Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  I sent you a proposal.  What happens now?
A:  You will get an email confirming that we have received your proposal and giving you an approximate date when you should expect to hear from us again. If you don’t hear back from us for a while – that’s a good thing. Your proposal will first be read by one of our editors to ensure completeness of your proposal.  If everything is in order, our editor will pass your proposal to the appropriate division for review.  You may or may not get an email from the division’s Senior Editor, but you may be asked for additional information.  The Senior Editor will make the decision as to whether your book will go to the Editorial Review Board. 

Q:  How long does the process take?
A:  Editorial Review Boards generally meet once a month.  Depending on when your proposal is submitted, it can take up to a month to hear back from us with a decision.

Q:  What happens at the Editorial Review Board?
A:  We generally drink a lot of coffee and talk about your book.  The Publisher, Senior Editors from each Division, and representatives from Legal and Marketing all sit down and talk about the merits of your book.  Generally we decide whether or not to publish a particular work during that meeting, but sometimes we need additional information.

Q:  What happens if you accept my proposal?
A:  We’ll contact you within a few days of the Editorial Review Board to let you know that we’ve accepted your proposal and we’ll send you a draft copy of the contract.  You should carefully read the contract and let us know of any concerns you might have.  Once we’re all in agreement, we’ll send you a signed copy of the contract, you sign it and send it back.

Q:  How big will my advance be?
A:  We determine advances on an individual basis, but generally try to give what we believe will be your first year’s royalties based on traditional sales figures of similar books.  We’ll send half to you right away and the other half once you’ve sent in your completed manuscript.

Q:  What if you don’t like what I’ve sent in.
A:  Although the contract states that your content must be editorially acceptable, you won’t have to worry too much about that – because as soon as you sign the contract, you’ll be assigned an editor who will help you with your book.  Your editor will work with the Senior Editor for your division in order to ensure that your book is meeting the expectations of your proposal and staying on course.  Sometimes things happen – and sometimes research turns a manuscript in a different direction.  As long as you are working with your editor, you’ll be able to turn a manuscript that is editorially acceptable.  It’s all about cooperation—we won’t make any changes, additions, deletions, abridgements or condensations without your consent—so we have to work with you as well.  Remember, we don’t make money unless you make money, so it’s in our best interests to help you out as much as possible and ensure you have a quality product that you’re happy with.

Q:  How long will it take to publish the book?
A:  Generally it takes about two weeks from the time that we’re all satisfied with the finished product – including illustrations, cover art, layout, etc.  Then we’ll print a proof and send it to you to double-check everything.  Once you send the proof back to us, it will take about another two weeks to start producing your book and you’ll be able to see it available for purchase online.

Q:  What about the cover?
A:  Our in-house graphics department is, hmmm- how can we put this delicately – kick ass!  Our “creatives” master will work with you to ensure that you have a great cover for your book.  You might not always be able to judge a book by its cover, but people usually do – and we take great pride in ensuring you have an eye-catching graphic that imparts the necessary gravitas to your work.

Q:  How much money will I make per book?
A:  Your royalties are expressed as a percentage based upon net sales as reported to us by our distributors.  We meet or exceed industry standards for royalties.  Royalties are paid twice a year and you (or your representative) will always have the right to inspect our books to ensure that you’re being paid properly.

Q:  How will people find out about my book?
A:  We will send out press releases to anywhere between 500 – 800 media outlets depending on your book.  At a minimum, we’ll send your book to all the national media outlets and supply hard-cover copies of the book to the reviewers that we think will best be able to assess your book and give it a great review.

Q:  Will my book appear in bookstores?
A:  Our marketing department will work with the national booksellers to get your books onto their shelves.  We can’t guarantee that a particular chain will put your book on the shelves, but that’s what we’re aiming for.  Additionally, we’ll ensure that your book makes it to all the major shows so that libraries and independent booksellers have the opportunity to buy your book as well.

Q:  Will I do a book tour?
A:  If your book is selling briskly, then we’ll definitely arrange opportunities for you to conduct readings and sign books.  The length of your tour will depend on the demand for your book.  However, at a minimum, we’ll arrange some readings at book stores in your area so that your friends and family will have a chance to have you sign their book.

Q:  What about movie rights?
A:  You keep your rights.  If your book has the potential for other multi-media outlets, we’ll promote it.  And, if acting as your agent, we’ll expect a fee if we can sell it for you.  But if your book goes viral and someone wants to buy the rights to make a movie out of it, you’ll be the big winner.

Q:  What about foreign editions?
A:  We’ll also attempt to make arrangements with foreign publishers to make your book available in their country.  There are no guarantees, but if we feel a book will sell well in another country, we’ll work hard to make it happen.

Q:  Will my book also come out as an e-book?
A:  Probably.  In most cases we’ll also publish your book as an e-book so it is available to users of i-Pods, e-readers and other electronic devices.

Q:  Can I be sued for copyright infringement if you accept my manuscript and publish my book?
A:  You bet!  Preventing copyright infringement is everybody’s business.  You wouldn’t like it if someone used your material and stole your great ideas without giving you credit, right?  You are ultimately responsible and your contract will say so.  We’re not experts in your field – you are, so don’t expect us to be able to catch a copyright infringement mistake.  If you’re not sure about something, then go to the library and read a copy of:

The Copyright Permission and Libel Handbook: A Step-by-Step Guide for
Writers, Editors, and Publishers (Wiley Books for Writers Series)