Book Production: The first step in production is getting the text into a format that can be edited. (See Tips on getting the text out of you.) From there, you or one of our trained editors can edit, revise, and tweak your text. After your review and changes, including a grammar proof, your book goes into layout and cover design. After a final review by you, your text is ready to go to press.

Q: How do I get the book “out” of me? (click to expand)
If the book is still locked away in your heart or mind, it needs to come out, and we’ve done it successfully many times with many authors. Ideally, you want to get the book out of you in the way that suits you and your schedule the best. Here are some real examples:
  • One author gave us a stack of cassettes, which ended up being 85% of his book. We filled in the gaps, he approved, and the book was done.
  • Another author chose to do weekly phone interviews to get the content out of him.
  • Another typed up her entire book and emailed us the text, 99% ready to go.
  • Two co-authors “downloaded” for 2 days straight. We recorded the interviews and created the entire book from those interviews.
  • One pastor handed us his sermon series on 7 separate CDs, and we created his book from that.
Every author is unique, and we do whatever works best for you. Once the text is out of you, we can get your book rolling.

Q: Do I need an agent? (click to expand)
No, you do not need an agent to present your book or book idea to the network of publishers in The Publishing Hub.

Q: Do you take unsolicited manuscripts? (click to expand)
Yes, we do, but please read this entire Q & A document to get a better feel for who The Publishing Hub is and how we operate.

Q: Who gets the rights to my book? (click to expand)
Most publishers demand the rights to your book, but none of the publishers within The Publishing Hub network require the rights to your book. You maintain rights to your book and your publisher requests the right to publish your book for a period of two (2) years. At that point, if both parties are in agreement, your publisher will have the right to publish your book for another two (2) years. This agreement will continue, for as long as both parties are in agreement, in two (2) year increments.

Q: What if I haven’t finished my book yet? (click to expand)
Not a problem. We have helped many businesspeople, leaders, trainers, pastors, and speakers get the book “out” of them and on paper. (Your manuscript is safe with us. We will never pass it to anyone outside of our offices.) If your book needs to be written, a trained writer will assist you. This is a process that may take some time. You will be given an estimated bid on how much it will cost to complete the book. If you are in agreement, the work will begin, with the goal being to complete your book as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Q: What next, since my book is already written? (click to expand)
If your book is already written, then your manuscript will move to our proofing and editing team. A proof costs approximately $400 and includes a double review (two proofers work on your book), whereas editing will vary depending on the manuscript. All editing costs will be clarified and agreed upon before any will work will be done. An editorial review is also included in the proofing process. We examine your text and give you our editorial suggested changes to enhance your book.

Q: What are the costs per step of the book production process? (click to expand)
Every book is at a different stage of completion, and every author has different people on the team who can handle certain elements (i.e. cover, layout, writing, etc.) of the book. Whatever you cannot do or do not want to do in regards to your book, we at The Publishing Hub can handle it. 

  • When you provide The Publishing Hub with the text for your book, in whatever format, we will discuss with you the need for any writing, editing, or research required to complete the manuscript. You will be given an estimated bid for the any necessary work, and with your approval, the work will begin.
  • Every book requires a careful grammatical proof. We will do a double proof of the manuscript, charging approximately $400. (If your book has been proofed by a qualified person or persons, you can simply sign off on this part and we will not proof the book or charge the $400 proofing fee.) When the book has been proofed, it will be sent to you for the last review. (The proofing will be done directly to the Word document. If only hardcopy of the book is provided, you will need to make the changes directly.)
  • The book in Word format will then be laid out (in Quark or InDesign) for $3.25/page. Knowing the final page count will provide the necessary information to get an accurate printing bid from four (4) professional book printers. The best prices will be provided to you, and the size of the print run will be decided upon by you.
  • Three (3) custom versions of the cover will be created for your review for approximately $500. If the cover process is quick, the costs may decrease. If the cover creation process is complicated with multiple edits, the costs may increase. All costs will be communicated clearly with you. We will provide insights on back cover copy, title, and subtitle selection, but final decisions will be made by you.
  • An ISBN number will be assigned to the book, and a barcode will be created for the back cover, for a cost of $95.
  • When the book (cover and text) is finished and the size of the print run has been selected, the book will go to the printer. At this time, all production costs are due, as well as 50% of the total print run. The remaining 50% will be due prior to shipping of the books from the printer.

Q: Do I get to review the book before it goes to print? (click to expand)
Yes. Here is how the review process works:
  • After your book has been laid out (in Quark or InDesign), you will be sent a PDF of the entire manuscript and full cover for final review. Any requested changes will be made, and, if necessary, a 2nd PDF file will be generated for review.
  • The PDF files (cover and text) will then be sent to the printer, who will generate a hardcopy proof of the cover and text, which will both be sent directly to you for one final review. A 24 to 48-hour turn around is expected, with overnight delivery required. This is your final review. Any necessary edits will be written on the actual hardcopy of the proofs and returned to the printer. A PDF from the printer will serve as a final copy for review, if necessary. The book will then go to print. All payments are due before the book will be shipped by the printer.

Are you ready to dive in? Or have book production questions? Email us now