into a professional design program that is universally accepted by most printers. Our graphic design and page production personnel will utilize fonts, color, and manipulate text on the page to make your book stand out from the rest. They will also create style sheets for consistency to minimize errors and maintain book-making conventions.

Are there any special advantages to using Words2Print instead of hiring an editor?
Yes. In our initial evaluation of your project, we will assess your marketing and sales needs as well as current and future business opportunities to ensure a customized solution that meets all your needs. Each person on the Words2Print team will be briefed and prepped for a total team effort. You benefit from the creative synergies, faster-turnaround, and lower costs that we pass on to you.  

What is a style guide?
A style guide also called a style manual is an established set of rules for language used by publishers, editors and writers to ensure consistency in grammar, word usage, and formatting. Authors are expected to use a style guide in preparing their work for publication.